How to Choose a Chef Knife Set: Steel, Handles & Size

Which kitchen knives do you actually need?

Most home cooking is done with just a few knives. Before you look at set sizes, it helps to know what each common knife is for:

• Chef’s knife (about 8 inches): the main workhorse for chopping vegetables, slicing meat and mincing herbs.
• Santoku or nakiri style knife: a flatter, wider blade that is great for slicing and dicing vegetables.
• Slicing or carving knife: long and narrow for roasts, ham and fish.
• Utility knife: a mid-size knife for sandwiches, cheese and smaller jobs.
• Paring knife: a small knife for peeling, trimming and detailed work.
• Cleaver: a heavy, wide blade for chopping through joints and bones.

If a set contains a good chef’s knife, a utility or santoku and a paring knife, it will handle almost any recipe. Larger sets add slicers, cleavers and extra sizes. Check each product page or ask us for the exact knives in a set.

Damascus vs carbon vs stainless steel

If you love the look of a Damascus blade, read our Damascus steel buyer’s guide to learn how real Damascus is made and how to spot imitations.

Wood vs micarta handles

• Wood (such as walnut): warm, comfortable and beautiful, with natural grain that makes each set unique. Keep it dry and give it a little food-safe oil or beeswax every few months.
• Micarta: a tough material made from layers of fabric or paper set in resin. It is practically waterproof, stays grippy when wet and needs almost no care, which makes it ideal for busy kitchens.

Whichever you choose, look for a handle that feels balanced in your hand, with rivets or a full tang for strength.

How many pieces: 4, 5, 6 or 8?

• 4 pieces: the essentials. Ideal for a first proper set, a small kitchen or a couple who cook at home. Example: 4-Pieces Carbon steel Blades & Micarta Handles Chef Knife Set.
• 5 pieces: the sweet spot. The core knives plus one or two extra sizes. Examples: 5-Pieces Damascus Steel & Wooden Handles Chef Knife set and 5-Pieces Damascus Steel Blades & Micarta Handles Chef knife set.
• 6 pieces: for keen home cooks. More sizes for different jobs. Examples: 6-Piece Damascus steel Blades & wooden Handles chef Knife set, 6-Piece Damascus Steel Blades and Wooden Handles chef Knife Set, 6-Piece Stainless Steel Blades and Wooden Handles chef Knife Set and 6-Pieces Carbon steel Blades and Walnut wood Handles chef Set.
• 8 pieces: the complete kitchen. A full range for serious cooks, families and wedding or housewarming gifts. Examples: 8-Pieces Damascus steel Blades & Walnut wood handles Chef Knife set, 8-Pieces Damascus steel Blades & Micarta Handles chef knife Set and 8-Piece Carbon Steel Blades and wooden Handles Chef Knife Set.

Do not buy more knives than you will use. A smaller set of excellent knives is better than a large block of knives that stay in the drawer.

Cleavers and specialist knives

If you cook a lot of meat, add a cleaver: the Carbon steel Meat Cleaver Knife handles joints and bones that would chip a thinner chef’s knife. For herbs, pizza and chopping in a bowl, a rocking knife such as the Viking Ulu Rocking Knife is a fun and practical addition. Browse all chef knife sets and cleavers.

Looking after a chef knife set

• Wash by hand and dry straight away. Never use the dishwasher.
• Cut on wood or plastic boards, never on glass, stone or ceramic plates.
• Store knives in a block, on a magnetic strip or in a knife roll so the edges do not knock together.
• Hone regularly and sharpen on a whetstone at about 15–20 degrees per side.

Our full knife care and sharpening guide covers every step, including how to remove rust spots.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Damascus chef knife set worth it?

Yes, if you want a sharp, hand-forged knife that is also beautiful to use and give as a gift. A real Damascus set needs a little more care than stainless steel: dry it after use and oil it now and then.

What knives should be in a chef knife set?

At minimum, a chef’s knife, a utility or santoku knife and a paring knife. Larger sets add slicing knives, extra sizes and sometimes a cleaver.

Is carbon steel or stainless steel better for kitchen knives?

Carbon steel gets sharper and is easier to resharpen, but it rusts if left wet. Stainless steel is easier to care for. Damascus sits in between, combining a sharp edge with a unique look.

Are micarta handles better than wood?

Micarta is more water-resistant and needs almost no care, which makes it very practical. Wood feels warmer and more traditional but should be kept dry and oiled occasionally.

Can I get a custom engraved chef knife set as a gift?

Yes. Pakistan Knives & Swords hand-makes chef knife sets in Wazirabad, Pakistan, and can engrave names or messages on custom orders, with worldwide delivery. Ask on WhatsApp or use the Custom Order page.