9 Best Knife Block Set with Steak Knives (November 2026)
The best knife block sets with steak knives include the McCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block for everyday cooking, the Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block for dishwasher owners, and the Amazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel (best budget set).
On this page (8 sections)
- Best knife block sets with steak knives for every kitchen
- How these knife block sets with steak knives compare
- How we compared these sets
- Which steel should you choose for a block set?
- Serrated or straight edge for steak knives?
- Does a built-in sharpener belong in your block?
- What else should you check before buying?
- The best knife block set with steak knives for your kitchen
The best knife block set with steak knives for most homes is the McCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block, because forged German stainless blades, a bamboo block with a built-in sharpener and six steak knives cover prep and the table in one buy. Choose the Astercook if you run everything through the dishwasher, or the Amazon Basics set if you want a full kit at the lowest tier.
A block set with steak knives solves a problem single-knife shopping leaves open: the same purchase stocks the board and the dinner table. Six table knives, a chef knife, a paring knife and somewhere to store them all turn a bare counter into a working kitchen in one delivery.
Most sets here pack 14 or 15 pieces into a block that also holds a sharpener or a steel. The differences that matter are blade construction, whether the set survives a dishwasher, and how the steak knives are edged, so the guide below sorts the picks by those jobs rather than by piece count alone.
If you already own good kitchen blades and only want table knives, our steak knife options page looks at sets built the other way round.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday cookingMcCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for dishwasher ownersAstercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best budget setAmazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itFarberware 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Best for new kitchens - 5
Check itCuisinart 15-Piece Forged Triple Rivet Set
Best for a matched table - 6
Check itHenckels Statement 15-Piece Block Set
Best for light slicing - 7
Best steak knives onlyCheck it - 8
Check ithecef 14 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set
Best for small counters - 9
Best for a bright kitchenCheck it
Best knife block sets with steak knives for every kitchen
The McCook set takes the top spot for a full kitchen, while each pick below wins on a specific need, from dishwasher cleaning to a steak-only upgrade.
McCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block: Best for everyday cooking
- Forged German stainless steel at 57±2 HRC
- 15° edge
- Built-in block sharpener
- Six 4.5 in serrated steak knives
Forged blades, a bamboo block with a sharpener and six steak knives cover prep and the table in one purchase.
Pros
- Built-in sharpener on the block
- Forged German stainless blades
- Six steak knives included
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Heaviest set here at 7.2 lb
This is the set to buy when one purchase has to handle dinner prep and the table. Forged German stainless steel at 57±2 HRC holds an edge well enough for daily chopping, and the 15° edge cuts cleanly through tomatoes and meat without crushing them.
The bamboo block hides a sharpener in its top, so a dull blade takes one pull to fix. Six 4.5 in serrated steak knives sit alongside the chef, slicing, santoku, utility and paring knives, plus two pairs of shears.
At 7.2 lb it is the heaviest set here, which suits a permanent counter spot but makes it awkward to move. Hand washing is recommended, so budget a few minutes after cooking.
Against the Astercook, it trades dishwasher convenience for forged blades and a natural bamboo look. Buy it if you want the strongest cutting steel in this group and don't mind washing by hand.
Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block: Best for dishwasher owners
- 1.4116 German stainless steel
- Black non-stick coating
- Built-in sharpener
- Six 4.5 in serrated steak knives
A coated German steel set that Astercook calls dishwasher safe, with a one-hand sharpener built into the block.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick blade coating
- One-hand built-in sharpener
Cons
- Coating hides the steel finish
- Polypropylene handles
Astercook solves the chore problem: this set is built for the dishwasher. The 1.4116 German stainless steel blades get a black non-stick coating that resists stains and rust, so food releases and cleaning is quicker.
The built-in sharpener works one-handed, which helps when the other hand is holding a pan. Six serrated steak knives, a chef, slicing, santoku, bread and utility knife, a paring knife and shears round out the 15 pieces.
Polypropylene handles are the trade-off. They take knocks and dishwasher heat well but feel lighter than the steel handles on the McCook, and the black coating hides the polished steel look some cooks prefer.
It scores the same as the McCook for different reasons, so treat the two as a choice about habits. Pick this one if your knives always end up in the rack; pick the McCook if you want forged blades and a wooden block.
Amazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel: Best budget set
- High carbon stainless blades
- Full tang, triple-riveted handles
- Standalone 8 in sharpener
- Six 4.5 in steak knives
A low-cost 14-piece set with a separate sharpener and a pine block, giving you the full kit without the forged price tier.
Pros
- Full tang triple-riveted handles
- Separate 8 in sharpener included
- 14 pieces cover the basics
Cons
- Plastic handles
- Hand wash and dry immediately
Amazon Basics keeps the price down without dropping the useful parts. High carbon stainless blades sit in full tang, triple-riveted handles that balance well for a budget set, and the pine block holds everything in one place.
The sharpener here is a separate 8 in rod rather than a built-in slot, so you hone on the counter and store the steel alongside the knives. The 14 pieces include the chef, slicing and bread knives, a utility and paring knife, six 4.5 in steak knives and 8 in shears.
Plastic handles are the visible compromise, and the set asks for hand washing with an immediate dry. Wipe the block with a damp cloth and air-dry it upside down once a month so moisture doesn't collect in the slots.
It is the right pick when the budget is tight but you still want steak knives and a block in the same box. Move up to the McCook if forged blades matter more than the savings.
Farberware 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set: Best for new kitchens
- High-carbon stainless blades
- Santoku and bread knife included
- Sharpening steel
- Six 4.5 in steak knives
A wide spread of blades plus shears, a steel and six serrated steak knives, aimed at a first kitchen that needs everything at once.
Pros
- Santoku and bread knife included
- Sharpening steel in the box
- All-purpose shears
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
- Satin finish handles show fingerprints
Farberware fills a first kitchen quickly. The 15 pieces cover an 8 in chef knife, a bread knife, a santoku and six 4.5 in steak knives, plus shears, a sharpening steel and a black pine block.
High-carbon stainless blades hold a working edge through repetitive slicing, and the satin-finish handles stay comfortable during long prep. The santoku is the piece that sets this apart from the budget pick, since it gives you a second wide blade for vegetables.
Hand washing and drying are recommended to protect the steel, and satin handles show fingerprints between wipe-downs. The block is a plain black pine design that suits a modern counter without drawing attention.
Choose it when you want a broad spread of blades on a first-kitchen budget. If you want forged construction instead of stamped steel, the Cuisinart below is the step up.
Cuisinart 15-Piece Forged Triple Rivet Set: Best for a matched table
- Forged high-carbon stainless blades
- Full tang with triple rivets
- Extra-wide safety bolster
- Six 4.5 in steak knives
Forged blades with a wide bolster and a white block that suits a pale kitchen, plus six steak knives for the dining table.
Pros
- Forged blades with full tang
- Bird's beak paring knife included
- Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- White block needs regular wiping
- Sharpening steel takes counter space
Cuisinart builds this set around forged blades with a full tang and an extra-wide safety bolster, which adds stability and keeps your fingers off the edge. The triple rivets secure each blade to an ergonomically shaped handle.
The 15 pieces include a 7 in santoku, a 2.75 in bird's beak paring knife for peeling and garnishing, six 4.5 in steak knives, an 8 in sharpening steel, shears and a wooden block in white.
That white block is the talking point: it looks smart against pale cabinets but shows smudges, so keep a cloth nearby. The sharpening steel also takes a slot on the counter rather than sitting inside the block.
Cuisinart warrants the cutlery against defects in material and workmanship for the original buyer's lifetime. Buy it if you want forged blades and a matched look; the McCook still wins on the built-in sharpener.
Henckels Statement 15-Piece Block Set: Best for light slicing
- Single-piece stamped blades
- Hollow edge santoku
- Dishwasher safe
- Six 4.5 in steak knives
Stamped blades keep the weight down and the set dishwasher safe, with a hollow edge santoku that sheds slices as you cut.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Lighter than forged sets
- Hollow edge santoku reduces sticking
Cons
- Stamped, not forged
- Steel edge needs more frequent honing
Henckels uses single-piece stamped blades here, which makes the set lighter in the hand and easier to rinse. That construction is the main difference from the forged picks above, and it is why this set goes in the dishwasher without fuss.
