Over time, knives will begin to lose their sharpness, particularly when they are used regularly.
Not only does this make them more difficult to use because you have to apply a greater amount of when cutting into tougher foods in particular, but there is also a risk of the blade crushing the food.
Investing in a new set of knives provides the solution to such issues but some knife sets can cost over $100 and for those on a budget, this isn’t a practical option.
Of course, you don’t want to compromise on the quality for affordability but it is important to remain within the margins of your set budget too.
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I have browsed the market and selected and reviewed my top five picks of the best knife sets on offer, all of which retail under $50.
Below, I have also provided you with a handy buyer’s guide with all my top tips for purchasing the best knife set and the features expected from high-quality knives.
OUR TOP PICK
No products found.DEIK High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set
EDITORS CHOICE
Farberware 15 Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
DEIK High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set
No products found.The DEIK High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set is renowned for its quality.
Consisting of 14 pieces, the set provides you with an 8” chef knife, an 8” carving knife, an 8” bread knife, a 7.5” stainless sharpening steel, sheers, a 5” utility knife, a 4.5” steak knife, and 6 paring knives, all of which are housed in an acrylic block.
The forged one piece design creates durable knives that are bound to deliver long-lasting use.
The design is further benefited by the use of high carbon stainless steel, which is stain-free and resistant to chipping and corrosion.
Because of this, the knives will maintain their quality even when subject to regular use.
As for comfort, these knives have been ergonomically designed and sport a curved and tapered handle.
This means that they will fit comfortably into your hand and will also be easy to control when in use.
Pros
- The sharpener – this tool allows you to maintain the condition and sharpness of the knives.
- Quality – these knives have sharp blades which makes it easier to cut through tougher foods with ease.
- Compact – the knife stand isn’t going to consume a lot of room on your kitchen counters.
Cons
- Durability – the quality of the knife stand could be improved because it is prone to crying.
EDITORS CHOICE
Farberware 15 Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
Recognized for their quality, the Farberware 15 Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set will not disappoint. Each of the knives has a superior high carbon stainless steel blade which allows for precise chopping.
These knives are also durable and resistant to chipping, rusting, and dulling over time.
This set consists of a variety of knives which provides greater flexibility in regards to functionality.
This includes an 8” chef knife, a 6” bread knife, a 6” slicing knife, a 5” serrated utility knife, a 4.5” santoku knife, a 3” paring knife, and 6 4.5” steak knives.
Aside from this, you are also provided with shears and a sharpening steel all of which are contained in a black woodblock. As you can see you are equipped with plenty of knives to cater to different chopping needs.
These knives are sleekly designed and will not appear obtrusive when stored on your kitchen counter. They are also easy to care for and simply need to be washed using warm water and a mild detergent.
Pros
- Warranty – when you purchase these knives you are provided with a lifetime limited warranty so there is help available if required.
- Colors – the knife block is available in a range of colors so you can select the option that compliments your kitchen aesthetic.
- Comfort – thanks to the ergonomic design of the handles, these knives are comfortable to handle.
Cons
- Cleaning – these knives are only suitable for hand washing and on occasions water is prone to getting stuck inside which may lead to the development of rust.
BEST VALUE
Marco Almond Knife Block Set
The Marco Almond Knife Block Set consists of 14 pieces, which includes an 8” chef knife and an 8” slicing knife, a 5” santoku knife, a 5.5” serrated utility knife, a standard 5” utility knife, a 3.5” paring knife, 6 steak knives and a pair of shears which are all conveniently stored inside the wooden knife block.
I particularly like that this block is designed with a built in sharpener which makes it easier to preserve the quality and sharpness of the knives.
In regards to construction, these knives have been made from Japanese stainless steel which possesses many qualities. Not only is it easy to sharpen but it is also impressively durable and resistant to rusting.
As this knife block boasts a sleek design it can be conveniently displayed on your kitchen counters without consuming a great deal of space.
Courtesy of the ergonomic design, these knives are comfortable to handle and easy to control for precise chopping.
Pros
- Satisfaction Guarantee – if you aren’t happy with the product that you receive, there is support available.
- Colors – as there is a selection of colors available you can choose your preferred option.
- Convenience – the sharpener is built into the stand which makes it more convenient and saves on storage.
Cons
- Weight – these are lightweight lives that may not cater to the preferences of those who prefer knives with a more substantial feel.
RUNNER UP
Cuisinart 12 Piece Metallic Knife Set
From a brand that is recognized for producing high-quality cookware, the Cuisinart 12 Piece Metallic Knife Set is a strong contender.
In this set you are provided with a total of 12 knives; 8” chef knives, 8” serrated bread knives, 7” Santoku knives, 6.5” utility knives, and 3.5” paring knives.
Each knife is available in 2 options with a slight difference in the style of the blade.
All of the knives are designed with a non-stick coating which makes it easier to chop through different foods without worrying about any remnants clinging to the surface of the knife.
They are also color-coded which makes it easier to know which type to use for certain foods. Furthermore, this also helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
As for durability, these knives have been constructed from high-quality stainless steel which will deliver long-lasting use.
They are also stylishly designed with matching knife guards which help to preserve the quality of the blades.
Pros
- Warranty – these knives are covered by a lifetime warranty so there is help available if you are dissatisfied with the quality of your purchase.
- Price – As these knives retail towards the lower end of the price range, they are ideal for those who are on a budget.
- Durable – these knives have been made to a high standard and deliver long-lasting durability.
Cons
- Sharpness – some customers have reported that these knives were not as sharp as they were anticipating.
RUNNER UP
Wanbasion 16 Piece Knife Set
Boasting an aesthetically pleasing and unique design, the Wanbasion 16 piece knife set is a great option for style conscious customers who want their set to make a statement.
