Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100: Quality Cutting Without Breaking the Bank (2025 Guide)
Quick Product Comparison
| Knife Set | Pieces | Block Color | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farberware Stamped | 15 | Black | High-carbon stainless steel | View Price on Amazon |
| Chef’s Vision Cosmos | 6 | Gift Box | Cosmos design, non-stick | View Price on Amazon |
| Master Maison | 19 | Black/Gray | German stainless steel | View Price on Amazon |
| Marco Almond Japanese | 14 | Wood | Built-in sharpener | View Price on Amazon |
| Wanbasion Forged | 6 | Sheaths | Titanium coating | View Price on Amazon |
Why Trust My Reviews
Hello! Before we dive in, I want to share why my opinion matters. I’ve spent years testing kitchen knives in my home kitchen. I’m not a pro chef, but I cook daily and know what makes a knife work well for the average home cook. I’ve used all these knife sets myself and can tell you what’s good and not so good about each one.
You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune
Let me tell you something that might surprise you. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good knife set. Yes, you get what you pay for, but many affordable sets offer great value.
I’ve found five knife sets under $100 that work really well. These sets from Faberware, Chef’s Vision, Master Maison, Marco Almond, and Wanbasion give you a lot for your money.
The Master Maison costs about $90, the Marco Almond is around $50, and the rest are under $50. Let’s look at each one.
1. Farberware Stamped 15-Piece Knife Block Set
What’s in the Box:
- 3-inch paring knife
- 8-inch chef knife
- 6-inch slicing knife
- 6-inch bread knife
- 4.5-inch Santoku knife
- 5-inch serrated utility knife
- Six 4.5-inch steak knives
- Sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Black wooden block
What I Like
I love the black block. It looks much better than brown ones and stands out in my kitchen. The high-carbon stainless steel blades stay sharp longer than regular steel knives I’ve used before.
When I cut with these knives, I notice they’re well-balanced. This makes cutting more exact and lets me work faster. The handles feel good in my hand, with a nice satin finish that’s easy to grip.
Why It Could Be Better
These knives need hand washing. If you let them air dry, they can rust. I always dry mine right away, and I’ve had no rust issues. It takes a bit more time, but it’s worth it to keep them in good shape.
My Experience
I’ve used these knives to chop veggies, slice meat, and cut bread. The chef knife is my go-to for most tasks. It’s sharp and cuts through onions and peppers with ease. The steak knives are great when we have guests over for dinner.
2. Chef’s Vision Cosmos Kitchen Knife Set
What’s in the Box:
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicer knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- Gift box with guide
What I Like
These knives are stunning! Each one has a cosmos (universe) design that makes my kitchen tools look special. But they’re not just pretty – they work great too.
The color coding helps me grab the right knife quickly. When I’m cooking in a rush, I don’t have to think about which knife I need – I just reach for the right color.
I love that food doesn’t stick to the blades. When I’m slicing cucumbers or tomatoes, the slices slide right off instead of sticking to the knife.
Why It Could Be Better
While these knives are dishwasher-safe, I find they stay sharper longer if I wash them by hand. Also, they don’t come with a block, just a gift box, so you’ll need to find a way to store them.
My Experience
I’ve used these knives for over six months now. The bread knife cuts through crusty bread without crushing it. The chef knife handles everything from dicing onions to cutting chicken. And I always get compliments when friends see them in my kitchen.
3. Master Maison 19-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
What’s in the Box:
- Chef knife
- Paring knife
- Slicing knife
- Carving knife
- Utility knife
- Serrated knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Eight steak knives
- Cooking scissors
- Knife sharpener
- Wooden block (black or gray)
What I Like
This is the most complete set I’ve used. With 19 pieces, I have a knife for every task. The black handles with three rivets look very classy in my kitchen.
The weight of each knife feels just right – not too heavy, not too light. This makes cutting more exact and less tiring. I can chop for a long time without my hand getting sore.
The German stainless steel blades are very sharp and stay that way for a long time. I’ve had this set for almost a year, and I’ve only needed to sharpen them once.
Why It Could Be Better
These knives must be hand washed, which takes more time. But it’s worth it to keep them in good shape.
This set is the most costly one on my list, at about $90. But I think the quality and number of pieces make it worth the price.
My Experience
I use these knives daily. The steak knives are perfect when we have company. The chef knife is my workhorse for most tasks. And having a good Santoku knife has been great for fine chopping tasks.
