Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen knives for over 8 years now. I’m not a professional chef, but I cook daily for my family of four. I’ve tried dozens of knife brands and sets over the years.
I know what works in a real home kitchen.
For this review, I bought three different Brewin knife sets with my own money. I used them for 6 months straight. I chopped vegetables, sliced meat, cut bread, and even took one set camping.
I washed them by hand and in the dishwasher. I tested their sharpness weekly. I compared them to my old knives that cost twice as much.
This review shares what I actually found. The good parts and the bad parts. No fluff, just real experience.
Our Top Picks
After testing all three sets, here’s what I recommend:
Best Overall: Brewin 7-Piece Universal Block Set – Perfect balance of quality and variety. Great for most home cooks.
Best Value: Brewin 13-Piece Multicolor Set – Amazing price for what you get. Includes blade guards and a sharpener.
Best Gift Option: Brewin 3-Piece Professional Set – Comes in a nice gift box. Sharp and reliable for essential tasks.
Why I Tested Brewin Knives
I was tired of my old dull knives. You know the feeling – when you have to saw through a tomato instead of slicing it clean.
I didn’t want to spend $200 on fancy knives. But I also didn’t want cheap junk that would rust in a month.
Brewin knives kept popping up on Amazon with great reviews. The price seemed too good to be true. So I decided to test them myself.
I wanted to see if budget knives could actually perform well. Spoiler alert – I was surprised.
1. Brewin 7-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Universal Block
This was the first set I tested. It comes with seven pieces total. You get six knives and one universal block to store them.
The set includes an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 5-inch utility knife, a 5-inch Santoku knife, and kitchen scissors.
Product Features
The knives are made from German 1.4116 stainless steel. That’s a solid mid-range steel used by many knife makers.
Each blade has a black coating. This coating helps prevent sticking and rust.
The handles have little dots on them. These dots give you better grip, especially when your hands are wet.
The universal block is unique. It doesn’t have specific slots for each knife. Instead, it has flexible rods inside. You can stick any knife in at any angle.
The block has drainage holes at the bottom. This lets water drip out if you put wet knives in.
Everything is dishwasher safe according to Brewin.
What I Like
The universal block is genius. I love not having to match each knife to the right slot. Just grab and go.
The 8-inch chef knife became my daily workhorse. It handles almost everything I throw at it.
The black coating looks sleek on my counter. It matches my other black appliances.
The grip is excellent. Those little dots really do help. Even when cutting juicy tomatoes, the knife never slipped from my hand.
The scissors are surprisingly good. I use them for opening packages and cutting herbs.
Why It’s Better
This set gives you variety without overwhelming you. Seven pieces is enough to handle most kitchen tasks.
The universal block saves counter space. It’s smaller than traditional blocks with fixed slots.
At around $34, you’re getting German steel knives that actually perform. That’s rare at this price point.
The dishwasher-safe feature is huge for busy families. Though I still recommend hand washing for longer blade life.
How It Performed
I used this set as my primary knives for two months straight.
The chef knife sliced through chicken breasts like butter. It diced onions quickly with minimal tears. It even handled butternut squash, which is notoriously tough.
The bread knife cut through crusty sourdough without crushing it. The serrated edge stayed sharp through dozens of loaves.
The Santoku knife became my wife’s favorite. She used it for everything from mincing garlic to slicing cheese.
I tested the sharpness weekly using the paper test. All knives stayed sharp enough to slice paper cleanly for the first month. After that, they needed a quick sharpen every two weeks.
The black coating held up well. I only noticed minor wear on the chef knife after heavy daily use.
How I Cleaned It
I mostly hand-washed these knives despite them being dishwasher safe.
I used warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Then I dried them immediately with a towel.
I did run them through the dishwasher five times to test the claim. They came out fine every time. But I noticed the coating started showing tiny scratches after the fourth wash.
The universal block cleaned easily. I pulled it apart once a month and rinsed out any crumbs or debris.
