The best kitchen knife sets make even amateurs feel like seasoned pros! Whether you’re a savvy home chef or just someone who loves to eat, it’s important to have the right knife set in your (kitchen) corner.
But not all blades are created equal, so today we’re taking a look at some high-quality kitchen knives that stand above the rest.
We cover materials, durability, cost and more in our comprehensive review and buyer’s guide.
Below are our picks for the 9 best kitchen knife sets in Australia.
1. Global 5-Piece Teikoku Knife Block Set (Top Pick)
If you’re looking for a knife block set that’s got a reputation for impeccable quality, the Global 5-piece might just be the pick for you. This set includes a paring knife, vegetable knife, chef’s knife, and bread knife.
All 5 can be safely housed in the sturdy bamboo block. Many professional chefs will recommend knives made in Japan, and with good reason.
Global knives are revered for their superior balance, impressive durability, and razor sharp edge.
If an every-day set of popular kitchen knives is what you need, this might be a great option for you.
Not only do these knives perform beautifully, they look elegant and stylish on any countertop.
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Although these knives can be machine washed, a hand wash is still recommended for best maintenance. Global’s reputation for quality knives and superior customer service precedes them, and this knife block set does not disappoint. This cutlery hits the sweet spot – simple enough for a beginner, superior enough to satisfy even the most discerning chef.
Features
- Made of stainless steel and bamboo
- Perfectly balanced handles
- Rust, stain and corrosion-resistant
- Teikoku knife set with wood block
What We Like:
- Retains sharpness well
- Comes with 4 knives and a storage block
- Razor sharp
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
2. Wusthof Gourmet 7-Piece Knife Block Set
This gourmet 7-piece knife block set includes the following: paring knife, utility knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, bread knife, and chef’s knife.
All 7 pieces fit safely in a stunning beechwood block. This collection is suitable for professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Every blade in this set is carefully crafted from quality carbon steel. Wusthof is known for their 40-step manufacturing process which ensures the highest standards of performance and durability.
The ergonomic handle design not only saves your hand from fatigue, it supports perfect balance and proper knife hygiene.
This is a superior set of knives and one of the best on the market in Australia. The high carbon steel gives you a strong, sturdy blade you can depend on for years to come.
Features
- High carbon stainless steel
- Beechwood block
- 7 pieces including kitchen shears
- 40-step manufacturing process
What We Like:
- High quality materials
- Ergonomic design
- Reputable brand
What We Don’t Like:
- Some people may prefer a smaller set
3. Global 3-Piece Knife Set
If you’re looking for a Japanese-made knife set crafted from superior stainless steel, this 3-piece might be right up your alley.
With only 3 knives, this set focuses on quality – not quantity. These knives are in it for the long run, with an ice-tempered and hardened blade that holds its edge like no other.
Because these blades are rust, corrosion and stain-resistant, they look and perform well for years.
Since this particular set does not include a block, you might want to invest in some kind of storage to keep them dry, clean, and in optimal condition.
Thanks to the seamless construction, you don’t have to worry about trapped food and poor knife hygiene.
Impressively, this threesome was designed by legendary knife-maker Komin Yamada.
These knives are not only supremely functional but strikingly stylish as well. Conveniently, the lightweight design helps prevent hand fatigue while the straight edge stays sharper longer.
Globally, these knives have a stellar reputation for exacting standards and impeccable quality and this particular collection is no exception.
Features
- Includes paring, vegetable and chef’s knife
- Made from CROMOVA 18 stainless steel
- Razor sharp edge and well balanced
- Lifetime warranty
What We Like:
- Smooth contours
- Ice tempered
- Rust, stain and corrsion-resistant
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not include knife block
4. Victorinox Swiss Classic Stainless Steel 7 Piece Kitchen Knife Set
The Swiss classic isn’t just good for pocket knives! Victorinox makes a strong entry on our list thanks to its high-quality stainless steel blades and comfortable grip handles.
Made in Switzerland, this 7-piece set includes a peeler, carving fork, carving knive, bread knife, Santoku knife, vegetable knife and paring knife.
