The Best Chef Knife Under 150 | Top 5 Picks

If you think finding the best knife set under 150 is a piece of cake, think again. First of all, it is all about preference and quality.

How can a person go for a set within a budget that will not disappoint the cook? It is a tough choice, especially when there are gazillions of such culinary items on the market!

This is why we have taken the matter into our hands and sifted through innumerable knife sets. The ones you will come across below are the outcome of many sleepless pieces of research.

It is all worth the hard work because we know that such a review list will help you, an aspiring chef or a cooking hobbyist, come to a decision sooner than possible.

Let us dig in!

How we know?

We can all agree that knives are one of the most used appliances in our kitchen. If this tool turns blunt or gets rusty too soon despite us taking good care of it, things can become exasperating for us.

rusty knife

Due to online shopping, we cannot ensure product quality before purchasing. This is why, most of the time, the quality of the products does not match our expectations.

To make your knife research a little easier, we took it upon ourselves to test out some of the better quality knives in the market and pick out the best ones for you!

How we tested our Best Knife Sets Under 150?

Talking about knife sets, we tested them out by cutting different things, such as:

best knife set test

  • Fruits (both hard and soft ones)
  • Vegetables
  • Leafy greens
  • Different kinds of meat (both raw and boiled)

We ranked and rated each knife set based on their abilities to, you guessed it, sharpness. Along with that, we also tested out how durable they were and how rusty each set got.

It will do no wonders if your knife set takes forever to clean. So we prioritized knife sets that could be cleaned effortlessly and dried down fast.

A full tang means that your knife will fully extend inside the external handle. Having a full tang knife will give you better balance and make cutting more accessible. Perfect if you are someone who is still learning their knife skills!

The material of the handles is another major factor to look out for. Plastic handles tend to be a bit more on the slippery side, whereas wooden ones provide better grip. Definitely, you don’t want any accidental slips!

All knife sets come with different holders, some of which contain a built-in sharpener for your knife. So every time you use the blades, they sharpen themselves. How cool is that?

Besides, knife care is also necessary to avoid rust and increase longevity. Below, we have listed some of the best knife sets under 150 with the best features tested and approved by our teams of experts exclusively for you.

Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Best Affordable Knife Set

5 Best Knife Set Under 150 Reviews

It is one thing to own a knife, but possessing an entire set of diverse purposes is entirely different. Shall we see what makes these products unique?

1. Calphalon Classic Self-sharpening 6-piece Knife Block Set, with SharpIn Technology

Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery Knife Block Set with SharpIN Technology, 6 Piece
4,629 Reviews
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery Knife Block Set with SharpIN Technology, 6 Piece
  • Kitchen knife sets include 8-in. Chef’s Knife, 6-in. Utility Knife, 5-in. Santoku Knife, 3.5-in....
  • Built-in ceramic sharpeners automatically sharpen knives with every use
  • Forged, high-carbon, no-stain steel
  • Triple-riveted handles are contoured and labeled for easy identification in the block
  • Full tang design for strength and balance; Full Lifetime Warranty

Calphalon has 6 to 15 pieces of knife set that the user can select. We decided to go with the 6-piece unit since it falls under $150.

It will provide you with all the necessary knives to accommodate your needs. The set includes a Chef’s Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife, and kitchen shears.

As you can see, these can be perfect as an amateur’s guide to create, experiment, and exploit in the kitchen.

These knives are designed in the appropriate length for ease of maneuver for a beginner. The handles are contoured as well as labeled at the bottom for quick identification.

There are three rivets to ensure the full tang through the handle stays in one place. Now, the blades are forged from high-carbon steel that claims to be stain-free.

However, it will require maintenance to ensure the knives are not rusted. We suggest wiping them dry right after use before placing them into the block.

The built-in ceramic sharpeners into the stunning blond rubberwood block simply won over our hearts at first glance. Each time you remove or place a knife into the slot, you are also sharpening them.

Not a wrong choice for a novice, right?

