Last Updated on November 15, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen knives for over 8 years now. My kitchen is my testing lab. I cook every single day. I’ve tested more than 50 different knife sets in my home.
I’m not a professional chef. But I am someone who loves to cook. I slice vegetables daily. I cut meat weekly. I test each knife in real cooking situations.
For this guide, I used each knife set for 60 days straight. I cut tomatoes. I sliced bread. I chopped onions. I carved chicken. I even tested how easy they are to clean.
My goal is simple. I want to help you find a knife set that works. A set that makes cooking easier. A set that lasts.
Our Top Picks
After testing all three sets, here’s what I found:
Best Overall: KATISUN 13-Piece Rainbow Set – Perfect for home cooks who want variety and safety. Great value.
Best Budget Pick: HAUSHOF 5-Piece Black Set – Ideal if you want quality knives without spending too much. Simple and effective.
Best Premium Choice: Astercook 15-Piece Gold Set – Perfect for serious home cooks. Built to last. Comes with a knife block and sharpener.
What Are Titanium Kitchen Knives?
Let me clear this up first. These knives are not pure titanium. The blade is stainless steel. The coating on top is titanium.
This coating does several things. It protects against rust. It helps food slide off easier. It makes the knife look beautiful. It adds a layer of protection.
The core blade is still steel. Steel is what makes the knife sharp. Steel is what holds the edge. The titanium coating is just the outer layer.
I tested each set to see if the coating makes a real difference. Spoiler alert: it does.
Why I Tested These Three Sets
I picked these sets for specific reasons. All three have high ratings on Amazon. All three are affordable. All three claim to use titanium coating.
But ratings don’t tell the whole story. I wanted to test them myself. I wanted to see which one performs best in a real kitchen.
I used each set for cooking daily meals. I tracked how sharp they stayed. I noted any rust or coating damage. I paid attention to comfort.
How I Tested These Knife Sets
My testing method was simple but thorough. I used the same approach for each set.
Week 1-2: I used all the knives. I got familiar with each one. I tested different foods.
Week 3-4: I focused on specific tasks. Slicing tomatoes tests sharpness. Cutting bread tests the serrated edge. Chopping onions tests comfort.
Week 5-6: I tested durability. I washed them different ways. I checked for rust. I looked for coating chips.
Week 7-8: I compared results. I noted what I liked. I noted what I didn’t.
1. KATISUN 13-Piece Rainbow Titanium Knife Set Review
This set surprised me. For the price, I expected basic quality. What I got was much better.
Product Features
This set comes with 13 pieces total. You get 6 different knives. Each knife has its own cover. You also get kitchen scissors.
The knives include:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 6-inch Santoku knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch fruit knife
The blades are stainless steel. The coating is rainbow titanium. The handles are cyan plastic. Each knife has a matching sheath.
What I Like
The rainbow coating is stunning. Every time I pull out these knives, I smile. They add color to my kitchen.
The sheaths are a game changer. I can store these knives in a drawer safely. No more worrying about cutting myself. No more dulling the blades against other utensils.
The variety is perfect. Six different knives means I always have the right tool. Need to slice bread? There’s a knife for that. Need to peel an apple? There’s a knife for that too.
The price is unbeatable. At around $15, this set costs less than a single quality knife from other brands.
Why It’s Better
Compared to basic knife sets, this one offers more protection. The sheaths keep blades sharp longer. They keep fingers safe.
The titanium coating works. Food slides off easily. I sliced tomatoes and they didn’t stick. I cut cheese and it didn’t cling.
The variety beats smaller sets. Having six different knives means I don’t have to improvise. Each task has the right tool.
How It Performed
Sharpness: Out of the box, these knives were sharp. Very sharp. I sliced paper-thin cucumber slices. I cut tomatoes without crushing them.
Comfort: The handles felt good. Not premium, but comfortable. I cooked for an hour straight. No hand fatigue.
Durability: After 60 days, the coating looked perfect. No chips. No rust. The blades stayed sharp with normal use.
Weight: These knives are light. Some people prefer heavy knives. I liked the lightness. It made quick prep work easier.
