The 11 Best Forged Kitchen Knife Set – Best for Your Kitchen

When you buy kitchen knives, you may hear them referred to as forged or stamped. As this article is related to forged kitchen knives, a forged knife is manufactured from a single bar of steel that is heated and then struck into shape, sometimes with the use of specially trained craftsmen or sometimes by machine.

A completely forged Knife is the best because its blade and the tip (the bit connecting with the blade to the handle) both are made from a single steel block. Forged Knife is easy to sharpen as it is not very flexible. When you try to hold the blade firmly against a whetstone or sharpened steel, it will not rotate. To find some affordable but really decent options for forged knives, I will review some best-forged kitchen knives which I personally used as well as a complete Forged kitchen knife buying guide that helps you to get the best Forged Kitchen knife.

Are Forged Knives Better?

Yes, forged knives seem to be harder and have better blade retention as compared to many stamped knives. Again, the lines are blurred, but in general, a forged knife will likely hold up slightly better than a similarly stamped knife.

Best forged kitchen knife set – Quick Overview

We have selected the 11 best-Forged knife sets. Below there is a short comparison table that gives you an overview of all products reviewed in the article.

1. Wusthof Classic Ikon 7 Piece Slim Knife Set
2. Cangshan TC Series 1021455 Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set
3. Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set
4. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set
5. Cangshan S1 Series 1022599 German Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set
6. Calphalon 321, 12 Piece, Silver
7. Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Piece Forged Knife Roll Set
8. Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
9. Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
10. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
11. Forged in Fire – Stainless Steel Knives

Image	Product & Features	Ratings	Price
Top-Pick	Wusthof Classic Ikon 7 Piece Slim Knife Set Forged from high-carbon stain-free steel Ergonomic handle design Balanced for easy cutting	9.7	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
Best Budget Option	Cangshan TC Series 1021455 Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set Easy to sharpen blades Extremely long edge retention Comfortable and easy to hold handles	9.5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
Best Rated	Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set VG-MAX cutting core Rockwell Hardness D-shaped PakkaWood handle	9.1	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set High Carbon Stainless Steel Ergonomic Santoprene handle Taper Ground Edges	8.8	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Cangshan S1 Series 1022599 German Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set Unique design and look with ivory-colored handles Durable and reliable blades Practically functional knife collection	8.6	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Calphalon 321, 12 Piece, Silver Full-tang knives Forged construction Classic design Triple-riveted handles	8.2	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Piece Forged Knife Roll Set Ergonomic Santoprene handle High-carbon, no-stain German cutlery steel Taper-ground edge	8	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set 18 pieces in a pack Ergonomic handle Blades of Stainless steel Fine-edged blades with sheer sharpness	7.7	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set Durable And Well Made Lightweight Great build quality​	7.4	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set high-quality set of forged knives Well Balanced Stainless Steel	7.2	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay
	Forged in Fire – Stainless Steel Knives Stainless steel knives Full-tang blade Professionally sharpened and hammered.	9.5	Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on eBay

 

1. Wusthof Classic Ikon 7 Piece Slim Knife Set – best for All-purpose knife set

Wüsthof Classic Ikon knives are incredibly comfortable. This classic-looking set contains the most useful knives for use in the home kitchen, as well as detachable kitchen scissors, sharpening steel, and a storage block. I am confident that these durable and sharp knives will provide years of use.

In terms of price, performance, and durability, I think the Wüsthof Classic Ikon is the best set to meet your eat-in kitchen needs.

Features:

Handle Design:

I love this knife because of the handle. The real wood is so pretty, feels luxurious, warm, and smooth in my hands. I cherish this knife!

Back Bolster = Balance:

Wüsthof also added the bolster to the end of the knife to round off the attractive look and make the handle heavier. This makes the knife more balanced in your hand, especially when chopping.

The Wüsthof Blade:

All Wüsthof knives are made from stainless steel and feature precision edge technology that produces a sharper, finer edge that allows for more precise cuts.

