Most Recommended Knife Sets under $500

Updated

If you're on the hunt for a new knife set for under $500, check out Curated Experts' top most recommended picks within this budget. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone is different and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Be sure to chat with a Kitchen Expert here on Curated to receive personalized advice on the best knife set for your needs.

James B., Kitchen Expert
PM
Ethan Scherer, Kitchen Expert
By Knife Set ExpertsJames, Paul, Ethan and others
The Cangshan Helena 8pc Knife Block Set is a versatile, high-quality set that covers all your basic cutlery needs. Made with durable German steel, these knives are perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and meats. The set includes a variety of knives, a honing steel, and a beautiful knife block for safe and elegant storage. The ergonomic handles ensure comfort and control during use. Ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks, this set is not recommended for dishwasher use.
Ideal for
  • Professional chefs
  • Home cooks
  • Those who need a variety of knives for different tasks
  • Those who prefer knives with comfortable, ergonomic handles
  • Those who appreciate a stylish and elegant knife block for storage
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer dishwasher-safe knives
  • Tasks that require a serrated blade, such as cutting through crusty bread or slicing through meat with bones
Soph J., Kitchen Expert
Mike and Annette, Kitchen Expert
Olivera N., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Soph J., Mike and Annette, Olivera N.
The Cangshan TS Series Knife Block Set is a top pick for those seeking a blend of style and functionality in their kitchen. Designed with the assistance of Chef Thomas Keller, this set offers exceptional performance and durability. The knives are forged from high alloy Swedish 14C28N Steel, ensuring sharpness that lasts up to 5 times longer than German Steel. The patented ergonomic handle design ensures a comfortable grip. The set includes a variety of knives, honing steel, shears, and a handcrafted walnut block, making it an all-in-one solution for any culinary task.
Ideal for
  • Home chefs seeking a durable and long-lasting knife set
  • Individuals who appreciate sleek and modern kitchenware design
  • Those who value comfort and ergonomics in their kitchen tools
  • Anyone in need of a comprehensive knife set including a variety of knives, honing steel, and shears
Fiona Orel, Kitchen Expert
Wendy M., Kitchen Expert
Elizabeth H., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Fiona Orel, Wendy M., Elizabeth H.
The Cangshan Helena 12pc Knife Block Set is a top-notch choice for those who appreciate a blend of style and functionality. This set, with its sleek modern design, is perfect for mild entertainment and a variety of kitchen prep tasks. The blades, crafted from high-quality German carbon stainless steel, offer superior sharpness and edge retention. The set is easy to maintain with stain-resistant blades and ergonomic handles. The acacia wood block adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen decor.
Ideal for
  • People who appreciate modern design
  • Those who need a variety of knives for different kitchen tasks
  • Users who value superior sharpness and edge retention
  • Individuals who prefer easy maintenance of their kitchen tools
  • People who host mild entertainment and require a versatile knife set
Wendy M., Kitchen Expert
Trevor Stirratt, Kitchen Expert
Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Wendy M., Trevor Stirratt, Kaitlyn Gencarelli
PROGRESS

What are you shopping for?