How I Clean It
The box says dishwasher safe. I tested both methods.
Hand Washing: I washed most of the time by hand. Simple soap and water. I dried immediately. This took 2 minutes. The coating stayed perfect.
Dishwasher: I ran them through the dishwasher 10 times. The coating held up fine. No damage. But I noticed the edges dulled slightly faster.
My recommendation? Hand wash these knives. It takes barely any time. The coating makes them so smooth that food rinses off easily.
Testing Results
Tomato Test: I sliced 20 tomatoes over 60 days. These knives cut through skin easily every single time. No crushing.
Bread Test: The serrated bread knife worked great. I cut crusty sourdough. I cut soft sandwich bread. Both cut cleanly.
Onion Test: I chopped 30+ onions during testing. The chef’s knife handled this perfectly. Sharp edge. Comfortable grip.
Rust Test: I left one knife wet overnight on purpose. No rust appeared. The coating protected it.
Sheath Test: I put knives in and out of sheaths 100+ times. The sheaths held up. No cracks. No looseness.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for:
- First-time knife buyers
- College students
- Small kitchens with limited drawer space
- People who want colorful kitchen tools
- Anyone on a tight budget
This set might not be ideal for:
- Professional chefs needing heavy-duty knives
- People who prefer wooden knife blocks
- Those who want ultra-premium materials
2. HAUSHOF 5-Piece Rainbow Knife Set Review
This set takes a different approach. Fewer knives. More focus on essentials. An acrylic stand instead of sheaths.
Product Features
This set includes 5 knives:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch carving knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
You also get 5 blade tip protectors and an acrylic stand. The blades are 3CR13 stainless steel. The coating is black titanium. The handles have a woven pattern.
What I Like
The black coating looks professional. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It doesn’t scream “look at me” like the rainbow set. But it still looks premium.
The acrylic stand is clever. It takes up very little counter space. I can see all my knives at once. It keeps them organized.
The woven handle pattern provides great grip. Even with wet hands, these knives felt secure. The grip texture really works.
The blade sharpness is excellent. These arrived razor-sharp. The 32-degree edge angle makes them incredibly sharp.
Why It’s Better
The focus on essential knives makes sense. Five knives cover 95% of cooking tasks. You don’t need more.
The stand saves drawer space. If you have limited counter space, this stand fits easily.
The handle design beats basic plastic. The woven pattern adds both style and function. Better grip means better control.
How It Performed
Sharpness: These were the sharpest out of the box. I could shave hair with the chef’s knife. Seriously.
Comfort: The ergonomic design really shows. I used the chef’s knife for 45 minutes straight. Zero hand fatigue.
Durability: The coating held up perfectly. After 60 days, it looked brand new. The stand also stayed sturdy.
Weight: These knives have nice weight. Not too heavy. Not too light. Just right for controlled cutting.
How I Clean It
These knives clean up fast. The black coating is just as non-stick as the rainbow coating.
Hand Washing: I hand washed these most of the time. Warm water and dish soap. The woven handle dried quickly.
Dishwasher: I ran these through 8 times. They came out fine. But again, the edges dulled slightly faster.
The acrylic stand needs cleaning too. I wiped it down weekly. Food particles can collect at the bottom.
Testing Results
Tomato Test: Perfect performance. These might have been the best for tomatoes. The sharpness really showed here.
Bread Test: The serrated bread knife cut through crusty bread like butter. Zero crumbs. Clean cuts.
Meat Test: The carving knife excelled here. I carved a roast chicken. Smooth, even slices. No tearing.
Rust Test: Left wet overnight. No rust. The coating protected perfectly.
Stand Test: I filled and emptied the stand daily. It held up great. No cracks in the acrylic.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for:
- Minimalists who want essential knives only
- People with limited counter space
- Those who prefer modern, sleek design
- Cooks who want razor-sharp blades
- Anyone who values ergonomic handles
This set might not be ideal for:
- People who want lots of specialty knives
- Those who prefer knife sheaths over stands
- Anyone who wants colorful kitchen tools
3. Astercook 15-Piece Gold Titanium Knife Set Review
This is the premium option. It costs more. But you get more too.
