Knife Sets & Knife Blocks

If you prepare food frequently, you need different knives. Whether for cutting vegetables or filleting meat: there are a whole range of cutting tools designed for specific tasks. Many professional and hobby chefs therefore own a knife set that includes all the necessary tools. A knife block, which is already included in some sets, ensures that the kitchen utensils are always within easy reach.

In the online shop of Meister Messer, you will find top-quality knife sets and knife blocks - both individually and in combination. In the following guide, we will also inform you about which set is suitable for you and what you should pay attention to when making a purchase.

Be well equipped with the matching knife set

With a good kitchen knife set, you are optimally equipped for all requirements that arise in connection with cooking. Depending on the design, such a set consists of up to 15 knives that are designed for different areas of application. The following overview shows which cutting tools high-quality knife sets usually include:

• Chef's knives are considered true all-rounders, which is why they should not be missing in any kitchen. Due to their long and wide blades, these kitchen helpers are suitable for cutting and chopping meat, fish, and vegetables, as well as for chopping herbs and many other tasks.
• Utility knives can also be classified in the category of universal knives, so they are suitable for a variety of cutting tasks. With blade lengths ranging from 7 to 15 centimeters, such a knife is much more compact than a chef's knife, making it particularly suitable for tasks that require precision.
• Bread knives have a long, serrated blade. The serrated edge makes it easy to cut bread and rolls without much effort - and above all, without crushing the baked goods. In addition, bread knives also handle other crusty dishes and foods very well.
• Paring knives are primarily designed for cutting and peeling fruits and vegetables. These cutting tools, also known as peeling knives, have a straight or curved blade depending on the design. Due to their narrow blade, they are also ideal for delicate tasks.
• Carving knives have a long and narrow blade that is slightly curved. With such a knife, you can perfectly carve meat, for example, slice a roast into thin slices.
• Steak knives ensure, thanks to their sharp blade, that the meat does not fray when cutting, keeping it juicy. Both models with a smooth edge and versions with a serrated edge are available on the market.
• Boning knives are primarily used to remove bones from larger pieces of meat. Since a lot of force is required for this, boning knives are very robust.
• Additional accessories: Some knife sets also include a kitchen shear and a sharpening steel.

In addition, special sets of chef's knives and carving knives, as well as sets of Japanese kitchen knives, are also offered in stores, which are in most cases two- or three-piece sets. The same applies to Damascus knife sets, which are very popular due to their unique appearance and excellent edge retention.

Why buying a knife set makes sense

If you buy a knife set, you can handle a variety of kitchen tasks with the cutting tools. But there are still more reasons to purchase a set:

• In der Regel profitierst Du von einem Preisvorteil. Erwirbst Du die in einem Messer-Set enthaltenen Messer einzeln, musst Du mit höheren Anschaffungskosten rechnen.
• The knives of a set have a uniform design, so they score with a high-quality look.

Basically, buying a knife set is particularly suitable for people who cook or prepare meals regularly and want to equip their kitchen with a basic set of knives.

Knife Blocks: Store Your Kitchen Helpers Optimal

A knife block is used for the proper storage of your cutting tools. It protects the blades from damage, because unlike a disorganized drawer with cutlery, the knives do not come into contact with other utensils here.

Depending on the design, a knife block usually consists of wood (such as walnut), metal, or plastic. In addition, a distinction can generally be made between empty and pre-filled blocks. If you purchase a knife block with knives, you can rely on the fact that there is a suitable recess for all cutting tools. In this case, you do not have to worry about whether the knives actually fit into the block.

What types of knife blocks are available?

• Classic knife blocks are usually quite massive and equipped with slots in which the blade is inserted. Typically, suitable designs are suitable for all common types of knives. However, the number of slots is always predetermined here.
• In stores, so-called universal knife blocks are also offered. These are blocks filled with flexible plastic rods or bristles, into which you insert the kitchen tools. This allows for a flexible arrangement. Since the rod or bristle insert can be removed, a universal knife block is very easy to clean.
• Magnetic knife blocks or stands and strips do not have recesses like traditional knife blocks. Instead, a magnet ensures that the cutting tools adhere to the outer wall. If your knife block is magnetic, you can also arrange the kitchen tools flexibly. However, such models are only suitable for metallic blades, not for ceramic blades.

That's why purchasing a knife block makes sense

A knife block not only protects the blades of the cutting tools. It also provides a better overview. This means you always have your knives at hand, so you don't have to rummage around in the drawer for the right tool.

Since high-quality materials are usually used, a noble knife block is also a real eye-catcher. It enriches your kitchen both functionally and visually.