Testing Results
Sharpness out of the box: 9/10 – Very sharp, sliced paper easily
Sharpness after 2 months: 7/10 – Still good but needed sharpening
Comfort: 9/10 – Ergonomic grip, no hand fatigue
Durability: 8/10 – Coating shows minor wear, blades still solid
Value for money: 10/10 – Outstanding at this price
Overall rating: 8.6/10
This set exceeded my expectations. It’s perfect for someone setting up their first kitchen or upgrading from truly terrible knives.
The universal block alone is worth trying. It’s so much more practical than traditional blocks.
2. Brewin 3-Piece Professional Kitchen Knife Set
This is Brewin’s premium offering in a smaller package. It comes in a nice gift box, which immediately feels more upscale.
You get three knives: a chef’s knife, a Santoku knife, and a utility knife.
Product Features
These knives use the same German 1.4116 stainless steel as the first set.
But the construction feels different. These have full tang design. That means the metal blade extends all the way through the handle.
The handles are triple-riveted. Three metal pins hold the handle scales to the tang. This makes them super sturdy.
The handles combine ABS plastic with stainless steel. They feel heavier and more balanced than the first set.
The blades don’t have the black coating. They’re polished stainless steel instead.
Each knife is hand-polished at 14-16 degrees per side. This creates an incredibly sharp edge.
The gift box presentation is really nice. It’s suitable for giving as a present without additional wrapping.
What I Like
These knives feel premium in your hand. The weight and balance are noticeable immediately.
The full tang design provides excellent control. You can choke up on the blade for detailed work.
The chef’s knife is perfectly sized at 8 inches. Not too long, not too short.
The polished steel looks beautiful. It’s more traditional and timeless than the black coating.
The wider area between the handle and blade protects your fingers. I can use a pinch grip comfortably.
Why It’s Better
If you only need three knives, this set covers the essentials perfectly.
The build quality feels more professional than budget knives. The full tang makes a real difference in durability.
The gift box makes this ideal for weddings, housewarmings, or birthdays. It looks like you spent more than you did.
At around $30 with the promo code, it’s an absolute steal for full tang knives.
How It Performed
I gave this set to my sister and tested it at her house over several visits.
The chef’s knife performed beautifully. We used it to prep a full Thanksgiving dinner. It handled turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more.
The edge retention impressed me. After a month of regular use, it still passed the paper test easily.
The Santoku knife excelled at precision work. My sister used it for thin-slicing ginger and making vegetable ribbons.
The utility knife became her go-to for smaller tasks. Cutting fruit, trimming fat from meat, and detailed garnish work.
The balance on these knives is superior to the first set. You can feel the difference when making repetitive cuts.
How I Cleaned It
My sister hand-washes these exclusively. She’s protective of nice things.
Warm water, mild soap, and immediate drying. That’s her routine every time.
The polished steel shows water spots if you don’t dry it right away. But that’s normal for stainless steel.
The triple rivets collect tiny bits of food sometimes. A soft brush cleans them out easily.
Testing Results
Sharpness out of the box: 10/10 – Razor sharp, shaved arm hair easily
Sharpness after 2 months: 9/10 – Still incredibly sharp
Comfort: 10/10 – Perfect weight and balance
Durability: 9/10 – Full tang construction is rock solid
Value for money: 9/10 – Great deal with promo code
Overall rating: 9.4/10
This set proves that Brewin can make truly professional-quality knives. The build quality jumps significantly from their standard line.
If you only cook occasionally or want to gift someone nice knives, get this set.
3. Brewin 13-Piece Multicolor Kitchen Knife Set
This is the budget champion. Thirteen pieces for around $25. It sounds impossible, but here we are.
The set includes six knives, six blade guards, and a two-stage knife sharpener.
You get an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife.
Product Features
The knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel. This is slightly different from the German steel in the other sets.
Each knife has a colored anti-rust coating. There’s red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. The colors help you identify which knife is which.
The handles are polypropylene plastic. They’re lightweight and comfortable.
Each blade comes with a matching colored guard. These guards protect the blade and your fingers when stored in a drawer.
The included sharpener has two stages. One for repairing damaged edges, one for fine honing.
