When you're a professional chef you're looking for a knife set that is high quality, efficient, and easy to use and you're willing to spend a little more than your average home cook is but you still don't want it to break the bank, right?
That's smart business sense but do keep in mind that you get what you pay for and especially with knives.
So don't cheap out and buy a knife set that frustrates you more than it helps you and then needs replacing in 6 months either.
I know from experience that investing in my kitchen equipment has saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration and that leads to a better experience for both you and whoever is eating your food.
There's no point in trying to butcher a piece of quality meat with a cheese knife (I've seen stranger things in kitchens honestly!) so pick something that is reliable and quality from my list below that is fit for purpose.
With that in mind, below are the best chef knife sets for the money...
The Features of a Good Chef Knife: What You’ll Find In All The Knife Choices Below
These are the characteristics of all good chef knives and will be present with the options recommended below...
- Sharp out the box: They should be sharp immediately and ready to go without you needing to sharpen it on first use, you want knives that can slice through meat effortlessly and even chop through tendon and bone if need be.
- Weight: There's 2 different schools of thought among Chefs among which is better, a heavy or a light knife but ultimately it's a personal choice, as you're buying a set typically you'll get a range of weights due to the size and style.
- Blade Size: At least 8 inches is ideal for most professional knives otherwise it can be too short for cutting many food items you'll be working with regularly, each set will have a wide range for all your needs.
- Grip: Your chef knife should have a firm and sturdy grip that's comfortable to hold and ergonomic to use, you don't want hand cramp or blisters when working with your chef knife (these Chinese ones are good). Each option below fits that bill.
Top 10 Chef Knife Sets
These are the top most popular chef knife sets for professionals...
SaleBestseller No. 1
SCOLE® Chef Knife Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knife Set 7-Piece, Premium German 1.4116 Stainless Steel Chefs Knife Set, Ergonomic Handle Professional Knives Set for Kitchen with Gift Box
- [COMPREHENSIVE KNIFE SET] This is a perfect way to start a new knife set: 1x 8" chef knife, 1 x 8" slicing knife, 1 x 8" bread knife, 1 x 5" santoku knife, 1 x 5.5" serrated utility knife, 1 x 5" utility knife, 1 x 3.5" paring knife. Perfect for busy kitchens. A best gift for professional chefs and beginners.
- [SUPERIOR ERGONOMIC HANDLE] One piece full-tang blade and the ABS classic triple-riveted to ensure the durability and reliability of chefs knife, since they won't shrink, crack or falls off. The ergonomic handle design result in a comfortable grip that minimize fatigue while maximizing cutting accuracy.
- [PREMIUM HIGH CARBON GERMAN STAINLESS STEEL] The Scole kitchen knives set are made of imported high quality german 1.4116 stainless steel which is durable, stain-resistant and rust-resistant. Incredibly sharp and sturdy, enough to keep it last a lifetime.
- [ULTRA SHARP EDGE] The Scole chef knife engineered to perfection at 58±2 Rockwell hardness and hand polished edge at 14 degrees per side. Hand polished by craftsmen with decades of experience to ensure long-lasting sharpness.
- [LIFETIME GUARANTEE] SCOLE provides customers 90-day money back policy, free replacement and lifetime guarantee. We provide professional customer service, any purchases from us are backed by quality assurance and 24/7 customer service.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI Chef Knife Set 5 PCS with Elegant Red Pakkawood Handle Ergonomic Design,Professional Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knives for Cooking High Carbon Stainless Steel Japanese Chef's Knife
- DESIGN PHILOSOPHY - The Chefilosophi Series professional kitchen knife set from Brewin combines cutting edge kitchen technology with premium design philosophies; This five piece set of kitchen knives spares no attention to detail; For top shelf cooking knives that have been painstakingly crafted with expert chefs in mind, Brewin is obvious choice.