The 15 pieces include an 8 in chef knife, an 8 in bread knife, a 7 in hollow edge santoku with grantons that stop slices sticking, a 3 in parer, a 5 in serrated utility knife, six 4.5 in steak knives, a honing steel, shears and a hardwood block.
Stamped steel usually needs honing more often than forged, so plan to run the steel every few uses. The hollow edge santoku is the standout for anyone who slices a lot of vegetables and hates food clinging to the blade.
Pick it for easy cleanup and light weight. Stay with the McCook or Cuisinart if forged blades are your priority.
OAKSWARE Steak Knives Set: Best steak knives only
- Eight straight edge steak knives
- German high-carbon stainless steel
- Full tang forged handles
- Walnut block stand
A steak-only option for households that already own good kitchen knives and want clean straight edge cuts at the table.
Pros
- Straight edge cuts without tearing
- Ventilated walnut stand
- Eight knives cover a full table
Cons
- No chef knife or prep tools
- Straight edge needs more care than serrated
This is not a full kitchen set, and that is the point. OAKSWARE sells eight 5 in steak knives in a walnut stand for households that already own good chef knives and want better table knives.
The straight edge is the reason to choose it. Serrated blades tear meat fibers, while a straight edge glides through and keeps the cut face neat, which matters when you are plating for guests.
German high-carbon stainless steel with molybdenum and vanadium resists rust from meat juices and washing.
The walnut block holds all eight upright with a ventilated base that lets air move around the blades. At 8 pieces it leaves out every prep knife, so it works as an add-on rather than a first purchase.
Buy it if steak night is the priority. Skip it if you still need a chef knife, since the McCook covers both jobs.
hecef 14 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set: Best for small counters
- Martensitic stainless steel blades
- Built-in block sharpener
- Dishwasher safe
- Six steak knives
A compact, dishwasher-safe set with a built-in sharpener and a red block that adds color to a small counter.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick food-grade coating
- Built-in sharpener
Cons
- Smaller piece count than the top picks
- Handle material is PP+TPR plastic
hecef packs a working kitchen into a small footprint. The red wooden block has a built-in sharpener and holds a chef knife, bread knife, slicing knife, utility knife, paring knife, shears and six steak knives.
Martensitic stainless steel blades take a food-grade non-stick coating that resists corrosion and helps food slide off. The handles use PP+TPR plastic with a frosted, non-slip surface that stays grippy when your hands are wet.
The set is dishwasher safe, which puts it in the same camp as the Astercook and Henckels picks. It counts 14 pieces rather than 15, so you get one fewer tool than the top picks, and the red block is a strong style choice that will not suit every kitchen.
Choose it for a small counter and a splash of color. The McCook is the better call if neutral looks and forged blades matter more.
Astercook Knife Set: Best for a bright kitchen
- Full tang high-carbon stainless steel
- Built-in sharpener
- Dishwasher safe
- Six serrated steak knives
A cream white block and full tang handles make this the pick when the set has to look as good as it cuts.
Pros
- Full tang handles
- Built-in sharpener
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Cream finish shows marks
- Fewer pieces than the 15-piece sets
Astercook's second entry leads with looks. The cream white hardwood block and full tang handles make it a set you can leave out when guests arrive, and the built-in sharpener keeps the blades ready without a separate steel.
The 14 pieces include an 8 in chef knife, slicing knife and serrated bread knife, a 5 in utility knife, a 3.5 in paring knife, six 4.5 in serrated steak knives, shears and the block. High-carbon stainless steel and dishwasher-safe construction keep daily care simple.
The trade-offs are practical. A cream finish shows marks faster than black or bamboo, and 14 pieces is one short of the 15-piece sets.
Full tang handles add balance that the lighter stamped sets lack.
Buy it when the kitchen has a light, bright scheme and you want the block to match. For the strongest steel and a built-in sharpener together, the McCook remains the pick.