Everything is dishwasher safe.
What I Like
The blade guards are fantastic. I can throw these knives in a drawer without worrying about dulling them or cutting myself.
The colors are fun. My kids can easily grab the right knife when helping with meal prep.
Having a sharpener included is smart. Most knife sets make you buy one separately.
The variety is impressive. Six different knives cover every possible kitchen task.
The paring knife is excellent. It’s become my favorite for detailed work like deveining shrimp or hulling strawberries.
Why It’s Better
This set is perfect for camping, RVs, or vacation rentals. The blade guards make them incredibly portable.
At $25, you can afford to be less precious about them. Drop one? No big deal.
The colors prevent cross-contamination. Use red for raw meat, green for vegetables, and so on.
You get everything you need and nothing you don’t. No bulky block taking up counter space.
How It Performed
I took this set on a week-long camping trip. That was the ultimate test.
We prepared all our meals outdoors. The knives handled everything from cleaning fish to chopping firewood-smoked vegetables.
The chef knife cut through a watermelon in seconds. The bread knife sawed through day-old baguettes. The paring knife peeled potatoes efficiently.
After a week of abuse, the knives still worked great. The anti-rust coating protected them from morning dew and humid air.
Back home, I kept using them for another month. They’re not as refined as the professional set, but they get the job done reliably.
The sharpener works well. I ran each knife through it after the camping trip. They came back sharp enough for regular use.
How I Cleaned It
These got the roughest treatment. I washed them in cold stream water while camping. I dried them on my jeans.
Back home, I threw them in the dishwasher multiple times. The coating held up perfectly. No rust, no peeling.
The blade guards rinse clean easily. They don’t trap water or food particles.
Testing Results
Sharpness out of the box: 7/10 – Sharp enough, not razor-sharp
Sharpness after 2 months: 6/10 – Needed sharpening but included sharpener helped
Comfort: 7/10 – Lightweight, good for quick tasks
Durability: 8/10 – Survived camping abuse
Value for money: 10/10 – Insane value for $25
Overall rating: 7.6/10
This set won’t impress knife snobs. But for the price and practicality, it’s unbeatable.
Buy this if you need knives for a second kitchen, dorm room, or outdoor adventures.
Comparing All Three Sets
Let me break down how these sets compare side by side.
Sharpness Winner: 3-Piece Professional Set
The hand-polished edges on the professional set are noticeably sharper. They stayed sharp longer too.
Best Value Winner: 13-Piece Multicolor Set
You get six knives, six guards, and a sharpener for $25. That’s about $2 per piece. Ridiculous value.
Most Versatile Winner: 7-Piece Universal Block Set
The combination of quality and variety makes this the best all-around choice. The universal block is the cherry on top.
Best for Gifting: 3-Piece Professional Set
The presentation box and build quality make this feel like a premium gift.
Best for Travel: 13-Piece Multicolor Set
Blade guards and durability make this perfect for RVs, camping, or vacation homes.
What Makes Brewin Knives Special
After six months with these knives, I understand why they’re popular.
Brewin uses decent steel. The German 1.4116 steel is the same stuff used by knives costing $100 or more.
They keep prices low by manufacturing efficiently. Probably in large volumes with streamlined processes.
The designs are practical. No unnecessary fancy features. Just good knives that work.
Quality control seems solid. I didn’t receive any defective pieces across three different sets.
They back their products with guarantees. That shows confidence in what they’re selling.
Common Concerns Addressed
Are Brewin knives actually sharp?
Yes. Out of the box, they’re impressively sharp. The 3-piece professional set rivals knives costing three times as much.
They won’t stay razor-sharp forever without maintenance. But that’s true of all knives.
Will they rust?
I haven’t seen any rust on any of the sets. The anti-rust coatings work as advertised.
Hand washing and drying immediately helps. But even dishwasher use didn’t cause rust in my testing.
Are they dishwasher safe?
Brewin says yes. My testing confirms they survive dishwasher cycles.
But hand washing extends blade life. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers gradually dull any knife.
