Let’s get one thing out of the way right up front. The only real bad luck you’ll encounter in the matter of giving knives as gifts is having the kind of friends who think giving knives as gifts is bad luck. Sure, you can go through the rigmarole of exchanging coins as tokens when the knife changes hands – a cute ritual signifying that you’ve “paid” for it, nullifying the severed-friendship connotation of knife-giving – or you could simply put the superstition to one side. Whatever you do in the kitchen, a knife is going to be a welcome present.
But investing in the right set of kitchen knives can be a bit daunting. Do you want Japanese-style, dangerously sharp steel, or the classic Euro-style, tame and trustworthy stainless steel. Each have their perks, the versatility and manoeuvrability of the lightweight Japanese-style knife is an ideal addition for the serious home cook’s kitchen, but the heft and reliability of the classic German Wusthof will never leave you in the lurch.
Whatever you choose, these are our picks of the best kitchen knives.
The best kitchen knives in 2024
01
Furi Pro Jet Black Magnetic Hexagonal Block Set 7-Piece knife set
Furi’s bold move in 2024 is the release of this ultra-chic black magnetic hexagonal knife block with a very generous 7-piece set of matching knives for every occasion. Six of the seven knives can be stored outside of the block (thanks to the ingenious magnetic design) for easy identification and ultimate convenience, wit one knife tucked discreetly into the block’s hollow middle. Each knife features a reverse-wedge, anti-fatigue handle, engineered to sit more naturally in the hand and providing more control with every slice.
Key features:
- Magnetic block design for convenience use
- Set of seven
- Anti-fatigue handle
- 25-year guarantee on the knives
02
Wusthof Crafter Knife Block 3-Piece set
This sleek, chic, and artisan-designed knife block by Wusthof comes with one pairing knife, one cook’s knife and one dynamic knife block. The geometric knife block, made from smoked oak, oak, maple and thermo-beechwood panels, is artisan-designed and manufactured in Solingen, Germany, in typical, trustworthy Wusthof fashion. The block is designed to house more knives for collectors, and the knives have a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing faults and defects.
Key features:
- Lifetime guarantee
- Knife block is artisan-designed
- Knives feature comfort handles
- Knives have smoked oak timber handles and brass triple rivets
03
Joseph Joseph Elevate Steel Knives 5-Piece Bamboo Block
Joseph Joseph does it again with this beautiful five-piece knife set. Each of these Japanese-style stainless steel blades is meticulously crafted and weighted for ultimate user convenience and comfort. As an added slick touch, each knife features an integrated tool rest to prevent the blades from touching the work surface when placed down, minimising mess and maximising hygiene. The set comes with a slimline, bamboo block with easy-access, magnetic knife slots and non-slip feet for compact storage, plus a different coloured spot is set in the top of each handle for easy identification when pulling from the block.
Key features:
- Made from Japanese stainless steel
- Tool rests to prevent knives from resting on surfaces
- Moulded handles for comfortable use
04
Global Hashira 5-Piece Knife Block Set Maple
Eliminate the awkward blind handle game when reaching for your knife with this chic, maple knife block by Global featuring an acrylic window so you never have to grab three wrong knives before you finally guess right. Each of the four knives is made from Cromova 18 stainless steel, specially designed to have a razor-sharp edge and resistant to rust. Smoothly contoured handles ensure comfort when doing the long-haul chopping, and the ice-tempered and hardened steel is carefully weighted for a lightweight and sturdy blade.
Key features:
- Acrylic window means knives are easily identifiable
- Knives are made from Cromova 18 stainless steel
- Contoured handles mean a comfortable grip
- Steel is rust-resistant
05
Miyabi Birchwood Knife 2-Piece set
Japanese knives are known for their superior quality, and this two piece knife set from Miyabi doesn’t stray from that standard. Made from SG2 super steel, each blade undergoes a four-step ice hardening process to maximise the durability of the steel; from increasing its resistance to rust to safeguarding an enduring sharp edge. The Birchwood handles are smooth and thin for a comfortable hold, and feature natural grooves from the wood.
Key features:
- Japanese-style kitchen knives
- Set of two
- Durable, rust-resistant steel
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