Best Knife Block Set Under 100 (Revealed Here!)

All kitchens need a good knife block set. Each one guarantees precise cuts no matter the dish. And you don’t need to splurge to enjoy a quality set. So, while famous knife brands might be tempting, nothing beats saving money with the best knife block set under 100!

These typically come with every essential knife any kitchen would need. So, whether you need a professional chef’s blade or a casual serrated bread knife, a knife block set has you covered.

If you’re still searching for the best set, I’ve reviewed six products that give the best value for your cash. See which one can keep up with your cutting needs!

KNIFE BLOCK SET	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Our Top Pick!  Cuisinart Classic Forged Triple Rivet 15-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price
	Henckels Definition 12-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price
	Cangshan S1 Series Steel Forged 3-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price
	Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 13-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price
	Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic 5-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price
	HENCKELS Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set		Check Price

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Knife Block Sets: Do I Need One?

There’s a knife for every imaginable purpose you can think of. From serrated tomato knives to specialized knives for cheese cutting, neverending variations await! However, individually buying these blades can weigh heavily on your pockets.

Luckily, there are many sets you can get for cheap. And anyone who has a passion for cooking or wants to learn more about the craft can enjoy knife block sets. So, regardless if you’re a casual cook or a professional chef, knife block sets make for an excellent investment.

See my six picks for the best knife block set under 100 below to get the best value for your money! Each one has all the blades you may need, allowing you to cut and dice like a professional in no time.

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Best Knife Block Set Under 100 – Top 6 Picks!

Our #1 CHOICE

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RUNNERS-UP

Henckels Definition 12-Piece Knife Block Set

J.A. Henckels is a famous brand that produces quality budget knives. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see one of their sets on this list. And the Henckels Definition 12-Piece Knife Block Set, in particular, caught my eye. 

Among the 12 knives, most have outstanding performance, durability, and sharpness! Each one is a full tang blade, holding its edge well. Plus, they have ergonomic handles, ensuring a comfortable yet secure grip. With Henckels, you can confidently chop, slice, mince, and dice through any ingredient. 

The chef’s knife for this set is the best as it serves beyond its purpose. It’s sturdy and sharp, allowing me to easily cut even the toughest ingredients. Aside from that, I also wanted to highlight the paring knives as they were so easy to maneuver. And it’s all thanks to the excellent blade geometry and comfortable grip. 

Knives aside, the set’s knife block is also praise-worthy, thanks to its appeal and practicality. It keeps its knife collection within easy reach on your kitchen countertop. And it doesn’t take too much space as it only stretches by 15.51 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches. 

Overall, this set is ideal for people aiming for accurate and consistent performance. After all, all its knives boast a high-quality fit and finish than most budget blades. 

For this knife block set, you’ll get the following:

• Paring knife
• Serrated utility knife
• Bread knife
• Hollow-edge santoku knife
• Chef’s knife
• Steak knives
• Storage block
• Kitchen shears
• Sharpening steel

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Cangshan S1 Series Steel Forged 3-Piece Knife Block Set

If you’re looking for a knife block set for home use, go for the Cangshan’s S1 Series. 

This is a 2-knife set that offers everything you need every day. It comes with a Chef’s knife and a paring knife, enough to handle most tasks the average person needs. Either way, both are full tang, ensuring maximum maneuverability. 

Besides being easy to use, the knives are also incredibly sturdy! After all, they’re made of top-quality X50Cr15MoV German Steel. And when you pair this with the brand’s famous heat treatment technique, these blades should last you for a long time!

Even if it’s smaller than the other products on this list, it’s worth getting for its performance and quality alone!

But that aside, the knives also boast a comfortable and secure grip. They lend themselves well to all the grip types, catering to small and large hands alike. 

Thanks to its unique and space-saving design, the set’s block storage is also something I adore. You can easily squeeze the knife block into your kitchen countertop or inside your drawers. This has one of the most compact storage blocks I’ve seen!

Overall, the Cangshan’s S1 Series knife block set is ideal for those who prioritize quality rather than quantity. 

For this knife block set, you’ll get the following:

• Chef’s knife
• Paring knife
• Storage block

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Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 13-Piece Knife Block Set

Are you looking for knives ready to keep up with your demanding cutting needs? Check out Chicago Cutlery’s Insignia Steel 13-Piece Knife Block Set.

This 13-piece knife block set comes with top-quality knives with stainless steel handles. Each blade can undergo strenuous slicing, dicing, mincing, or chopping without issues. With this, it’s become a popular pick among pro chefs looking to save some cash but doesn’t want to skimp on quality! 

But what made this stand out among the other knife block sets I’ve featured is its huge 8-inch utility knife.