Answer a few questions to receive personalized recommendations from an Expert.
The Cangshan TS Series Starter Set is the perfect choice for those looking to build a high-quality knife set without breaking the bank. Made from superior Swedish steel, these knives are sharper and stronger than their German or Japanese counterparts. The set includes an 8" chef knife, a 5" serrated utility knife, and a 3.5" paring knife, all with protective sheaths. The full tang and forged construction ensure perfect balance and durability, making this set a long-lasting investment.
Ideal for
  • Those looking for high-quality, durable knives at a budget-friendly price
  • Individuals starting to build their knife set
  • Users who prefer sharper and stronger knives
  • Those who value balance and durability in their knives
  • People who appreciate the quality of Swedish steel
Elizabeth H., Kitchen Expert
Joel Fletcher, Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Elizabeth H., Joel Fletcher
The Zwilling Four Star Anniversary Knife Block Set is a top recommendation for those seeking a comprehensive, high-quality knife set under $500. Made in Germany from high-carbon German steel, these knives are ice-hardened to maintain their sharpness and beauty over time. The set includes all essential knives for any kitchen task, along with a pair of kitchen shears. The special bolster design ensures easy, comfortable cutting and acts as a finger guard. However, these knives are not dishwasher-safe and should be hand washed to maintain their quality.
Ideal for
  • Home cooks seeking a comprehensive knife set
  • Those who value high-quality, durable kitchen tools
  • Users who prefer comfortable and safe knife handling
  • Minimalists who appreciate a sleek, modern design
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer dishwasher-safe kitchen tools
Soph J., Kitchen Expert
Joel Fletcher, Kitchen Expert
Wendy M., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Soph J., Joel Fletcher, Wendy M.
The Cangshan TC Series Starter Set is a perfect blend of Asian styled handles and European blade design, making it a comfortable and versatile tool in the kitchen. Made with super durable Swedish Sandvik steel, this set is a reliable workhorse with a precise and durable edge. It includes an 8" Chef knife, a 5" serrated utility knife, and a paring knife, catering to a range of culinary needs. This set is ideal for professionals seeking high performance without the high price tag.
Ideal for
  • Professionals seeking a high-quality knife set
  • Cooks who need a versatile range of knives
  • Users who appreciate a blend of Asian and European design
  • Those who value durability and precision in their kitchen tools
Mike and Annette, Kitchen Expert
Alex Alcarraz, Kitchen Expert
Elizabeth H., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Mike and Annette, Alex Alcarraz, Elizabeth H.
The Anolon AlwaysSharp 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set is a top-notch choice for home cooks, amateur chefs, and professionals. Crafted from high-quality, corrosion-resistant Japanese stainless steel, these knives offer superior strength, durability, and balance. The set includes a variety of essential knives and shears, making it versatile for all cutting needs. The built-in ceramic sharpener in the wooden knife block ensures your knives remain razor-sharp, while the triple-riveted, rounded handles provide a comfortable grip for superior control. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer to sharpen their knives manually.
Ideal for
  • Home cooks
  • Amateur chefs
  • Professionals
  • Those who prefer a built-in sharpener
  • Those who value strength, durability, and balance in their knives
Not ideal for
  • Those who prefer sharpening their knives manually
Leo Cocchiara, Kitchen Expert
Soph J., Kitchen Expert
Clark G., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Leo Cocchiara, Soph J., Clark G.
The Henckels Modernist 14-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Set with Block, Dark Brown is a dream come true for those who love to cook. It's perfect for all kitchen tasks, from preparing gourmet meals to slicing strawberries for breakfast. The set includes a variety of knives, kitchen shears, and a self-sharpening block, ensuring your knives stay sharp and ready for use. The block is labeled for each knife, making it easy to keep your kitchen organized. The set's ceramic construction promises long-lasting durability, while its sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any countertop. However, if you're not a fan of silver handles and brown wooden blocks, this might not be the set for you.
Ideal for
  • People who cook frequently
  • People who value organization in the kitchen
  • People who prefer durable kitchen tools
  • People who appreciate a sleek and elegant design
Not ideal for
  • People who dislike the combination of silver handles and brown wooden blocks
Fauziya Muhammed, Kitchen Expert
Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Kitchen Expert
Fiona Orel, Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Fauziya Muhammed, Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Fiona Orel
The Henckels Statement 20-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Set with Block is a game-changer for home chefs and cooking enthusiasts who value convenience and quality. This comprehensive set includes an array of high-quality knives, all made with German steel, and a self-sharpening block that ensures your blades stay razor-sharp with minimal effort. The set is not recommended for those who prefer manual sharpening over self-sharpening technology.
Ideal for
  • Home chefs
  • Cooking enthusiasts
  • Those who value convenience
  • Those who appreciate high-quality German steel knives
  • Those who prefer self-sharpening technology
Not ideal for
  • Individuals who prefer manual sharpening over self-sharpening technology
Fiona Orel, Kitchen Expert
Joel Fletcher, Kitchen Expert
Olivera N., Kitchen Expert
by Curated experts Fiona Orel, Joel Fletcher, Olivera N.
The Cangshan TC Series Knife Block Set is a perfect fit for chefs and home cooks seeking high-quality, durable knives. Made from German steel, these knives are known for their sharpness and resistance to rust. The set includes a range of knives for various tasks, a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a stylish knife block for safe storage. However, they are not recommended for cutting dense foods like bones or frozen meats.
Ideal for
  • Chefs
  • Home cooks
  • Those who appreciate high-quality kitchen tools
  • Those who need a variety of knives for different tasks
  • Those who value stylish and functional kitchen decor
Not ideal for
  • Cutting through dense foods such as bones and frozen meats
Olivera N., Kitchen Expert
by Curated expert Olivera N.

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!
Result Summary
  1. Cangshan Helena Knife Block Set · 8 Piece Set
  2. Cangshan TS Series Knife Block Set · 8 Piece Set
  3. Cangshan Helena Knife Block Set · 12 Piece Set
  4. Cangshan TS Series Starter Set · 3 Piece Set
  5. Zwilling Four Star Anniversary Knife Block Set · 8 Piece Set
  6. Cangshan TC Series Starter Set · 3 Piece Set
  7. Anolon AlwaysSharp Japanese Steel Knife Block Set with Built-In Sharpener · 8 Piece Set
  8. Henckels Modernist Self-Sharpening Knife Set with Block · 14 Piece
  9. Henckels Statement Self-Sharpening Knife Set with Block · 20 Piece Set
  10. Cangshan TC Series Knife Block Set · 8 Piece Set
Which Knife Set product is right for you?
Get personalized recommendations from a certified gear expert. Take a short quiz to get started!