Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100 for 2023

Cutlery is one of the most essential food preparation instruments in the kitchen and owing to contemporary production processes, it will be feasible to get decent knives on a budget in 2023 as well. When it comes to kitchen knives, there are a plethora of options available, ranging from very inexpensive models to high-end models that cost more than a mortgage payment.

It is undeniable that acquiring a knife set is more cost-effective than purchasing individual knives, but it may be difficult to know where to begin when making this decision. So, with this in mind, we evaluated a large number of budget-friendly knife sets so that we could highlight the finest kitchen knife block sets under $100 from leading manufacturers in 2023.

Even if you spend less than $100 on a knife set, it is still a wise investment to make. In order to ensure that you get the most out of your knife set, I’ve included cutlery care and handling instructions at the conclusion of this post. The knives in even the most basic cutlery set should survive for many years if they’re properly maintained.

In recent year, there haven’t been many new knife sets produced in the under $100 price bracket. I suppose that this has something to do with the specific manufacturing constraints that corporations have encountered in the last several decades.

Companies that make cutlery are starting to produce new goods at a higher pace this year, according to the latest data. I will keep updating this post as I try out new products throughout the year 2023.

The following are our top picks for the best knives under 100 dollars in 2023.

1. Cuisinart C77WTR-15P Classic Forged Triple Rivet
2. Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic Knife Board Set
3. Henckels Definition 12-pc Knife Block Set – Cherry Wood
4. Cangshan S1 Series 1026023 German Steel Forged 3-Piece Tai Knife Block Set
5. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
6. HENCKELS Statement 12-pc Kitchen Knife Set with Block, Chef’s Knife
7. Cangshan V2 Series 1022520 German Steel Forged 5-Piece Starter Knife Block Set
8. Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 13-Piece knife set with block

CUISINART C77WTR-15P CLASSIC WHITE 15 PIECE KNIFE SET

INCLUDES

• Weigh 8.3 lbs
• The size is 5.38′′ x 14.5′′ x 9.88′′

Positives

• Guaranteed for life
• Tango full tango
• Stamped, not forged
• Excellent performance right out of the box
• Equipped with a honing rod
• Blades hold their edge fairly well
• The block looks good
• Endcaps made from stainless steel
• Handles with ergonomic triple rivets

Downs

• Not suitable for dishwashers

One 8-inch chef knife, one 8-inch slicing knife, one 7-inch santoku knife, one 5.5-inch utility knife, six 3.5-inch paring knives, one 2.75-inch bird’s beak paring knife, six 4.5-inch steak knives, one 8-inch sharpening steel, one pair of kitchen shears, and one wood knife storage block are included in the set.

With this bundle, you will get a lot of value for the money that you spend. With full-tang knives that have forged blades and triple-riveted handles, you may get a good deal for your money. Normally, such specifications come at the expense of quantity, but this collection is really rather large.

In addition, it appears to be of high quality. When it comes to budget knives, the fit and quality are acceptable; in fact, the storage block is one of the more attractive items in this piece. Obviously, the total quality is lower than that of higher-priced sets, but Cuisinart has done an excellent job in terms of function and appearance compared to the price.

When compared to the bigger hero blades in this set, the smaller knives in this set seem a touch flimsy, although that is fairly typical of cheap knife sets. For years of usage and spot-free blades, these knives should always be cleaned by hand immediately after use and dried immediately after drying. If the accompanying honing rod is used on a regular basis, these knives will not need frequent sharpening.

The set is well-designed, robust, and probably one of the best kitchen cutlery sets you can find at this price. The Cangshan set we discussed previously in this post is a good option if you just need a small set, but if you need a large set that would look beautiful on practically any kitchen counter, the Cuisinart collection is a terrific alternative at its current sub-100 dollar price point.

5-PIECE KNIFE SET CULINARY MILLENIA BY MERCER

INCLUDES

• A weight of 3.8 lbs
• The dimensions are 15″ x 5″ x 15.5″.

Positives

• Stunning appearance
• A very comfortable handle
• Good resistance to rust
• Sharpening blades is easy
• Straight out of the box, sharp
• Warranty is limited to one lifetime
• Designing for practice
• A drawer can easily hold the entire set and storage board

Downs

• Stamped blades are stronger than forged blades
• The set does not include steak knives
• In a pinch grip, a bit awkward.

