10 Best Cutlery Sets For Chefs 2026 in the United States

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a comprehensive and beautifully designed cutlery set suitable for chefs and serious home cooks. This set includes six essential knives: an 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 4-inch Paring Knife, 6.5-inch Utility Knife, 9-inch Bread Knife, 5.5-inch Santoku Knife, and a 9.5-inch Slicing Knife. Additionally, it comes with a honing steel and an 11-slot bamboo knife block for storage.

The knives are crafted with VG-MAX steel and feature a distinctive 68-layer Damascus cladding, providing exceptional sharpness with 16-degree edges. This ensures the knives are not only razor-sharp but also retain their edge for a long time. The hammered tsuchime finish helps reduce drag and prevents food from sticking to the blade, which can enhance your cooking experience. Each knife has a contoured Pakkawood handle, offering a comfortable and secure grip, suitable for both left and right-handed users. The handles are designed to provide optimal control and reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Some might find the maintenance a bit demanding since these knives are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing to preserve their quality. The set also includes free sharpening and honing services to keep the knives in top condition, which is a valuable addition. The Shun Premier set is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship that reflects traditional Japanese knife-making expertise. Weighing in at 11.85 pounds, the set is relatively heavy, which could be a consideration for users looking for lighter alternatives. This knife set is ideal for professionals and cooking enthusiasts who value precision, durability, and traditional craftsmanship in their kitchen tools.

The Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite-18pc Stainless Steel Knife Set offers a comprehensive collection of knives that any chef would find valuable. It includes 18 pieces, such as a chef knife, bread knife, santoku knife, and multiple paring and steak knives, covering virtually all kitchen needs.

The knives are made from high-carbon German stainless steel, which ensures durability and a sharp edge. The blades are hand-polished to a precise angle of 16-18 degrees per side, contributing to their excellent cutting performance. The Rockwell hardness rating of 56+ indicates they are quite hard and resistant to wear and tear, which is crucial for professional use.

The handles are made from ABS polymer and are triple-riveted, providing a comfortable grip and good maneuverability. The Acacia wood block not only stores the knives securely but also adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen decor. However, the set is not dishwasher safe, so it requires careful hand washing to maintain its quality. Additionally, the weight of the set (4.2 pounds) may be a bit heavy for some users. The knives come with a lifetime warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, which adds peace of mind. With its high-quality materials and extensive selection of knives, this set is ideal for both professional chefs and serious home cooks looking for reliable and durable cutlery.

The Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-pc Knife Block Set is designed with the discerning chef in mind. This set includes essential knives like the 3.5” Parer, 7” Santoku, 8” Chef, and 9” Bread knife, along with stainless steel shears and a 9” Birchwood handle steel for maintenance. The 101-layer flower Damascus design on the blades gives them an edge both literally and aesthetically. The blades are crafted from high carbon stainless steel, ice-hardened to Rockwell 63, ensuring durability and sharpness, a key strength for chefs demanding precision slicing and cutting.

The handle design is another standout feature, made from traditional Japanese Karelian (Masur) Birch, offering a comfortable grip and adding to the balance of the knives. However, the wooden handle design means these knives are not dishwasher safe, requiring careful hand washing and maintenance. This might be a drawback for those seeking low-maintenance options.

Each blade is hand-honed using a precise three-step Honbazuke process, achieving a razor-sharp edge between 9.5 to 12 degrees, which is ideal for fine Japanese cuisine preparation. The rounded spine and heel further enhance comfort during prolonged use, making them suitable for professional kitchens. The set is packaged in a contemporary 12-slot bamboo block, which is both stylish and functional, though the heavy weight of the entire set (7 pounds) might be a consideration for those with limited space or who prefer a lighter setup.

This set is particularly appealing for chefs who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and traditional Japanese aesthetics, though it requires careful handling and maintenance to preserve its premium edge and appearance.