Shortened Bolster:

Shortening the bolster (the thicker piece of metal between the blade and the handle) is a big improvement. ​You can use the entire length of the edge and sharpen the entire length of the edge of the blade. When slicing dense foods like butternut squash, I like to use the back corner of the edge to tap the squash in one spot to start the cut.

Knife Collection:

The Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Block Set includes:3 1/2″ paring knife, 6″ utility knife, 8″ chef’s knife, 8″ bread knife, 9″ honing steel, Stainless-steel pull-apart shears, 13-slot storage block.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

2. Cangshan TC Series 1021455 Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set – Most Durable

This TC series comes from an impressive range of high-quality knives from the legendary Cangshan brand. This series of knives is perfectly designed and built to withstand heavy use in the kitchen and easy cleaning. This knife set is ideal because Swedish stainless steel material is durable and reliable.

I am a big fan of Cangshan and have reviewed several of its excellent kitchen knives. I just love their TC series. The weight and the feel in the hand are perfect, you can feel the quality. This set is amazing.

Features:

Design:

The patent-pending design of the Cangshan TC series blades focuses on the knife’s aesthetics or their excellent function and performance.

The knives in this series are appreciated by customers for their advanced and elegant design features and are far ahead of other models on the market.

Full-tang forged steel blades

Cangshan is way ahead of other brands when it comes to making the stronger blade as they make sure the blades are sharper and durable.

The Swedish Sandvik 14C8N stainless steel used in the manufacture of these knives is known for its exceptional sharpness. This high-alloy steel is tough enough to cut through all types of food, even those with tough and hard shells.

Knives Collection:

The series includes an 8″ Chef’s Knife, 7″ Santoku, 8″ Bread Blade, Forged Scissors, 5″ Serrated Utility Knife, 8″ Sharpening Steel, 3″ Paring Knife, 5 inches, and a walnut block.

This series of knives is ideally designed for everyday use in the kitchen. Therefore, the blades are designed with a multifunctional look, so they can be used interchangeably in the kitchen.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

3. Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set – Double Beveled Blade Knife

The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set is the perfect set of knives for anyone who loves Japanese knives with double bevels. It is also a great choice for anyone who wants one set of knives, but not too many at once.

As expected, the edges are sharp and sharpness remains for a long time. Unfortunately, the price for the set is too high, especially when you consider the chipping issue.

Features:

Damascus-clad Blades:

The traditional Damascus blade has over 300 layers. The Shun Classic 6 Piece Thin Knife Block Set does not have 300 layers. It only has 34 layers, but the layers are enough to create the floral coarseness you see on the blades. This design pattern is called Damascus clad. No meat, fish, or other food will get stuck in the blade when you pull it out.

5 Knives and One Shear Per Set

The set includes five knives and one pair of scissors. The 3.5-inch paring knife for peeling fruits and vegetables from the surface, a 7-inch santoku knife for slicing, dicing, slicing, and chopping. The set also has an 8-inch chef’s knife and we know how important a chef’s knife is to any cutlery set.

Rockwell Hardness of 61 and 16° Double Bevel Edge:

Combined with all the elements inside, it’s no surprise that the Shun Classic 6 Piece Thin Knife Block Set has a Rockwell Hardness Rating of 61. This is the average rating for kitchen knives.

All knives are hand sharpened with a 16° double grind, making them ideal for multiple purposes. Remember that double bevel edges have many advantages, but they don’t give you the same precision as single bevel blades.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

4. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set – Best for Professional Chief

If you’re looking for a professional knife block set that won’t break the bank, I hope these review recommendations are what you’re looking for, because trust me, and this is something I would personally consider.

Mercer’s Genesis line combines the best of construction, style, and affordability in one knife block set. It’s well-stocked with the knives you need and no filter. They are solidly forged, thick spun, well balanced, full tang with beautiful bolsters.