- RAZOR SHARP WITH DURABILITY - This stainless steel knife set features rock solid design crafted from durable materials; With a score of 56+ on the Rockwell hardness scale, our chef knife set professional solution uses ultra tough 1.4116 German stainless steel forged from a unified piece of rustproof metal; When you need kitchen accessories that will hold up under any conditions, choose Brewin.
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Each chef knife set has undergone stringent quality inspection and hundreds of hours of development with leading kitchen experts; This set of five chef knives is crafted to the highest standards with chefs and kitchen experts in mind; The Brewin promise is this; if we wouldn’t use this cooking knife set ourselves, we won’t sell it.
- ELEGANCE & BALANCE - Unlike some other chefs knives, The Chefilosophi Series from Brewin features perfectly balanced handles that are easier to hold; With a luxurious pakkawood natural texture and three reinforced anchor points, our chefs knife set has been engineered to last a lifetime.
- COMPLETE SET - Regarded as one of the best knife sets for people who demand all round practicality, the Chefilosophi Series comes with five sharp knives in luxurious gift packaging; With two eight inch knives as well as a santoku Japanese knife, our knife sets also include a five inch utility knife as well as smaller paring knife for peeling and prep.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Babish German High-Carbon 1.4116 Steel Cutlery, 3-Piece (Chef Knife, Bread Knife, & Pairing Knife) w/Knife Roll
- Includes 8” chef’s knife, 8” bread knife, 3.5” paring knife, and 3-slot canvas knife roll
- Forged from a single piece of high-carbon 1.4116 German steel
- Tempered, ground, and polished for maximum sharpness
- Full-tang handles provide a balanced, comfortable grip
- Canvas roll stores knives safely
SaleBestseller No. 4
Slitzer Germany 7-Piece Chef's Knife Set, Ergonomically Designed, Professional Grade Chef Knives, Great addition to any kitchen
- PROFESSIONAL CUTLERLY SET: This 7-piece Chef’s Cutlery Set is an elegant collection of professional-grade, practical kitchen knives that give you the confidence to prepare any daily meal, healthy entrée or gourmet cuisine your taste buds crave!
- ERGONOMIC, DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Each knife features powerfully durable full-tang construction (blades are 1 solid piece of metal), ergonomically-designed handles that feel perfect in either hand and a stylish case for easy storage and fast travel.
- BOXED SET INCLUDES 5 KNIVES AND SHARPENER: Our high-quality knife set includes a 13” chef's knife, 13” bread knife, 13” slicing knife, 9.5” utility knife, 8” paring knife and a 13” sharpener—all protected by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- A KNIFE FOR EVERY SITUATION: Chop up everything from fibrous vegetables and delicate fruits to sumptuous cheeses, breads and sizzling steaks with mouthwatering ease… Our economic set of superior kitchen knives are super sharp and ideal for anyone to use.
- AFFORDABLE, QUALITY CUTLERY: Slitzer Germany is a renowned producer of dependable heavy-duty cutlery that gives home foodies, culinary students, novice and professional chefs a fine set of cutting tools for a budget price that will last a lifetime!
SaleBestseller No. 5
WIZEKA Kitchen Knife Set with Block, NSF Certified 15pcs German Steel 1.4116 Knife Block Set, Professional Chef Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener, Starry Sky Series
- [Exceptional Performance] Expertly crafted and forged from 1.4116 high carbon German steel with a hand polished edge at 14 degrees per side, this knife set is a story of incredible durability, stain resistance, and superb edge retention.
- [Upgraded Technology] We’ve made quite a few upgrades to the knife to improve its strength and sharpness. Each knife is tarnished, stain, corrosion, and odor-resistant thanks to its one-piece design. All kitchen knives in this series are NSF certified.
- [Innovative Design] Beautifully designed, ergonomic,and light weight handle is balanced and pleasant in your hand. The innovative curved and wider bolster promotes proper handling for precise control and safety. Working with this kitchen knife set is such a fabulous experience!
- [Thanksgiving & Christmas Gifts] WIZEKA kitchen knife sets with block including: 8" chef's knife, 8" bread knife, 8" slicing knife, 7" santoku knife, 5" utility knife, 3.5" paring knife, 6 pcs 4.5" serrated steak knife, 1 kitchen shears and wood knife block with two built-in sharpener. Perfect for the home cook or professional!
