Best Steak Knife Sets

Buying guide for Best steak knife sets

Whether you’re a carnivore at heart or a casual chef with a taste for the finer things in life, you probably appreciate a basic principle of cooking and grilling: sharp is much better than dull. When it comes to purchasing a new steak knife set, it’s important to choose a set that will arrive ready to work, yet look beautiful resting in a knife block on your kitchen counter.

Cutting with a poor-quality knife or one that isn’t suited to the task at hand is not only frustrating, it can also be dangerous. A paring knife is far too flimsy to cut through dense layers of meat and fat; it can bend or slip. Likewise, the handle of a table knife isn’t designed to provide leverage for slicing easily through a thick cut of meat. A high-quality steak knife does its job safely, making your cooking and dining experiences much more enjoyable.

Many steak knife sets cost less than $20, but read reviews carefully to ensure the cutting quality and design match what you are seeking. Avoid low-cost knives with sub-par blades. Instead, choose a steak knife set with proven results and expert reviews that can vouch for its utility in the kitchen

Key considerations of steak knife sets

A knife is a relatively simple tool, but there are many things to consider when choosing a steak knife set. A good knife set is an investment, and it’s important to find the set that best meets your needs.

Cooking style

If you cook beef, pork, lamb, and other meats multiple times each month, you need a knife set that is versatile enough to deftly cut through each meat while leaving it looking beautiful on a serving platter. You require durability and knives that are able to be used frequently while remaining sharp and effective. Conversely, if nice cuts of meat appear on your dinner table once per month or less, you might not need the fanciest knife on the market. A cheaper version could be just as effective at serving your guests in style.

The number of steak knives in a set is one of our key considerations. Typically, steak knife sets come with four to eight knives.

When we research steak knife sets, we want to know what kind of metal they contain. For example, high carbon stainless steel resists corrosion and oxidation and lasts a long time.

A quality set of steak knives doesn’t just look great—the knives should be safer to use, too.

Price can vary according to the materials used, the number of knives in the set, and any included storage options. We look at steak knife sets at all price points.

We analyze knife design when researching steak knife sets. We’re looking for sets that offer design features like a sturdy triple-rivet handle and good serration.

We consider the ergonomics of steak knives in our research. A knife that doesn’t fit well in the hand or feels slippery could lead to unsafe usage.

Some steak knife sets come with storage options, like a box or knife block. Depending on the knife design and your available storage space, some storage options may hold more appeal than others.

During our research, we look at the various style options available in steak knife sets. Some have no-fuss black or wooden handles. Others have unique shapes and handle colors.

We pay attention to the care instructions when researching the best steak knife sets. Some steak knives are dishwasher safe, but hand washing can help them last longer.

Whether knives are serrated is a factor we consider when researching steak knife sets. Smooth, sharp edges can slice meat more safely, but serrated blades are still a popular choice.

Knife design

Another consideration is knife design. Does the blade slice smoothly through the meat you are cutting, or does it hesitate, creating an uneven finish? A blade that catches or snags while cutting is either poorly designed or simply the wrong type of knife for the task. How well does the handle fit your palm? Is it sturdy or slippery? Comfort and safety are key factors as you decide which knife can cut well, without the risk of slicing your hand.

Solid design helps ensure usability and safety. A knife with a triple-rivet handle design is typically stronger and less likely to come apart. A longer handle is also preferable, as a shorter handle can slip out of your hand. The quality of the blade itself is important – check reviews or our product list to determine whether the blades in a particular set need constant sharpening.

Storage capacity

Knives aren’t that big, but they certainly take up space on kitchen counters. If you have a spacious kitchen with plenty of room to spare, a nice steak knife set with big handles and bold colors can capture guests’ attention and add a sense of professionalism to your surroundings.  If you live in a cramped apartment, a smaller set of really good knives that can easily be stored probably makes more sense.

Steak knife lifespan

Steak knives are often constructed from wood and stainless steel. To ensure the longest, most useful lifespan for your knives, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wash them by hand if machine washing is discouraged. Automatic dishwashers can crack your knives, and the handles can store water. Keep your knives indoors, in a dry place. With proper care, high-quality knives should last a long time despite regular use.

Additional considerations

Before purchasing, make sure the set you’ve chosen has enough knives to suit your needs – a typical steak knife set contains four to eight individual knives, though some sets do offer more. Check for warranty information. Some sets offer lifetime warranties, others come with no warranty at all. Several of the knife sets we reviewed come with a storage box.

Price

Inexpensive

It’s certainly possible to get a good steak knife set for under $25. Check product reviews carefully in this price range to ensure the set you choose is a strong, budget item, not outright low-quality.

Mid-range

In the mid-range of $25 to $50, knife sets should display a bit more attention to aesthetics. The handle shapes may be a bit more elegant, and color choices might vary a bit more than in the budget range. In this price range, sets often come with storage boxes or display blocks.

Expensive

Steak knife sets above $50 should boast superior blade quality, and most likely come with a warranty.

Not all steak knives have serrated blades; some are smooth, yet extremely sharp and efficient at slicing through meat. Contrary to popular belief, sharp knives cause fewer cuts than dull knives because they slice safely into the meat as intended.

FAQ

Q. Aren’t all steak knives the same?

A. Not at all! Our research shows that knives vary widely in ergonomics of the handle and the durability of the design makes a big difference. Also, higher-quality knives provide smooth cuts that make your cooking experience far better than when using a sub-par knife.

Q. Can I mix and match my knives?

A. Absolutely. While some knife users prefer to use the same knives for family meals and parties, others have a nice set of knives along with a lower-cost option for simple kitchen tasks day to day.

Q. How should I clean my steak knives that can’t be washed in a dishwasher?

A. Store them in a bowl in your sink before washing to ensure they don’t slip beneath soapy water and cut your hands. Use a washcloth to scrub with hot, soapy water, then rinse off the soap before air-drying or drying with a towel. Then you can simply place the knives back into their storage box for your next cooking experience.