Features:

Ergonomic Santoprene handle:

It offers superior comfort and a non-slip grip, even with wet hands. It does not degrade when exposed to cooking oils and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures.

Design:

I love the design of the Mercer tempered glass knife block. It is not only an eye-catcher but also fully functional. Because it’s transparent, you never have to guess which knife you’re holding. And since the knives rest on their heads, you don’t have to worry about the edges touching the wood and becoming blunt. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s so slim, as that saves a lot of counter space.

Precision-forged construction:

Another feature that I like is its precision forged construction for strength and durability with a full tang that extends the full length of the handle to ensure excellent balance.

Knife Collection:

The knives included in this set are an 8-inch chef’s knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 6-inch boning knife, an 8-inch bread knife. All of this shows the necessary knives that are the need of every home chef.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

5. Cangshan S1 Series 1022599 German Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set – Best Material

This is a knife set that I loved at first sight just for its great design. The brand focuses heavily on the choice of materials, design, user experience, reliability, and comfort of its products. The German steel used to make these knives has a Rockwell hardness of 56.

It comes with a walnut knife block for storage. Not only that, the collection has a dedicated place for each blade to make all your knives quick and easy to clean after washing.

The only negative thing I see in this knife set is that after less than 1 year the beauty is progressively detracted from by cracks in the handles as you can see in the picture below; I’m uncertain of when this will also affect functionality.

Features:

Solid and strong German steel forged Cangshan blades:

Cangshan uses German steel in all S1 series knife sets. Among other things, this steel is popular because of its unique hardness (HRC 56) and strength. As a result, the blades cut food with great ease and consistency.

Collection of knives:

This knife collection in this knife set includes 8″ Bread, 8″ Cooks, 6*5″ Steak, 9″ Forged Scissors, 8″ Sharpening Steel, 7″ Santoku, 5″ Utility Knife, and 6″ Boning Knife, among others. Each blade is designed for specific tasks

Handle:

One of the most notable comfort zones is the ergonomic handle. This makes edible cuts smoother and prevents unwanted chafing and food sticking.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

6. Calphalon 321, 12 Piece, Silver – Best self-sharpening Knives

It would be unfair not to include this set in the review. Even after taking a serious beating in my commercial kitchen these knives still look amazing and perform well. None is dull, oxidized, stained, or has lost its luster.

They still have the classic look they had when new. The built-in ceramic sharpeners work very well and require no effort from the users. I also love the good weight, balance, and contoured handles which improve the functionality and reliability of the set.

Features:

Built-in ceramic sharpeners

The knife block is self-sharpening, with built-in ceramic sharpeners in the slots to keep the blades as sharp as possible.

Design:

It supports a very classic design with a triplet handle to keep the blade safe and also offers an aesthetic value.

Knife Collection:

It includes an 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 6-inch Serrated Utility Knife, 5-inch Santoku, 4.5-inch Parer, 6 Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, and Sharpening Knife Block.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

7. Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Piece Forged Knife Roll Set – Highly Durable and Well Balanced

I recommend the Mercer Culinary Genesis 7 Piece Set to anyone looking for a professional quality kitchen knife set. It’s a great starter set or a wise choice for anyone looking to expand their knife collection.

I’ve been using this game for quite some time and it still amazes me every time I use it. These knives are a little bulkier than you might be used to, but they feel very durable.

Features:

Top Handle: 

I bought one of those ergonomic gel velcros handles to attach to. But it works as needed. The other straps for the sling work well too, I would carefully adjust them because they are plastic, DO NOT snap on them and you will be fine. The zippers are smooth and strong, again I wouldn’t yank or pull at them but if you use this and take care, it will last.

The Knife Bag:

Slides out, is of good quality, especially as it mostly lives in the shelter of the backpack. It also comes with a strap if you just want to use the knife case. I use a few large knives (4), small knives (4), special knives (2), and a few small tools and there is plenty of room for more in the case.