One 8-inch chef knife, one 8-inch serrated bread knife, one 7-inch santoku knife, one 3.5-inch paring knife, one and one magnetic wood storage board are included in the set.

The Mercer Culinary Millenia 5-Piece Knife Set delivers exceptional value for money, with high-quality blades and wonderfully comfortable handles to match. In spite of the fact that it does not have the traditional appearance of a wooden handle knife set in a hard wood block, if you really enjoy the visual aspect of this set, it would be the best bet for anyone who wants to spend less than $100 on a kitchen knife set.

It is also an excellent choice for anyone looking for a set that is suited for storing in an RV as the whole set can easily be kept in a drawer with ease, and the magnetic storage board keeps the knives in their rightful places while also making sure that they are stored correctly.

The Culinary Millennia knives have blades constructed of Japanese X30Cr13 steel, which is high-carbon steel. This steel is reasonably corrosion resistant, however, it does not retain its edge for a lengthy period of time in most cases.

There is encouragement from Mercer’s heat treatment program that the edge retention of the knives of the X30Cr13 stainless steel were improved compared to the ordinary X30Cr13 stainless steel blades.

Instead than using a wooden block for storage, this set makes use of a magnetic board. The magnets on the back of the board are quite strong, and they are responsible for keeping the blades securely in place. Acacia, Bamboo, and Rubberwood are among the wood kinds that may be used for the storage boards in this collection.

With the Millennia series knife sets, you can pick a handle color to suit your kitchen. As you can see in the image above, each knife set is available in a range of colors. The finest aspect of these knife handles, on the other hand, is not the variety of color choices available for the handles.

It is the ergonomic form and feels of the handles unless you are employing a pinch grip, that makes them so pleasant. Its handles are composed of a combination of Santoprene and polypropylene, which makes it exceptionally gripping even when it is wet or slippery.

7-PIECE SET OF J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION

INCLUDES

• The weight of this item is 6.1lbs
• Dimensions: 13.25 inches by 4 inches by 11 inches

Positives

• Warranty for life
• Tango full tango
• HRC 55-58
• For the price, this is a large set
• Straight out of the box, very sharp
• Block of Cherry wood looks great
• For the price, this is a nice fit and finish

Downs

• The paring knife did not have the same level of sharpness as the other knives in the set.
• Knives for steak have a serrated edge and a straight edge.

A single paring knife measure 3 inches in length, another utility knife measures one-half inch in width, another knife measures one, two, or four inches in length, a hollow edge santoku measuring 5 inches in length, and another one measuring 8 inches in length, as well as a pair of kitchen shears and a cherry wood storage block.

J.A. Henckles does an excellent job of producing high-quality budget knives, and this set is unquestionably one of the finest under $100 available on the market. Probably the most significant drawback of the set is that the steak knives are a bizarre blend of serrated and straight edge blades. Others’ perspectives on this may differ, but we are not fans of it.

Fortunately, the standout knives in this set, such as the 8-inch chef knife depicted above, provided such excellent value for the money that I was ready to ignore the bizarre steak knives and include this set in this post despite the odd steak knives.

Due to the full tang design of the knives, they have excellent edge retention for a budget set, and the storage block looks great enough to be displayed in almost any kitchen. People with small to medium-sized hands, as opposed to those with huge hands, seemed to prefer the handles on this set, according to my research.

That is not to argue that the Henckels Definition handles were unpopular with individuals who had big hands. These people just didn’t appeal to them in the same way as individuals with little hands did.

There is no doubt that the paring knife in this set, despite the fact that it might have been a bit duller than the rest of the knives, proved more than adequate due to its excellent blade geometry and its comfortable grip.

The bread knives that come with inexpensive sets are sometimes the most underwhelming cutlery in the set. Thanks to the included 8-inch bread knife, the set was more than adequate. However, we discovered that we desired it was a bit longer in length since it sliced neatly and evenly.

Henckels’ 12-Piece Definition Knife Set, which is one of the brands at its price point, performed better than most of its peers in terms of durability and quality. In addition, the knives featured a superior overall fit and polish than the majority of cheap blades. Despite the fact that the steak knives in this set are unusually shaped, we have no hesitation in recommending it.

KNIFE SET 3-PIECE CANGSHAN S1

INCLUDES

• It weighs 5.8 lbs.
• The dimensions are 15″ x 7.75″ x 3.75″.