This set contains 6 steak knives, a santoku knife, a bread knife, a chef knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, a carving knife, scissors, and a knife sharpener. As such you are provided with all the knives that you are likely to require.
Each of the knives features a blue titanium coating which protects them against corrosion and scratching.
They are also resistant to rust and stains, so you needn’t worry about them deteriorating in quality with any immediacy.
Courtesy of the precision edge technology, these knives have sharper blades for better chopping.
The acrylic cylinder knife block is compactly designed to save space when stored on your kitchen counters.
The transparent design also allows you to see the knives when they are inside this block and this makes it easier to know which type of knife you are retrieving.
Pros
- Color – these knives are available in a variety of stylish colors so you can select the style that compliments your kitchen interior.
- Handles – they are robustly designed and easy to hold.
- Cleaning – as these knives are dishwasher safe they are easy to clean after use.
Cons
- The Quality – after being washed a couple of times, the color sometimes appears a little tarnished.
Best Knife Set Under $50 Buying Guide
There are many factors that are likely to influence the knife set that you choose from the number and style of knives that you are provided with to the overall quality and appearance.
Below, I have listed some factors that I would recommend you consider before making your purchase.
The Contents Of The Set
The contents of the set and the number of knives that you are provided with will differ between brands, although most tend to contain at least 12. The selection of different knives offers the flexibility to choose the style of knife that is best suited to your culinary needs.
Though the larger knives are typically provided in individual quantities, you will often be provided with multiple steak knives or paring knives.
Most will also contain scissors and a steel sharpener of some variety. This can be used to sharpen the knives as and when required to maintain the quality and ensure that they are always functional.
The Size Of The Knife
It is important to ensure that the knives contained within the set are sized to cater to your needs. Larger knives of course have more cutting space but can be a little more difficult to handle.
The size of the knife that you require will depend on what you are going to be using it for. If you are cutting through larger and tougher food items you will likely need a bigger knife, however, for other foods or dining purposes, a smaller knife is likely to suffice.
Also, consider the size of the block in which they are stored. Many sport a compact design that allows you to display it on your kitchen counter without it consuming a great deal of space.
User Comfort
Many knives have an ergonomic design in the form of a tapered and curved handle that also has some sort of grip. This makes the knives more comfortable to hold and easier to grasp onto for more control and precise cutting.
Knives that don’t have an ergonomic handle are going to be more uncomfortable to use and may cause your wrists to tire if you are likely to require its use for some time.
The Quality
The quality of the knives is paramount in determining how long they are going to last. A common issue with many knives is that they begin to rust easily, particularly if they have been washed but not dried thoroughly.
Invest in a set that is resistant to corrosion, staining, and rusting as this will ensure that you do not encounter such issues. A set of durable knives are much more likely to deliver long-lasting use in comparison to those that have been poorly designed.
The blades should also be sharp enough to cut through different types of foods. In many instances, customers will invest in a knife set only to be disappointed in the standard and functionality of the blades because they are ineffective in cutting through tougher foods.
The Color
While the color may not be of concern to all customers, to others it may be influential upon the set that they purchase. Some brands will produce their knives and the block in multiple colors.
In many cases, this includes colors such as white, silver, and black, but other brands may offer a more unique option in the form of blue or red, etc. The availability of different colors allows you to select your preferred option and also the style that you feel is going to compliment the aesthetic of your kitchen decor.
Cleaning The Knives
As these knives have been made from stainless steel, most aren’t suitable for dishwashing because this can affect the finish of the cutting surface. Many brands will also advise against the use of abrasive cleaners because they can cause the knives to deteriorate in quality sooner than you would like.
Instead, you should use warm water and a mild detergent. In some instances, the knives will be suitable for dishwashing, but you should always check the product specifications beforehand to ensure that this is the case.
The Weight
The weight of the knives can differ between brands. While some will be heavier with a more substantial feel, others will be more lightweight.
The weight of the knives that you choose is likely to depend on your preference and which you find easier to handle and work with.
The type of foods that you are going to be cutting will also influence the weight of the knife that you require. Heavier knives should be used to cut tougher foods, whilst lighter knives should be used to cut more delicate foods.
The Brand
Some brands are renowned within this industry for manufacturing high-quality products that are commonly sought after by their loyal customer base.
For this reason, you may feel encouraged to make your purchase with these well known brands. However, do not be deterred by offerings from lesser known brands because their products can be just as impressive as those from more well known brands.
Warranty
You will find that many brands offer a warranty or a guarantee with their products. Because of this, if you are dissatisfied with the product that you receive, the brand is responsible for providing a rectification to the issue, and as a result, you will not be left with a product that does not fulfill its purpose.
These policies aren’t offered by all brands and the length of the policy can differ too so you must determine whether this is going to influence the product that you purchase.
The Price
Throughout this guide, I have focused on sourcing products that retail below the $50 price range.
Whilst some retail rather close to this price, others are considerably cheaper and provide a viable alternative for those who are working with a tighter budget. It is important to ensure that you don’t compromise on the quality, functionality, and contents of the set for affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a knife set?
Whilst budget knives will be effective in fulfilling their purpose, by spending a little more you will be provided with a greater guarantee of their durability.
The best quality knives are likely to cost around $50 and above, however, you will find other options that retail for $100 and above.
Are good knives worth it?
For those who are passionate about cooking, then yes investing in good quality knives is most certainly a worthy expense. Not only do well made knives have a more luxurious design and feel but they are also expected to last longer too.
Those that require knives for basic, daily culinary tasks may not be as concerned about these factors.