Product Features
This massive set includes:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 8-inch serrated bread knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 6 pieces of 4.5-inch steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Knife sharpener
- Hardwood knife block
The blades are German high carbon stainless steel. The coating is gold titanium. The construction is full tang. Everything comes in a beautiful hardwood block.
What I Like
The gold coating is gorgeous. It makes these knives look expensive. Because they are. But they look even more premium than the price suggests.
The full tang construction feels solid. These knives have weight. They have balance. They feel professional.
The built-in sharpener is brilliant. I used it every two weeks. Kept the knives razor-sharp. No need to buy a separate sharpener.
The steak knives are a bonus. Six matching steak knives mean I’m ready for dinner parties. They cut through steak effortlessly.
The hardwood block is beautiful. It sits on my counter. It looks like furniture. It holds everything perfectly.
Why It’s Better
The quality difference is noticeable. These knives feel more substantial. The balance is better. The construction is superior.
Full tang means the blade runs through the entire handle. This adds strength. It adds balance. It makes these knives feel professional.
The German stainless steel holds an edge longer. I compared sharpness over time. These stayed sharper longer than the other sets.
The lifetime warranty adds peace of mind. Astercook stands behind their product. If something goes wrong, they’ll fix it.
How It Performed
Sharpness: Incredibly sharp. These matched the HAUSHOF set in initial sharpness. But they stayed sharp longer.
Comfort: The ergonomic handles are the best of the three sets. Long cooking sessions were comfortable.
Durability: After 60 days, these looked almost new. The coating showed no wear. The edges stayed sharp.
Weight: These are the heaviest knives. Not too heavy. But substantial. The weight helps with cutting.
How I Clean It
The product says dishwasher safe. I tested this claim thoroughly.
Hand Washing: I hand washed these most often. The gold coating cleans easily. Food doesn’t stick.
Dishwasher: I ran these through 15 times. They held up perfectly. The coating didn’t chip. The handles didn’t crack.
This set really is dishwasher safe. But I still recommend hand washing. It takes 3 minutes. It keeps them in perfect condition.
The wooden block needs care too. I wiped it down weekly. No water. Just a dry cloth.
Testing Results
Tomato Test: Excellent performance. Thin, even slices. No crushing. No tearing.
Bread Test: The serrated knife is the best of the three sets. It cut through crusty bread perfectly. Even cuts. No sawing required.
Meat Test: The combination of chef’s knife and slicing knife made meat prep easy. I carved turkey. I sliced roast beef. Perfect results.
Steak Knife Test: The steak knives cut through ribeye like butter. No tearing. No sawing. Just smooth cutting.
Sharpening Test: I used the built-in sharpener 4 times. Each time, the knives came back razor-sharp. This sharpener really works.
Rust Test: Left wet overnight. No rust. The coating protected perfectly.
Longevity Test: After 60 days of daily use, these knives showed the least wear. They looked almost new.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for:
- Serious home cooks
- People who cook daily
- Those who want professional-quality knives
- Anyone who hosts dinner parties
- Cooks who value quality and durability
- People with counter space for a knife block
This set might not be ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Minimalists who want fewer knives
- Those with very limited counter space
- People who rarely cook
Comparing All Three Sets
Let me put these side by side. This will help you decide.
Price Comparison
KATISUN: Around $15 – Best value for money
HAUSHOF: Around $12 – Cheapest option
Astercook: Around $100 – Premium investment
Sharpness Comparison
Out of Box:
- HAUSHOF: Sharpest initially
- Astercook: Nearly as sharp
- KATISUN: Very sharp but third place
After 60 Days:
- Astercook: Stayed sharpest longest
- HAUSHOF: Still very sharp
- KATISUN: Needed touch-up
Coating Quality
All three coatings held up well. No chips. No peeling. The titanium coating works.
The gold coating on Astercook looked the most premium. The black coating on HAUSHOF looked the most professional. The rainbow coating on KATISUN looked the most fun.
