Best Budget Serrated: Cuisinart Triple Rivet 6
Cuisinart’s affordable steak knives easily compete with our overall best picks, according to reviewers. Though they won’t hold up quite the same way higher-end tools will, home cooks will get great use out of these knives with proper care.
For a serrated-edge knife, Cuisinart’s triple-rivet collection has a high-carbon stainless steel blade with a standard 4.5-inch length. It’s one of Amazon’s top-selling steak knife sets, and with a $15 price tag, it’s no surprise users feel they’ve gotten the best deal. Home cooks like them for everything from carving rotisserie chicken to slicing tomatoes.
To buy: Cuisinart Triple Rivet Collection 6-Piece Steak Knife Set, $15 at , bedbathandbeyond.com, or wayfair.com
My Winner Best Quality Knife Set Wsthof Classic Ikon Twelve Piece Knife
Wusthof was the first set of knives I bought to begin my cooking career and theyve never once let me down. Even back then, all of my culinary instructors recommended these knives also because theyll last a lifetime.
For a similar price to Cutco, you can get so much more quality with the top-of-the-line IKON series from Wusthof.
Its worth pointing out that Cutco does include 7 more knives than this set but of those 7, 4 are steak knives and the other 3 are those Double-D edge knives
Plus the price of this set is still cheaper than Cutco.
Consider this too: do you really need 19 kitchen knives? Or is 12 enough?
You can always add on extra knives later with the money you would have spent on a Cutco knife set.
of this Wusthof set are the best of any knife set I found and I can see why.
The knives have a strong Rockwell score of 58 and are made with high-carbon stainless steel.
The new design of these knives looks extra sleek and would look great on any kitchen counter.
You cant go wrong with these knives!
Can You Sharpen Steak Knives
You sure can! Steak knives with smooth blades are easier to sharpen than serrated steak knives, but both can be whipped back into shape. You can use a whetstone, or follow the directions on an electric sharpener. Of course, you can always have your knives professionally sharpened. Do so when you notice more pressure or leverage is needed to achieve smooth cuts.
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Vortex Blade Power Blender
$10.99 MSRP
Powerful 2.2 horsepower+ and 22,000 RPM motor quickly and easily creates healthy smoothies, creamy soups, smooth nut butters, crushed ice, and more2-Litre jar is shatter-,scratch- and stain-resistant, as well as BPA-freeVortex Blade Technology is specially-designed to circulate food while blending or chopping for perfect, consistent resultsPre-set functions and manual speed settings for easy operation and precise control – Pre-sets include smoothie, soup and crushed iceDynamic Control Dial for precise control of the blending function, speed and timeSelf-cleaning cycle makes washing the blender jar and blades quick and easyTamper included for processing thick mixtures2-Year Limited Warranty*ManualDisclaimer:+: 2.2 horsepower is the peak horsepower output of the motor, and does not reflect the operational horsepower of the blender. Peak horsepower is measured in laboratory testing. During actual use, the blender will operate at a lower rating than the peak horsepower.
Best For Gifting: Zwilling 8
This Zwilling set comes in an attractive wooden presentation box, so gifting is as easy as throwing on a bow. The eight-piece set is top to bottom high-carbon stainless steel, made with professional-grade design and materials. The serrated blades will hold their sharpness for longer than traditional knives. The thin handles look great at any table setting, and even bettershoppers can catch the set while it’s on sale for just $85. Give it as a wedding gift, Christmas gift, or birthday gift.
To buy: Zwilling 8-Piece Steak Knife Box Set, $85 at target.com, macys.com, or zwilling.com
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Best Runner Up Zwilling Professional S 18
Even though the 18pc Zwilling Professional S series is more than twice the price of their Gourmet Classic series, it doesnt sacrifice quality.
This is a set of forged knives made in Germany with quality thats so much better than Cutco, its hard to even compare the two.
They have a Rockwell of 57 which is harder than Cutco knives and means theyll stay sharp longer. Theyre a little bit cheaper than the IKON series but come pretty close in quality.
Although some reviewers felt cheated that the steak knives included in this set are not forged and instead stamped and produced in Spain.
Personally, I dont really care that the steak knives are slightly cheaper as the most important for me is the quality of the kitchen knives.
Still, its worth pointing out.
In the end, this is a solid set of German-made knives that knocks any Cutco knife out of the park.
Who Needs A Steak Knife Set
Even if you havent seen the movie, you probably know the line: First prize is a Cadillac … Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is youre fired. Alec Baldwins speech is cinema legend. Its also insightful. Glengarry Glen Ross premiered in 1984, when there was nothing more quintessentially American than big cars, lost jobsand steak for dinner. Of course second prize is a set of steak knives! Almost everyone would have appreciated themif not the circumstances they arrived under.