Positives

• Excellent performance right out of the box
• Guaranteed for life
• Handles with a comfortable contour
• Maintains its edge very well
• An excellent balance

Downs

• The set is very small
• The storage block has no empty slots

One 8-inch chef knife, one 3.5-inch paring knife, and one Walnut knife storage block are included in the set.

Despite the fact that this two-knife set from Cangshan is far smaller than any of the other sets discussed in this article, the two knives included in this set are by far the highest-quality and most-effective knives discussed in this post from both a quality and performance aspect.

X50Cr15MoV German Steel is used in the construction of the blades of both of these knives, which are full tang. The knives from Cangshan retain their sharpness for a long time thanks to their exceptional heat treatment.

The tapered handles are pleasant and simple to hold, and they accommodate a wide range of grip styles nicely. They also have a fantastic appearance. This package is ideal for someone who places a high value on quality above quantity.

A boat or RV kitchen would benefit from this set as well since it takes up very little counter space and is easy to transport. When you are utilizing the knives, this set gives the impression of being far more costly. There is no doubt that the 8-inch Chef’s knife is one of the better knives in this series, in particular, due to the grip, which feels as if it belongs in a higher-end knife set.

8 PIECE CHIKARA SERIES CUTLERY SET BY GINSU

INCLUDES

I weigh 7.65 lbs

Dimensions: 5.88″x5.5″x14.80″

Positives

• Replaceable for the life of the product
• Fully Tango
• Stamped, not forged
• Equipped with a honing rod
• For knives at this price point, the blades maintain their edge exceptionally well
• This is a beautiful block
• Comfortable handles

Downs

• No steak knife at all
• Textured steel that is relatively soft

The set includes an 8-inch chef knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, a 5-inch utility knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a honing rod, kitchen shears, and a bamboo block for storage.

The Ginsu Chikara Series 8 Piece Set, which costs less than $100, may be your best option if you do not need steak knives. In this case, the stainless steel is 420J, which is low-cost steel that does not maintain an edge very well. When knives are used often, they must be sharpened on a regular basis as a consequence of the increased wear.

This is not a knife set that should be washed in the dishwasher under any circumstances. They should be hand cleaned and dried as soon as possible. With proper maintenance, these knives should endure for many years to come.

While the seven-inch santoku knife is the star of this set, the utility knife is surprisingly versatile and can be used for a wide range of activities. This Wusthof Classic 4183 Santoku knife is not quite at the level of the Wusthof Classic 4183 Santoku knife which is much more expensive in terms of price, but it is almost on par with it in terms of price and performance.

It is a fantastic knife to take on camping vacations, picnics, or road trips for food preparation since it is capable of tackling a wide range of chores while being compact and lightweight.

In all, the Ginsu Chikara Series is a fantastic value purchase that should last for many years to come.

HENCKELS 12 PIECE INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT SET

INCLUDES

• It weighs 8.3 pounds
• Measures 12.5 x 4.25 x 11.5 inches

Positives

• Guaranteed for life
• Fully Tango
• A very sharp product right out of the box
• The sharpening rod is also included
• Blades at this price point hold their edge well
• Endcaps made from stainless steel
• A budget-friendly santoku knife is included in this set
• Handles with ergonomic triple rivets

Downs

• The stamp is genuine, not forged
• I don’t like the way this block looks

The triple-rivet handles on this set are very sturdy for a set that costs less than $100. It is possible to take a battering on them, and they are constructed well enough from an ergonomic aspect that they will not cause pain when worn for an extended amount of time. 

This set’s handles are not as pleasant as the handles of the set I discussed earlier in this post. This is in comparison with the J.A Henckels International Statement set. Even though the blades are stamped rather than forged, this is usual for knife sets in this price range, and J.A. Henckels precision stamping method produces some outstanding blades, this is a minor quibble.

In the opinion of J.A. Herckels, this set can be washed in the dishwasher, but handwashing is preferred. Hand washing these knives is strongly recommended after purchase since they are susceptible to developing rust spots if left wet for a long length of time, as is the case with all carbon steel knives. One disadvantage of steel blades with a high carbon content is that they tend to rust more easily. The advantage is that they are good at maintaining an edge.

This is one of the best kitchen cutlery sets you can get for the price that you will find within this price range. You will be hard pressed to find a more attractive or durable set at this price point.