How these knife block sets with steak knives compare
The table lines up piece count, steak knife style and block type so you can see why one set suits your kitchen better than another.
| Product | Best for | Pieces | Steak knives | Block | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block | everyday cooking | 15 | 6 serrated, 4.5 in | Bamboo with built-in sharpener | 9.7 |
| Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block | dishwasher owners | 15 | 6 serrated, 4.5 in | Black hardwood with built-in sharpener | 9.7 |
| Amazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel | budget set | 14 | 6, 4.5 in | Pinewood | 9.4 |
| Farberware 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set | new kitchens | 15 | 6, 4.5 in | Black pinewood | 9.1 |
| Cuisinart 15-Piece Forged Triple Rivet Set | a matched table | 15 | 6, 4.5 in | Wood, white finish | 8.9 |
| Henckels Statement 15-Piece Block Set | light slicing | 15 | 6, 4.5 in | Hardwood, 14 slots | 8.8 |
| OAKSWARE Steak Knives Set | steak knives only | 8 | 8 straight edge, 5 in | Walnut, ventilated base | 8.7 |
| hecef 14 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set | small counters | 14 | 6 | Wood with built-in sharpener, red | 8.3 |
| Astercook Knife Set | a bright kitchen | 14 | 6 serrated, 4.5 in | Hardwood with sharpener, cream white | 8.2 |
Blade construction splits the group cleanly. Forged sets like the McCook, Cuisinart and OAKSWARE start from a single billet, which gives a heavier feel and better balance.
Stamped sets like the Henckels are lighter and cheaper to make, and they usually need honing more often.
Steak knife style matters just as much. Eight of the nine sets use serrated table knives that saw through a crust without dulling quickly.
Only the OAKSWARE uses straight edges, and only the OAKSWARE skips the kitchen blades entirely.
Block design is the last divider. Four sets hide a sharpener in the block, four ship a separate steel or rod, and the OAKSWARE stand holds nothing but steak knives.
Think about which of those you will actually use before you pay for it.
How we compared these sets
We scored each set on blade construction, the tools in the box, steak knife count and style, block design and how well the care routine fits a normal kitchen. The score weighs those specs against what a shopper searching for a block set with steak knives needs.
A set that covers prep and the table in one purchase scores higher than one that does half the job. Forged steel and a built-in sharpener count for more than an extra gadget, and dishwasher-safe construction earns points for households that will not hand wash.
We did not test these knives in a kitchen. Everything here comes from the specs and features each brand publishes, which is why the write-ups stick to what the set includes and how that plays out in daily use.
Which steel should you choose for a block set?
Pick forged German stainless steel if you want an edge that lasts through daily chopping, and accept that the block will weigh more. Forged blades resist dulling longer and feel balanced in the hand, which is why the top two picks and the Cuisinart use it.
Stamped steel is the lighter, cheaper route. It still cuts well, especially with a hollow edge santoku for vegetables, but it needs honing more often to stay sharp.
The Henckels set is the clear example here.
High-carbon stainless sits between the two in price and performance. The Amazon Basics and Farberware sets use it to keep costs down while still holding a usable edge.
If you cook with acidic ingredients like tomatoes and citrus often, favor a set with a rust-resistant coating or a steel that names its corrosion treatment. The Astercook coating and the OAKSWARE molybdenum and vanadium blend are built for that job.
Forged or stamped blades?
Forged means the blade and bolster are shaped from one piece of heated steel, giving a heavier, better-balanced knife. Stamped means the blade is cut from a sheet, so it is thinner and lighter.
Most home cooks will not notice a difference in light use. If you chop daily, forged steel holds its edge longer and feels steadier in the hand.
Is a coated blade worth it?
A non-stick coating helps food release and slows rust, which matters in a damp kitchen. The Astercook and hecef sets both use one.
The downside is that coating can wear at the edge over years of sharpening. If you plan to sharpen often, plain steel is simpler to maintain.
Serrated or straight edge for steak knives?
Choose serrated steak knives for everyday dinners, because they cut through a seared crust without needing sharpening and suit a mixed table. All but one set here use serrated blades for that reason.
Choose straight edge if you care about how the cut looks. A straight blade slices cleanly through the meat fibers instead of tearing them, which keeps a steak's texture and presentation intact.
The OAKSWARE set is built around that idea.
Serrated knives are harder to sharpen at home, so they tend to be replaced rather than restored. Straight edge knives take a normal honing and can be kept sharp for years with a rod.
If you host often, a set with serrated table knives plus a good kitchen steel covers both jobs. If plating matters, buy the OAKSWARE and keep your kitchen knives separate.
