10 Best Knife Sets Under 100 Dollars 2025 in the United States

The Astercook 13-piece knife set offers a wide variety of knives that cover most kitchen tasks, including chef, slicing, santoku, bread, utility, and paring knives, plus kitchen shears and blade guards for safe storage. The blades are made of carbon steel with a healthy anti-rust coating, which helps prevent corrosion and keeps the knives dishwasher safe. This coating also helps the blades stay clean and resistant to sticking during use.

The knives feature plastic handles that are lightweight and easy to hold, but they might not offer the same grip comfort or durability as higher-end materials. Weighing in at about 1.7 pounds for the set, these knives are generally well-balanced for everyday home cooking, though more experienced users may notice less precision in weight distribution. The blades come sharpened with serrated edges, which are great for cutting bread and tougher-skinned items but may require more frequent sharpening to maintain a fine edge on other knives. The inclusion of blade guards is a nice touch for safe and compact storage, especially if you plan to take the knives on the go, such as camping or RV trips.

Made in China, the set carries a lifetime warranty, showing confidence in its durability. This knife set serves as an excellent choice for beginners or home cooks looking for an affordable, versatile collection that covers all basics and is easy to maintain. However, if you want knives with premium handle materials or the highest edge retention for professional use, this set might feel a bit limited.

The McCook German Stainless Steel Knife Set offers a large variety of knives, including chef, slicing, bread, santoku, steak knives, and kitchen shears, all stored in a hardwood block with a built-in sharpener. This makes it a versatile option for home cooks wanting an all-in-one set without breaking the bank. The blades are made from stainless steel, which resists rust and promises durability, though it may not hold an edge as long as higher-end steel types.

The knives feature a full stainless steel handle, which can feel sleek and easy to clean but might be less comfortable during extended use compared to softer handle materials. At nearly 10 pounds total weight, the set feels substantial, and the forged construction contributes to a solid balance that many users appreciate for precise cutting. These knives are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing to maintain their finish.

Sharpness right out of the box is generally good, and the included sharpener helps keep the edges functional over time, though edge retention is average given the steel type. This set suits someone seeking a budget-friendly, comprehensive knife collection with decent performance and convenience features, while those looking for premium sharpness or specialized handles might want to consider other options.

The HENCKELS 12-piece knife set offers a good collection of essential knives, including a chef's knife, Santoku, bread knife, paring knife, and steak knives, all housed in a hardwood block. The blades are made from stainless steel, known for being durable and resistant to rust and stains, which is a plus for everyday kitchen use. These knives come razor-sharp out of the box and maintain their edge longer than many other budget sets, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.

The lightweight design helps with easy handling, making cutting less tiring, and the wooden handles provide a comfortable, natural feel. While the blades are precision-stamped (which can be less robust than forged blades), the set still delivers decent balance suitable for home cooks. Dishwasher safety is convenient, although hand washing is recommended to keep the wood handles in good condition. Some users might find the wood handles require care to avoid wear over time.

This set suits anyone looking for a reliable, affordable knife kit with a variety of blade types for different tasks. It might not fully satisfy those wanting professional-grade balance or a heavier, more solid knife feel.