A 5 PIECE SET OF CANGSHAN KITCHEN KNIFE V2 SERIES

INCLUDES

• Weighs 8.2 pounds
• The dimensions are 15″ x 5″ x 15.5″

Positives

• No stamp, forged
• Steel of the highest quality
• Great value for the money
• For this price point, this is a great block of wood
• Straight from the box, sharp
• A budget-friendly set of kitchen shears
• Handles that are highly comfortable
• Guaranteed for life

Downs

• The set is small
• Steak knives not allowed

One 8-inch chef knife, one 5-inch serrated utility knife, one 3.5-inch paring knife, one pair of shears, and one acacia wood block are included in the set.

It is one of the better solutions available at a price range around $100 if you are a minimalist who values quality over quantity. The blades are manufactured of X50Cr15Mov German steel, which is often found exclusively on high-end kitchen knife sets and other high-end products.

There is a great deal of rust and corrosion resistance in this steel, which allows it to remain sharp for a fairly long time. These knives are exceedingly sharp when they are delivered, and they are also surprisingly pleasant to hold. It goes without saying that the drawback of purchasing knives of this calibre for less than $100 is that there are only three knives and one pair of scissors included in the package.

There is little question that the knives included in this set are of higher quality than the knives included in almost any other cheap knife set. The combination of excellent balance, high-quality steel, and long-lasting handles makes this set a must-have for any “best of” budget-friendly list.

Every piece of equipment, including the kitchen shears, is of high quality and simple to clean. If Cangshan had included some vacant slots in the block so that the set could be expanded over time, it would have been ideal; nonetheless, that is my only criticism of this attractive and sturdy cutlery set.

A 13-Piece Set of Chicago Cutlery Stainless Steel in the Kitchen

INCLUDES

• Weighs 8.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.4 inches by 6.8 inches by 14.6 inches

Positives

• No stamp, forged
• This wooden block looks great
• Straight out of the box, sharp
• Combination knife that works well
• Handles that are highly comfortable
• Guaranteed for life

Downs

• There is no feeling of durability with the steak knives
• For some jobs, an 8-inch utility knife may be too large.

A new knife set from Chicago Cutlery, this is one of the company’s most recent offerings. The first item that distinguishes this set from the other sets reviewed in this article is the inclusion of an 8-inch utility knife.

The normal size of a utility knife is 4 to 5 inches, however the utility knife included in this package is about twice the average size. As a result, the utility knife becomes somewhat less adaptable; yet, it may be beneficial for someone who finds themselves utilising large blades more often than midsized knives.

The set could always be enlarged by adding a smaller utility knife, but there are no empty slots in the storage block, so it would need to be set up somewhere else if it were to be added.

Despite the fact that this set certainly impresses in terms of looks, it also performs well in terms of performance, especially for the price it is offered at. Obviously, the steel is not up to the standards of the outrageously costly sets, but the blades are all sharp and well-balanced, and they are all forged rather than stamped.

These knives, on the other hand, must be manually cleaned and dried in order to eliminate rust marks. The same is true for all kitchen knives to some extent, but it is particularly true for this particular set of kitchen knives. The scissors in this set are arguably the least remarkable item in the collection, so if you often use kitchen scissors, this may not be the best set for you to purchase.

In Chicago Cutlery’s opinion, a set of stainless steel handle scissors should have been included rather than plastic handles instead of steel handles. However, that was not the case. Despite this flaw, this set is unquestionably one of the greatest deals available in the kitchen knife market, particularly at its present price range. The Santoku knife in this set is, without a doubt, the most remarkable of the bunch. This knife is pretty straightforward to chop and slice with, especially given the inexpensive cost of these knives.

BUDGET KITCHEN KNIVES: PROPER CARE AND HANDLING

In the year 2021, it is true that manufacturing technologies have improved the quality of budget kitchen knives; however, in the same situation, lower-priced cutlery will generally not last as long as more expensive cutlery. If you use the kitchen knife sets under $100 described in this article with care and upkeep, they should last for years. Our ideas for obtaining years of usage out of budget cutlery sets are included below. 1.

1. Avoid attempting to cut or slice anything that has been frozen. Rolling or chipping a blade often results in it becoming excessively dull very quickly. Items that have been frozen should be sliced or chopped using a cleaver. If you are searching for a decent budget cleaver, we recommend that you read our Utopia 7-Inch Cleaver Review first.

