the best set of kitchen knives
A good kitchen knife set does not need to contain as many pieces as possible. A well-thought-out combination of knives that you will actually use in everyday cooking is more important.
We selected practical basic and premium sets with an emphasis on functionality, ergonomics, quality of workmanship and value for money.
Our TOP kitchen knife sets
Do not want to compare dozens of sets? We selected five options according to budget, cooking style and whether you are looking for a practical starter set, premium equipment or an impressive gift.
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What should a quality set contain?
The foundation of most kitchens is one large all-purpose knife. This can be a Chef, Gyuto, Santoku or Kiritsuke. It is usually complemented by a smaller knife for precision work and a bread knife. Choose additional specialised shapes according to what you actually prepare.
Main chef's knife
Chef, Gyuto or Santoku can handle boneless meat, vegetables, fruit, fish and most everyday preparation.
Smaller utility knife
Utility, Petty or Paring knives are useful for fruit, smaller vegetables, peeling and tasks requiring more precise control.
Bread knife
A long serrated edge cuts through a firm bread crust without unnecessarily compressing the soft centre.
Specialised knife
A Nakiri, boning or slicing knife makes sense when it matches the ingredients you prepare regularly.
A smaller quality set is often better
A large set with ten or more knives may look like good value, but some of the tools often remain unused. Three to five thoughtfully selected knives will usually cover most common tasks in a home kitchen.
Instead of focusing only on the number of pieces, check whether the set contains a main all-purpose knife, a smaller utility knife and, if needed, a bread knife or a specialised shape that suits your cooking style.
The number of pieces is not the main criterion
The total number may sometimes also include scissors, a honing steel, sharpening stone or stand. Always check the exact contents of the set and consider whether you will actually use each knife.
Comparison of our TOP sets
| Set | Main contents | Blade material | Accessories | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Black Samurai | Chef 200, Bread 198, Chef 155 and Utility 130 mm | German stainless steel DIN 1.4116 | Acacia magnetic stand | Practical complete equipment at a reasonable price |
| Dellinger Okami | Chef 205, Santoku 180 and Utility 150 mm | Three-layer blade with AUS-10 core | Gift box | Three versatile knives for regular cooking |
| JOSHI Sakura | Kiritsuke Gyuto 210, Nakiri 170 and Utility 135 mm | Damascus blade with 10Cr15CoMoV core | #1000/6000 stone, angle guide and wooden box | Valuable gift and complete set including edge care |
| Carbon Fiber Octagon | Gyuto, Santoku, Bread, Utility and Paring | Damascus blade with 10Cr15CoMoV core | Poultry shears and wooden stand | Premium and widely usable kitchen set |
| Dellinger Brilliance | Three kitchen knives coordinated within one design series | Damascus blade with AUS-10 core and Black-Coating | Magnetic stand and interchangeable handles | Distinctive design combined with practical functionality |
How to choose a set according to your cooking style
I cook everyday home meals
Look for a Chef or Santoku, a smaller Utility and a bread knife. German Black Samurai is a practical choice.
I only want three quality knives
The Chef, Santoku and Utility knives from the Okami series cover a large part of everyday preparation without an unnecessary number of similar knives.
I often prepare vegetables
In addition to the main Kiritsuke Gyuto, the JOSHI Sakura set also includes a Nakiri specifically designed for vegetables and herbs.
I want complete premium equipment
Carbon Fiber Octagon offers five different knives, poultry shears and a stand for organised storage.
The look of my kitchen matters to me
Brilliance combines a distinctive dark design, Damascus blades, interchangeable handles and a magnetic stand.
I am looking for an impressive gift
JOSHI Sakura offers three knives, a sharpening stone, angle guide and wooden box in one coordinated set.
A set with a stand or without one?
A set with a stand is practical if you want to store your knives safely, display them clearly and always have them within easy reach. A magnetic stand also makes it easy to see which knife you are reaching for.
If you already have a quality block, magnetic rail or other safe storage, a set of knives without a stand may be more suitable. What matters is that the blade edges do not come into contact with other metal objects during storage and cannot move freely in a drawer.
Use a magnetic stand correctly
Place the flat of the blade against the stand, not the edge. When removing the knife, hold it firmly by the handle, gently rotate the spine away from the magnet and prevent the edge from sliding across the wooden surface.
How to care for a knife set
- Hand washing: do not put the knives in the dishwasher; wash them with a soft sponge and dry them immediately.
- Suitable cutting board: use wood or a quality synthetic material; glass, stone and ceramic quickly dull the edge.
- Safe storage: use a stand, block, magnetic rail or suitable protective sheath.
- Regular maintenance: maintain the edges regularly and do not wait until the knives are completely dull.
- Stand care: wipe a wooden stand with a slightly damp cloth and then dry it.
Standard kitchen knives are not designed for bones
Do not use Chef, Gyuto, Santoku, Nakiri, Utility or Paring knives to chop bones, hard pits, frozen foods or for prying. For these tasks, choose a suitable cleaver or another tool specifically designed for such use.
Need help choosing a set?
Contact us by phone at +420 702 049 048, Monday to Friday between 7:30 and 16:00, or by email at info@dellinger.cz. We will help you choose a set according to your cooking style, experience and budget.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen knife sets
How many knives should a good kitchen set contain?
For most households, three to five well-chosen knives are enough. The right combination of shapes and their actual use are more important than the number of pieces.
Which knife is the most important in a set?
The most important is usually the main all-purpose knife, such as a Chef, Gyuto or Santoku. It normally handles the largest share of everyday preparation.
Is a set of three or five knives better?
Three knives may be enough for everyday cooking if they include a main and a smaller utility knife. Five knives offer greater specialisation if you will actually use all the shapes.
Is it worth buying a set with a stand?
Yes, if you do not already have safe storage. A stand protects the edges from contact with other objects and keeps the knives clearly organised and within easy reach.
Is a knife set suitable as a gift?
Yes. A quality set is a practical and valuable gift, especially if it comes in a gift box or includes a stand or sharpening stone.
Do I need a bread knife in the set?
If you regularly cut bread, baguettes or baked goods with a firm crust, a serrated knife is very useful and cannot be replaced by a smooth chef's edge.
Is a sharpening stone in the set an advantage?
Yes, if you want to learn how to care for the edge. However, it is important to use the correct technique and follow the recommendations for the specific type of knife.
Can knives from the set be washed in the dishwasher?
We do not recommend it. High temperatures, an aggressive environment and contact with dishes can damage both the edges and handles. Wash the knives by hand and dry them immediately.
Can standard knives from a set be used to chop bones?
No. Standard kitchen knives are not designed for bones, hard pits or frozen foods. Use a suitable cleaver for these tasks.
Why buy a coordinated set instead of individual knives?
Knives from the same series usually have similar ergonomics, balance and design. Shared packaging, a stand or accessories can also be an advantage.
