8 Best Knife Sets Under $100: Affordable But Great Features!

Surely, you’ll agree with us that having just one or two knives in the kitchen doesn’t cut it. It’s best to have multiple knives that can serve your different needs and you can only get these options from knife sets. This article will review the best knife sets under $100 that you can count on to deliver seamless cuts.

How To Pick A Good Knife Set Under $100?

It’s not just enough to say you want a good knife set under $100, you need to know the things to look out for to pick the right one for yourself. Below, we will discuss the necessary features you must consider before making your choice:

Blade Material

Knife sets under $100 are commonly made from carbon steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most common type of blade because of its many benefits. While it’s easy to sharpen, it also does not rust easily. Carbon steel is another traditional material of crafting knives, and it’s best known for staying sharp for a long time. However, it requires more maintenance than its stainless steel counterpart.

Weight

When it comes to knives, there’s no particular ideal weight. The ideal weight depends on your preference and how comfortable a knife is to hold. You should consider a knife that fits well in your hand without causing your pain. You should note that a knife shouldn’t be too heavy or too light to ensure balance.

Handle

The handle of a knife determines its convenience. You should consider a knife with smooth bolsters that will leave your forefinger to rest conveniently on top. A handle with sharp or angular edges will form pressure points in your hand, thus making you feel uncomfortable. Lastly, the handle of the knife you’re choosing should be ergonomically designed because that guarantees you a comfortable grip.

Top 8 Best Knife Sets Under $100 To Buy

There are many good knives under $100, finding the best among them is where things get complicated. Luckily for you, we carried out thorough research and testing of top products, and we were able to identify the 8 best knife sets under 100 you can consider. They are:

1. Cuisinart C77WTR-15P block Set

This product features a hardworking and very effective blade, so it’s no surprise that it is our top pick. It comprises knives that are forged to last for a long time while maintaining top performance. The knives feature a high-carbon forged stainless steel blade that offers top accuracy and precision, meaning you can get clean cuts from them. Not only that, these knives boast tapered ground blades that narrow to extremely fine, sharp edges.

Also, the Cuisinart knives feature stainless steel rivets that secure the blade to the comfortable, ergonomically designed handle. The extra-wide safety bolster also joins the fray to ensure perfect control and stability. These features allow easy and smooth usage at all times.

Besides, the manufacturer of this great set offers a lifetime warranty, meaning you’re guaranteed years-long service from the knives in the set. The set includes an 8″ chef knife, 8″ slicing knife, 7″ santoku knife, 5.5″ utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 2.75″ bird’s beak paring knife, six steak knives 4.5″, sharpening steel, wooden block, and all-purpose household shears. Thanks to everything it has to offer, it’s safe to call it the best knife set under $100 on the market.

Pros and Key Features

• High-carbon stainless steel blade construction
• Safety bolster
• Ergonomically designed handles
• 15 knives to choose from
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• May rust quickly

2. Rada Kitchen Knife Set 

This model is another top option you can find under $100. Made by top cutlery manufacturer, Rada, it offers everything you require to cook up the perfect meal. All the knives in the set feature stainless steel blades and are tough, sharp, and also durable, thus providing you top performance for a long time. Apart from that, each of the knives is hand-sharpened and with great care, offering you reliable, razor-sharp blades.

Furthermore, Rada multipurpose knives come with great handles that are comfortable to hold for seamless cuts. The handles are made from permanently cast silver aluminum and they sport a satin finish. Not only that, but they’re also ergonomically designed, making ease of use great. These handles are also easy to clean thanks to the satin finish.

It includes the regular paring knife, tomato slicer, vegetable peeler, 6-inch bread, super parer knife, slicer, and cook’s knife. When it comes to caring for them, you should avoid washing in the dishwasher. We recommend that you consider handwashing instead. Also, this set comes with a lifetime warranty that makes the manufacturer replace defective knives. This product is arguably the best kitchen knife set under $100.

Pros and Key Features

• Ergonomically designed handles
• Stainless steel blade construction
• Razor-sharp blades
• Easy-to-clean handles

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

3. NutriChef Kitchen Knife Set 

This product includes 17 high-quality items that are meant to make your life in the kitchen much easier. The knives in the set provide different functions. While one can be used to cut fish/fruit/meat/vegetables, another can be used to cut bread. Others precisely cut thin/small slices. The knives are crafted from high-quality 3Cr14 stainless steel that promises long-lasting sharpness. Not only that, but these knives are also resistant to stains.

Moreover, the NutriChef knives feature nonstick coating, meaning they largely repel stains and are also easy to clean. Apart from that, these knives sport ergonomically designed, non-slip, sanded surface handles. They are designed to minimize hand fatigue to ensure maximum precision cutting.

The block set consists of 13 professional knives, which include stainless steel kitchen precision knives (utility, bread, cheese, pizza, sturdy paring), and 6 steak knives. scissors, peeler, bonus sharpener, and acrylic block stand, are the four remaining items in the set and they can also be very helpful in doing kitchen tasks. At less than $60, this product sure looks like the best cheap knife set.

Pros and Key Features

• Long-lasting sharpness
• High-quality 3Cr14 stainless steel construction
• Nonstick coating
• Ergonomically designed, non-slip handles
• 17 tools to choose from

Cons

• Too lightweight

4. Mercer Culinary Knife Set

Have you ever used Japanese steel? If you haven’t, the Mercer knife set offers you the chance to enjoy the goodness of this steel. High-quality Japanese steel, as we have in this model, provides rapid sharpening as well as easy edge maintenance to achieve a razor-sharp edge. This edge makes chopping and cutting a breeze, and is quite easy to maintain  Apart from that, this high-carbon Japanese steel also resists corrosion, rust, and discoloration.