2. Dishwasher washing is not recommended for knives. There is a possibility that the rust might be left on the knives, and the vibrations from the dishwasher could cause It is particularly likely to happen if they are stored in a silverware basket together with other utensils. If you do wind up washing any cutlery in the dishwasher, be sure to dry them promptly and use a honing rod to bring the blade edge back to its ideal sharpness as soon as possible.

3. Knives should not be kept in a drawer unless they are individually sheathed or protected with guards. Keeping your knives organized and safe inside the wood block that comes with the set is one of the best tasks you can perform. If you find yourself having to store knives in a drawer. Be sure to invest in some sheaths to keep them safe from accidental cuts and blade dulling. If you’re in dire need of a knife block set to hold your steak knives, check out our article on the best steak knife wooden blocks available.

4. To guarantee that your knives keep their edge and continue to work effectively for many years, use a honing rod on a regular basis. Honing is a separate process than sharpening and should be performed more often.

5. Whether you sharpen your knives at least twice a year or once a year depends on how frequently you use them. If you use them frequently, you should do so at least twice a year.

Buyer’s Guide: The Best Knife Sets for Less Than $100

Purchasing a high-quality knife set is more difficult than purchasing a single knife. You should not only consider the sharpness of the blade and the ergonomics of the handle; you should also consider if the set has the knives you want and whether it is well within your budget. A few essential concerns are outlined below.

Exactly how many is too much?

If you don’t know how to use more than three different kinds of knives, you shouldn’t spend the money on a set of fifteen knives. Invest the same amount of money on a high-quality but smaller set. When it comes to knives, most individuals only utilise a chef’s knife for all of their requirements, but five knives is a decent starting point when shopping for a set of knives.

Whether to Block or Not to Block

Life is made easy by knives that come with blocks. The storage space is not an issue with knives that come with blocks. You should, however, consider alternate storage options such as a bag or magnetic strips if you do not have enough counter space to accommodate the block’s placement on the countertop.

Build and design

Quality knives are available in both ceramic and stainless steel construction. It’s a good idea to get blades made of stainless steel, though, if you want them to last longer. Just make sure that the handle is constructed of high-quality materials as well. A one-piece knife, also known as a full tang design. Does not have any joints between the blade and the handle, making it the most durable alternative available.

A Few Words on the Subject of Materials

Traditionally, all knives were carved from metal, although it is not unusual to see non-metallic materials such as ceramic used in the production of knives. It is not a horrible option, and it is often referred to as the sharper of the two. Stainless steel, on the other hand, continues to be the most common material for all types of blades owing to its longevity and sturdiness.

Best Knife Sets Under $100: Frequently Asked Questions

What should the price of a nice knife set be?

Knife sets may be purchased for as little as $20 to as much as $3000 or even more. You should not, however, be required to chop off an arm and a leg in order to pay for your knives. Most quality sets are available for under $100.

What is high-carbon stainless steel and how does it differ from ordinary stainless steel?

High-carbon stainless steel is processed in such a way that it retains a greater degree of carbon, making it highly tough and resistant to corrosion. High-carbon steel has around 1.50 percent carbon, while ordinary steel contains just 0.6 percent carbon.

What characteristics should I look for when purchasing a knife set?

For a knife set, the first thing to check for is the kind of high-quality material that was utilised to make the blade. To achieve optimal strength and sharpness, stainless steel should include at least 10.5 percent chromium and a little amount of carbon, among other elements. A set’s quantity and size are also factors to consider, as well as the design and material of the handles.

What are the top three knives that every cook should have in their arsenal?

A great chef’s knife, a fine serrated knife, and a dependable paring knife are three key knives that should be included in each home kitchen set.

Are knife sets worth the money spent on them?

Not all knife sets are worthwhile investments unless you are familiar with or want to learn how to use each and every knife. The majority of individuals never learn to correctly use more than three or four different kinds of knives throughout their lifetime. To get the most out of these sets, professional cooks, on the other hand, must master every knife.

Conclusion:

After testing and evaluating the top kitchen knife sets on the market, we’ve determined that the best value for your money is the Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Set. This set includes all of the essential knives, as well as a few bonus items like steak knives and a sharpening rod.

The knives are constructed with a full-tang construction and are made of high-carbon stainless steel. They’re also well balanced and comfortable to hold, thanks to the ergonomic handles. If you’re looking for a great kitchen knife set that won’t break the bank, the Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Set is the way to go.