Key Notes and Observations
- HENCKELS Premium 15-Piece delivers German engineering, precision-stamped blades, and dependable durability at a mid-range price.
- The Steel-King Series 15-Piece set adds a built-in sharpener for easy upkeep at approximately $80, offering a strong value for busy home cooks.
- Premium 17-Piece Magnetic Block features X50CrMoV15 steel with a Damascus-style pattern and a tidy magnetic block that holds up to 21 pieces.
- German Stainless 15-Piece hits the 58 HRC sweet spot with full tang construction that punches above its price.
- MSY BIGSUNNY 17-Piece brings razor-sharp 12–16° edges and Pakkawood handles for a pro feel without luxury pricing.
HENCKELS Premium 15-Piece Knife Set with Block
- ULTRA-SHARP BLADES: Superior professional-level sharpness that ensures precision cutting.
- THE LAST KNIFE YOU’LL EVER NEED TO BUY: German Engineered Knife Informed by over 100 Years of Mastery. HENCKELS knives are built to last.
- EFFORTLESS CUTTING: Enjoy easy cutting with minimal effort with this lightweight, easy-to-use knife.
The HENCKELS Premium 15-Piece balances practicality with German engineering. The set covers an 8″ chef’s knife, utility, paring, slicer, bread knife, shears, and six steak knives. Precision-stamped stainless steel offers good sharpness with low maintenance.
- Best For: Home cooks seeking a reliable, all-purpose set.
- Pros: Broad lineup; stays sharp with honing; comfortable handles.
- Cons: Sharpening steel is basic; some long-term scuffs on the handle.
Kitchen Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener (15-Piece Steel-king Series)
- A GIFT FOR U: For the one you cared about, must send a better gift. From blade to handle, with 5 upgrades. Stay sharp longer, 45° natural grip, NSF...
- CUT THINNER, CUT FASTER: Thanks to our autonomous steelmaking technology (development for knives), makes it easy to stay sharp. You can do everything...
- 45° NATURAL GRIP: The balance point design allows for the most comfortable grip. Good at any angle, best at 45° angle. The crossed handle is the...
The Steel-king 15-piece delivers German stainless steel, a full tang build, and a two-stage built-in sharpener. At ~$80, it’s a strong option for busy kitchens. The set includes core blades, steak knives, and shears.
Side link: Build on these fundamentals with our sibling topic, Best Blenders For Soups, for expanded culinary prep efficiency.
- Best For: Budget-focused cooks who want simple maintenance.
- Pros: Value pricing; full tang durability; block sharpener included.
- Cons: More knives than minimalists need; the block requires care.
Kitchen Knife Set with 17 Pieces and Magnetic Block Holder
- Enduring & Excellence Sharpness: Professional, the satin-finished blade has precision cutting and is finely honed. Each knife's edge of Piklohas is...
- Ergonomic Handle For Comfort: Full tang and forged bolster for superb robustness and creating the perfect balance between the blade and handle. This...
- Quality Manufacturing, Rust And Corrosion Resistant: Piklohas cutting knife is German top grade X50CrMoV15 high carbon steel with precision quenching...
This 17-piece set uses X50CrMoV15 steel with a Damascus-style finish and stores in a magnetic block holding up to 21 blades. Edges are hand-polished at ~15° per side for precision on delicate produce.
- Best For: Enthusiasts seeking modern storage with premium steel.
- Pros: X50CrMoV15; ~58 HRC hardness; versatile block system.
- Cons: Shears are basic; higher cost than mid-tier sets.
Kitchen Knife Set with Block, German Stainless Steel (15 Pieces)
- Excellent Present: Give it to someone special, must send a better Treat. The Jaguar Series knife set is the epitome of sharpness and ergonomic...
- Easy to Cut: Our blades are expertly fashioned from high-quality 1.4116 steel, ensuring enduring sharpness through finely honing. Experience...
- Comfort Grip: Ergonomically designed with a fully forged bolster for seamless blade-to-handle transition, ensuring exceptional durability, balance,...
The WIZEKA 15-piece offers German stainless steel hardened to ~58 HRC, packaged with an integrated sharpener block. Owners highlight sharpness and solid balance at a fair mid-range price.
- Best For: Home chefs wanting dependable performance.