- [80 Years Warranty& Free Replacement] Every customer's experience is important to us,If you have any questions and comments about the kitchen knife set with block, please feel free to contact us.
Bestseller No. 6
XYJ Authentic Since1986,Professional Knife Sets for Master Chefs,Chef Knife Set with Bag,Case, Scissors,Culinary Kitchen Butcher Knives,Cooking Cutting,Damascus Laser Pattern,Stainless Steel (Blue)
- ▶【XYJ Brand】 Established in 1986, XYJ knives feature high quality, exceptional sharpness, simple design, great balance and good practicality. Applying ergonomics and mechanical levers principles, we greatly improve customers' cutting experience. XYJ knives are terrific all-rounders and are especially designed for climbing, fishing, outdoors, kitchen cooking, etc. XYJ knives are practical work tools designed for various tasks, helping you to finish your job efficiently. XYJ explore your journey !
- ▶【One Set For All Task】 XYJ cutlery set includes: 1 x 3.5 inch paring knife, 1 x 5 inch utility knife, 1 x 5 inch santoku knife, 1 x 6 inch boning knife, 1 x 7 inch santoku knife, 1 x 7 inch nakiri knife, 1 x 7.5 inch cooking knife, 1 x 8 inch slicing knife, 1 x 8 inch bread knife, 1 x 8 inch chef knife, 10 x plastic knife sheaths, 1 x 12 pockets roll bag, 1 x knife sharpening rod, 1 x kitchen scissors, 1 x mini whetstone.
- ▶【Professional Knife Sets for Master Chefs】 XYJ Stainless steel chef knife is a multipurpose cutlery knife, which is designed for professional applications, suitable for cutting, dicing, slicing, chopping with vegetables, fruit, fish bread and meat for great addition to the kitchen, camping, and outdoor experience. One set for all task!
- ▶【Particular Technology】 The blade is made of high quality stainless steel, uses a V-shaped and fine damascus laser pattern processing blade, which can maintain the sharpness of the chef knife for a long time with incredible robustness, quality and precision. The handle is made by resin with natural texture, which is comfortable, stability and well balanced when holding to use. Its light weight and ergonomic design make the chef knife feels quite balanced and you won't feel finger numbness.
- ▶【Practical Gift】 This cooking knife set comes with knife sheath, knife bag, kitchen scissors and mini whetstone, the sheath is use to protect your knife blade and finger, and the knife roll carry case is a good storage organizer to your chef's knife, make it more easy and convenient to carry out. It's a best gift for your husband, mother, father or friend.
Bestseller No. 7
Knife Set, 15 Pieces Chef Kitchen Knife Set with Block, Built-in Knife Sharpener, German Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, Dishwasher Safe, Elegant Black
- 【Sharp, Non-Stick & Rust-Resistant】Black kitchen knife set uses a unique anti-rust, anti-stick and anti-oxidant Teflon coating, so that the blade is always in the best condition, extremely easy to clean, greatly extending the life of the knife.
- 【Dishwasher Safe】This knife sets for kitchen with block is dishwasher safe, easy to maintain. Perfect for storage after washing and drying. The whole body of the knives set for kitchen is made of premium stainless steel material. The surface layer has a high-grade anti-rust coating, which will not rust as easily as other kitchen knife sets, and will not cause damage despite the high intensity impact of the dishwasher.
- 【All in One Knife Set】15 pieces knife set includes: 8" Chef knife, 8" Slicing knife, 7" Santoku knife, 8" Serrated bread knife, 5" Utility knife, 3.5" Paring knife, 6 Pcs 4.5" serrated steak knife, 1 Pc kitchen shear, and Black hard wood Knife Block with built-in Knife Sharpener.
