Top Knife Set Brands: Slice Through the Competition

When it comes to equipping your kitchen with the best knife set, investing in quality brands can make all the difference in both performance and longevity. Renowned brands such as Wüsthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels are favored for their precision engineering and comfortable grip, making them staples in both home and professional kitchens. Victorinox, known for its iconic Swiss Army Knives, offers affordable options without compromising on durability and sharpness. For those looking to elevate their culinary experience, brands like Shun provide exquisite craftsmanship with their Japanese-styled blades. Interested in learning more about these top knife set brands? Discover our detailed guide below.

Illustration of knives set

Best brands of knives set in 2025

Wüsthof

Wusthof is renowned as one of the best producers of knife sets, boasting over 200 years of traditional German craftsmanship and a legacy that spans seven generations of family ownership since 1814. Their knives are forged from a single piece of special German steel, heated to around 1,250°C, and are 20% sharper than average due to laser-assisted sharpening. The Classic and Grand Prix series have been top-rated by Consumer Reports and consistently praised by Cook's Illustrated magazine. Wusthof's commitment to quality is evident in their full-forged construction and attention to detail, making their knives last for generations. With nearly 200 blade shapes available, Wusthof offers a versatile range for both domestic and professional use. For more information, explore Wusthof's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels

Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a renowned leader in the culinary industry, boasting over 290 years of expertise in crafting exceptional knives and culinary tools. With an estimated annual revenue of $172.2 million and a workforce of 549 employees, the company continues to innovate and elevate cooking experiences. Known for their precision, innovation, and craftsmanship, Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a trusted name in high-quality kitchenware, contributing significantly to the global kitchen knives market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% from 2023 to 2030. Their products are highly regarded for their quality and durability, making them a favorite among chefs and cooking enthusiasts. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in their exclusive collaborations, such as the FCCLA x Zwilling Essential Culinary School Knife Kit.

Shun

Shun Cutlery, introduced to the North American market in 2002, is renowned for its high-quality Japanese kitchen knives, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and technology. Each Shun knife undergoes at least 100 handcrafted steps, ensuring exceptional precision and performance. The brand, part of the Kai Group, traces its heritage back to 1908 in Seki City, Japan, a city with over 800 years of blade-making tradition. Shun knives are made from high-grade stainless steel and are available in various styles, including Western and Eastern designs, with features like full-tang blades and Pakkawood handles. Shun has won awards for innovation and quality, solidifying its position as one of the most respected names in kitchen cutlery. Learn more about their heritage on their history page.

Global

Global, as a renowned brand, stands out as one of the best producers of knife sets, known for their high-quality and precision-crafted products. The global knife market, which includes brands like Global, is projected to grow from USD 4.2 billion in 2023 to USD 7.1 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.10%. Steel dominates the market, accounting for 60% of the total market share, a segment where Global excels. In terms of exports, China leads the global market, but brands like Global contribute significantly to the industry's growth. Global's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a favorite among consumers. For more details about their precision-crafted products, visit Global's official website.

Mac Knife

MAC Knife is a renowned Japanese brand, celebrated for its superior quality and innovative knife designs, having been in the industry for over 50 years. Known for their high-carbon molybdenum vanadium steel and sub-zero tempered blades, MAC knives boast a Rockwell hardness of 60-61, ensuring exceptional sharpness and durability. With over 25 million knives sold since 1964, MAC has established itself as a trusted name in the kitchen knife market. Their knives are crafted in Seki City, Japan, a region famous for its knife-making heritage. MAC's Professional series is particularly popular, offering a unique blend of Japanese and Western knife characteristics. For more information, visit their page on MAC Knife.

Victorinox

Victorinox is renowned as one of the top producers of kitchen knife sets, known for its high-quality and durable products. The company, famous for its Swiss Army knives, has adapted to market changes, such as the 30% drop in army knife sales following the September 11, 2001 attacks, by diversifying its product lines and expanding into kitchen cutlery and other categories. Victorinox produces up to 20 million pieces monthly, with a rigorous quality control process after each of the 7 production stages. Despite the initial setback, the company has successfully navigated market shifts and continues to be a key player in the kitchen knife sets market, which is expected to grow to USD 65.09 Billion by 2031. Victorinox's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position among top manufacturers like Groupe SEB, Kai Corporation, and Zwilling JA Henckels. For more insights on the kitchen knife sets market, visit the QY Research report.

Miyabi

Miyabi is a premium brand renowned for producing some of the highest quality knives, leveraging traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology. Owned by Zwilling-Henckels, Miyabi knives are made in Seki, Japan, and are distinguished by their exceptionally hard steel, with hardness ratings ranging from 57 to 66 HRC, significantly surpassing many other premium brands. Each Miyabi knife undergoes a 100-step, 42-day process to ensure hand-finished attention to detail and remarkable sharpness, thanks to the Honbazuke three-step honing process. With blade angles of 9.5-12 degrees, Miyabi knives offer superior cutting performance and long-lasting sharpness. These features make Miyabi a top choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki is renowned as one of the best producers of Japanese knives, boasting a 600-year history and a market share of nearly 90% among professional Japanese chefs. Their knives are hand-crafted in Sakai, Japan, using centuries-old techniques and the finest materials, resulting in exceptional sharpness and durability. The brand offers a wide range of knife series, including the 33 Layer Damascus, 45 Layer Damascus, and Blue Super series, each known for its unique characteristics and high-quality steel. Sakai Takayuki knives are forged and hardened using traditional methods, such as folding selected steel multiple times, to achieve supreme sharpness. The brand's commitment to traditional skills and meticulous workmanship ensures the quality of their knives. To explore more about Sakai Takayuki Japanese knives, visit their detailed page.

Dalstrong

Dalstrong is renowned as one of the best producers of knife sets, offering a wide range of high-quality knives crafted with precision and durability. Their knives are made from high-carbon steels such as X50CrMoV15 and AUS8, with Rockwell hardness ratings of 56 and 58, respectively, ensuring maximum resilience and edge retention. The brand, based in Canada and manufacturing in China, has gained popularity since its emergence, particularly for its affordable yet high-performance knives, such as the Crusader Series starting at $59 for an 8" chef knife. Dalstrong's Quantum 1 Series features knives with ultra-sharp edges hand-sharpened to 8-12° per side and made from single-piece high-carbon American BD1N-VX steel with a hardness of 63+ HRC. Their sets often include a variety of essential knives, such as chef, santoku, and paring knives, along with elegant storage blocks. For more details, explore the Quantum 1 Series 5-Piece Knife Block Set.

Mercer Culinary

Mercer Culinary is a leading brand in the culinary industry, trusted by chefs across the country for its high-quality knives and cutlery. With over 30 years of experience, Mercer supplies more than 90% of culinary academies in North America, showcasing its commitment to excellence. Their knives are crafted from high-carbon, stain-resistant Japanese stainless steel, ensuring durability and precision. The Mercer 20 Piece Culinary Set, for example, includes a variety of professional-grade utensils and a knife sharpener, making it an all-in-one solution for kitchen needs. Mercer's products are designed to meet the stringent standards of commercial kitchens, reflecting their dedication to the foodservice industry.