10 Best Knife Sets With Blocks 2026 in the United States

The Shun Premier 15-piece Knife Block Set offers a wide variety of knives, covering almost every kitchen task from paring and utility to slicing bread and steak. This makes it a great fit for home cooks who want a full, professional-style collection. The blades are made from high-quality VG-MAX steel with a Damascus cladding, known for excellent sharpness and durability. Each blade is hand-sharpened to a precise 16° angle, which means they stay sharper longer and provide smooth cutting performance. The hammered finish on the blades not only looks beautiful but also helps prevent food from sticking while you cut.

The handles are made from walnut PakkaWood, which is designed to be comfortable and suitable for both right- and left-handed users, adding to the ease of use. The included 17-slot angled knife block keeps everything neatly organized and accessible. However, this set requires gentle hand washing to maintain its quality, so it’s not dishwasher safe, which might be inconvenient for some.

While the knives are very sharp and well-crafted, they come with a higher price tag compared to basic sets. For those who value durability, design, and performance, and don’t mind the extra care, this set is an excellent choice. Beginners or casual users who want fuss-free maintenance might find it a bit demanding.

The HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 20-Piece Knife Set with Block is a comprehensive knife set that includes a variety of knives such as paring, utility, boning, santoku, chef's, bread, and carving knives, along with eight steak knives, honing steel, and kitchen shears. This makes it a versatile set suitable for various kitchen tasks. The knives are made from stainless steel, a material known for its durability and resistance to rust and stains, and feature professional, satin-finished blades for long-lasting sharpness.

The handle design is stainless steel, which may be sleek but could lack the ergonomic comfort of other materials. The block is included to neatly store and organize the knives, enhancing kitchen safety and convenience. One of the strengths of this knife set is its German engineering and over 100 years of mastery, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and precision. The knives are also noted for their lightweight and ease of use, making cutting effortless. Additionally, the set's blades remain sharp longer and are dishwasher safe, which simplifies maintenance and cleanup.

However, there are some potential drawbacks. The stainless steel handles, while durable, may not provide the same level of grip or comfort as other handle materials. Although the set is dishwasher safe, hand washing is often recommended to maintain the sharpness and integrity of the blades over time. This knife set is a solid choice for both amateur cooks and professional chefs looking for a durable, versatile, and easy-to-maintain knife collection.

The Shun Classic 23 Piece Knife Block Set offers a broad variety of knives, covering nearly every kitchen task—from small paring knives to specialized blades like a bird's beak peeling knife and a Chinese vegetable cleaver. This extensive selection makes it a great choice for those who want a complete set without needing additional purchases. The blades use a high-quality VG-MAX steel with 34 layers of Damascus cladding, providing excellent sharpness and durability thanks to a very hard Rockwell rating of 60-61. This means the knives can hold a sharp edge longer than many standard knives.

The D-shaped handles made from ebony PakkaWood are designed for comfort and moisture resistance, helping maintain a good grip and lasting durability. The set comes with a solid bamboo block that holds all 22 pieces securely, keeping your kitchen organized. On the downside, the knives are hand wash only, which means extra care is needed to maintain their finish and sharpness—dishwasher cleaning can damage them. Also, the price point and the size of the set might be more than casual cooks need, making it better suited for serious home cooks or enthusiasts who value specialized knives and top-tier materials.

The knife block is well-built but relatively large, requiring sufficient counter space. This set combines premium craftsmanship and an excellent variety of knives in a stylish package, making it ideal for those seeking a high-end, versatile collection and who are ready to care for the knives properly.