Today, second prize would be something else. Americans are eating less meat in general, and less beef in particular, so not everyone needs a set of steak knives these days. But if you eat meat regularly, you really should have one. Its amazing how much nicer it is to slice a tenderloin or chop with a well-made blade designed for that purpose. And that will hold true even if youre already using a cheapo set of serrated steak knives, let alone if youre hacking away with the dull table knives that came with your silverware.
A nice set of steak knives also dresses up a place-setting, so if you like to entertainor just like to make a fancy meal now and thenyou may appreciate owning a set, too. Finally, one thing that held true in 1984 still holds true in 2015: steak knives are a special gift for the right person. You can even spend Cadillac money, if youre feeling extra generous.
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Best For Table Settings: Misen Serrated Knives
Misen’s serrated blades are comfortable and affordable if you’re looking to outfit your table for hosting family and friends for dinner. Hundreds of Misen users have complimented the brand’s usefulness and great price. Misen also makes our favorite paring knife, so it’s no surprise they’re a top choice for steak knives as well.
To buy: Misen Steak Knives , $20 per knife at misen.com
The Best Modern Steak
If you’ve got a little extra coin burning a hole in your pocket, or are due to receive or dole out some fancy gifts in the near future and want to go with a Parisian bistronomy vibe when entertaining, then these Perceval 9.47 knives might be right up your alley. The 9.47 knife was designed by a former Michelin-starred chef, and, unsurprisingly, it’s a dream to cut with. While its modern, minimalist look isn’t for everyone, there’s no arguing with its performance. It’s worth noting that unlike other steak-knife sets, the 9.47 is not available in a set of four knives, just sets of two and six.
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Best Classic Steakhouse Knives: Viking Professional
Add a rustic element to your kitchen table with these steakhouse-style knives. The restaurant-quality serrated edge and stain-resistant handles are full-tang for a balanced hold. The blade is 18/10 German stainless steel that will resist corrosion and easily slice through poultry or beef. The knives are high quality for an affordable price.
To buy: Viking Professional 6-Piece Steak Knife Set, $80 to $90 at , surlatable.com, or bedbathandbeyond.com
Best Serrated: Misen Steak Knives 4
Misen which is known for funding its product introductions on Kickstarter has a loyal following amongst in-the-know foodies. The brand consults everyone from beginniner cooks to the pros, as well as engineers and product designers, to develop products that are well-priced but with a great design. So it’s no wonder that their steak knife set looks good and performs even better.
These knives have a distinctive look: The handle is a linear continuation from the blade, so it has a clean, contemporary look. The blade is made from high-carbon German steel and the handle is made of a synthetic material. While the straight shape of the handle isn’t as comfortable to hold as some of the handles that have a more ergonomic shape that is contoured to the hand, the material has a warm, comfortable feel to it and a pleasant heft and width. But larger-handed people might feel like the design, where there is no clearance between the blade and the handle, can cause the knuckles to get in the way.
Buy It: $80 misen.com
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Best Serrated: Victorinox Swiss Army 8
With thousands of five-star ratings, this lightweight, no-frills set from Victorinox gets high praise across the board. The serrated stainless-steel blades and textured handle allow for easy gripping and slicing, and they can handle the dishwasher in a pinch.
To buy: Victorinox Swiss Army 8-Piece Steak Knife Set, $31 at or walmart.com
The Double D Edge Myth
The Double-D edge of Cutco knives is nothing more than a snappy-sounding marketing gimmick.
What sounds like progressive patented technology is basically just another name for a serrated knife edge.
Thats it.
Serrated knives are great for citrus, bread and tomatoes but not much else. The rough edges of serrated knives will leave rough cuts in delicate foods like meat and fish which is not recommended.
Plus, you cant sharpen a Double D edge at home which means youll be forced to send it to Cutco every time it needs sharpening.
On the contrary, properly sharpened straight-edged knives work with all types of food.
Its important to keep this in mind when choosing a knife set as too many of the knives included in the Cutco knife set are serrated.
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Straight To The Point
Our favorite steak knife set is the Messermeister Avanta, which performed incredibly well and comes with a very reasonable price tag. We have a few other favorites, which you can read about below, but we don’t think you’d be disappointed by the quality of the Avanta.
Like having a collection of houseplants, or a large reusable tote bag stuffed to the brim with more reusable tote bags, owning a set of steak knives is a tangible, material proclamation of adulthood. Steak knives appear on seemingly every wedding registry for a reason: They fall into that category of aspirational but non-essential household items you always wanted to have, but maybe never felt the need to drop a serious chunk of change on for yourself. Steak knives are about form and function they need to be sharp enough to easily slice through a butter-basted ribeye , and they should look good while doing it. We put a dozen steak knives to the test to find a curated selection of well-crafted, attractive knives that offer exceptional performance and value commensurate with their price tag.
Does The Type Of Metal Matter For Steak Knives
Youll often see steak knives advertised as being made with different types of steel, such as German or Japanese. This is partially a personal preference, but it really all comes down to the edge. An ultra-thin edge will come out of the box razor sharp, but it will require more frequent sharpening. Conversely, a slightly chunkier edge may not slice through your shoe, but it wont need constant babysitting.
