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The Best Knife Sets Under $200 of 2023

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Editor's Choice Product image of Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block
Best Overall

Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block

We can see why Mercer is a common supplier of culinary school knife kits. Because of its performance and low price, it's easy to choose as our Best Value pick. Read More

Pros

  • Performs as well as more expensive sets
  • Great balance

Cons

  • Doesn't include honing steel or shears
Product image of Henckels International 35342-000 Classic Knife Block Set

Henckels International 35342-000 Classic Knife Block Set

The knives in this set are sharp, but the chef’s knife was a little awkward and not very comfortable to use. The paring knife was effortless to use and fit nicely in our hands. Read More

Pros

  • Paring knife effortless to use
  • Nice santoku knife

Cons

  • No serrated bread knife
  • Expensive
Product image of Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Block Set

Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Block Set

We really have no complaints about the performance of the included knives, but the lack of a full-length serrated bread knife feels like a grave oversight. Read More

Pros

  • Favorite paring knife we tested
  • Good performance
  • Good value

Cons

  • Doesn't include a bread knife
Editor's Choice Product image of Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set

Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set

We’re impressed that this set bundles so many knives for such a low price. The chef's knife has a great balance and a nicely-shaped handle. Read More

Pros

  • Great value
  • Good design
  • Includes a 5-inch Santoku knife

Cons

  • Knives not as sharp as other sets
Product image of  Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces

Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces

While the knives in this set are lightweight and sharp, it replaces the chef's knife with a long carving knife and doesn't come with a storage block. Read More

Pros

  • Good value
  • Knives are light weight

Cons

  • Doesn't include a chef's knife
  • Doesn't include a storage block

Whether you’re stocking your first kitchen or you’re looking to upgrade your knives without breaking the bank, finding a quality knife set under $200 might prove difficult.

Some of the knife sets we picked in our overall roundup cost upwards of $500. One set costs $400 and only includes three knives! Not all of us have the money (or desire) for such high-end sets, which is why we've rounded up the best knife sets under 100.

High-priced knife sets are often made from high-quality steel that will likely last over a decade. They tend to stay sharper for longer and usually look pretty sleek, too. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that less expensive sets are made from poorer-quality materials.

We've proven in previous knife roundups that inexpensive knives often rival much more expensive knives when it comes to performance. So, we were determined to find the best knives under $200 that could stand up to the more expensive sets, both in quality and in value.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Credit: Reviewed /Lindsay D. Mattison
Best Overall
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block

Cheap sets of knives often dull out quickly and break easily, which can be quite dangerous. The Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set with Tempered Glass Block pleasantly surprised us with their five super sharp knives, considering how affordable of a set they are.

This set doesn't just include honing steel or shears; you’ll also receive a bonus boning knife. In addition, we are big fans of the serrated knife; but honestly, every knife in this set is going to offer a crisp blade, reliable stability, and firm grip.

Buying a cheaper product and hoping it has good quality is oftentimes too good to be true, but that’s not the case with this knife set. You get the best of both worlds: reliable blades and the best bang for your buck, which is why we chose the Mercer Culinary Genesis as our Best Value pick.

This set includes five knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a 6-inch boning knife) which are stored upright in a thin, glass case.

Pros

  • Performs as well as more expensive sets

  • Great balance

Cons

  • Doesn't include honing steel or shears

Product image of Henckels International 35342-000 Classic Knife Block Set
Henckels International 35342-000 Classic Knife Block Set

While knives included in the J.A. Henckels International 35342-000 Classic 7-Piece Knife Block Set didn’t lack anything in the sharpness department, we found this set generally lacking. The chef’s knife was a touch on the heavy side in an unbalanced way, making it a little awkward to use. The edges on the handle weren’t as rounded as other knives, so it wasn’t very comfortable, either.

What we love about this set is the paring knife, which is effortless to use as well as comfortable to hold. We're also fond of the santoku knife, which has a better handle and improved balance compared to the chef’s knife. In the end, we think these knives are a touch pricey considering the contents and the fact that this set doesn't come with a serrated bread knife.

This set includes four knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, and a 4-inch paring knife) along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a large, wooden block.

Pros

  • Paring knife effortless to use

  • Nice santoku knife

Cons

  • No serrated bread knife

  • Expensive

Product image of Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set

There are no complaints to be made when it comes to the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set. The Swiss Army owned company is well known for making great knives at a fair price point.

What we don't love about this set, though, is the lack of a serrated bread knife. The chef’s knife performs incredibly well, and the super minimalistic paring knife is one of our favorites. Unfortunately, the set includes a small serrated knife instead of a larger bread knife, which we find to be a grave oversight.