- 【Comfortable and Non-slip Handle】The knife handle material is made of German high carbon stainless steel.Designed by the most professional designers to meet the ergonomic handle, so that the knife is very comfortable to use, even for a long time, the hand will not feel any discomfort. To improve the safety of using the knife, we have also designed extra anti-slip air holes for the handle to ensure safety when making delicious food.
- 【Lifetime Warranty】Each knife set are backed by excellent quality and undergo strict quality inspection, we provide a lifetime warranty for every customer, please feel free to purchase.
Bestseller No. 8
Brewin Professional Chef Knife Set 3PCS, Ultra Sharp Knives Set for Kitchen High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Sets Full Tang Ergonomic Handle Japanese Cooking Knife with Gift Box
- MUTI-PURPOSE CHEF KNIFE SET - The Brewin 3pc Professional Kitchen Knife Set comes with 1× chef’s knife, 1× santoku knife, and 1x utility knife and will be your best cooking mate. The knife set can easily handle all your daily kitchen tasks as the versatile knives let you enjoy cutting, slicing, chopping, and mincing meat, fruits, vegetables, and more. This luxurious Brewin boxed knife set is the best gift for your loved ones.
- RAZOR SHARP WITH DURABLE EDGES - Sharpness is the key word for cutting knives. The razor-sharp edge is engineered with a 56+ Rockwell hardness score and is hand polished by our experienced craftsmen at 14-16 degrees per side. The combination of maximum sharpness and edge retention ensures precise and effortless cutting every time, even left-handed. DO NOT test the sharpness by touching the blade with your hand.
- FULL TANG ERGONOMIC HANDLE - Triple-riveted ABS ergonomic handle with fully-forged full tang yields optimal balance, strength, stability, and durability. The extra-wide design between index and middle finger provides the most comfortable and non-slip grip, The full bolster with a finely polished spine protects your fingers from sharp edges and ensures a more suitable pinch grip.
- STAIN RESISTANT AND EASY TO WASH - Brewin chef's knives are crafted from high-carbon 1.4116 German stainless steel engineered to perfection for rust and stain resistance, providing an excellent balance between long-lasting sharpness and durability. Hand wash the knives with dishwashing soap and dry them with a towel to maintain the knives’ quality.
- 100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE - Brewin strives to ensure complete customer satisfaction with every knife. If you're not satisfied with what you received, you can either return it for a full refund or request a replacement. If you have any other issues, feel free to contact us, we will reply immediately and do our best to solve your problem.
SaleBestseller No. 9
enowo Chef Knife Set, 7 Pcs Sharp Kitchen Knife Set with Widened Blade & Wooden Handle, 7 Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel Knives Set for Kitchen
- 【Your Next Knife Set for Decades of Use】ENOWO kitchen knife set, made from German EN1.4116 steel, excels in Lasting-Sharpness and Anti-Rust thanks to the 30% more content of Carbon and Chromium in steel than most common knives. It's why it should be your new go-to.
- 【Cut Food; Cut Prep Time】57 Rockwell hardness of the blade balances sharpness and durability, combined with 14-degree cutting angle to ensure the excellent cutting performance of each kitchen knife, all made effortless.
- 【Using Knife in Your Element】Each knife in this set has properly-sloped bolster, which allow a comfortable and safe "pinch grip" for better finger control to adjust the force and angle to achieve accurate cutting.
- 【Feel Good in Hand】Well-polished Pakkawood handles with comfortable touch, can significantly reduce finger and palm fatigue even after long-time use; Excellent balance also means less strain on the wrist, so you can focus on ingredients preparation.
- 【Guarantee & Service】ENOWO provides customers with a 60-day money-back policy and lifelong guarantee. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We are always here for you, 7*24h.
Bestseller No. 10
FULLHI Knife Set, 14pcs Japanese Knife Set, Multiple Colour Premium German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set
- ALL-INCLUSIVE KNIVES SET: 14-piece kitchen knife set includes 8" Chef Knife, 8" Slicer Knife, 8" Bread Knife, 7" Santoku Knife, 5" Santoku Knife, 7" Cleaver Knife, 5"universal knife, and 3.5" Paring Knife. 3 Stainless Steel Finger Guards, 1 Bottle Opener, 1 Pair of Cut Resistant Gloves, 1 Portable Knife Sharpener, 1 Sharpening Stick are included in our giveaway. Whether cooking at home or outdoors, it can meet your needs.