Buying Knife Sets & Knife Blocks: What to Consider

First, you should ask yourself whether you need a knife set with or without a block. A stocked knife block is especially recommended for individuals who do not yet own any knives or are inadequately equipped. If, on the other hand, you opt for a knife block without knives, make sure that the slots are large enough.

However, there are still some additional purchasing criteria that appear in almost every knife set test. Of fundamental importance is the number of knives or the set size. As initial equipment, especially three- or five-piece sets are suitable, which contain commonly used cutting tools. For hobby and professional chefs, more comprehensive sets are recommended.

Further important buying criteria

You should also pay attention to the blade material. Blades made of stainless steel are considered particularly robust and durable. This also applies to high-quality Damascus blades, which also score points with a unique appearance due to the multi-layered steel. Ceramic blades also perform well in a knife set test, as they are not only very sharp but also remain sharp for a long time.

The blade hardness is also relevant. The hardness level of knife blades is indicated in Rockwell - abbreviated as HRC. In this case: The higher the carbon content, the harder and therefore more edge-retaining the knife edges are. For a good kitchen knife set, the hardness of the blades should be at least 55 HRC. On the other hand, particularly high-quality versions often have a hardness level of over 60 HRC.

Sometimes knife sets also include accessories. For example, if a sharpening steel is included, you can sharpen your kitchen knives on your own.

Buy knife sets & knife blocks in store or online?

Both options have their advantages. In a specialty store, you can get advice directly from a saleswoman or salesman on site. However, especially in large stores, the staff does not always have the necessary expertise. On the other hand, someone who runs an online knife shop or is employed at such a shop is usually also privately interested in knives, so they have extensive expertise.

What also speaks for buying knife sets and knife blocks online: In specialty stores, the selection is often very limited due to the limited space. A good online shop offers you a much more diverse selection. Additionally, the purchase costs online are often slightly lower.

On site, there is the possibility to inspect the set or knife block. However, nowadays you can find numerous reviews on the internet for almost every knife set and block. With the help of corresponding customer reviews, you can quickly and easily find out if it is a quality product.

Order knife sets & knife blocks at Meister Messer

Whether you are looking for a two-piece carving set, a kitchen knife set with up to 15 knives, or a separate knife block, you will definitely find the desired product at a fair price in the online shop of Meister Messer. We offer, for example, knife sets and knife blocks from well-known brands such as Böker, Samura, Due Cigni, and Top Chef.

In addition to classic sets and blocks, our range also includes, for example, Damascus knife sets and magnetic kitchen knife displays. Alternatively, you can of course also purchase a single model. So discover the range today, add the set or knife block of your choice to the shopping cart and conveniently order online.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about "Knife Sets & Knife Blocks"

Which knives should a set contain?

A good knife set includes a suitable cutting tool for every kitchen task. It should include at least a chef's knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, and other specialty knives – such as a carving knife. However, on Meister Messer, you can also find three-piece sets, which are suitable for individuals who do not need a too extensive equipment.

How much do knife sets cost?

The prices of knife sets can vary greatly and depend mainly on the scope - that is, the number of knives - and on the materials used. Affordable sets with five or fewer knives are already available for 30 to 60 Swiss francs.

Knife sets with ten or more cutting tools usually cost at least 200 to 250 CHF. However, these are often already a knife set with a block. On the other hand, prices for very high-quality sets can be significantly higher.

How much does a good knife block cost?

A knife block in an elegant design doesn't have to be expensive. Good blocks for your kitchen tools are already available on Meister Messer for 20 to 40 Swiss francs. For particularly high-quality knife blocks, on the other hand, you should budget at least 100 Swiss francs.

Does every knife block suit every knife set?

This question is primarily relevant for those who have purchased a knife set without a corresponding block. Especially more comprehensive sets usually already include a suitable block. If you are looking for an empty knife block, you should make sure that the recesses are large enough. If you are interested in a magnetic knife block or a knife block with plastic bristles, it is especially important to ensure that it provides enough space for all knives.

How should knives be maintained?

Proper care helps to keep the knives of your set sharp for as long as possible. To ensure this, it is recommended to clean the cutting tools by hand and avoid using overly aggressive detergents. This is especially true for high-quality knives.

In the dishwasher, kitchen tools can even sustain damage in the long run. This is mainly due to the prolonged heat, dishwasher salt, and dishwashing detergent. If a knife sits in the dishwasher for a few days before being cleaned, there is also the possibility that food residues – such as sauces – could damage the blade.

How to sharpen knives?

For knives with a smooth edge, you can use a honing steel or a sharpening stone, for example. The former keeps the blade sharp for longer. The latter sharpens the knife blade. Sharpening knives with a serrated edge, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated, as each serration needs to be treated individually.