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10 Best Budget Knife Set 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

imarku Knife Set,14-Piece Knife Sets for kitchen with block,Premium One-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Sharpener,High Carbon Stainless Steel Knives Set for Kitchen,Dishwasher Safe,Black

The imarku 14-piece knife set offers a wide variety of knives that cover most kitchen tasks, including slicing, chopping, and even cutting through tougher items like chicken bones. The blades are made from high carbon stainless steel with Japanese AICHI steel, which provides a good balance of sharpness and durability. The edges are sharpened at an 18-degree angle, making cutting precise and easier. A nice touch is that the knife block is made from natural acacia wood, which is sturdy and has ventilation to help keep knives dry. It also includes a built-in sharpener, so you can maintain blade sharpness conveniently over time. Handles are designed ergonomically with an angled shape to offer comfort and control during extended use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Knife Types Included
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Ergonomics

Most important from
2022 reviews

Knife Types Included
The set includes just the right knives needed, avoiding unnecessary extras, and offers great balance and design.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
The knives are super sharp, making kitchen prep effortless and precise.
Ergonomics
Handles are ergonomically designed to reduce pressure on the hand during cutting, enhancing comfort and control.
Maintenance
The included sharpener works effectively on all knives and scissors, making maintenance easy.
#2
10.0 score

Astercook Knife Set, 13 Pieces Kitchen Knives Set with Healthy Anti-Rust Coating, Dishwasher Safe, Stainless Steel Chef Knife Sets with 6 Blade Guards, Perfect Holiday Gifts for Kitchen

The Astercook 13-piece knife set is a well-rounded option for those looking for a budget-friendly kitchen knife collection. It includes a good variety of knives like a chef knife, slicing knife, Santoku, bread knife, utility, paring knife, and kitchen shears, covering most common cooking needs. The blades are made from carbon steel with a healthy anti-rust coating, which helps prevent oxidation and makes them dishwasher safe—a big plus for easy upkeep. However, carbon steel can require more attention to avoid rust if the coating wears off. The plastic handles keep the knives lightweight and affordable, though they may not feel as sturdy or comfortable as higher-end materials like wood or rubberized grips.

Rating
10.0
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Handle Material
Knife Types Included

Most important from
805 reviews

Sharpness and Edge Retention
The knives impress with their sharpness and cover every essential kitchen task with a great variety of blade sizes.
Handle Material
Plastic handles keep the knives lightweight and manageable, even if they don’t provide extra grip.
Knife Types Included
Including kitchen shears enhances the set’s versatility, making it a comprehensive solution for everyday cooking needs.
Maintenance
Blade covers add a valuable safety feature, preventing accidental cuts and protecting the blades from dulling in storage.
#3
9.8 score

Martha Stewart 16 Piece Lockton High Carbon Stainless Steel Cutlery Kitchen Knife Block Set W/ABS Tripe Riveted Forged Handle Acacia Wood Block - Black W/Gold

The Martha Stewart 16 Piece Lockton Knife Set stands out as a budget-friendly option for home cooks seeking a complete cutlery solution. With a variety of knives included, such as an 8-inch chef knife, a bread knife, and eight steak knives, this set is designed to tackle a wide range of kitchen tasks, making it suitable for everyday cooking. The high carbon stainless steel blades provide good sharpness and edge retention, which is a significant strength for budget knives. This means you won’t have to sharpen them as often, saving you time and effort.

Rating
9.8
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Ergonomics

Most important from
2090 reviews

Sharpness and Edge Retention
The quality of this knife set is phenomenal, providing excellent performance and sharpness.
Ergonomics
Comfortable, balanced grip makes it easy to handle during long cooking sessions.

Top 10 Best Budget Knife Set 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

imarku Knife Set,14-Piece Knife Sets for kitchen with block,Premium One-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Sharpener,High Carbon Stainless Steel Knives Set for Kitchen,Dishwasher Safe,Black

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel, Japanese AICHI
Handle Material: Natural acacia wood
Knife Types Included: chef, santoku, bread, slicing, paring, utility
Number of Pieces: 14
Sharpness and Edge Retention: 18-degree angle; built-in sharpener
Ergonomics: Ergonomic handles with angled shape
Maintenance: Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended

Chosen by 1446 this week

Astercook Knife Set, 13 Pieces Kitchen Knives Set with Healthy Anti-Rust Coating, Dishwasher Safe, Stainless Steel Chef Knife Sets with 6 Blade Guards, Perfect Holiday Gifts for Kitchen

Blade Material: Carbon Steel
Handle Material: Plastic
Knife Types Included: chef, slicing, Santoku, bread, utility, paring
Number of Pieces: 13-piece
Sharpness and Edge Retention: decent, dulls faster than premium steel
Ergonomics: adequate, basic
Maintenance: dishwasher safe, needs sharpening, avoid rust

Martha Stewart 16 Piece Lockton High Carbon Stainless Steel Cutlery Kitchen Knife Block Set W/ABS Tripe Riveted Forged Handle Acacia Wood Block - Black W/Gold

Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Knife Types Included: 8 chef, 8 bread, 7 santoku, 5 utility, 3.5 paring, 8 steak, sharpening rod, shears
Number of Pieces: 16
Sharpness and Edge Retention: High carbon stainless steel blades
Ergonomics: Ergonomic, triple-riveted handles
Maintenance: Not dishwasher safe, careful maintenance needed

