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Best Steak Knife Sets

Updated December 2023
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Wüsthof Classic 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
Wüsthof
Classic 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
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Renowned Performance
Bottom Line

There are few steak knife sets as simple or as impressive as this one from Wüsthof.

Pros

Plain-edge blade slides effortlessly through meats. High-carbon steel retains edge and flexibility. Full-tang construction is triple-riveted through the handle for added durability. Set of six 4.5-inch knives.

Cons

Quite expensive when compared to other options.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dalstrong 8-Piece 5" Straight Edge Blade - Gladiator Series
Dalstrong
8-Piece 5" Straight Edge Blade - Gladiator Series
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

Made from forged German steel, these knives earn our cooking expert's praise for their long blades.

Pros

High-carbon German steel blades that are precisely tempered and stain-resistant. Sharp and balanced with solid heft. Arrive in elegant oak storage block that can lay flat or vertically.

Cons

The block is too large and takes up a lot of space.

Imarku 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
Imarku
6-Piece Steak Knife Set
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Expert-recommended
Bottom Line

Solid steak knives that are attractive and come in a great aspirational set, according to our expert.

Pros

Forged from high-carbon stainless steel for maximum corrosion and oxidation resistance. Micro-serrated edges are ideal for cutting meats. One-piece, full-tang blade and double-riveted handle are stable and durable.

Cons

Great quality, but somewhat pricier than lower- and mid-range sets.

Chicago Cutlery Fusion Steak Knife Set
Chicago Cutlery
Fusion Steak Knife Set
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Unique Design
Bottom Line

These knives have a unique grip that feels extra secure.

Pros

Asian-influenced, cushion-grip handles prevent slipping and feel secure. Taper grind edge optimizes sharpness and increases ease of sharpening. Forged design for increased weight and balance. Full metal tang.

Cons

A few users had issues with handles breaking.

Henckels Modernist 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
Henckels
Modernist 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Sharp, beautiful silver blades and smooth handles from a reputable name in cutlery.

Pros

Stainless steel with partial tang. Forged knives. Serrated blades. Rounded handles feel good in the hand making it easier to cut through tougher meats with ease. Durable and long-lasting quality.

Cons

The serrated edges are disliked by some people.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
103
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
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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.

Content Image
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.

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.

Expert Tip
There are many style options for steak knife sets. Make sure the set you choose compliments your current flatware. 
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

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.

Expert Tip
Many countertop knife blocks have six or eight slots specifically for steak knives. You may find that you use your knives more frequently if they’re easily accessible in a countertop block.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

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.

Expert Tip
Steak knives aren’t just for special occasions! Use your knives every day on your take-out chicken, shish kabob meats, and homemade eggs benedict.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Expensive

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

Content Image
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.

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