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Why As A Chef Ill Never Buy A Cutco Knife Set And Better Alternatives
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my affiliate policy here.
If youre thinking about buying a Cutco knife set, hold on a second because there are much better alternatives.
Ive been using kitchen knives professionally for more than 15 years and can tell you that choosing the right brand matters, even for the home cook.
If youre going to be buying an entire knife set then its so important that you trust the brand.
Here are 5 better alternatives instead:
Our Pick: Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $60.
The Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood steak knife set was our clear winner. No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction. Their blade-edges are well-formed, smooth, and extremely sharp they cut even the toughest steaks as well as knives we tested that cost five times as much, which cant be said for most others in their price range. Their handles are finished with pakkawood, a durable resin-impregnated natural wood usually only found on more expensive knives. And unlike any other knives we found at the price, they feature full-tang construction: A single piece of steel forms the blade, bolsters, and handle. This adds strength , balance, and heft. The latter is an aesthetic concern, but an important one: 2015’s test revealed that a knife weight of around 80 grams feels just right in the hand. The Messermeisters weigh 89 gramspleasantly robust, and significantly nicer to hold than the lightweight knives typical at this price.
No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction.
The only flaw we found was the not-quite-perfect finishthere were slightly-raised rivets on some handlesbut still, the Messermeisters quality of construction is well above that of the other knives we tested in its price range. Simply put, with most knives you get what you pay for with the Messermeisters, you get more.
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The Paper Test Gave Us An Idea Of Factory Sharpness But Didn’t Tell The Whole Story
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
As Daniel did with chef’s knives, the first and last tests for this review were performed to check the sharpness of each knife. I ran the blade of each knife, from heel to tip, through sheets of printer paper that had been folded in half. This test isn’t a precise measure of sharpness, but it allowed me to see which knives had a factory edge sharp enough to effortlessly slice through paper, and note which ones got snagged and tore at the sheets.
The knife that performed the worst was the one micro-serrated knife that we tested, which tore and got caught on the paper. The knives that performed best were generally the premium straight-edged knives, while the cheaper knives had more trouble. The Messermeister Avanta was the notable exception to this trend it was one of the most budget-friendly knives of the dozen that were tested, and it sliced through paper just as well, if not better, than ones that cost five times more. It is also worth noting that the serrated steak knife that we tested aced the paper test, cutting through the sheet smoothly even with its saw-toothed edge.
Best Overall: Wsthof Classic 4
While there are certainly less expensive steak knives available, Ina Garten’s favorite knife brand holds true in this category for a reason. Wüsthof has been making cutlery for 200 years, and its Classic line includes laser-cut blades made from high-carbon stainless steelso sharp there’s no need for serrations. This set includes four 4.5-inch German blades, and the Solingen name on the side indicates it meets the strictest quality standards. The classic triple-riveted handle is full-tang and contoured for a comfortable grip while slicing through steak, pork chops, or any tough meat.
The full bolster provides protection for your hand while slicing, and the handle is designed from a highly durable material that resists fading and discoloration. As with any premium kitchen knife, handwashing is recommended for these to remain in the best condition.
To buy: Wüsthof Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set, $290 at , surlatable.com, or wusthof.com
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Smooth Knives Beat Out Serrated Ones
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
For the main test, I had a group of six people from the Serious Eats team evaluate the knives under real-world, steak-cutting conditions. In the test kitchen, I cooked three different cuts of steakhanger, skirt, and 2-inch-thick New York stripsto evaluate how well the knives performed on tougher cuts of beef as well as thick-cut steaks. I did my best to choose testers of different ages, height, gender, cooking experience, and dominant hand orientation. Before having them cut into steaks on porcelain plates, testers were asked to evaluate knives based on their appearance, and feelhow ergonomically comfortable they were to hold, along with whether they liked the weight distribution, balance, and blade-to-handle dimensions.
Performance was the next criterion testers were asked to slice the different cuts of steak with each knife. After recording observations on performance, participants were tasked with giving each knife an overall grade from 1 to 10, while also writing down how much they would personally be willing to spend on a set of steak knives for themselves, as well as how much they would be willing to spend on a set to give as a nice gift to someone they really cared about.
Budget Pick: Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $30.
Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition steak knife set is the best low-cost set out there. The knives are not perfect by any metric: the blade-edges are coarse and uneven at 60 grams/2 ounces, theyre a bit lighter than wed like and the fit-and-finish is indifferent. In fact, they appear just to be industrial-grade boning knives with steak knife handles slapped on. Put it this way: if the Messermeisters give you more than you pay for aesthetically, these give you exactly what you pay for, and not a penny more.
They work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price.
But theyre built to last and they work perfectly welland, more importantly, they work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price. Theyre a great choice for outfitting a crowd, taking along on country picnics, or while car camping. Not fancy, perfectly functional, and if you lose one, youll shed no tears.
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