The Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Knife Set almost rivals our top pick, but it only comes with four knives plus shears. The utility knife’s long, semi-flexible gotham steel cookware sets blade makes it stand out in a set we already love. If you don’t need any of the extra knives, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Each knife has a sloped bolster, which means it’s easier to learn how to properly grip the knife on the blade instead of by the handle. Still, it’s hard to complain considering you’ll receive five impressively sharp knives that performed as well as sets three times the price. In addition to the sharp blades, each knife has a great balance and we love the grip of the handles.
By the end, you’ll know whether Cuisinart knives are right for you — and which ones might make the best fit for your kitchen. Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. A blade that is too hard is prone to chipping and can break gotham steel cookware sets if it’s dropped since it lacks flex. If you’re not familiar, the bolster is the part of the knife where the blade and handle meet, and the steel thickens. It provides a smooth transition between the blade and handle and serves as a finger guard, protecting your hand from slipping onto the blade.
Ergonomic and sharp, Enso is great for cooks that need quality knives to stand up to daily use. If you don’t cook a lot, or your meal prep isn’t very complicated, you can absolutely get away with a three-piece set. We also tested a similar set, the Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Stainless Steel Hollow Handle 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set , expecting it to be similar. Unfortunately, their performance fell far short of this set, unbalanced and not as sharp.
All of its products are designed with that mantra in mind. Although Henckels knives are manufactured in China, Thailand, Spain, and India, every knife is designed in Germany and carries the prestige of the centuries-old parent company. Henckels has been making quality cutlery for over two centuries, while Cuisinart is best known for its small kitchen appliances — cutlery is just one product line in its extensive kitchenware portfolio. Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click.
Get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. Join our free newsletter and get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. Both brands are relatively affordable, but Cuisinart knives are exceptionally cheap. Henckels knives are sharper with a 30-degree cutting angle, while Cuisinart’s are sharpened to 44 degrees. Henckels blades are hardened to 57 on the Rockwell scale, while Cuisinart’s steel is softer, scoring 55.