Best Kitchen Knife block Set Under $100 (In 2022)

Kitchen knives are one of the most crucial components of kitchenware. The uses of knives are so versatile that there is a different type of knife for almost every cutting job. With so many options and brands at hand, it does get overwhelming when planning to purchase a knife set.

After intensive research on user reviews and expert opinions, we have created a list of the best kitchen knife set under $100.

Various factors contribute to the sharpness and durability of a knife. Read along for detailed reviews and extra tips for choosing a suitable kitchen knife set! Blade material, edge angle, and maintenance routines all play crucial roles in determining both sharpness and longevity. High-carbon stainless steel, for instance, is known for its ability to maintain a keen edge for an extended period. Regular upkeep, including learning how to sharpen knives correctly, ensures that your blades stay efficient and safe for daily use.

Best kitchen knife block set under $100 – Reviews & guides

There are certain factors that should be considered when shopping for knives. You can narrow down your choices from our picks of the best kitchen knife sets based on your preferences.

1. AILUKI 18 Pcs. Professional Knife Set with Wooden Block

The AILUKI Professional knife series consists of high-quality knives that are forged from single-piece metal. Its blades are made of high-quality German stainless steel that boasts razor-sharp edges and is easy to sharpen. Moreover, they are also durable and corrosion-proof.

This set has 18 knives and scissors, including a chef knife, a santoku knife, a utility knife, and multiple steak knives. Other knives included in the set make sure that it is well equipped for almost all cutting tasks to be the best knife set for the money you can get.

Getting back to the build of the knife, it has an ergonomic design with a full-bolster handle. Overall, the blades offer excellent maneuverability and cutting precision for most intricate jobs.

One common problem among its users is that the knives are prone to rusting very quickly.

2. Master Maison 19 Pcs. Premium Knife Set with Wooden Block

The Master Maison Premium series of kitchen knives are professional-grade knives that do not cost a fortune. So, starting with the build, the blades are forged from single-piece German stainless steel. This best budget knife set receives corrosion-resistant treatment that allows the shininess to retain for extended periods.

These knives also have a well-balanced weight that enhances maneuverability. Those features, combined with full tang razor-sharp blades, allow the most intricate jobs to be carried out with minimal fatigue and impressive precision. It is also possible due to the ergonomic design of the triple-rivet handles.

However, users have complained of the blades not being sturdy enough. Apparently, the chef’s knife tends to crack and break under pressure when cutting hard objects. The knives should be used carefully so that the surface of the blades is not strained.

3. Amazon Basics Premium 18 Pcs Knife Set

The main objective of the Basics product line from Amazon is to offer value for money with products that get the job done correctly. Although this is the best affordable knife set on the list, it certainly does not feel flimsy in hand. The blades come very sharp out of the box and can be used for all cutting tasks.

Its build quality is nothing fancy. Made by stamping a single piece of stainless steel, the blades are pretty sturdy and prove to be strong when cutting hard objects. The single-piece construction stands out to be the best stainless steel knife set you can buy at this price.

As they have a full tang design, it offers just enough maneuverability and precision. The ergonomic handle makes the knives comfortable to use.

However, certain compromises were made to lower the cost of the knife set. It starts becoming visible with use as the blades are prone to rust and discoloration. A few users have also complained of the edges not being sharp enough out of the box, but this can be solved easily by the user themself.

4. McCook MC21 15 Pcs. Kitchen Knife with Wood Block

The McCook MC21 knife set is an ideal package that consists of 15 pieces of knives and scissors. It is one of the highest-rated kitchen knife sets in the market, and it is for good reasons! With a budget price tag, the knives have a pleasantly superior finishing and offer great value for money.

Their blades are incredibly sharp out of the box and are well made with tapered edges that are easy to sharpen. If you are looking for the best steak knife set, this is the one to get.

Moreover, the knives have an ergonomic handle design which further enhances the experience of using these knives. All of this, combined with a well-balanced weight, the blades prove to be excellent in tasks.

Moreover, the self-sharpening blocks prevent the edges from becoming dull, which makes it the best knife block set under 100 you can get. However, it has to be sharpened with a different tool.

One common problem with this set is that the handle does not offer sufficient grip. It can cause issues when dealing with slimy objects, and an accident may happen if not careful.

