Last Updated on November 9, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After months of testing, here are my top three picks:
Best Overall: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Set – Great quality at an amazing price. Perfect for most home cooks.
Best Premium: Yatoshi Professional Kitchen Knife Set (Brown Handle) – Super sharp blades and beautiful design. Worth the extra money.
Best Budget-Friendly: Yatoshi White Knife Block Set – Almost as good as the premium version but costs less.
All three sets performed well. But each one is best for different people.
Let me share what I learned about each one.
Why Stainless Steel Knives?
Before I dive into the reviews, let me explain why I chose stainless steel.
Stainless steel knives are tough. They don’t rust easily. They’re easy to clean.
I don’t have to baby them. I can put them in the dishwasher (though I don’t recommend it).
They stay sharp for a long time. And when they get dull, I can sharpen them quickly.
Carbon steel knives are sharper. But they rust if you’re not careful. That’s too much work for me.
Ceramic knives are sharp too. But they break easily. I dropped one once and it cracked.
Stainless steel is the sweet spot. Sharp enough for everything. Tough enough to last.
What I Looked For While Testing
I tested each knife set the same way. Here’s what I checked:
Sharpness: Can the knives cut a tomato without squishing it? Can they slice paper-thin onions?
Comfort: Do my hands hurt after using them for 30 minutes? Is the grip comfortable?
Balance: Do the knives feel top-heavy? Or do they feel just right?
Durability: Do they stay sharp after months of use? Do the handles get loose?
Cleaning: How easy are they to wash? Do they stain?
Value: Are they worth the money?
I also looked at what comes in each set. More pieces isn’t always better. But having the right knives matters.
1. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set
Product Features
This set comes with 15 pieces. Here’s what you get:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 7-inch santoku knife
- 5.5-inch serrated utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 3.5-inch bird’s beak paring knife
- Six 4.5-inch steak knives
- 8-inch sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden storage block
The blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel. The handles are stainless steel too.
Each knife has a hollow handle. This makes them lighter. But they still feel solid.
The set comes in a nice wooden block. It looks good on my counter.
What I Like
The price is amazing. I paid $74.95 for this set. That’s a steal.
The knives are sharp right out of the box. I didn’t need to sharpen them for the first two months.
They’re lightweight. My hands don’t get tired when I’m prepping a big meal.
The chef knife is my favorite. It’s the right size for most jobs. I use it almost every day.
The steak knives are great too. They cut through meat easily. My guests always comment on them.
The wooden block is sturdy. It doesn’t slide around on my counter.
Why It’s Better
Most cheap knife sets feel cheap. Loose handles. Dull blades. Not this one.
The Cuisinart set feels like it should cost twice as much. The build quality is solid.
The hollow handles are clever. They make the knives light without feeling flimsy.
The bolster (the thick part between the blade and handle) is strong. It gives me good control.
Other sets in this price range don’t include sharpening steel. This one does. That’s a big plus.
How It Performed
I used this set for everything. Chopping onions. Slicing chicken. Cutting bread.
The chef knife handled all of it. It cut through a butternut squash with ease. That’s a tough test.
The serrated utility knife is perfect for tomatoes. No squishing. Clean cuts every time.
The paring knife is great for detail work. I used it to peel apples and trim fat from meat.
After three months, the knives were still pretty sharp. I used the sharpening steel once a month. That kept them in good shape.
The steak knives stayed sharp too. No sawing required. They glided through ribeyes.
How I Clean It
I wash these knives by hand. I use warm water and dish soap.
I dry them right away. This prevents water spots.
I don’t put them in the dishwasher. The heat can damage the blades over time.
The stainless steel handles are easy to clean. No food gets stuck in crevices.
Every few weeks, I give the block a quick wipe-down. It stays clean and fresh.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 9/10 – Very sharp out of the box. Stayed sharp for months.
Comfort: 8/10 – Lightweight and comfortable. But some people might prefer a heavier knife.
Balance: 9/10 – Great balance. The hollow handles help.
Durability: 9/10 – Still going strong after six months. No loose handles. No chips.
Cleaning: 10/10 – Super easy to clean. No rust. No stains.
Value: 10/10 – Amazing value for the price.
Overall: 9.2/10
Who Should Buy This?