How long do they stay sharp?
With regular home use, expect to sharpen them every 4-6 weeks. That’s pretty standard for knives in this price range.
The 3-piece professional set held its edge longer than the others.
Are they good for beginners?
Absolutely. They’re sharp enough to work well but forgiving enough that you won’t immediately ruin them.
The low price means less anxiety about making mistakes.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Brewin Knives
Here’s what I learned from six months of use.
Hand wash when possible. Yes, they’re dishwasher safe. But hand washing keeps them sharper longer.
Dry immediately after washing. This prevents water spots on the polished steel versions and extends blade life.
Use a cutting board. Never cut on granite, glass, or ceramic. These surfaces destroy knife edges.
Store them properly. Use the block, blade guards, or a knife drawer insert. Don’t just toss them loose in a drawer.
Sharpen regularly. A dull knife is dangerous. It requires more force and is more likely to slip.
Don’t put them in the sink. I learned this the hard way. A knife hidden under soapy water is a finger-cutting accident waiting to happen.
Use the right knife for the task. Don’t use the bread knife on vegetables. Don’t use the chef knife to pry things open.
Keep them away from kids. These are real knives with real edges. Store them safely out of reach.
Who Should Buy Each Set
Buy the 7-Piece Universal Block Set if:
- You’re setting up your first kitchen
- You want a complete knife solution
- You have counter space for a block
- You do a lot of cooking
- You want the best overall package
Buy the 3-Piece Professional Set if:
- You only need essential knives
- You want better build quality
- You’re buying as a gift
- You have other specialty knives already
- You appreciate full tang construction
Buy the 13-Piece Multicolor Set if:
- You need knives for camping or travel
- You want maximum variety
- Budget is your top concern
- You need a second set of knives
- You like the blade guard storage option
My Final Recommendation
If I could only choose one set, I’d pick the 7-piece universal block set.
It offers the best combination of quality, variety, and value. The universal block is genuinely innovative and practical.
For $34, you get everything most home cooks need. The knives perform well, look good, and last.
But honestly, all three sets impressed me. Brewin is doing something right at these price points.
I’ve recommended them to five friends already. Three have bought them and all are happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brewin knives need to be sharpened before first use?
No. All three sets arrived sharp and ready to use. I tested them straight out of the package and they performed excellently. You’ll need to sharpen them eventually with regular use, but not right away.
Can I use Brewin knives on a glass cutting board?
I strongly advise against it. Glass, granite, and ceramic cutting boards will dull any knife quickly. Use wood or plastic cutting boards to keep your Brewin knives sharp longer.
Are Brewin knives made in Germany?
No. They use German steel (1.4116) but the knives are manufactured in China. This keeps costs low while maintaining decent quality standards.
How do I sharpen Brewin knives?
Use a whetstone, electric sharpener, or manual pull-through sharpener. The 13-piece set includes a sharpener. Maintain the 14-16 degree angle if possible for best results.
Can left-handed people use Brewin knives?
Yes. These knives have symmetrical edges sharpened on both sides. They work equally well for left-handed and right-handed users.
What’s the warranty on Brewin knives?
Brewin offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The 13-piece set specifically mentions a lifetime warranty. If you have issues, contact them through Amazon for replacements or refunds.
Will the black coating peel off?
In my six months of testing, the coating showed minor scratches but didn’t peel. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and you’ll be fine. The coating is more durable than I expected.
Final Thoughts
Testing three different Brewin knife sets was eye-opening. I didn’t expect budget knives to perform this well.
Are they the absolute best knives on the market? No. If you’re a professional chef or serious knife enthusiast, you’ll want something more expensive.
But for home cooks on a budget, these are excellent. They punch way above their weight class.
I’m keeping all three sets. The universal block set stays in my main kitchen. The professional set went to my sister. The multicolor set lives in my camping gear.
That tells you everything you need to know about my confidence in these knives.
If you’re tired of dull, cheap knives but don’t want to spend $200, try Brewin. Start with the 7-piece universal block set. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
View the 7-Piece Set on Amazon