Most utility blades stretch as far as 5 inches, making this one twice the average size in this set. 

Although the massive size makes the utility knife a bit less flexible, it can last longer. It allows you to cut through the most rigid meat, bones, and other ingredients. 

But an issue I encountered is that the knives from this set rust easily. So, it would be best if you hand wash and manually dry each blade to prevent damage over time. Still, this shouldn’t be a total dealbreaker as you don’t often see stainless steel handles on knife block sets at this price point. 

Overall, this product is perfect for those looking for a set that can last them for a while. And with proper care, this should last you for years. 

For this knife block set, you’ll get the following:

• Chef’s knife
• Serrated bread knife
• Santoku knife
• Utility knife
• Paring knife
• Steak knives
• Shears
• Wooden storage block

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Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic 5-Piece Knife Block Set

I highly recommend the Mercer Culinary Millennia Magnetic 12-Piece Knife Block Set if you don’t like those traditional, bulky wooden knife blocks. It takes a modern approach, offering a sleek yet practical knife block perfect for any kitchen!

All the knives in this 5-piece knife block set are made of top-quality X30Cr13 Japanese steel. They have high resistance but can’t hold their edge for an extended period. Luckily, the brand uses heat treatment to let their knives hold a better edge than most X30Cr13 blades.

Quality aside, the knives from this set boasts a comfortable and secure grip. So regardless of your grip type, these handles have got you covered. 

However, the set’s unique wooden block storage really stood out for me. It’s slimmer and more practical, consuming less space than traditional, bulky knife blocks. And it uses a magnetic storage board to hold the knives upward. 

Also, you can use the type of wood you want for the storage board. These include Bamboo, Rubberwood, and Acacia. Either way, Mercer Culinary guarantees unparallel durability. 

To conclude, this knife block set from Mercer Culinary is your best bet if you have limited space are just want something fresher than a bulky wooden knife block. 

For this knife block set, you’ll get the following:

• Chef’s knife
• Serrated bread knife
• Santoku knife
• Paring knife
• Magnetic wooden storage board

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HENCKELS Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set

My last pick for the best knife block set under 100 is the HENCKELS Statement 12-Piece Knife Block Set. 

Unlike the set I mentioned earlier, this set’s knives come with triple-rivet handles. And this makes your blades more durable, extending their longevity. Generally, they should be able to handle continuous use. 

Aside from that, the knives’ design is decent enough from an ergonomic view. But they aren’t as comfy as the Henckels Definition. Still, they’re comfortable enough and don’t strain the hands after extensive use. 

Another issue with this set is that its blades are stamped, meaning they’re very light. Hence, expect some knives to be flimsy and prone to rusting. 

However, surprisingly, their blades are dishwasher safe, saving you some time. But I don’t recommend doing this as it speeds up the inevitable rusting process. So, stick to hand washing to prevent rusting as long as possible. 

For this knife block set, you’ll get the following:

• Paring knife
• Hollow-edge Santoku knife
• Bread knife
• Chef’s knife
• Steak knives
• Sharpening steel
• Hardwood block storage

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Choosing the Best Knife Block Set Under 100 (Buying Guide)

Since knife block sets are diverse, choosing one can be challenging. You have to consider several factors, such as price, knife quality, blade type, etc. It’s not an easy task! But it is doable and worthwhile!

That said, here are factors to watch out for when looking for the best knife block set under 100:

🔪 Number of Knives

When picking knife block sets, you need to focus on the number of knives. After all, you are buying a set for a reason. And in this case, the more blades, the more beneficial for you. 

I suggest choosing a knife block set with at least five blades. This way, you can be confident that you’re getting a well-rounded range of essential knives. 

Moreover, sets with five or higher blades usually come with the following:

• Chef’s knife
• Steak knife
• Santoku knife
• Utility knife
• Serrated bread knife
• Carving knife
• Paring knife
• Slicing knife

And these are more than enough to help you go through cooking and cutting endeavors with ease! But generally, the more variety your knife block set has, the better. 

Fortunately, some of the best knife block sets under $100 have an average of 5 to over 15 knives. So, this shouldn’t be an issue regarding the number of blades. 

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ignore this factor when choosing a knife block set! After all, it helps you quickly determine if a set can give you the most bang for your cash. 

🔪 Type of Knives

As I mentioned earlier, the more variety a knife block set possesses, the better for you. But below are crucial types of knives you must have! These are versatile and can keep up with most kitchen and cooking duties.

☑️ Chef’s Knife

The chef’s knife is the most vital blade any person will need in their kitchen. It allows you to cut just about any ingredient, boasting excellent flexibility. From dicing to mincing, a chef’s knife is where it’s at. Its sharp point end lets you do fine point work, such as making garnishes. 