This set includes 4 knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 4.5-inch serrated tomato/bagel knife, and a 5-inch utility knife) along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a large, wooden block.

Pros

  • Favorite paring knife we tested

  • Good performance

  • Good value

Cons

  • Doesn't include a bread knife

Product image of Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set

With the incorrect knife, cutting down vegetables into tiny cubes or slices can be tedious, which is why we love the Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Riveted Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set. Although they aren’t as sharp as more expensive brands, the design itself is practical. Plus, they are much more budget friendly than high-end knife sets.

You’ll find that the handles on the knives are comfortable to hold in your hand and stay steady as you slice up your favorite fruits and vegetables..

What's better: this set of full-sized knives also come with a 5-inch Santoku knife, which is more ideal for cutting up onions into tiny pieces or if you just have tiny hands.

Overall, we would certainly recommend these knives to anyone looking for some under $200, especially because they meet our standards of quality.

This set includes six knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 5-inch Santoku knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 4.5-inch utility knife, and an 8-inch slicing knife) along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a large, wooden block.

Pros

  • Great value

  • Good design

  • Includes a 5-inch Santoku knife

Cons

  • Knives not as sharp as other sets

Product image of  Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces
Victorinox Swiss Classic Kitchen Knife Set, 5 Pieces

The Victorinox Swiss Classic 5-Piece Kitchen Knife Set comes with lightweight knives that are very sharp; although this set doesn’t include a wide-blade chef’s knife which is an ideal knife for small-slicing duties. Instead, it comes with a long, thin carving knife, which is good for general cutting functions; it just isn’t our first choice for chopping.

What we find odd about this set is that it comes with both a serrated and straight-edge paring knife, yet doesn't include a wooden block to store them properly on the kitchen counter.

Please note that these knives are not dishwasher safe. Therefore, you should always hand wash them in order for them to hold their quality.

This set includes five knives (a carving knife, a bread knife, a serrated tomato and table knife, a serrated paring knife, and a straight-edge paring knife).

Pros

  • Good value

  • Knives are light weight

Cons

  • Doesn't include a chef's knife

  • Doesn't include a storage block

Product image of Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set
Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set

If you’re a home cook newbie or own a vacation home that you want to stock up to rent, then the Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set would be ideal. To be honest, they aren’t the best knives performance wise. The knives themselves aren’t super sharp nor do they have great balance while cutting, but they are an affordable option for someone who needs a set of knives in general.

What we do like is the storage block that’s included with this set. It’s a bit large and heavy, meaning it may take up some space on your countertop; but if you have the room in your kitchen, then that shouldn’t be an issue.

This set includes six steak knives for cutting meat and sheer knives for all other chopping needs, such as for cheese and vegetables.

This set includes seven knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5.5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and a 3.5-inch tourne knife) along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a large, matte black block.

Pros

  • Good value

  • Lightweight

  • Set comes with steak knives

Cons

  • Not very sharp

  • Not well balanced

Product image of Food52 Five Two Essential Knives
Food52 Five Two Essential Knives

We love the vintage look of the three-piece Five Two Essential Knives set. The soft-to-the-touch knife handles are available in several colors: Smoked Salt, Nordic Sea, Maple, and Rhubarb, and each one has a gorgeous washed-out appearance. These triple-riveted, forged, Japanese steel knives are a little on the heavy side, but they have great balance that makes them easy to use.

Where the set loses the most points is in the sharpness department. To put it plainly, they just aren't as sharp as other knife sets. The set only contains three knives, too, so it isn't able to keep up with similarly priced sets that come with more styles (like santoku blades, utility knives, and kitchen shears).

This set includes three knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 9-inch serrated bread knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife).

Pros

  • Gorgeous vintage look

  • Well-balanced

Cons

  • Not very sharp

  • Limited set

Product image of Calphalon Classic SharpIN 6-Pc. Cutlery Set
Calphalon 1924554 Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Knife Block Set

As far as beginner knife sets go, you could certainly do worse than the Calphalon 1924554 Classic Self-Sharpening 6-Piece Knife Block Set. For starters, these knives are as sharp as some of the more expensive knife sets, and we love that the block has a built-in sharpener, which is great for beginner cooks—it takes the question mark out of how to use a knife sharpener or honing steel.

This set’s major downfall is the lack of a serrated bread knife (something we think is essential in a good starter set). We also think the knives are a little on the heavy side, and the chef’s knife has a very long handle, which can throw off the balance and make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.