Can you use steak knives for prep?
You can, but you should not make it a habit. Steak knives are short and thin, so they struggle with dense vegetables and large cuts of meat.
Use the chef or santoku knife for prep and keep the steak knives for the table. That also keeps their edges free of board wear.
Does a built-in sharpener belong in your block?
Yes, if you want low-effort upkeep and do not plan to sharpen on a stone. A built-in sharpener lets you pull a blade through a few strokes and get back to cooking, which suits most home kitchens.
The McCook, Astercook, hecef and cream Astercook sets all put a sharpener in the block, so you never go hunting for the steel. That convenience is why they rank highly for buyers who cook often.
The trade-off is that a slot sharpener removes a little steel every time and cannot set a custom angle. Over years of heavy use, a knife sharpened only this way can lose width.
Sets with a separate steel, like the Amazon Basics, Farberware and Cuisinart, ask more of you. You hone by hand, but you control the angle and remove less metal.
If you want a sharp edge without thinking about it, pick a built-in sharpener. If you enjoy maintaining your knives, a steel is the better match.
Our magnetic block sets guide covers another storage route if you would rather keep knives on the wall.
How often should you run the sharpener?
A few passes every week or two is enough for most home kitchens. Wait until you notice the blade dragging on a tomato or pepper skin, then give it a quick pull.
Sharpening more often than that wears the edge down faster without making it cut better.
What else should you check before buying?
Check whether the set goes in the dishwasher, how many steak knives it holds and whether the block fits your counter before anything else. Those three points decide whether you will actually enjoy the set after the first week.
Dishwasher safety is the biggest habit question. The Astercook, Henckels, hecef and cream Astercook sets are built for it, while the forged sets ask for hand washing and an immediate dry.
Steak knife count matters for your table. Six covers a family of four with spares; eight, as on the OAKSWARE, covers a dinner party.
Some households would rather buy a full set and a separate set of eight later.
Counter space is the last check. Measure the block's footprint against your free counter before ordering, and leave a few inches around it for air.
A block that crowds the stove is one you will move every time you cook.
If you are weighing brands, our Martha Stewart knife set guide and the Astercook knife set review go deeper on two names that appear in this space.
Does block size fit under cabinets?
Check the height against the gap between your counter and upper cabinets. Most blocks stand upright, so a tall one can block the cabinet door from opening.
Measure before you buy, and pick a compact set like the hecef if clearance is tight.
The best knife block set with steak knives for your kitchen
The best knife block set with steak knives for most people is the McCook, with forged German steel, a bamboo block that sharpens as you store, and six steak knives for the table. It is the pick that does the most jobs well without asking you to buy anything else.
Choose the Astercook 15-piece set if the dishwasher runs every night, or the Amazon Basics set if the budget is the deciding factor. For steak-only upgrades, the OAKSWARE straight edge set wins, and the Cuisinart gives you forged blades in a white block.
Start with the job: if you need a full kitchen in one box, the McCook or Astercook covers it. If you only want better table knives, buy the OAKSWARE and keep your prep blades.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday cooking
McCook Knife Set Kitchen Steel Knife Block
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for dishwasher owners
Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best budget set
Amazon Basics 14-Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can knife block sets go in the dishwasher?
Only some. The Astercook 15-piece, Henckels Statement, hecef and cream Astercook sets are described as dishwasher safe.
The McCook, Amazon Basics, Farberware and Cuisinart sets are hand wash only, and hot dishwasher cycles can dull edges over time regardless.
Where should a knife block sit on the counter?
Keep it away from the stove and sink, where steam and splashes speed up rust on steel blades. Leave the block a few inches from the wall so air can move around it, and wipe the slots now and then to clear crumbs and moisture.
Is a built-in block sharpener as good as a whetstone?
It keeps an edge usable with a quick pull, which suits most home cooks. A whetstone removes less steel and lets you set a precise angle.
Use the built-in sharpener for upkeep and a stone only when a blade needs real repair.
Do steak knives need their own storage?
Not in a block set, because the block usually has slots for them. If you buy the OAKSWARE set, its walnut stand holds all eight upright with a ventilated base.
A separate stand also keeps steak knives out of the way when the block is full.