Furthermore, the Mercer Culinary knives feature ergonomic handles that provide durability and extra comfort. The handles also have textured finger points that offer slip resistance. Apart from the knives, there’s the magnetic knife board set that features strong, hidden magnets that hold knives as you cook. There are also stabilizing anti-skid pads that ensure the board does not slide around during use.

While the manufacturer builds the knives to last for a long time, not caring for them properly can hinder their performance and shorten their lifespan. The knives are not safe to wash in a dishwasher because the handle can deteriorate due to intense heat. Soaking in stainless or aluminum sinks is also not great for the knives because these metals may trigger pitting on the blades.

Pros and Key Features

• High-quality Japanese steel construction
• Corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant blade
• Ergonomically designed handles
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

5. Amazon Basics Premium Kitchen Knife Block Set

If you wanted a kitchen knife set that can meet all your chopping and cleaning needs, the Amazon Basics kitchen block set is made for you. This 18-piece set provides varieties of knives that are designed to help you prepare meals with great efficiency. These knives feature high-quality stainless steel blades. The fine-edged blades are smartly tapered to ensure excellent cutting. Apart from that, these blades are protected from staining and rusting.

Also, the Amazon knives are weighted to ensure maximum balance as well as control when during use. The handles on these chef knives are ergonomically designed to help you firmly and safely grip the knives. This design helps to avoid slipping, a situation that can be quite dangerous. Aside from the ergonomic design, there’s also the triple-riveted design that enhances the handles’ overall appearance.

The Amazon block set includes an 8-inch slicing knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 8-inch bread knife, 6-inch boning knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. This set also comes with kitchen shears, a sharpener, and a storage block used for storage. While you might be tempted to throw the knives into the dishwasher when dirty, we must let you know they’re not dishwasher safe. This set is hand wash only. Thankfully, the blades don’t attract too much dirt so they’re easy to clean. If you call this product the best knife block set under 100, you won’t be overestimating it.

Pros and Key Features

• High-quality stainless steel construction
• Fine-edged blades
• Ergonomic handles
• 18 pieces to choose from

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

6. Ginsu Kiso Cutlery Set

Ginsu Kiso cutlery set consists of 14 tools that are forged to last for a long time. This set features serrated blades that arrive sharp and don’t require frequent sharpening. These high-quality blades are quite helpful in dicing, chopping, and slicing in the kitchen. They are polished to a mirror finish that looks great and makes them safe for the dishwasher. This means you can easily maintain this set of knives.

Furthermore, the knives in the Ginsu Kiso cutlery set have full-tang, triple-riveted handles that are ergonomically designed to ensure you have a comfortable cutting experience. Apart from that, the handles also ensure your safety during cutting. When it comes to doing the toughest cutting jobs, you can trust these handles to help you cut seamlessly.

This cutlery set includes an 8-inch chef knife, 8″ slicing and carving knife, santoku 7″, boning knife 5″, utility knife 4.5″, six steak knives 4.5″, paring knife 3.5″, premium shears, and a natural wood block. These knives are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. All these knives combine to make this product the best chef knife set under 100.

Pros and Features

• High-quality serrated blades
• Ergonomic handles
• Dishwasher safe
• 14 pieces to choose from
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Not very sharp blades

7. Farberware Knife Block Set 

This is another option that offers top-quality knives. The knives feature a high-carbon stainless steel blade that helps them to retain their ultra-sharp edge, making it easy to cut through food. The high-carbon content makes sure that the knives sharpen easier and maintain their sharp edge longer. Apart from that, they are also resistant to corrosion and stains. The single piece of steel in these knives provides exceptional balance and strength.

Also, the Farberware cutting board features EdgeKeeper Technology that sharpens the knives with every use. Built-in ceramic sharpeners also hone the blades whenever they’re removed or returned into the block. These actions ensure that your knives stay at peak sharpness with every use. The knives can perform with the help of ergonomically designed handles. These handles feature a semi-matte, brushed finish and offer a comfortable grip.

The Farberware set features 13 tools and they are 8″ chef knife, 5.5″ serrated utility knife, 8″ slicing knife, 3.5″ parking knife, 5″ santoku, six 4.5″ steak knives, self-sharpening storage block, and kitchen shears. These knives are not dishwasher safe, you’ll need to handwash them. Meanwhile, Farberware offers a limited lifetime warranty that guarantees you that you’re not throwing your money away.

Pros and Key Features

• High-carbon stainless steel construction
• Self-sharpening storage block/cutting board
• Ergonomic handle
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Rusts quickly
• Not dishwasher safe

8. Gotham Steel Knife Set

This is another option made with Japanese high-carbon stainless steel, allowing you to cut through the toughest foods with ease. The cutting core is ultra-sharp and the blades have great anti-rust capability. The knives in this set are designed to serve different purposes, including cutting any vegetables, meat, or fish.

Related: Best Butcher Knife Sets

Furthermore, the knives come with non-slip handles that offer a comfortable grip. The handles are curved, allowing you to have an excellent grip when cutting with it. Apart from that, the handles are designed to ensure you don’t have hand fatigue, leaving your wrist and palm without any pain.

It includes 9 bread knives as well as 1 block. The manufacturer offers you a lifetime warranty and a 30-day refund or replacement guarantee.

Pros and Key Features

• Japanese high-carbon stainless steel
• Anti-rust blades
• Non-slip handles
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Not very sharp

So, What Is The Best Knife Set Under $100?

We have reviewed some of the best knife sets under 100. While we have eight high-quality products you can choose from, the Cuisinart C77WTR-15P Knife Set is our best due to its affordability and great features. If the Cuisinart doesn’t fit your preference, rest assured any of the seven other products can cater to your needs.

Further Reading:

Knife Blocks: What You Need to Know