A knife block keeps blades sharp, protects your fingers and clears clutter from the drawer. The best knife sets with blocks bundle the knives you use daily with a block that suits your counter, and some even include built-in sharpening.
The six sets here include a mix of self-sharpening blocks and classic wooden blocks. Piece counts and block shapes differ between listings, so the sizes are described in general terms. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Block type | Wood blocks are traditional; some blocks include built-in sharpeners |
| Piece count | More pieces add steak knives and shears, but more is not always more useful |
| Blade steel | Stainless steel resists rust; high-carbon blends hold an edge longer |
| Handle design | Hollow steel handles are sleek; molded handles are warmer and grippier |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Block feature | Blade material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Knife Block Set | Wood block | Stainless steel | Hollow stainless handles |
| Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set | Built-in sharpeners | Stainless steel | Sharpening slots in the block |
| Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife Block Set | Built-in sharpener | High-carbon stainless | Modern block design |
| Chicago Cutlery Insignia Knife Block Set | Classic block | Stainless steel | Budget-friendly set |
| Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set | Sharpening sleeves | Stainless steel | Self-sharpening sleeves |
| Amazon Basics Knife Block Set | Wood block | Stainless steel | Simple starter set |
The 6 Best Knife Sets with Blocks
1. Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Knife Block Set
A well-known 15-piece set with stainless steel hollow handles and a wooden block, including steak knives and shears alongside the main blades.
Suits: a large, familiar set. Strengths: a wide mix of knives. Weaknesses: hollow handles can feel light. Skip it if you want heavy forged knives.
View Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Knife Block Set on Amazon
2. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set
Calphalon’s Classic block is designed with sharpeners built into the slots, so the blades are lightly honed each time you pull them out or put them back.
Suits: low-maintenance sharpening. Strengths: an easy upkeep system. Weaknesses: built-in sharpening is gentler than a stone. Skip it if you prefer sharpening by hand.
View Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set on Amazon
3. Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife Block Set
This block set puts a built-in sharpening system in the block and pairs it with high-carbon stainless knives in a contemporary look.
Suits: cooks who dislike sharpening. Strengths: a modern, space-saving block. Weaknesses: results depend on following the maker’s guidance. Skip it if you want a traditional wood block.
View Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife Block Set on Amazon
4. Chicago Cutlery Insignia Knife Block Set
Chicago Cutlery is a long-running American brand known for affordable sets. The Insignia block set covers the daily knives and adds a few extras.
Suits: first kitchens. Strengths: a wide selection in a block. Weaknesses: blades are less refined than premium forged knives. Skip it if you want top-tier steel.
View Chicago Cutlery Insignia Knife Block Set on Amazon
5. Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set
Farberware’s Edgekeeper knives have blade covers with built-in sharpeners that touch up the edge each time you slide the knife in.
Suits: easy upkeep. Strengths: a sharpener built into every cover. Weaknesses: more parts to keep clean. Skip it if you prefer an open block.
View Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set on Amazon
6. Amazon Basics Knife Block Set
A simple stainless steel knife set with a wood block that includes a variety of knives, shears and a sharpener.
Suits: starter kitchens. Strengths: a lot of pieces in one box. Weaknesses: plain materials. Skip it if you want a premium feel.
View Amazon Basics Knife Block Set on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Hand wash knives and dry them promptly.
- Clean the block slots periodically so crumbs do not build up.
- Sharpen on a stone if the built-in system stops improving the edge.
- Keep the block on a dry, stable surface.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting a wet knife sit in the block.
- Assuming a self-sharpening block replaces all sharpening.
- Buying more pieces than you will use.
- Cutting on hard surfaces.
Knife Block Set FAQ
Are self-sharpening blocks worth it?
They help keep the edge decent, but they are not as precise as a sharpening stone or a professional service.
Is a bigger set better?
Not necessarily. A smaller set of well-made knives usually beats a large set of mediocre ones.
Can knife blocks be cleaned?
Yes. Turn the block upside down to shake out debris and wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Do self-sharpening blocks damage knives?
Built-in sharpeners remove a little steel each time, so they suit casual cooks. If you own premium knives, hone and sharpen them by hand instead.
The Short Version
Choose the block that fits your habits. For a classic everyday block, the Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Knife Block Set. For a self-sharpening block, the Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set. For a modern sharpening block, the Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife Block Set. For a budget-friendly classic, the Chicago Cutlery Insignia Knife Block Set. For a set with covered blades, the Farberware Edgekeeper Knife Block Set. For a value starter set, the Amazon Basics Knife Block Set.