This company has been delivering high-quality knives for over a century and it’s easy to see why they’re trusted the world over.
If you’ve ever had a Swiss Army Knife, you know how durable and reliable they are. And the chef’s knives in this at-home kitchen set are no exception to that rule.
One thing we love about this particular set is that it’s great for meeting all your basic kitchen needs. If you’re an avid home chef or just an aspiring cook, this collection is a superb place to start.
Known for their comfortable grip, these knives won’t frustrate or exhaust you and they don’t disappoint in terms of effortless food prep.
Although these are technically dishwasher safe, we still recommend a good hand-wash and dry. The pressurized jets and harsh detergent can wreak havoc on any steel blade.
If you take good care of these knives, they’ll be with you for a very long time. This set does not include a block, so purchasing one separately isn’t a bad idea.
Features
- 7 pieces
- Stainless steel & plastic
- Made in Switzerland
- Ergonomic handles
What We Like:
- Everything you need for everyday meals
- Comfortable grip
- Trusted brand
- High-quality stainless steel
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not include storage block
5. Wiltshire Staysharp Stainless Steel Radius Knife Block
This stylish, stainless-steel radius knife block comes complete with everything you need to master meal prep.
One thing we love about this set is that it includes a built-in sharpener. Regardless of what some clever marketers might have you believe, all blades need regular sharpening to retain their edge!
This set includes: a paring knife, utility knife, multi-purpose knife, carving knife, and Santoku knife.
These are durable, rust-resistant knives that cover a wide variety of tasks. The contoured full steel handles guarantee comfort and maximum strength.
For your convenience, simply insert any of your knives directly into the block sharpener to maintain that edge.
Wiltshire has been at the top of their game for over 75 years and they offer an outstanding 20 year guarantee on their products.
This is one cutlery collection you can buy with confidence knowing your utensils are guaranteed and your countertop is getting a stylish upgrade.
Features
- Includes built-in knife sharpener
- Comes with stylish storage block
- High-quailty blades
- 20 year guarantee
What We Like:
- Built-in sharpener both hones and sharpens kitchen knives
- Includes 5 knives and one storage block
What We Don’t Like:
- Knife block design may not suit all kitchens
6. Kitchen Precision 17 Piece Knife Set with Block and Sharpener
If you’re looking for an extensive collection of knives, this Kitchen Precision set might be the clear winner for you.
With 17 pieces, this is definitely the most comprehensive and complete pick on our list.
In addition to the usual suspects, this block comes with 6 steak knives, a pizza knife, a cheese knife, a peeler, and a two-stage sharpener. Plus, you get all of this in a unique, eye-catching acrylic stand.
With their low carbon and high chromium content, these blades are known to be corrosion-resistant and shock absorptive.
Because it’s so all-inclusive, this set makes a great wedding or housewarming gift for someone who’s just starting out.
Here, you’ll find everything you need for all kinds of meal prep packaged in one attractive block.
This manufacturer is so sure you’ll love these knives, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The 3CR13 steel has a reputation for withstanding the harshest elements, holding its own even in the outdoors or marine environments.
The included sharpener has a non-slip cushion base, ergonomic handle and Tungsten steel for coarse sharpening.
Features
- 17 pieces
- Includes sharpener
- Comes with 6 steak knives
- Low carbon stainless steel
What We Like:
- Unique, beautiful acrylic knife block displays knives
- All-in-one chef-quality set
- Easy care
What We Don’t Like:
- Does require a bit of counter space
7. Mundial Bonza 9 Piece Knife Block Set
This classic 9-piece knife set includes the following: paring, utility, carving, slicing, and chef’s knife.
It also comes with a sharpening steel, cook’s fork, kitchen shear, and wooden knife block for storage.
For great balance, these knives are full tang with an ergonomic grip handle.
This collection is a favorite, and highly recognizable. Whether you’re in the mood for slicing, dicing or chopping, you’ll find something suited for every task in this block.
The wide top edge of these knives ensures maximum safety while durable ergonomic handles guarantee optimal comfort.