Bolster:

Bolster strengthens the knife, increases durability, and provides excellent balance for better handling when cutting food. It is available with a short bolster.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

8. Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set – Best for Chef

The 18-piece knife block set has everything you require for slicing, dicing, chopping, and more. They advertise that the game is ideal for an experienced cook or for beginners.

The Amazon Basics Premium 18-Piece Knife Block Set features a precision-sharp blade that looks impressive and does the job very well. Therefore, you will fall in love with them when you use them.

Features:

High-quality, stainless steel Blades:

Despite the low price, the knives are made of stainless steel of professional quality. The knives also feature precision-ground blades for long-lasting sharpness and reliable cutting performance.

Knife Collection:

The Collection Includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 8-inch bread knife, 5.5-inch utility knife, 6-inch boning knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, (8) 4.5-inch steak knives, and 8-inch kitchen shears.

This covers all the bases and I personally like the addition of 8 steak knives. The set also has an  8-inch sharpener and Rubber-wood storage block.

Contemporary design: 

The knife set has a modern design and a tapered edge. Because of this, it works great and fast. It only takes a few minutes to finish your work with these impressive knives.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

9. Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set – Best Design

The Cuisinart C77SS15PK 15 Piece Stainless Steel Set is the one you have to purchase now to complete your kitchen with efficient cutlery. Most people prefer to buy each piece individually. But that’s only true if there’s no kit with everything you need and nothing to waste your money on.

In general, they look super luxurious if they give a more pro look to your kitchen. If you want to keep these knives in optimal condition you must have them badly damaged as they scratch very easily and if you don’t dry them immediately after washing they will stain.

Features:

Design:

Cuisinart’s 15-piece knife set features multiple knives that have been adapted and specifically designed for specific tasks. Each knife is different in shape, size, and blade.

Handle:

The cleaver was developed to chop them finely. It normally consists of two sharp and curved blades as well as two handles at their ends. Once you’ve bought a strand of chops, you can’t help but use a butcher knife to cut them.

Material:
stainless steel 18/10 is the classic material for knife blades. It is made from an alloy that is 18% chromium, 10% nickel, and 72% steel. The chromium content ensures that this steel does not rust. The 18/10 stainless steel blades are also acid-resistant.

Knife Collection:

It has an 8″ chef’s knife as the main piece, an 8″ slicer as a secondary piece in this block set, a 7″ santoku knife accompanied by a 5.5″ serrated utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and a bird’s beak paring knife of the same size.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

10. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set – Best for Home Cooks:

This Ginsu knife set is ideal for home cooks who need a reliable and affordable knife set. Honestly, they’re not the first choice of professional chefs, but they’ll absolutely get the job done for your family.

I got this knife set and love the weight, sharpness, and just overall density. One thing I personally do not like is the fact that a few of the knives are rusting for being stainless steel. They shouldn’t be doing this. But overall this knife set is good.

Features:

Stainless Steel:

These forged GinsuChikara knives are constructed from a single piece of premium Japanese stainless steel from tip to tang, so you can tackle any recipe with the confidence that your knives will do what you ask for.

Bamboo Block:

The knife Block is Beautiful and is very well-crafted bamboo. I love the knife that is shown outside the Block.

Well Balanced:

These forged GinsuChikara knives are expertly balanced to give you the perfect blend of power and control you need to prepare even the most complicated recipe safely and comfortably.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

11. Forged in Fire – Stainless Steel Knives – Best handle material

The Forged in Fire kitchen knife is an 8-inch knife made of surgical-grade stainless steel. Each is designed to cut just about anything, from tender fruits and vegetables to frozen cuts of meat.

This knife has a red handle designed for maximum comfort for the person holding it and is unlikely to slip no matter what cut the attached blade is used for. Every Forged in Fire kitchen knife also comes with a paring knife with a similar handle and blade.