- The ergonomic handle provides a solid grip while the shape of the bolster delivers optimal weight and balance. Non-slip epoxy resin handle is able to maintain it’s friction even then the handle is wet, make the cutting more safe and effortless.
- Exceedingly sharp conical ground edge, hand-sharpened to a 16-degree angle, are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Blades are forged from High-Carbon German stainless steel and heat-treated for hardness that resists stains and corrosion.
- This knife set meet high-level safety standards for professional kitchens. Quick action support against manufacturer defects Please Hand Clean And Don't Use Dish Washer. Block available in Walnut hardwood that is gentle on blade edges
- The blade of this kitchen knife is made of 5Cr17 stainless steel, which has high hardness, wear resistance, good impact toughness performance. The ergonomic Full Tang handle can prevent the blade comfortable to grip and non-slip effect, it has a great fit in your hand.
Popular Chef Knife Brands
Take a look at the list above for full details of the best professional chef knife brands but here's a small selection
- Henckels
- Wusthof
- Euna
- XYJ
- Damascus Steel
- DFITO
- Shun Classic
What brand of knives does Gordon Ramsey use?
Gordon Ramsey uses the following knife brands:
- Wusthof
- Henckels
How much should I spend on a chef's knife set?
Typically for a chefs knife set you'd be looking to spend at least $200 (there are cheaper options available but they are less reliable and lower quality) up to $1,000 for the high end option.
SaleBestseller No. 1
HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 15-Piece White Handle Knife Set with Block, German Engineered Knife Informed by over 100 Years of Mastery
- ULTRA-SHARP BLADES: Superior professional-level sharpness that ensures precision cutting.
- THE LAST KNIFE YOU’LL EVER NEED TO BUY: German Engineered Knife Informed by over 100 Years of Mastery. HENCKELS knives are built to last.
- EFFORTLESS CUTTING: Enjoy easy meal prep and paper-thin cuts with minimal effort with this lightweight, easy-to-use knife.
- SET INCLUDES: 3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 7-inch santoku knife hollow edge, 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 4.5-inch steak knife set of 6, professional honing steel, kitchen shears, and hardwood knife block
- QUICK CLEAN UP: No-fuss cleanup, in the dishwasher or by hand. Stain and rust-free blades.
Bestseller No. 1
WÜSTHOF Classic 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – 2 Piece Chef's Knife Set with full tang triple riveted synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact. The WÜSTHOF Classic Series has been our best-selling series for generations
- WÜSTHOF KNIFE SET – The Three Piece Cook's Set includes 3.5" Paring Knife and 8" Cook’s Knife
- PRECISION FORGED – WÜSTHOF's Classic Series Knives are forged from a single block of High Carbon Stainless Steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models
- DURABLE – WÜSTHOF Cutlery is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling. This German made Kitchen Knife set Comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty
- CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
Bestseller No. 1
Shun Cutlery Kanso 3 Piece Starter Knife Set, Kitchen Knife Set, Includes 8" Chef's Knife, 3.5" Paring Knife, and 6" Utility Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knives
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Shun Kanso 3-Piece Starter Set comes with all the essentials you need to get a good start on your cooking knife collection.
- SET INCLUDES: This professional knife set includes the Kanso 8-inch Chef's Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife, and 6-inch Utility Knife.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from AUS10A high-carbon stainless steel refined with Vanadium, these knives are strong, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, and razor-sharp.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: Made with contoured tagayasan, known as "iron sword wood," the full-tang handle construction is dense, durable, beautiful and offers a secure grip with precision balance.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
The Best Chef Knife Sets Revealed
So, I hope this post has revealed the best chef knife sets on the market for you and gives you some solid options to work with that suit every need and budget.