10 Best Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a high-quality kitchen knife collection ideal for home cooks who want reliable, sharp knives with a touch of craftsmanship. The blades are made from VG-MAX steel wrapped in 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which gives excellent edge retention and a sharp 16-degree edge for precise cutting. The hammered finish is not only attractive but helps prevent food from sticking to the blade, making slicing smoother. The set includes popular knife types like a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and more, covering most kitchen tasks. The handles are made of Pakkawood, a durable engineered wood that feels comfortable and secure in your hand, suitable for both left and right-handed users.

At about 11 pounds total including the bamboo block, the set is a bit heavy, but the knives themselves are well balanced for control. These knives require careful hand washing, as dishwasher use is not recommended to maintain their finish and sharpness. The edge type varies, with a serrated bread knife included, which is good for cutting crusty bread but less versatile than straight edges. For those seeking a professional-style Japanese knife set with excellent sharpness and classic styling, this Shun set represents a strong choice, especially if willing to invest time in proper care.

The Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-piece Knife Block Set is a solid choice for home cooks who value sharpness, precision, and beautiful design. Its blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel, enhanced with a special ice-hardening process (CRYODUR) that makes them very durable and resistant to rust. The edges are hand-honed to a very sharp angle (9.5 to 12 degrees), which means these knives will slice cleanly with little effort. The set includes several useful knives—a parer, Santoku, chef's knife, bread knife—plus kitchen shears and a steel for sharpening, all stored in a stylish bamboo block.

The handles are made from Karelian birchwood, offering a comfortable grip with a traditional but elegant look. Weighing around 7 pounds for the whole set, the knives balance well for precise cutting tasks. These knives require hand washing to maintain their quality, as they are not dishwasher safe. While the blades are extremely sharp, careful handling is advised, especially for those not experienced with fine Japanese-style knives.

This set is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen tools with high-quality, handcrafted knives that combine performance and aesthetics, particularly if you appreciate Japanese blade craftsmanship.

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife is a strong choice for both home cooks and professionals who want a dependable, versatile knife. Its blade is forged from high carbon stainless steel, known for holding a sharp edge longer and resisting rust, which makes it easier to maintain. At nearly 8 inches, the blade length is ideal for most kitchen tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing. The knife features a plain edge, which is great for clean cuts and easy sharpening. The full tang and triple-riveted handle provide excellent balance and durability, while the ergonomic synthetic handle resists fading and discoloration, making it comfortable for extended use. Weighing about 8.5 ounces, it offers a balanced feel—not too heavy or light, allowing good control.

One downside is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to keep its quality intact. Also, the stainless steel handle, while durable, may feel colder or less natural compared to wooden handles some users prefer. This knife fits perfectly for those who want a lifelong kitchen tool that performs well across many tasks without needing frequent sharpening. If you want a high-quality chef's knife with a solid build and sharp edge retention, this model should meet your needs.