Features:

Ergonomic Handle 

The attractive red handle at the end of each of these knives has been ergonomically designed, meaning it is comfortable for most users when cutting.

Hand-numbered 

The fire-forged kitchen knife you will receive is marked with a hand added number to indicate that the knife is a limited edition and will not always be available.

Comes with Paring Knife:

To add to your collection of sharp kitchen knives, each of these knives comes with a paring knife.

Specifications:

Pros and Cons:

 

 

What Makes a Good Forged Knife Set?

Now we have reviewed some best-Forged Kitchen Knives. As we consider two types of knives when buying forged and stamped knives. In the following sections, I will tell you the differences between these knife types.

The thickness of Blade:

Forged knife blades are thicker than stamped ones. This is as they start with a metal alloy block. Stamped knives are punched from thin sheet metal.

Forged knives vary in thickness from shank to tip. The leaves are usually thicker along the spine and thinner towards the tip. The thickest part of the knife is the handle, from the handle to the bolster.

Bolster:

Most high-quality forged knives have some bolster types. The main options are full bolster, semi bolster, or half ferrule. Since stamped knives are cut from a sheet of steel with a uniform thickness, they usually do not have a bolster.

Tang:

Both forged and stamped knives consist of full-tang handles. However, it is less common in stamped knives. Most forged knives are full tangs, while most stamped knives are partially tangs.

Weight:

In general, the stamped knives are lighter than the forged knives because they contain no bolster; they are not consisting of coarse metal blocks and generally have a partial tang.

Sharpness:

When it comes to cutting edge or sharpness, forged and stamped blades can have equally sharp edges. The smaller the angle, the sharper the edge. The blade angle per side ranges from 10 to 20 degrees, averaging about 16 degrees.

Forged knives are suitable for heavy-duty chopping and slicing with push and roll movements. Stamped knives are good for light chopping and fine slicing, especially when you want extremely fine precision cuts.

Price:

Forged knives are more expensive than stamped knives because they require a more detailed manufacturing process. Also, forged blades are thicker and therefore require more raw materials to craft.

Forged Vs Stamped Knife – Which is best?

By considering all the differences we will reach the conclusion that as compared to stamped knives, forged knives are generally made from higher quality materials and perform better in the kitchen as it has greater strength, balance, durability, and edge retention.

How to Choose a Forged Kitchen Knife Set? – Buying Guide

A forged knife often performs better, is made of quality materials, and is easier to use. Here are some factors to consider before buying forged knives for you:

Consider the size:

As the workhorse of the kitchen, the size of your forged knife needs to be considered. You will find that most are between 6 and 10 inches tall. Shorter knives are easier to use and control, but longer knives allow you to cut foods like a watermelon or a roast. For many, an 8-inch chef’s knife is just the ticket, making it the most common size you’ll find.

Consider the Composition:

Steel is the metal from which most forged knife blades are made, but not all steels are created equal. Most forged knives use a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel but in different amounts. Carbon steel can have a better advantage. You have to look for a forged knife which has high carbon stainless steel.

Price:

Good quality forged knives tend to be more expensive, but a budget will help narrow your options. When it comes to forged knives, more expensive is not always better. Some forged Knife manufacturers demand higher prices as they are made by extremely skilled knife makers. While these knives are great, they’re not for everyone.

Best Forged Kitchen Knives – FAQs

 

Conclusion:

Almost all knife types are available in both forged and stamped versions and overall forged Kitchen knives are much better than stamped knives because of their high performance. That’s why I have reviewed some best-forged Kitchen knives above so that they can help you to select the best-forged knife.

Among all Wusthof Classic Ikon, the 7 Piece Slim Knife Set is best for you as this traditional-looking set includes the most useful knives for home use, as well as pull-apart kitchen shears, honing steel, and a storage block. I am confident that these long-lasting, razor-sharp knives will serve you well for many years.