This set is perfect if you’re just starting out. Or if you need to replace an old set.
It’s great for everyday cooking. Not too fancy. Not too basic.
If you want quality knives without spending $300, get this set.
It’s also great as a gift. Everyone needs good knives.
2. Yatoshi Professional Kitchen Knife Set (Brown Handle) – 15 Pieces
Product Features
This set also has 15 pieces. Here’s what you get:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 7-inch santoku knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 5-inch santoku knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- Six 5-inch steak knives
- Pull-apart scissors
- Acacia wood knife block
The blades are made from 7Cr17 high-carbon stainless steel. This is premium steel.
It has 0.6-0.75 percent carbon. That makes it harder and sharper.
The Rockwell hardness is 57-58. That’s a measure of how hard the steel is. Higher is better.
The handles are made from Pakkawood. This is laminated wood. It’s water-resistant and durable.
Each blade has a waved pattern. It looks beautiful.
The block is made from acacia wood. It has rubber grips on the bottom.
What I Like
These knives are razor-sharp. Sharper than any other set I’ve tested.
The weight is perfect. Not too light. Not too heavy. Just right.
The Pakkawood handles are gorgeous. They feel smooth and warm in my hand.
The sloped bolster is brilliant. It encourages a proper pinch grip. This gives me better control.
The waved pattern on the blades is stunning. It catches the light beautifully.
The acacia wood block is heavy and stable. The rubber grips keep it from sliding.
Why It’s Better
The blade quality is outstanding. The 7Cr17 steel is much better than standard stainless steel.
It holds an edge longer. I only needed to sharpen these knives twice in six months.
The Pakkawood handles are far superior to plastic or basic steel. They don’t get slippery when wet.
The balance is professional-grade. These feel like knives from a high-end restaurant.
The set includes two santoku knives. One large. One small. That’s versatile.
How It Performed
These knives performed like champions. Every single one.
The chef’s knife is a workhorse. I used it to break down a whole chicken. It went through joints easily.
The bread knife cut through crusty sourdough without crushing it. Perfect slices every time.
The large santoku knife became my go-to for vegetables. The granton edge (dimples on the blade) prevents food from sticking.
The small santoku is perfect for smaller jobs. I used it for garlic and herbs.
The slicing knife is incredible for roasts. Thin, even slices. No tearing.
The paring knife has a sharp point. Great for detailed work.
The steak knives are restaurant-quality. They cut through meat like butter.
How I Clean It
I hand-wash these knives. The Pakkawood handles need gentle care.
I use warm water and mild soap. I dry them immediately.
I never soak them. That can damage the wood.
Every month, I apply a tiny bit of mineral oil to the handles. This keeps them looking new.
The blades clean easily. No food sticks to the waved pattern.
The acacia block needs occasional oiling too. I use food-safe mineral oil.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 10/10 – The sharpest knives I’ve tested. Still razor-sharp after six months.
Comfort: 10/10 – The Pakkawood handles are incredibly comfortable. Perfect for long cooking sessions.
Balance: 10/10 – Professional-grade balance. The sloped bolster is genius.
Durability: 10/10 – Zero issues. These knives are built to last decades.
Cleaning: 8/10 – Hand-wash only. The handles need occasional oiling.
Value: 8/10 – Expensive. But you get what you pay for.
Overall: 9.3/10
Who Should Buy This?
This set is for serious home cooks. People who cook every day and want the best.
If you appreciate quality tools, you’ll love these knives.
They’re worth the investment if you plan to use them for years.
This is also a fantastic gift for someone who loves cooking.
If budget isn’t a concern, get this set. You won’t regret it.
3. Yatoshi 15 Piece White Knife Block Set
Product Features
This set has 15 pieces too. Here’s what’s included:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 5-inch santoku knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- Six 5-inch steak knives
- 8-inch honing steel
- Pull-apart utility scissors
- Rubberwood knife block
The blades are 7Cr17 high-carbon steel. Same quality as the brown handle version.
The handles are made from ABS plastic. This is durable plastic. It’s lightweight and easy to clean.
The handles are white. They look modern and clean.
The block is made from rubberwood. It’s sturdy and has deep slots.
What I Like
The blades are just as sharp as the premium version. Same steel. Same sharpness.