This knife stretches between 6 to 12 inches, featuring a long blade curving upward at the end. I suggest double-checking the end curve as it’s one of the most crucial features of a chef’s knife. It lets the blade smoothly rock back and forth. 

With this, chopping, dicing, and mincing should be a breeze. 

Either way, every knife block set you consider should at least have one chef’s knife! 

☑️ Paring Knife

An essentially shorter and tinier version of a chef’s knife, a paring knife is an excellent all-arounder. It’s indispensable in all kitchens, handling different tasks with ease. 

But it’s best for peeling and cutting vegetables and fruits. So, if you’re struggling to peel off potatoes or tomatoes, look for a paring knife in the set!

Aside from that, thanks to the knife’s small size, it doesn’t rock when used on a cutting board. That means it gives you cleaner and smoother cuts. However, that also means that paring knives aren’t the best for dicing or mincing. 

Either way, paring knives are great all-rounders that every set should have. 

☑️ Serrated Knife

A serrated knife is a must-have if you work with bread or other foods with tough outer and soft inner layers. After all, its unique blade goes through that unique consistency well. 

It acts like a saw, going through the tough exterior while gliding inside without issues. You don’t have to worry about squishing your loaves with this blade. As a result, you can enjoy perfect and even slices every time! 

Aside from pastries, serrated knives also work well with tomatoes and citrus fruits. They let you peel off their skins without damaging their insides. 

☑️ Utility Knife

As its name says, the utility knife is the ultimate all-around blade perfect for all kitchens. It has the same blade style as paring and a chef’s knife, but it’s thinner. 

There are a couple of things a utility can’t do those other knives can. For instance, it can’t dice and chop as perfectly as a chef’s knife, or it can’t peel vegetables or fruits like a paring knife. 

Either way, a utility knife is an excellent tool for kitchen tasks you need to do quickly. And whether that’s slicing meat or vegetables, this tool has your back. 

☑️ Santoku Knife

If you like making dishes that involve a lot of chopping, mincing, or dicing, your set should have a Santoku knife. It’s similar to a chef’s knife but has a flat blade tapering off at the top toward its end, leaving a narrow point. So, you can see why it’s an excellent tool for rigorous motions like mincing. 

However, since it has a flat blade, you need to use different cutting techniques. I recommend lifting the edge and pushing it forward to achieve the perfect balance on any cutting board!

☑️ Steak Knife

If you do barbecues a lot or love steak, steak knives are a must-have in a knife block set. But instead of cooking, this particular blade is best for cutting prepared meals. And it’s especially handy for cutting all kinds of meat. 

Aside from that, a steak knife is also excellent for personal table tasks like spreading butter or slicing bread rolls. 

🔪 Blade Style & Construction

Once you determine how many and what type of knives you need on a set, you must assess their blade style and construction.

Generally, I suggest choosing knives with the full tang blade style. This variation means that the entire knife has a one-piece blade made of 100% steel. You get to apply more force when cutting, slicing, or chopping. And you don’t worry about the blade snapping off from the knife’s handle bolster.

In short, a full tang blade style knife ensures you’re getting a durable and sturdy piece.

Aside from that, you also need to check if the blade was forged or stamped from steel. The former comes from a piece of molten metal, while the latter comes from steel sheets. I recommend choosing knives with forged blades as they’re generally more durable.

However, go for stamped knives if you’re after comfort and easy maneuver. These are more lightweight, making the blades easier to pilot around smaller items.

🔪 Materials

Top-quality knives use high-carbon stainless steel for their blades, guaranteeing sharpness and durability. Also, they’re easier to maintain. However, carbon stainless steel is prone to discoloration and rust. Plus, those are usually expensive. 

That’s why I recommend settling for the next best knife material: pure stainless steel. It’s durable, versatile, and guarantees the best performance possible! 

Either way, never settle for any blade material other than stainless steel. 

🔪 Handle

You also need to check a knife’s handle when looking for the best knife block set under 100. After all, the handle is responsible for ensuring a comfortable and safe grip! 

I suggest going for knives tested and proven for ergonomics handles. This indicates that the blade is easy to handle and use, perfect for casual and pro cooks alike. 

Aside from that, be sure that the knife’s handle is made from durable material. After all, no one wants the handle to break off the blade!

🔪 Knife Block

Most knife block sets come with a standard wooden knife block. Although it makes for convenient storage for your blades, this can be hard to maintain. After all, wood degrades faster than other materials. Not to mention, wooden knife blocks are notorious for being unhygienic. 

But that doesn’t mean these knife blocks aren’t good. They need a little extra TLC. On the other hand, other materials knife blocks come in are steel, ceramic, and plastic. 