5. KitchenAid Classic 14 Pcs. Knife Set with Bamboo Wood Block

Manufactured by a renowned kitchenware producer, the KitchenAid Classic series consists of premium knives and scissors. As the blades are made from forged metal and have a rigid structure, they offer great experience in almost all cutting jobs. The edges are finely tapered and can get razor sharp.

Moreover, the knives are ergonomically designed, with their handles fitting into the users’ hands like a glove. With the ergonomic and lightweight designs combined, these knives can be used with high maneuverability and accuracy. It also comes with a nicely shaped bolster that further enhances the users’ grip.

The wooden block has a sharpening slot, which is unlike most self-sharpening storage blocks offered by alternative knife sets. It proves to be convenient and useful as it is pretty easy to use. However, the blade edges are prone to chipping when handling hard objects. It also tends to get rusted, so extra care is needed.

6. Cuisinart Classic 15 Pcs. Knife Set with Wooden Block

The Cuisinart Classic series is one of the most popular kitchen knives in the market. These knives live up to their name in the kitchen, being one of the highest-rated knife sets. Cuisinart is well known for its premium and high-quality products, and the Classic series is no different.

Forged from superior high-carbon stainless steel, the full tang blades of these knives offer incredible sharpness and cutting precision. With these features paired with ergonomic handles, these knives provide good maneuverability with minimal fatigue. As it comes with a triple rivet design, durability is ensured as well.

However, a commonly reported issue from users of the Classic series is that the blades snap from the handle. Although a potential accident is prevented thanks to the wide bolster design, the knives are not very rigid and may crack under pressure.

7. Cuisinart Advantage Color Collection 12 Pcs. Knife Set

This knife set from Cuisinart consists of 6 knives, each of which has a different color. The Advantage series colorful knife set with block would add to the vibrancy of your kitchenware, which makes them the best cute knife set on the list.

Unlike what is mentioned in the previous Cuisinart knives set review, this set comes with separate color-coded covers/sheaths in which the blades can be tucked away.

Apart from the visuals, the knives prove to be very useful in the kitchen. They are made from professional-grade stainless steel with a non-stick color coating, which prevents objects from getting stuck to the blades. Moreover, the handles are ergonomically designed to be comfortable in hand.

Although the knives come extremely sharp out of the box, the blades cannot retain the sharpness for long. Another issue is that the layer of paint on the edges starts coming off with use. It can prove to be troublesome as, in some instances, flecks of paint may get stuck to the food/object being cut.

8. Henckels Definition 7 Pcs. Knife Set with Self-Sharpening Block

This manufacturer has earned a good reputation for being one of the world’s best and most favored kitchenware producers. Their specialties are in knives, and the definition series carries their legacy of providing a high-end experience.

The definition series consists of 5 blades and a scissor; this knife set gets as functional as possible.

The knives are stamped from high-quality stainless steel, and their blades are incredibly sharp right out of the box. Moreover, the sharpness can be retained for long periods – thanks to the self-sharpening block that sharpens the knives every time they are taken out and put back in.

It also has an ergonomic design and proves to be highly precise in intricate cutting jobs. However, the knives require extra care as the blades are very prone to rust. Although the manufacturer states that this is a dishwasher safe knife set, it is recommended to hand wash and dry them properly before storing them.

9. Mercer Culinary Knife Set

This knife set from Mercer is loved by those who have previously used a storage block to store their blades. The set comes with a rather unconventional but convenient storage board, which has a strong magnet to hold the knives on its surface. Apart from being functional, it also looks good wherever it is placed.

The knives are stamped from single piece high-carbon stainless steel and have razor-sharp edges. These knives, paired with ergonomically designed Santoprene handles, offer excellent maneuverability and cutting precision. The handle got a delicate material that makes it very soft and is comfortable to hold.

However, due to the plastic nature of the handle, it starts to feel flimsy and cheap with use. Furthermore, the handle is not very resistant to scratches. A handful of users have also complained about the blades starting to rust very quickly. It means that these knives have to be handled with extra care.

10. Cangshan S1 3 Pcs. Tai Knife Set with Storage Block

These knives are pretty similar to high-end models, and the S1 series is one of the best in Cangshan’s product lineup. According to the manufacturer, the blades are handcrafted to perfection, and they actually live up to the claims! The knives feel very premium and look pleasant with the attractive storage block.

Apart from the visuals, the knives also prove to be very useful in the kitchen. They are forged from high-alloy German steel and receive a special heat treatment from Cangshan, making them durable. All in all, the blades have an excellent Rockwell rating of nearly 60 points.