The white handles look fantastic. They match my modern kitchen perfectly.
The ABS plastic is surprisingly nice. It doesn’t feel cheap.
The set includes honing steel. This helps maintain the edge between sharpenings.
The price is lower than the brown handle version. But you get similar quality.
The rubberwood block is stable. It looks good on my counter.
Why It’s Better
You get premium blade quality at a lower price. That’s the main advantage.
The plastic handles are actually a benefit. They’re dishwasher safe (though I still hand-wash).
They’re lighter than the Pakkawood version. Some people prefer that.
The white color hides scratches better than darker materials.
The rubberwood block is lighter than acacia. Easier to move if needed.
How It Performed
The performance is almost identical to the premium set. Same blades. Same sharpness.
The chef’s knife handled everything I threw at it. Vegetables. Meat. Tough squash.
The bread knife cut perfectly. No crushing. No tearing.
The santoku knife is my go-to for most prep work. It’s well-balanced and sharp.
The slicing knife made quick work of a pork roast. Beautiful thin slices.
The paring knife is perfect for detail work. Sharp point. Good control.
The steak knives are excellent. Guests always ask where I got them.
The honing steel keeps the knives sharp between full sharpenings.
How I Clean It
These are the easiest knives to clean. The plastic handles don’t absorb water or odors.
I hand-wash them with warm water and soap. I dry them right away.
Sometimes I put the steak knives in the dishwasher. They handle it fine.
The blades clean easily. No staining. No rust.
The block needs occasional wiping. That’s it.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 10/10 – Same blade quality as the premium set. Razor-sharp.
Comfort: 9/10 – Very comfortable. The plastic is smooth and ergonomic.
Balance: 9/10 – Excellent balance. Slightly lighter than the Pakkawood version.
Durability: 9/10 – Holding up great. The plastic handles are tougher than I expected.
Cleaning: 10/10 – Super easy to clean. Dishwasher safe (steak knives).
Value: 10/10 – Amazing value. Premium blades at a mid-range price.
Overall: 9.5/10
Who Should Buy This?
This set is perfect if you want premium quality without the premium price.
If you prefer easy-care knives, get this set. The plastic handles are low-maintenance.
It’s great for busy families. Quick to clean. Tough enough for daily use.
If you like modern design, the white handles look fantastic.
This is my top recommendation for most people. Best overall value.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let me break down how these sets compare:
Price
Cuisinart: $74.95 – Best budget option
Yatoshi White: $199.99 – Mid-range price
Yatoshi Brown: $199.99 (often $199.99) – Premium price
Blade Quality
Cuisinart: High-carbon stainless steel – Good quality
Yatoshi White: 7Cr17 high-carbon steel – Excellent quality
Yatoshi Brown: 7Cr17 high-carbon steel – Excellent quality
Handle Material
Cuisinart: Stainless steel hollow handles – Lightweight
Yatoshi White: ABS plastic – Easy care
Yatoshi Brown: Pakkawood – Premium feel
Sharpness
Cuisinart: Very sharp – 9/10
Yatoshi White: Razor-sharp – 10/10
Yatoshi Brown: Razor-sharp – 10/10
Best For
Cuisinart: Beginners, budget-conscious buyers, gift-givers
Yatoshi White: Busy families, modern kitchens, best value seekers
Yatoshi Brown: Serious cooks, quality enthusiasts, luxury buyers
How to Choose the Right Set
Here’s my advice on picking the best set for you:
If You’re New to Cooking
Start with the Cuisinart set. It’s affordable and good quality.
You’ll learn what you like in a knife. Then you can upgrade later if needed.
If You Cook Every Day
Get one of the Yatoshi sets. The blade quality is worth it.
Choose the white handle version if you want easy care.
Choose the brown handle version if you want luxury.
If You’re on a Budget
The Cuisinart set is your best bet. Great value. Good performance.
If You Want the Best
Go for the Yatoshi brown handle set. It’s the best I’ve tested.
If You Have a Modern Kitchen
The Yatoshi white handle set looks amazing in contemporary spaces.
If You Entertain Often
All three sets have great steak knives. But the Yatoshi sets have longer steak knives. Guests notice the quality.