🔪 Type of Knife Block

Like knives, knife blocks also come in various shapes and sizes. And what you’ll need depends on your kitchen setup. 

☑️ Upright Wood Knife Block

This is the most common and straightforward knife block you can get in the market. It consists of a standard wooden block with tons of slots for individual blades. And instead of needing to use a drawer or other space, this type of knife block only requires an open surface. 

However, upright wooden knife blocks are notorious for taking up kitchen counter spaces. After all, many of them are bulky and wide. 

☑️ Drawer Knife Block

A drawer knife block is your best alternative if you have minimal kitchen counter space! You can place this knife block into a drawer, saving your valuable counter space. So, if you have access to more drawer space, choose this variation. 

☑️ Wall-Mounted Magnetic Knife Block

The wall-mounted magnetic knife block is a more contemporary take on the kitchen tool. It’s convenient and space-saving, refraining from sacrificing counter and drawer space. Not to mention, this makes your knives look neater and more organized. 

However, this type of knife block can be dangerous as they’re practically displaying the blades out in the open. So, I recommend drilling it into the wall for a secure installation for your safety. 

☑️ Self-sharpening Knife Block

The self-sharpening knife block is the newest variation companies have concocted. It resembles a standard knife block, but its slots have knife sharpeners inside. Therefore, they can sharpen your knives while in storage.

However, since this is still a new concept, I don’t recommend choosing this unless you don’t mind replacing your knives. After all, most self-sharpening knife blocks available don’t really sharpen blades. Instead, they may wear them out. 

🔪Western- or Asian-style

Wester-style knives are thicker and heavier than their Asian counterparts. After all, they’re made to cut through bulky items. These range from coarse root vegetables to massive slabs of meat. 

So, if you handle hefty ingredients daily, I recommend going for Western knives. Meanwhile, if you’re making something more delicate, go with Asian knives! They’re thinner, making them knives to maneuver.

However, since Asian-style knives are lighter, they have more limited functions. For instance, they can’t cut through hard items like bones or butternut squash. 

🔪 Maintenance

Understanding how easy or challenging it is to maintain a knife’s upkeep is crucial when choosing a knife block set. After all, you will be using these kitchen tools almost every day! And you wouldn’t want to buy something that falls off after a week of use.

Ideally, your knives should only need sharpening once in a while. So, if they force you to clean and sharpen them every day, look for higher-quality blades.

🔪 Feel of the Knife

Quality knives should feel like a natural extension of your hand. In other words, it should be comfortable and not weigh you down. I recommend stimulating slicing to see how a knife feels before purchasing a knife block set. 

If not possible, you can check out knife block set reviews to see what the people are saying about a particular product!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I store my knives in a knife block?

A: As long as you sanitize your knife block frequently, storing your blades in it is ideal. After all, these blocks offer excellent protection for your blades. As a result, they extend the longevity of your knives. Avoid shoving knives into the wrong slots, as this can cause more harm than good. 

Q: What brand of knives does Gordon Ramsay use?

A: Gordon Ramsay mainly uses knife sets from Wüsthof and Henckels. These are famous for their high-quality products, promising sharp blades that last long! But remember, it takes more than a good knife to make you a good chef. So, it pays to polish your knife skills along the way.

Q: Can knife blocks make my knives dull and blunt?

A: Due to the constant dragging over the slots, knife blocks tend to blunt your blades. And this is especially the case if you’re dealing with wooden knife blocks. I recommend only pulling out your blades when you’re going to use them. This way, it extends both your knives and block’s longevity. 

Q: Does a knife block hold bacteria?

A: Bacteria are bound to spread if you use your knives and store them into a knife block without cleaning them first. Also, knife blocks can become a breeding ground for bacteria due to their enclosed space in the slots. And this is especially prevalent if you’re using wooden knife blocks. 

Q: Is it unhygienic to use a knife block?

A: If you don’t clean and sanitize your knife blocks, they can become unhygienic. A study from the NSF revealed that these blocks could develop yeast and mold when uncleaned. And this shouldn’t be a surprise as dust and debris quickly gather in the kitchen. 

Q: Do I have to oil my knife block?

A: I recommend oiling your knife block if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck. It protects the kitchen accessory from cracking and chipping over time. However, never overdo it as too much oil might lead to cracking as the oil might seep into your block. 

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Final Words

A complete arsenal of knives is crucial in every good chef’s kitchen. However, these blades can get expensive fast. So, it’s best to invest in the best knife block set under 100 to get the most out of your money. These are cheaper and come with most of the essential blades you’ll need!

The six knife block sets mentioned are sturdy, sharp, and, most importantly, cheap! Each one comes with different blades and price ranges to help you find the best one that suits you—and your budget!