As you may have guessed, this German stainless steel knife block set offers incredible sharpness right out of the box. And for the premium construction materials can retain sharp edges for long periods. However, one shortcoming of the S1 series is that the handles are prone to cracking when under pressure.

11. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara 8 Pcs. Knife Set with Wooden Block

The Gourmet Chikara series offers good value for money as they are part of the budget lineup of Ginsu and provide an exceptional cutting experience.

These knives are forged from Japanese stainless steel and come with razor-sharp edges out of the box to make them the best Japanese knife set in this price range. With bevels angled at 15-degrees, the blades offer excellent precision.

Moreover, it can retain sharpness for long periods. It also has a nice heft to it, which makes it ideally balanced and minimizes fatigue when used. Therefore, with a full tang razor-sharp blade, the knives offer impressive maneuverability and accuracy. It does have a few shortcomings, though.

For one, the handles are comparatively small, which can prove to be troublesome when holding them. Also, a lot of users have complained of their knives getting stuck in the storage block.

12. Henckels Statement 12 Pcs. Kitchen Knife Set with Storage Block

The Statement series from Henckels knives’ boasts simplicity. They have functionality pushed along with aesthetics. The full-tang knives are made from a single piece of stainless steel. They are pleasantly light and have excellent maneuverability. Moreover, the blades have a satin finish which looks great.

With an ergonomic triple-rivet handle, the knives offer great experience and precision in most cutting tasks.

This set consists of different knives, including a small paring knife and a large chef’s knife, making it the best knife set for professional cutting needs. It comes with a hardwood storage block which is convenient to use.

However, a handful of users have reported that the knives were very dull out of the box, meaning they required sharpening before they could be used. Although, this should not be much of a problem as the knives can retain sharpness for long periods.

13. Cangshan V2 5 Pcs. Starter Knife Set with Storage Block

The Cangshan V2 knives are a set of premium knives that are built from high-quality materials. These knives are forged from specially formulated German steel that is highly durable and resistant to stain. Also, it has the ability to retain sharp edges for long periods. They have a full bolster that enhances the grip. With an ergonomic triple-rivet handle, the knives are very well balanced and offer an excellent cutting experience.

An ergonomic triple-rivet handle combined with razor-sharp blades give these knives incredible precision and maneuverability. The knives also look good and feel great as the edges receive a special heat treatment during the manufacturing process.

All the knives are handcrafted and special attention is given to quality. However, the knives do have weaknesses. One commonly reported problem is that the blades of these knives chip off very easily. Users have also reported that the knives need sharpening out of the box.

14. Chicago Cutlery Insignia 13 Pcs. Knife Set with Storage Block

They are one of the most renowned kitchenware manufacturers in the market. The Insignia series contains knives made from high-carbon stainless steel.

These knives look very appealing for their polished surface. They can also get incredibly sharp as the blades are tapered to near-perfection.

But the best part about these knives comes into action when using them. These blades are incredibly well-balanced and lightweight, which minimizes the chances of fatigue.

If you are to get the best kitchen cutlery block set under 100, you won’t regret considering the deal.

Moreover, the handles are very ergonomically designed, and they usually fit in the users’ hands like a glove!

Although the knives come razor-sharp, it does need to be sharpened frequently. This happens as their blades have relatively small bevels. On the bright side, though, the knives can get very sharp. Also, the storage block is not very attractive. Moreover, it loses its glaze and starts to look cheap quickly.

15. Home Hero 17 Pieces Kitchen Knives Set with Stand

Most of its users love one of our personal favorites, the Home Hero Black steel knives. These knives have a special non-stick paint coating that makes them both aesthetically pleasing and well-functional. They are made from high-quality stainless steel, are thick, durable, and don’t break easily. These knives are also highly resistant to stain, corrosion, and scratches, making them the best kitchen knives in their class.

With a half bolster design, the knives prove to have great maneuverability and offer excellent precision. Their handles are made from polypropylene, which is rigid and gives an excellent grip to the user.

However, they have some minor issues. The coating of paint starts to come off, and it may cause inconvenience if the paint falls into food or any object being cut. On the other hand, the acrylic stand tends to crack as the knives do not fit really well inside their slots.

How to Choose Best Kitchen Knife Set under $100: Features You Should Look for

In case you want to do your research really well and want to know the factors that make these knives stand out while cutting, be sure to check for the following aspects.