Handle Comfort
Best: Astercook – Ergonomic design, full tang, perfect balance
Second: HAUSHOF – Woven pattern, good grip, comfortable
Third: KATISUN – Basic but functional, light and easy
Storage Options
KATISUN: Sheaths for drawer storage – Most flexible
HAUSHOF: Acrylic stand – Most space-efficient
Astercook: Hardwood block – Most traditional and beautiful
Versatility
Most Versatile: Astercook with 15 pieces including steak knives
Most Essential: HAUSHOF with 5 core knives
Most Protective: KATISUN with sheaths for every knife
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Set
Let me help you decide which set fits your needs.
Consider Your Budget
If you have $15-20, get KATISUN or HAUSHOF. Both offer excellent value. You won’t regret either choice.
If you can spend $100, consider Astercook. The quality jump is noticeable. The lifetime warranty adds value.
Consider Your Space
Limited Drawer Space: Get KATISUN with sheaths. Store safely in drawers.
Limited Counter Space: Get HAUSHOF with small acrylic stand.
Plenty of Counter Space: Get Astercook with beautiful wooden block.
Consider Your Cooking Style
Casual Cook (2-3 times per week): KATISUN or HAUSHOF work great.
Daily Cook: Any set works, but Astercook will last longest.
Serious Home Cook: Get Astercook. You’ll appreciate the quality.
Host Dinner Parties: Get Astercook. The steak knives are essential.
Consider Maintenance Preference
Want Low Maintenance: All three are easy to clean. The coatings help.
Want Built-in Sharpening: Only Astercook includes a sharpener.
Want Dishwasher Safe: All three claim it, but hand washing is better.
Common Questions About Titanium Knives
Are Titanium Knives Really Better?
The titanium coating adds protection. It prevents rust. It helps food slide off. It looks beautiful.
But the core blade is still steel. Steel is what makes the knife sharp. The coating enhances the steel. It doesn’t replace it.
From my testing, coated knives stayed sharper longer. They were easier to clean. They showed no rust.
Do Titanium Coatings Last?
In my 60-day test, all three coatings held up perfectly. No chips. No peeling. No fading.
Will they last years? Probably, if you care for them properly. Hand wash when possible. Don’t use harsh scrubbers. Dry immediately.
Are These Knives Dishwasher Safe?
All three brands claim dishwasher safety. I tested this extensively.
The coatings survived the dishwasher. The handles survived too. But the edges dulled slightly faster.
My advice? Hand wash them. It takes 2-3 minutes. Your knives will stay sharper longer.
Can I Sharpen Titanium-Coated Knives?
Yes. The coating is very thin. Standard sharpening methods work fine.
I used the Astercook’s built-in sharpener. It worked perfectly. The coating didn’t interfere.
For the other sets, a standard knife sharpener works. Or use a honing steel between sharpenings.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Let me share what I learned about keeping these knives in perfect condition.
Daily Care
After Each Use:
- Rinse immediately
- Wash with mild soap
- Dry completely
- Store properly
Don’t let food dry on the blade. Even with the coating, it’s harder to clean later.
Weekly Care
Once a Week:
- Check for any coating damage
- Wipe down storage (stand, block, or sheaths)
- Check blade sharpness
- Tighten any loose handles (shouldn’t happen, but check)
Monthly Care
Once a Month:
- Deep clean the handles
- Check alignment of knives in storage
- Test sharpness on tomato
- Sharpen if needed
Storage Tips
For KATISUN Sheaths:
- Make sure knives are dry before storing
- Don’t force knives into sheaths
- Store sheaths horizontally in drawer
For HAUSHOF Stand:
- Keep stand on level surface
- Wipe base weekly
- Don’t overcrowd
For Astercook Block:
- Keep block away from water
- Insert knives fully
- Don’t force knives in
What I Learned From 60 Days of Testing
This testing period taught me a lot. Here are my biggest takeaways.
Quality Varies By Price
You get what you pay for. The Astercook set felt more premium. Better balance. Better materials. Longer-lasting sharpness.
But the budget sets surprised me. For $12-15, both KATISUN and HAUSHOF performed way above their price point.
