




Whether you're a professional or a home cook, a good kitchen knife set is essential. Buying individual knives may be more economical, but a whole set gives you many options for handling different tasks more efficiently.
Investing in a kitchen knife set is not a luxury but a daily necessity that can last for years with proper care and maintenance. In our buying guide fact-checked by Chef Terence Fereday Jr., we've laid out some great tips on how to find the right knife set for your kitchen. We've also curated a list of the top 10 kitchen knife sets that are worth the investment.
Quick List - Top Kitchen Knife Sets

Chef Terrence has 30 years of experience working in the professional kitchen. He graduated from the Professional Culinary Institute in California, USA, and he was a former Culinary Instructor, Corporate Chef, and Executive Chef. He also won several awards in culinary competitions and is the founder and owner of Zilla Pizza.

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Before we proceed with the buying guide, let's get to know first the fundamental types of knives that should always be present in any kitchen.
First on the list is the highly utilized, multi-purpose chef's knife. It has a curved blade with a sharp tip designed to chop, mince, slice, or dice any type of vegetable, fruit, poultry, or fish. The thicker heel is used for hard root vegetables or meats. This usually comes in an 8-inch length, which is the preferred size among chefs and cooks.
A paring knife is the best tool for tasks that are difficult to handle with a chef's knife. Due to its shorter size, it can create precise cuts on smaller fruits or vegetables. It's also quite handy for trimming pieces of meat. A paring knife of around 3-4 inches is just about the right length for any kitchen.
The bread knife or serrated knife is your next important tool in food preparation. This is typically used to slice bread and cakes cleanly without destroying their form.
You can also use it on fruits and vegetables with a tough skin but softer interior, like tomatoes or pineapples. Although the blade cannot be sharpened through sharpening steel, you can have an expert do the job for you.
Even though it's technically not a knife, a sharpening steel is part and parcel of the primary knife group that should be in everyone's kitchen. No matter how beautiful and elegant your knife set is, the sharp edges will eventually get blunt and out of alignment with use. The sharpening steel will re-sharpen and re-align the edges for a smooth and even cutting performance.
Anyone can purchase this separately, and it comes in various sizes. But the best gauge on how to get the right steel size is that it must be longer than the longest kitchen knife that you have. If you're aiming for a safe measurement, get the 10" sharpening steel.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The basic method of creating a knife is through stamping or forging. It is important to know this so you can assess if the price is congruent with its production value.
Entirely machine-made, stamped knives are cut out or "stamped" by a hydraulic press from a large sheet of metal. It is tempered and heat-treated to make it durable and honed or ground several times for sharpness. Stamped knives have a lighter and thinner blade but are not as balanced as forged knives.
Many chefs and cooks favor the lightness of stamped knives to reduce fatigue after extensive hours in the kitchen. Because of their thinner profile, they can cut through food easily. A stamped knife is the right choice for slicing versus a forged knife.
Forged knives are usually formed from a single piece of steel that's heated and pounded with intense pressure to achieve its form. The pounding or hammering helps to "rearrange" the molecules of the steel to make it harder and stronger.
They are commonly made of premium materials such as carbon steel, Damascus steel, or other special materials. They are thicker and heavier than stamped knives and come with a bolster between the heel and handle for balance and handling.
The skill and expertise of a craftsman or a highly specialized machine are required to produce an excellently forged knife. Because of its stronger edge and full tang, the price is significantly higher, but it could last for years.
Blade materials come in different types and compositions. Most are derived from engineering alloys, which makes them lighter, stronger, more durable, and just plain better in many ways than other blade metals. Here are some popular materials used for kitchen knives.
Stainless steel is the most popular choice when it comes to stamped knives, as it's easier and cheaper to manufacture. Unfortunately, it can also be considered disposable since it doesn't last long and cannot be re-sharpened too well. The material is softer, more prone to bending or flexing, and goes blunt faster.
One upside of this type is its resistive quality against corrosion. Plus, the lightness will ease much of the strain from working long hours in the kitchen.
When steel is mixed with carbon, it becomes firmer and much easier to sharpen, so some professional cooks love to use this type of blade material. It is the traditional material used on knives because it can hold an edge much longer. The downside is that it's prone to rust when not properly maintained.
Some chefs even allow the forming of a patina on its surface to prevent the transfer of metallic tastes on some foods as the blade goes through them. To do this, it requires a light touch of mineral oil from time to time.
High-carbon stainless steel is a "signature" steel that offers the best balance in terms of sharpness, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and re-sharpening convenience. This is considered the standard material for professionally-owned kitchen knives.
In fact, it's the material of choice for Japanese craftsmen renowned for their sharper and stronger blades. Of course, you can expect that this type of knife comes with a higher price tag, too.
If you need a lightweight and super-sharp but ultra-hard material, you might want to have a ceramic knife. You are not required to do any maintenance on this type of blade, since it won't rust and holds an edge longer than any other material.
It's not too expensive, but in the rare cases that it needs to be re-sharpened, it must be brought back to its supplier. Ceramic is very hard, so it needs a diamond sharpener. Just be careful not to drop or bend it because it's prone to chipping. Also, the edges should be protected when not in use.
Kitchen knives generally have three types of handle materials - plastic, wood, and metal. Below are what you can expect with each type:
When it comes to a knife's handle construction, there are three main tang types: full, rat-tail, and half tang. A tang refers to the unexposed and unsharpened part of the blade that goes into the handle. The length of the extended section is crucial in a knife's handling and performance. Below are the different types of tang you'll find in kitchen knives:
Ideally, the balance between the handle and blade should be equal. If the blade is heavier than the handle, it will be uncomfortable to use. Conversely, if the handle is too heavy, it won't cut effectively. The cutting motion should be smooth with lesser effort and strain on the user.
The overall balance is also relative to the total weight of the knife. One cannot tell a user which one is the perfect weight for him or her, as this comes down to personal preference. With modern steel alloys, though, a lighter knife could have all the best qualities of an older and heavier version without putting much stress on your hand and wrist.
The beauty of having a set is the wide range of functionality you can have. The more knives in a set, the more options you'll have for different cutting tasks. Here are the most common types of knives you might encounter in a set, in addition to the basic knives discussed above.