Features
- Durable handles
- 9-piece set
- Includes wood block
- Full tang
What We Like:
- Manufacturer trusted for over 70 years
- Wide top edge for added safety
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not include sharpener
8. Global Kabuto Shiro Knife Block Set
This is another superb pick from well-revered Japanese brand Global. It includes 6 knives that come housed in an attractive block.
One reason we love this option is that it’s a collection of Global’s 6 best-selling knives: paring, utility, 2 chefs knives, bread knife, and vegetable knife.
The name Kabuto references the Japanese Samurai helmet – the very inspiration for this storage block.
CROMOVA 18 stainless steel is well known for its sharp edge retention and its resistance to corrosion, stains, and rust.
Further, each blade is hardened and ice-tempered to Rockwell C56-58, making these knives perfectly balanced.
The only thing missing from this set is a good knife sharpener, so a quality whetstone or ceramic water sharpener is recommended to properly maintain these superior blades.
Features
- CROMOVA 18 stainless steel
- Ice tempered and hardened
- Made in Japan
- Lifetime warranty against defects
What We Like:
- Razor sharp edge
- No food or dirt traps
- Comfortable – no hand fatigue
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
- Does not include sharpener
9. Scanpan Spectrum 4 Piece Knife Set
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, basic kitchen knife set, look no further.
The Scanpan 4-piece includes the following classic knives: utility, Santoku, bread and chef’s knife.
Like all the best kitchen knife sets, this one features high carbon stainless steel and ergonomic handles with a comfortable grip.
Although this set doesn’t come with a block, it does include protective sheaths. This can come in handy if you’re looking to save counter space in your kitchen.
The non-stick coating ensures best results in all your meal preparation endeavors.
We especially love the genuine Danish design of this cutlery and the impressive comfort of the soft touch handles.
Features
- Non stick coating
- Includes protective sheaths
- Hollow ground cutting edge
- High carbon
What We Like:
- Superb craftsmanship
- Comfortable to use
What We Don’t Like:
- No knife block included
Knife Set Buyers’ Guide
Now that you’ve seen some of the best knife sets on the market, you might have a few more questions about what to look for before you buy.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your final decision.
What Will You Use?
Bigger isn’t always better! Large knife blocks take up precious counter space and require maintenance and upkeep. Consider your kitchen habits and buy accordingly. For example: if you’re a big steak eater, the 17-piece on our list might be a great option.
However, if your activity in the kitchen is somewhat limited, you might be perfectly happy with a 4-piece that can be sheathed and tucked in your utensil drawer.
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Dishwasher Safe
Some manufacturers will try and push this as a premium selling point, but it’s not. Knives are relatively easy to clean and maintain, but dishwashers are never really recommended. Aggressive jets and abrasive detergent can do a number on steel blades, so hand-washing is always your best bet.
Convenience
Some knife sets are more all-inclusive than others. If you don’t have a storage block, sharpener, or good pair of shears, it’s smart to select a set that comes with all of those items. The more accessible and convenient an item is, the more likely you are to get good use out of it.
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Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve taken a look at the best kitchen knife sets in 2020, what do you think? Are you ready to tackle a turkey and dice some dill? Whatever you’ve got up your sleeve, these knife sets can help you cut with confidence and prepare with pinache.
Remember – knife sets also make fail-proof gifts because everyone eats! The absolute best kitchen knife set is one that combines high-quality materials with ergonomic design to give you an enjoyable and efficient meal-prep experience. Whether at home or in a professional setting, these 8 kitchen knife sets are handle-and-blade above the rest.
Knife Set FAQs
Some of the most popular knives for chefs are Wusthof, Shun and Henckels. One reason these brands of chef knife are so popular is that they’ve all been around a very long time. Another reason is their history of excellent performance with food preparation. Lastly, they all have a lifetime warranty and are well known for their superior craftsmanship. As such, these are all popular brands for home cooks as well.
There are several great ways to store your knife set even if it doesn’t come with a block. Some people even prefer these other methods as they save space:
– Magnetic wall strip
– Drawer dock
– Cloth knife roll
– Individual protective sheaths