This set includes four knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 5-inch santoku knife, a 6-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife) along with kitchen shears, and a large, wooden block.

Pros

  • Includes self-sharpening block

  • Knives have sharp edges

Cons

  • Doesn't include serrated bread knife

  • Chef's knife handle is too long

Product image of Henckels International 35309 Statement 12-pc Knife Block Set
Henckels International 35309 Statement 12-pc Knife Block Set

For the price, the J.A. Henckels International 35309-000 Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set isn’t a terrible deal. The kitchen knives themselves are lightweight and have sharp blades that can tackle any cooking job you throw at them, but the handle design gets in the way of making this a stellar set. The handles are a little clunky for our liking, making them awkward to hold.

We also didn’t love the paring knife, which features a wide blade and thick handle, making maneuverability difficult. That said, if you’re looking for a budget knife set that comes with steak knives and you prefer getting a santoku knife instead of a utility knife, this would be a fine starter set for most kitchens.

This set includes four knives (an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 3-inch paring knife) along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a large, wooden block.

Pros

  • Great budget sets

  • Includes steak knives

Cons

  • No utility knife

  • Awkward handles

Product image of Material Trio
Material Trio

Material products are known for being both beautifully crafted and functional, and this set of three knives is no exception. They are beautifully made of stainless Japanese steel with a Damascus steel finish. We believe pairing them with the Material plastic cutting board (one of our top picks, in fact) would bring a wonderfully elegant look to your kitchen.

You only get three knives in this set, but that’s because each one is crafted for quality. They are sharp enough to cut through any food product and the round-shaped handles are not only comfortable to hold, they’re also designed with a smooth matte, ivory finish that is absolutely beautiful to look at!

What’s better: the paring knife transitions perfectly off your hand as if it is a part of it. The 6-inch serrated knife is even long enough to slice a large, crusty baguette.

This set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, an “almost 4-inch” paring knife, and 6-inch serrated knife.

Pros

  • Gorgeous appearance

  • Sharp edges

  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Limited set

Product image of Master Maison Supreme Series 11-Piece Knife Set
Master Maison Supreme Series 11-Piece Knife Set

This wallet-friendly stainless steel knife set is designed with both professional chef level and affordability in mind. It comes with a chef's knife, paring knife, carving knife, utility knife, serrated bred knife, knife sharpener, and a hardwood block to keep your knifes organized and in great shape, as well as a built-in knife sharpener.

With almost 12,000 reviews and 4.6 stars, reviewers love these knives for their sharpness and price-to-quality ratio. Some reviewers claim that they rust easily, so their durability is questionable; but overall, this is a solid set for the price.

Pros

  • Great for the price

  • Very sharp

  • Compact design

Cons

  • May rust easily

Things to Know When Buying a Knife Set

Before buying a knife set, ask yourself this question: What kind of knives do you like? You may not know yet, but it's worth exploring before you spend money on a set. For example, I know I have a proclivity towards Japanese-style knives (like Shun and Global) while I know a great number of chefs who prefer German steel (like Wüsthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels).

I even know a chef who only buys inexpensive ceramic knives and replaces them every three months when they get dull. So, it’s impossible for us to know what your personal preference is and we tried to keep that in mind as we ranked and rated. At the same time, there are a few steadfast rules to follow when looking for a knife set.

First of all, it needs to include the three core knives: a chef’s or Santoku knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. The set should also include a honing steel, or sharpening steel, for keeping your edges sharp and a pair of kitchen shears always come in handy.

If the set comes with a utility knife, that’s good—you may find this smaller knife handy for slicing cheese or small vegetables. I consider boning knives, carving or slicing knives, smaller serrated knives, tourne knives (often called peelers), or steak knives as bonus items.

Finally, you’ll need some way to store these knives. Most sets come with a block, but that may not be important if your kitchen is short on counter-space like mine. In which case, I can’t recommend a space-saving magnetic wall strip enough.

Be careful not to throw your knives in a drawer unless they have a plastic cover. They could bang against each other and chip, or worse you might hurt yourself when reaching for one.

Meet the testers

Lindsay D. Mattison

Lindsay D. Mattison

Professional Chef

@linzdmattison

Lindsay is a professional chef, recipe developer, writer, and developmental editor. After years of working in restaurant kitchens, she turned to writing to share her passion for local, organic, and seasonal ingredients with home cooks and food enthusiasts.

See all of Lindsay D. Mattison's reviews
Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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