A good knife set is one that doesn’t butcher your budget.
While many celebrity chefs flaunt their expensive blades, you don’t have to invest gold’s worth of money on steel. In under 100 dollars, you can find an entire set of perfect knives for your kitchen.
Don’t worry about wasting your money on blunt pieces of junk. We have tried and tested a plethora of knife sets to shortlist 14 of the best knife sets under $100.
Let’s start with our top 5 picks:
The Best Knife Sets Under $100
| Top Picks | Pieces | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cangshan V2 Series Starter Kitchen Knife Set (Editor’s Choice) | 5 | 15 x 5 x 15.5 inches | 8.2 lbs |
| 2. ROMEKER Kitchen Knife Set | 6 | 14 x 7.5 x 3.7 inches | 4.04 lbs |
| 3. Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection | 15 | 5.88 x 14.37 x 10.25 inches | 7.82 lbs |
| 4. Emojoy Knife Knife Set with Block | 15 | 14.5 x 9.8 x 5 inches | 8.78 lbs |
| 5. Vremi Colorful Knife Set | 5 | 14.4 x 10.35 x 1.5 inches | 1.16 lbs |
1. Cangshan V2 Series 5-Piece Starter Kitchen Knife Set
This set has just the right number of knives for any average household. All the knives are made of finest quality German Steel with high level of carbon, which makes it durable and long lasting. WIth a hardness rating on the Rockwell Hardness Scale is 58 +/- 2, this is indeed one of the sharpest sets in this price range.
In this set you get an 8-inch chef’s knife, a serrated knife, a bread knife, a santoku and a solid knife block. The block is meticulously crafted from Acacia wood and has that unique grain that will definitely add to the aesthetics of your kitchen. What’s more: even the handle boasts a patented angled bolster design that is easy on your hand.
2. ROMEKER 6-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Block
This 6-piece knife set by Romekar looks way more expensive than it actually is. However, it is high on our list not just because of it looks, but because of its performance. In just under 100 dollars, you get five knives that can cut as sharp as any professional blade. You get an 8-inch chef knife, a slicing knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, and a beautiful wooden block.
Each knife is made of X50Cr15 High-Carbon Stainless Steel that gives it durability, sharpness, and longevity. The Pakkawood handles are designed to further improve control and precision.
3. Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set
If you are done with the basics, and feel like you can handle advanced blades, then you need this set of fifteen in your life. Forged from the finest high-carbon stainless steel, these knives are guaranteed to serve you a lifetime. The triple-riveted handle secures the full tang blade.
In this set, you get the five basic knives plus six steak knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a wooden block, and a sharpening steel to keep the knives sharp all the time. The design allows for more control and precision.
4. Emojoy Knife Set, 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block Wooden
We have another 15-piece set on the block and it’s a tough competitor for our last mention. This one too has six steak knives along with shears, sharpening iron, and an elegant natural wood block. What set this set apart is the gorgeous grainy Pakkawood handles that are riveted to the full tang blade.
The blade is made from X50Cr15 superior high-Carbon, which means it won’t rust, corrode, or chip like cheap blades do. It is one of the most reliable material for knives. Overall, these are beautiful, well-balanced blades that allow for better precision and control, so that you can cut thin and even slices every time.
5. Vremi 5 Piece Colorful Knife Set
If you think food prep is the most boring part of cooking, you need a better set of knife. Bring home this set of 5 colorful knives that are just as sharp as they are bright. It is definitely a great pick for any modern kitchen and even goes well within the otherwise monochromatic theme.
There are a total of five essential knives including chef’s knife, a serrated knife, a carving knife, a paring knife, and a regular utility knife. As for performance, you can expect the sharpest blade made of lightweight yet durable stainless steel. Each knife comes in a colorful sheath so that you can safely keep them in a drawer as well.
6. AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Knife Block Set
The good thing about Amaon Basics is that these products pack a lot of value. You get great quality for an amazing price. This set includes 15 knives along with a hardwood block for proper storage. These full tang knives are made of durable stainless steel that will cut like any high-end blade.
What’s more: the simple looking design is actually created to ensure better grip and precision. The knives are perfectly weighted to work well for experts and beginners alike. And along with all the basic knives and steak knives, you get a pair of kitchen shears.
7. Henckels International 35309 Statement 12-pc Knife Block Set
Stylish and practical, this set of twelve includes a wooden block and sharpening steel. Henckel’s also has a 15-piece set but this one is good enough for any regular home or commercial kitchen. You get your Chef’s knife, paring knife, santoku knife, and six steak knives.
Now, let’s talk about the quality of these knives. Each knife is a full tang with triple riveted handle that ensures durability. The handle is made of quality hardwood and designed for maximum precision. All except the steal knives have a stainless steel end at the handle that makes these knives perfectly weighted for better handling.
8. Oster Evansville 14 Piece Cutlery Set
If you are looking for something modern and stylish yet highly efficient, you should consider this vibrant set of steel knives from Oster. While this turquoise set of 14 is one of their bestsellers, you can get it in blue, red, and black as well. Pieces include all five essential knives plus six steak knives. These knives come with a rubberwood block and other kitchen tools such as scissors and knife sharpeners.
Build for better performance, these are full tang knives made of highest quality stainless steel. All the knives are well balanced and easy to handle for beginners as well as experts.