Aside from cutting fish into thin slices, a fillet knife, as its name suggests, is best used for actually filleting the fish or separating the meat from the bones.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Construction | Blade Material | Handle | Tang | Set Pieces | |||||
1 | Redchef Stainless Steel Cream White Knife | ![]() | Durable Stainless Steel Blades for Lasting Sharpness | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 6 pieces | |
2 | Chef's Classics Professional Stainless Steel Knife Set | ![]() | Reliable Stainless Steel Essential Knife Set | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Full | 7 pieces | |
3 | Kaisa Villa Knife Set 7pcs | ![]() | Steel Blades With a Stand for Easy Prep | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Metal | Full | 7 pieces | |
4 | Hafele 6pcs Knife Set With Magnetic Stand | ![]() | Compact Stainless Core With Magnetic Stand | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Metal | Full | 6 pieces | |
5 | Chef's Gallery 7-Piece Knives Set | ![]() | Solid Inox Blades for Everyday Use | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 7 pieces | |
6 | INSSA Household Stainless Steel Knife Set | ![]() | Compact Stainless Kit With Wear-Resistant Blades | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 5 pieces | |
7 | Slique Avotech 6-Piece Kitchen Knife Set | ![]() | Knife Set for Precise Everyday Chopping | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 6 pieces | |
8 | Cooker King Hand-Forged Steel 6-Piece Knife Set | ![]() | Hand-Forged Sharpness in a Complete Set | Forged | High Carbon Steel | Wood | Half | 6 pieces | |
9 | Primer by Metro 5-Piece Chef Knife Set | ![]() | Speedy Kitchen Work With Versatile Chef Knives | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 5 pieces | |
10 | Chef's Gallery Knife Block Set | ![]() | Safe Daily Chopping | Stamped | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Half | 6 pieces | |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 6 pieces |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Full |
| Set Pieces | 7 pieces |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Metal |
| Tang | Full |
| Set Pieces | 7 pieces |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Metal |
| Tang | Full |
| Set Pieces | 6 pieces |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 7 pieces |
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 5 pieces |
Reviews mention:
Customers often remark on this set's sharp blades and sturdy build. Home cooks notice meal prep becomes quicker and more enjoyable. Many customers also appreciate the individual knife's comfortable grips and easy cleanup after use. A few of them, on the other hand, note the need for initial sharpening to optimize performance right away.
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 6 pieces |
Reviews mention:
When it comes to this knife set, buyers rave about its impressive sharpness and balanced weight. A highlight they point is how the chef's knife handles heavy chopping without fatigue. Many also praise the knife set's stylish obsidian black holder for organized storage. A few buyers note the need for prompt drying after acidic foods to avoid spots, though overall durability impresses after hundreds of uses.
| Construction | Forged |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | High Carbon Steel |
| Handle | Wood |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 6 pieces |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Most shoppers are satisfied with the set's sharp blades that handle daily chopping effortlessly and the sturdy build that holds up well over time, with their handles that feel premium and comfortable. They also highlight quick delivery from sellers and value for money on e-commerce sites. A frequent improvement comment is how the edge loses sharpness, suggesting hand-washing to maintain edge longer.
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 5 pieces |
Reviews mention:
The majority of customers are pleased with this knife set's impressive and reliable performance, from its sturdy build made for longevity, to its ultra-comfortable handles that make chopping easier without slipping. Select customers appreciate how this set are made of materials that are FDA-approved, suitable for family use. This set has overall value for money, although a few note the block feels lightweight, and a few wish for sharper edges out of the box.
| Construction | Stamped |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle | Plastic |
| Tang | Half |
| Set Pieces | 6 pieces |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
For a basic set, you only need three knives: a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. Any additional knives are useful but not considered necessary.
There are three ways to store a kitchen knife set properly: on a countertop knife block, in a drawer (preferably with inserts for the blades), or on wall-mounted magnetic strips.
It depends on the frequency of use, but generally, kitchen knives need sharpening every 1 to 2 months.
Getting tired of all the daily cutting and dicing during food preparation? Plenty of innovations have been made for kitchen appliances that can cut your cooking time with just a touch of a button. Find out more with the links below!
Author: Chafi Lacson
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Redchef|Stainless Steel Cream White Knife
No. 2: Chef's Classics|Professional Stainless Steel Knife Set
No. 3: Kaisa Villa|Knife Set 7pcs
No. 4: Hafele|6pcs Knife Set With Magnetic Stand
No. 5: Chef's Gallery|7-Piece Knives Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Beauty

Health

Household goods

PCs and laptops

Home appliances and electronics

Cameras

Food and drinks

Kitchen supplies

Clothing

Shoes

Accessories

Mom and baby

Interior and furniture

Hobbies

Outdoor

DIY and tools

Sports and fitness

Pets

Books, CDs, and DVDs

Games

Cars and motorcycles

Gifts

Home improvement and tools

Smartphones and tablets

Banking and finance

Insurance

Audio

Smartphone applications

Others