4. Marco Almond Japanese Kitchen Knife Set
What’s in the Box:
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 5-inch Santoku knife
- 5.5-inch serrated utility knife
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- Six 4.5-inch steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Hardwood block with built-in sharpener
What I Like
The Japanese steel used in these knives is top-notch. They’re very sharp and stay that way with the built-in sharpener. That sharpener is so handy – I can quickly hone a knife right before using it.
The knives look sleek and modern. The handles are easy to grip, even with wet hands. This makes them safer to use when my hands are damp from washing veggies.
At about $50, this set gives you a lot for your money. I think Marco Almond could charge twice as much, and it would still be fair.
Why It Could Be Better
Like most good knife sets, these should be hand washed and dried right away. It’s a small hassle, but it keeps them in top shape.
My Experience
I’ve given this set as a gift twice, and both friends love it. The built-in sharpener is a hit with them too. I find the chef knife handles most of my daily tasks well, and the steak knives cut through meat like butter.
5. Wanbasion 6-Piece Forged Kitchen Knife Set
What’s in the Box:
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch carving knife
- Protective sheaths for all knives
What I Like
These knives are SHARP! They cut through food with very little effort. The black titanium coating looks sleek and stops the knives from rusting.
Unlike knives with paint that can chip off, the titanium coating stays put. This makes me feel safer about not getting flakes in my food.
Each knife comes with its own sheath, which is great if you store them in a drawer. No more cut fingers when reaching for a knife!
Why It Could Be Better
There’s no block with this set, just the sheaths. I keep mine in a drawer, but if you prefer a block, you’d need to buy one separately.
With only six knives, this is one of the smaller sets. But it has all the key knives you need for most tasks.
My Experience
I keep these in my RV for camping trips. The sheaths make them safe to store in a drawer while driving. The chef knife and santoku are my most-used pieces, and they handle all my camping meal prep with ease.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
After using all five sets, I think the Master Maison offers the best quality, but it costs the most at around $90. If you cook a lot and want a complete set, it’s worth it.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the Marco Almond set at about $50 gives you great value with that handy built-in sharpener.
For style points, nothing beats the Chef’s Vision Cosmos set. Those space designs are truly unique.
The Farberware set is a solid choice if you want a good all-around set with a nice block, and the Wanbasion set is perfect if you need to store your knives in a drawer.
Pick the one that fits your budget and needs. All of them will give you good quality cutting tools that should last for years with proper care.
How to Care for Your Kitchen Knives
No matter which set you buy, here are some tips to keep your knives in good shape:
- Hand wash them with mild soap and warm water
- Dry them right away – never let them air dry
- Use a cutting board made of wood or plastic, not glass or stone
- Hone your knives often with a steel or built-in sharpener
- Store them in a block or with blade guards to protect the edges
Follow these tips, and even an affordable knife set will serve you well for many years.
FAQs About Kitchen Knife Sets Under $100
Are cheap kitchen knife sets worth buying?
Yes! You can find good quality sets under $100. They might not be as fancy as $300 sets, but they’ll handle all your cooking needs well. I’ve used all the sets in this guide, and they work great for everyday cooking.
How many knives do I really need in my kitchen?
For most home cooks, three main knives will handle 90% of your tasks: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Any knives beyond these are nice to have but not must-haves.
Should I get a block set or individual knives?
Block sets are often a better value and keep your knives safely stored. But if you have limited counter space, buying just the few knives you need might be better.
How often should I sharpen my kitchen knives?
For home cooks, sharpening 2-3 times a year is usually enough. But you should hone your knives with a steel every 1-2 weeks to keep the edge aligned.
Can I put my knife set in the dishwasher?
Even if the maker says the knives are dishwasher-safe, I don’t recommend it. Hand washing keeps the edges sharper and the handles in better shape.
How long should a good knife set last?
With proper care, even a budget knife set under $100 should last 5-10 years or more. The key is hand washing, proper storage, and regular honing.
What’s the difference between forged and stamped knives?
Forged knives are made from a single piece of heated metal and are usually heavier and more durable. Stamped knives are cut from a sheet of metal and tend to be lighter and less expensive.
Can I get a good knife set if I’m left-handed?
Yes! Most kitchen knives work well for both right and left-handed users. Only specialized knives like some serrated knives or scissors might be harder for lefties to use.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect knife set for your kitchen and budget. Happy cooking!