Caring for Your Stainless Steel Knives
Good knives last longer with proper care. Here’s what I do:
Daily Care
Always hand-wash: Dishwashers are too harsh. The heat dulls blades.
Dry immediately: Water spots can form if you air-dry.
Use proper cutting boards: Wood or plastic only. Never glass or stone.
Store properly: Use the knife block. Or magnetic strips. Or blade guards.
Weekly Care
Check the edge: Run your finger gently along the spine (not the edge). If it feels rough, it’s time to hone.
Clean the block: Wipe it down. Remove dust and crumbs.
Monthly Care
Hone the blades: Use honing steel. This realigns the edge.
Deep clean: Wash the handles carefully. Remove any buildup.
Oil wooden handles: If your knives have wood handles, apply mineral oil.
As Needed
Sharpen: When honing doesn’t help anymore, it’s time to sharpen. I do this every 3-6 months.
Professional sharpening: Or take them to a professional once a year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes. Learn from me:
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Cutting Board
Glass cutting boards ruin knives. They dull the blade fast.
Stone or marble boards do the same thing.
Stick with wood or plastic.
Mistake 2: Putting Knives in the Dishwasher
I did this once with cheap knives. They came out dull and spotted.
Always hand-wash. It takes two minutes.
Mistake 3: Storing Knives Loose in a Drawer
Knives banging against each other get dull. And damaged.
Use a knife block. Or blade guards. Or a magnetic strip.
Mistake 4: Never Sharpening
Even the best knives get dull. Sharpen them regularly.
A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. Dull knives slip and cause accidents.
Mistake 5: Using Knives for Everything
Don’t use your chef’s knife to open packages. Don’t use it to cut twine.
Keep scissors handy for non-food tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stainless steel knives stay sharp?
It depends on use and care. With proper care, knives stay sharp for 3-6 months. Then you need to sharpen them.
Honing every few weeks helps maintain the edge between sharpenings.
The Yatoshi knives stayed sharper longer than the Cuisinart set. But all three lasted months before needing sharpening.
Can I put these knives in the dishwasher?
Technically yes. But I don’t recommend it.
The dishwasher dulls blades faster. The heat and harsh detergent damage them over time.
Hand-washing takes two minutes. It’s worth it to protect your investment.
What’s the difference between honing and sharpening?
Honing realigns the blade edge. It doesn’t remove metal. You can do it often.
Sharpening removes metal to create a new edge. Do this every few months.
Think of honing as maintenance. Sharpening is a deep clean.
Do I need all the knives in the set?
Probably not. Most people use the chef’s knife for 80 percent of tasks.
But having variety is nice. Different knives work better for different jobs.
The paring knife is great for detail work. The bread knife is perfect for crusty bread. The steak knives are essential if you eat meat.
How do I know when to sharpen my knives?
Try the paper test. Hold a piece of paper. Try to slice it with the knife.
If the knife doesn’t cut cleanly, it needs sharpening.
Or try the tomato test. A sharp knife slices through tomato skin without squishing.
Are expensive knife sets worth it?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
The Cuisinart set proves you don’t need to spend a lot for good knives.
But the Yatoshi sets show that premium materials make a difference.
If you cook every day, premium knives are worth it. They stay sharp longer. They feel better. They last longer.
If you cook occasionally, a budget set works fine.
What’s the most important knife in the set?
The chef’s knife. I use mine for almost everything.
Get a set with a good 8-inch chef’s knife. That’s the workhorse.
The paring knife is second most important. Great for detail work.
Everything else is nice to have but not essential.
Final Thoughts
After six months of testing, I’m impressed with all three sets.
The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Set is perfect for most people. It’s affordable. It’s good quality. It’s reliable.
The Yatoshi Professional Kitchen Knife Set (Brown Handle) is the best if you want luxury. The Pakkawood handles are gorgeous. The blades are exceptional.
The Yatoshi White Knife Block Set is my top pick overall. You get premium blade quality at a reasonable price. The white handles look modern. They’re easy to care for.
All three sets will serve you well. Choose based on your budget and needs.
Good knives make cooking more enjoyable. They make prep work faster. They make meals better.
Invest in a good knife set. Take care of it. It will last for years.
I hope this guide helps you choose the right set for your kitchen. Happy cooking!