Coating Really Helps
Before this test, I was skeptical about coatings. After 60 days, I’m convinced.
Food slides off easier. Cleaning is faster. Rust protection works. The coating adds real value.
Right Storage Matters
Each storage method has pros and cons. Sheaths protect best but take drawer space. Stands save counter space but show knives. Blocks look beautiful but take up space.
Choose storage based on your kitchen layout.
Sharp Knives Make Cooking Fun
Using sharp, quality knives changed my cooking. Prep work became faster. Cutting became easier. Cooking became more enjoyable.
Even budget knives, when sharp, make a huge difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which set is best for beginners?
A: I recommend KATISUN for beginners. The price is low. The sheaths keep you safe. You get variety to learn which knives you prefer. If something goes wrong, you’re only out $15.
Q: Do these knives work on all cutting boards?
A: Yes, all three sets work on wood, plastic, and bamboo boards. Avoid glass or marble boards. These will dull any knife quickly, coating or not.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen these?
A: It depends on usage. I sharpen every 2-3 weeks with daily use. If you cook less often, every 1-2 months works. Use a honing steel between sharpenings.
Q: Can left-handed people use these knives?
A: Yes. All three sets work equally well for both hands. The handles are symmetrical. The blades are standard design.
Q: Will the colors fade over time?
A: After 60 days of heavy use, none of the colors faded. The rainbow stayed bright. The black stayed dark. The gold stayed shiny. With proper care, colors should last years.
Q: Are these safe for kids to use?
A: These are very sharp knives. Kids should only use them with adult supervision. The KATISUN set’s sheaths add an extra safety layer for storage.
Q: What’s the difference between titanium coating and titanium blade?
A: These knives have stainless steel blades with titanium coating. Pure titanium blades exist but are rare and expensive. The coating provides most benefits of titanium at a fraction of the cost.
Final Verdict: Which Set Should You Buy?
After 60 days of daily testing, here’s my final recommendation.
Buy KATISUN If:
- You’re on a tight budget ($15)
- You want maximum knife variety
- You need safe drawer storage
- You love colorful kitchen tools
- You’re buying your first knife set
- You want the best value for money
Buy HAUSHOF If:
- You want essential knives only
- You prefer minimalist design
- You have limited counter space
- You want a professional look
- You value ergonomic handles
- You want to spend under $15
Buy Astercook If:
- You cook daily or multiple times per day
- You want the best quality available
- You host dinner parties (need steak knives)
- You have counter space for a knife block
- You want a built-in sharpener
- You’re willing to invest in quality
- You want a lifetime warranty
My Personal Choice
If I had to pick just one set? I’d choose Astercook.
Yes, it costs more. But the quality difference is real. The knives feel better. They perform better. They last longer.
The built-in sharpener alone justifies much of the cost. No need to buy a separate sharpener. No need to take knives somewhere for sharpening.
The steak knives are incredibly useful. I use them at least twice a week. Having six matching steak knives is perfect for hosting.
That said, if budget is tight, KATISUN is an amazing value. For $15, you get a complete knife set. The performance is excellent for the price.
Where to Buy These Sets
All three sets are available on Amazon.
KATISUN 13-Piece Rainbow Set: View Price on Amazon
HAUSHOF 5-Piece Black Set: View Price on Amazon
Astercook 15-Piece Gold Set: View Price on Amazon
Check current prices as they fluctuate. Sometimes sets go on sale. Amazon Prime members get free shipping on all three.
Conclusion
Choosing a knife set doesn’t have to be complicated. All three sets I tested performed well. All three exceeded my expectations in different ways.
The KATISUN set offers unbeatable value. The HAUSHOF set provides essential quality. The Astercook set delivers premium performance.
Think about your budget. Consider your kitchen space. Evaluate your cooking style. Pick the set that matches your needs.
Any of these three sets will upgrade your kitchen. Any will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. You can’t go wrong.
I spent 60 days testing so you don’t have to guess. Now you have the information you need. Time to pick your perfect knife set and start enjoying better cooking.
Happy cooking!