Knife Set, Astercook 21 Pieces Knife Sets for Kitchen with Block, Dishwasher Safe Kitchen Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener, German Stainless Steel Black Knife Block Set

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Thermoplastic Rubber or Polyurethane
Knife Types Included: chef, slicing, santoku, bread, utility, paring
Number of Pieces: 21
Sharpness and Edge Retention: built-in sharpener, serrated edge
Ergonomics: comfortable grip
Maintenance: dishwasher safe, built-in sharpener

PAUDIN Chef Knife Set, 7 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Ultra Sharp Knife Set, Professional Knives Set for Kitchen with Pakkawood Handle

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Knife Types Included: chef, bread, santoku, nakiri, carving, utility, paring
Number of Pieces: 7
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Rockwell 56+, double beveled, 15° both sides
Ergonomics: ergonomic Pakkawood handle, non-slip grip
Maintenance: not dishwasher safe

HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 16-pc Knife Set, Chef Knife, Bread Knife, Steak Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery

Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Knife Types Included: chef's, bread, paring, steak knives
Number of Pieces: 16
Sharpness and Edge Retention: ultra-sharp, maintain edge over time
Ergonomics: ergonomic handles, comfortable grip
Maintenance: self-sharpening block, dishwasher-safe

HOSHANHO Knife Set with Magnetic Knife Holder, 6 Pieces Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Sets, Ultra Sharp Professional Chef Knives Sets

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Knife Types Included: chef’s, bread, Santoku, utility, paring
Number of Pieces: 6 Pieces Knife Set
Sharpness and Edge Retention: sharp 15-degree edge; needs regular care
Ergonomics: comfortable pakkawood grip and balance
Maintenance: Hand wash; no dishwasher; magnetic holder

Astercook 15 Piece Knife Set with Sharpener Block - German Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe Kitchen Knives with Built-In Sharpener, Black

Blade Material: High-carbon German stainless steel
Handle Material: Polypropylene
Knife Types Included: Chef, slicing, Santoku, bread, utility, paring, steak
Number of Pieces: 15
Sharpness and Edge Retention: High-carbon steel, built-in sharpener
Ergonomics: Comfortable grip
Maintenance: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended

Astercook Kitchen Knife Set, 15 Piece Knife Block Sets with German 1.4116 Steel Sharper and Rust Proof, Full Tang Knives Set with Ergonomic Nylon Handle, Dishwasher Safe Black

Blade Material: German 1.4116 Alloy Steel
Handle Material: Nylon and ABS
Knife Types Included: chef, bread, utility, paring, steak knives
Number of Pieces: 15-piece set
Sharpness and Edge Retention: long-lasting sharpness, special heat treatment
Ergonomics: ergonomic, anti-slip handles, full-tang
Maintenance: dishwasher safe, rust resistant
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Knife Set

Choosing the right budget knife set can make a significant difference in your kitchen experience. A good knife set should be durable, comfortable to use, and versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks. When selecting a knife set, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a budget knife set.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial because it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon stainless steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for everyday use. High-carbon stainless steel is sharper and holds its edge longer but may require more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. For most users, stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel offers a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the knife's comfort and grip. Common handle materials include plastic, wood, and composite. Plastic handles are lightweight and easy to clean but may not be as durable. Wood handles offer a classic look and comfortable grip but require more maintenance to prevent cracking and warping. Composite handles combine the benefits of plastic and wood, providing durability and comfort. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Knife Types IncludedA knife set typically includes several types of knives, each designed for specific tasks. Common knives in a set include a chef's knife, paring knife, bread knife, and utility knife. Some sets may also include specialty knives like a boning knife or santoku knife. Consider the types of cooking you do most often and choose a set that includes the knives you will use regularly. A basic set with a chef's knife, paring knife, and bread knife is usually sufficient for most home cooks.
Number of PiecesThe number of pieces in a knife set can vary widely, from a few essential knives to a comprehensive collection. More pieces can offer greater versatility, but they also take up more space and may include knives you rarely use. For most home cooks, a set with 5-7 pieces is sufficient, covering the essential knives needed for everyday tasks. If you have specific needs or enjoy trying different knives, a larger set may be beneficial.
Sharpness and Edge RetentionSharpness and edge retention determine how well the knife cuts and how often it needs to be sharpened. A sharp knife makes cutting easier and safer, while good edge retention means the knife stays sharp longer. High-carbon stainless steel blades generally offer better sharpness and edge retention compared to regular stainless steel. Consider how often you are willing to sharpen your knives and choose a set that balances sharpness and maintenance requirements.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how comfortable and balanced the knife feels in your hand. A well-balanced knife reduces hand fatigue and improves control. Look for knives with a comfortable grip and a balanced weight distribution. If possible, try holding the knives before purchasing to ensure they feel comfortable and natural in your hand. Ergonomics are especially important if you spend a lot of time cooking or have any hand or wrist issues.
MaintenanceMaintenance includes how easy it is to clean and sharpen the knives. Stainless steel knives are generally easier to maintain as they are resistant to rust and can often be washed in the dishwasher. High-carbon stainless steel knives may require hand washing and regular oiling to prevent rust. Ceramic knives need careful handling to avoid chipping. Consider your willingness to perform regular maintenance and choose a set that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

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