9. Calphalon 1924554 Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Knife Block Set
Calphalon keeps it simple and classy with these triple riveted stainless steel full tangs. This 12-piece set contains a pair of scissors, all your essential knives, steak knives, and a quality wooden block. However, if you need something basic, you can opt for the 6-piece set that doesn’t have steak knives. Even better, go for a 15-piece set with eight steak knives in total.
While all other knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel, steak knives are made from stamped steel for better performance. Now, the good thing about this set is the steel end of the handle that is labeled with the knife’s name and size. That is why we highly recommend this one for beginners.
10. McCook MC25 14-Pieces FDA Certified High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set
McCook MC25 is a good option for anyone who is looking for a complete set of knives without spending a lot. This one has 14-pieces and a lot of value. Pieces include a solid graphite block, kitchen scissors, six essential knives, and six steak knives. The block has a built in sharpener. A perfect set for chefs on a budget.
Each knife is a full tang made from high carbon stainless steel. The triple riveted handle has a curve that gives you better grip and control. The material and design of these knives is FDA approved as these knives aren’t just sharp, they are quite safe as well.
11. Chicago Cutlery Belmont 16-Piece Block Set
Chicago Cutlery is known for their classy and sophisticated cutlery sets. This one is no exception. With sleek black handles and an espresso wood block, this set looks much expensive than it actually is. If you are looking for something classy for your kitchen counter, this is a good choice.
While it adds to the aesthetics of your counter, this set is definitely more than just looks. Each knife is made of finest high-carbon steel and the handle has a steel end that looks extremely stylish. With set you get eight steak knives, a peeler knife, scissors, sharpener, and the four essential knives. The entire set comes with a lifetime warranty.
12. Zwilling JA Henckels Now S 6 Piece Knife Block Set
If you are looking for a starter set for someone who is just getting started with cooking and culinary arts, this makes for a perfect pick. This unique looking dual colored set was also one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2019. What makes it unique is the sleek wooden holder with colored bottom half that makes it trendy and stylish. You can get this set in three different colors.
As for the blades, you get German-made premium stainless steel that can cut with ease and precision. Each knife has an anti-slip polypropylene handle that is designed for safe handling and more control. In this set, you will get three basic knives, sharpener, and a pair of scissors.
13. The Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series 8 Piece Kitchen Knife Set
This premium set by Ginsu will cost just a few dollar less than hundred, but the quality definitely makes it worth a lot more than that. You get five essential knives, a sharpening tool, pair of scissors, and a block. What makes these different is the Japanese style round handles that allow you to cut through anything edible like a ninja.
These are full tang knives that ensure durability, balance, and control. Not only can you cut swiftly, you can cut quite precisely. Both the blade and the handles are built to last. The storage block is made from bamboo wood and would look good on any countertop.
14. Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces
Forget all bells and whistles. If all you need is a set of basic blades, this 5-piece set is your best bet. The set contains a basic utility knife that can be used for almost all your cutting and slicing tasks. Then you have two paring knives – one with a straight edge and the other with serrated edges. You also have a bread knife, and a carving knife.
These are premium Swiss knives carved from high-carbon stainless steel. It is high-strength steel that will stay sharp for longer. What adds to efficiency and control is the ergonomic handles that make these knives easy and safe even for beginners.
Buyers’ Guide: Best Knife Sets Under $100
Buying a good knife set is trickier than buying a single knife. You are not just looking at the sharpness of the blade or ergonomics of the handle; you need to make sure the set has the knives you need and fits well within your budget. Here are a few important considerations.
How Many are Too Many!
If you don’t know how to use more than three types of knives, then you shouldn’t spend on a set of fifteen. Get a better quality smaller set in the same price. Most people only use a chef’s knife for all their needs, but five is a good average when you are looking for a set of knives.
Block or No Block
Knives that come with block make life easier. You don’t have to worry about storage. However, if you don’t have enough space to place the block on the counter, then you should look for some other storage option like a pouch or magnetic strips.
Build & Design
You will find quality knives in both ceramic and stainless steel. However, if you want knives that can last longer go for SS. Just make sure the handle is also made of top quality material. A one-piece knife, known as full tang design, doesn’t have any joint between the blade and the handle, and is the sturdiest option.
A Word about Material
Traditionally, all knives were carved from metal but now its not uncommon to see non-metallic material such as ceramic. It is not a bad choice and is often hailed as the sharper of the two. However, due to durability and sturdiness, stainless steel remains the most popular material for all kinds of blades.
FAQs: Best Knife Sets Under $100
How much should a good knife set cost?
Knife set prices start from $20 and can go up to $3000, or even more. However, you shouldn’t have to cut and arm and leg to pay for your knives. You can find a decent set in under 100 dollars.
What is high-carbon stainless steel?
High-carbon stainless steel is treated to retain higher level of carbon, which makes it extremely durable and resistant. High carbon steel has around 1.50% carbon as compared to 0.6% in regular steel.
What should I look for when buying a knife set?
The first thing to look for in a knife set is the quality material used for the blade. If stainless steel, it should have at least 10.5% chromium and some carbon for maximum strength and sharpness. Other factors include handle design and material, and number of pieces in a set.
What three knives are essential to a kitchen?
Three essential knifes that should be a part of any household kitchen set include a perfect chef’s knife, a good serrated knife, and a reliable paring knife
Are knife sets worth the cost?
Not all knife sets are worth your money, unless you know or plan to learn how to use every knife. Most people never learn to properly use more than three or four types of knives. Professional chefs, however, master every knife to make the most of these sets.