- Pros: 58 HRC steel; block sharpener; covers all essentials.
- Cons: Block takes counter space; best results with hand-wash only.
MSY BIGSUNNY 17-Piece Knife Block Set with Wooden Block
- 【Razor Sharp Edge】The knife blade is made of premium German stainless steel at 56-58 rockwell hardness with a hand polished edge at 16-17 degrees...
- 【Well-Designed Knife Set】Includes: 1*bone chopper, 1*cleaver knife, 1*chef knife, 1*carving knife, 1*bread knife, 1*santoku knife, 1*utility...
- 【Ergonomic Design Handle】Pakkawood handle for a durability yet balanced and comfortable grip. Every curve and angle of the handle is ergonomically...
The MSY BIGSUNNY 17-piece expands into cleaver and bone-chopper territory. Built with German stainless steel and fitted with Pakkawood handles, this product strikes a balance between performance and grip comfort.
- Best For: Cooks handling proteins and large prep loads.
- Pros: Comprehensive set, sharp out of the box, sturdy handles.
- Cons: Heavy full set weight; handles may show wear over time.
How We Tested
I ran every set through repeatable trials: slicing paper and tomatoes for sharpness, dicing onions and carrots for edge stability, and trimming protein for tip control. Each was honed before testing but not fully resharpened, ensuring fair comparisons.
- Paper & Tomato Test: checked initial bite and edge precision.
- Veggie Chop: 2 lbs onion + 2 lbs carrots for balance and comfort.
- Protein Trim: chicken trimming for glide and control.
- Retention: repeated tomato test after 7 days of daily prep.
Hands-On Data
| Set | Initial Sharpness | Balance & Comfort | Edge Retention (Day 7) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HENCKELS Premium 15-Piece | 8.3 | 8.5 | Pass (slight drag) | Strong daily performer; honing extends lifespan. |
| Steel-king 15-Piece | 8.0 | 8.2 | Pass (light drag) | Block sharpener adds value for maintenance. |
| 17-Piece Magnetic Block | 8.6 | 8.6 | Pass (very clean) | Premium steel; shears are less robust. |
| German Stainless 15-Piece | 8.2 | 8.4 | Pass (clean) | Solid balance; large block footprint. |
| MSY BIGSUNNY 17-Piece | 8.5 | 8.3 | Pass (clean) | Versatile but heavy for small counters. |
What to Look For in a German-Made Knife Set
Steel Quality and Composition
Prioritize high-carbon stainless (e.g., X50CrMoV15 or 1.4116) for a sweet spot of toughness, corrosion resistance, and easy resharpening.
Handle Material and Design
Choose between Pakkawood for warmth and grip or reinforced polymer for durability and easy cleaning. Contoured shapes reduce hand fatigue.
Edge Retention
German blades commonly target 56–60 HRC, balancing longevity with chip resistance. Keep a honing steel handy for quick tune-ups.
Full Tang Construction
A full tang improves balance and strength, while a well-shaped bolster protects the pinch grip and fingers during quick work.
Weight and Balance
A slightly weight-forward chef’s knife helps break down dense veg; neutral balance suits long prep sessions.
Block Storage Options
Classic hardwood blocks protect edges, magnetic blocks save space, and built-in sharpeners add convenience. Explore Professional Kitchen Tools for edge-friendly accessories that complement these sets.
Price vs Quality
Expect entry sets around $80–$120, mid-range $150–$300, and premium $300+. Higher prices often reflect forged construction, tighter QC, and better fit and finish.
German vs Japanese Knives
German knives prioritize toughness, thicker spines, and balance. Japanese knives are lighter with sharper, thinner blades. Choose German for resilience and easy care, Japanese for precision slicing.
FAQs
How long is the warranty?
Most German brands offer a warranty of 10 years to lifetime against defects, excluding misuse.
Can they go in the dishwasher?
No—hand wash and dry immediately to preserve edges and handles.
How often to sharpen?
Hone weekly; full sharpening every 12–18 months under home use.
About the Author
John Siracusa has extensive kitchen-testing experience focused on technique-first cooking and reproducible results. He built Hell’s Kitchen Recipes into a trusted resource for cooks who value dependable tools and methods. * Disclosure: All reviews reflect independent testing, not sponsorships. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which do not affect rankings or scores.