Blade

One of the most important aspects of a knife is its blade. Different kinds of knives serve different types of jobs; their blades differentiate them from each other. In general, there are two types of blades; forged metal blades and stamped metal blades.

Forged metal blades are made from one piece of metal, which is beaten and pressed into shape, while stamped knives are cut out from sheets of metal.

Knives with forged blades are usually heavier than stamped knives but offer unparalleled rigidity as they are very strong.

Forged knives also last longer than stamped knives as they can be sharpened back to their new state.

On the other hand, stamped knives offer better precision and maneuverability.

Handle

Next to the blade, the handle plays a key role in the whole experience of using a knife. Blades are made from different materials, but it narrows down to metal and plastic. The bolster of a knife is integrated with its handle, and it can be either half-bolster or full-bolster.

Bolsters are useful as they offer extra grip and improve precision while also protecting the user’s hand from slipping onto the blade. Now, getting back to handle materials, metal surfaces typically offer poor grip when compared to plastic handles, but they last longer and can retain their looks in the long run.

Material Used

You may have come across ‘German’ stainless-steel, ‘Japanese’ stainless-steel, etc. So, yeah, there are different types of stainless steel. The differences between these are usually in their hardness, which is rated by a Rockwell standard.

Harder knives mean more durable and able to retain sharpness. But, it increases the chance of the blades chipping or breaking into pieces. Softer knives give more sharpness and are easy to sharpen, but they cannot retain sharpness as hard knives and are of a relatively weaker build.

Cleaning Convenience

Not all knives are dishwasher-proof. When the contradiction occurs, the surface of the blades starts to corrode due to the detergent used in dishwashers. Although some knives are stated to be dishwasher safe, manufacturers always recommend hand washing their utensils.

After handwashing the knives for better longevity, these should be dried adequately to ensure there’s no room for rusting and similar issues.

Versatility

There are a plethora of different knives with their tasks ranging from cutting bread, vegetables to even steaks and cheese. Although the tasks can be handled by most kitchen knives, having a set of at least four different knives such as the chef’s knife, steak knife, utility knife, and paring knife would be more convenient.

Safety Features

When it comes to knives, safety is often overlooked. But it is definitely a crucial factor as knives can be very dangerous. The most basic safety features come with the knives’ bolsters. It is also good to have storage blocks or stands to store the knives separately, which reduces the risk of unwanted contact.

In this kitchen knife set review article, all the products come with storage blocks to make sure no mishaps happen to you.

You can check our articles on Best Cheese knife also.

Which Knife Block Set Offers the Best Value When Paired with a Budget Blender?

When looking for a reliable knife block set to complement your kitchen tools, it’s essential to consider durability and versatility. A quality set like the Cuisinart C77 offers excellent performance and value. Pairing it with the best budget blender 2022 ensures you have an efficient and cost-effective cooking setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to use a different chef knife if you are left-handed?

Although most knives are designed with ergonomics for the right hand, there are knives explicitly produced for left-handed people. Therefore, it is not a necessity unless you have difficulties.

What is the difference between German and Japanese Chef Knives?

German knives are generally machined and thicker than Japanese knives. In contrast, Japanese knives have thinner and harder blades, which also makes them easier to sharpen.

How do you take good care of a knife?

In order to increase the longevity of a knife, dishwashers should be avoided, and the knife must be washed by hand. As dishwasher detergents corrode the surface of the blades, it makes them vulnerable to rusting, which can be prevented when hand washed and dried before storing away.

What are the three essential knives in a kitchen?

Although there are many different types of knives, generally a serrated knife, a chef’s knife, and a paring knife are enough for almost all cutting jobs.

What knife is used most in the kitchen?

The chef’s knife is the most widely used in the kitchen as it can serve almost all cutting tasks with ease.

Are expensive kitchen knives worth it?

There are several aspects that contribute to this. Some people are passionate about the craft, and premium feel offered by high-end knives. Whereas some need blades for getting the job done.

As a general rule, expensive knives are definitely better than their cheaper counterparts as they are manufactured with better materials and different procedures.

What is the sharpest knife in the world?

Obsidian knives; are generally not provided with kitchen knife sets as they are incredibly sharp and have the thinnest blades among knives, making them dangerous and useful for effortless slicing.

Final Words

With all of that being said, you should now get a clear picture of what makes a knife lucrative and what makes them vulnerable. We hope that from the list above, you have already finalized the best kitchen knife set under 100 according to your cutting needs and preferences based on the insight you gained from this article.