  • Durable forged steel blade
  • Full-tang design for convenient balance
  • Three-riveted contoured handles to grip comfortably
  • Built-in sharpener into the block slots
  • Handles are labeled for easy identification

  • High maintenance necessary to avoid blade stains

2. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set

Mercer Culinary M20000 Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block,Black
3,057 Reviews
Mercer Culinary M20000 Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, Tempered Glass Block,Black
  • QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Knives are precision-forged with high-carbon German steel for better...
  • SUPERIOR DESIGN: The finest handles in forged cutlery; built to last ergonomic handle offers comfort...
  • KITCHEN KNIFE SET INCLUDES: All the Kitchen essentials - 3 1/2" Paring Knife, 5" Utility Knife, 6"...
  • EASY CARE: To maximize the performance and longevity of your Mercer knives, carefully wash cutlery...
  • MERCER CULINARY GENESIS SERIES: Never stop experimenting in the kitchen; this Genesis knife set...

If you are ready to head back into the cooking knife hunt for your intermediate-level kitchen trials, then here is your pick.

It has got all in one kit, from ergonomic handles to astounding high-carbon steel precision-forged blades. Each item can withstand the kitchen environment- hot or cold, with clear superiority.

Plus, you will get the gorgeously designed see-through stand made from tempered glass. You can literally view the blades to decide which you require for the moment.

Back to the knives, they are fully tanged to deliver strength and balance throughout the cutting of the ingredients. Furthermore, the taper-ground edge enables the blade to stay sharp for a long time.

Therefore, you get a set of German stainless steel that prevents corrosion, rust, and discoloration as long as the user cleans them properly after use.

There is just one tiny bit of issue, though. To the cooks with low cupboards in their kitchen, this overall product measures about 14-inch in height. Thus, some might have to tilt the stand with one hand and remove the knife with the other.

  • Ergonomic and hard-grip handles will not slip
  • Excellent knife set with see-through glass block
  • Rust and corrosion-free
  • Easy to maintain
  • Very sharp-edged with full-tang blades

  • Putting wet knives into the block would cloud the inside

3. Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Knife Block Set

Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block, Cushion-Grip Handles...
7,916 Reviews
Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block, Cushion-Grip Handles...
  • ALL IN ONE: The 17 Piece set includes a 7-3/4" Chef knife, 7-3/4" Serrated bread knife, 7" Santoku...
  • MADE TO LAST: Long-lasting sharpness perfect for frequent cooking and peace of mind.
  • SAFE HANDLING: Asian-influenced, cushion-grip handles provide a sturdy, non-slip grip.
  • HIGH CARBON STAINLESS STEEL: High-carbon stainless steel creates stronger, harder blades to resist...
  • LONG-LASTING SHARPNESS: Signature 26-Degree taper grind edge for optimum sharpness, precise cutting...

Despite being within the price range and delivering an extensive collection of knife ranges for the kitchen, we still think it somewhat lacks in quality.

Even so, to own 17 pieces of knife with a block at such a rate is something to behold. It has the essential chef’s, Santoku, Bread, Paring, Utility, and Steak knives in various lengths.

The sharpening steel and the chop assist in maintaining the set. The entire set comes in an ordinary but majestic Chestnut-stain wooden block.

Despite having the Asian-style structure for non-slip handles and high-carbon steel for blades, the product failed to go in favor of many users.

The main reason is that the handle and the blade are poorly connected through practically no tang! This is why most of the knives in the set tend to split in half around the handle.

We are sorry to say this, but we do not want the beginners to give up learning, thinking they had somehow neglected the preservation of the blades.

  • Wide ranges of knife collection
  • Rust-free high carbon steel construction
  • Includes a steel sharpener for constant care
  • Heavy, wooden block complements robustness
  • Non-slip grip and razor-sharp blade for swift operations

  • Not durable

4. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Knife Block Set, 6-Pc, Black

ZWILLING Twin Signature 6-Piece German Knife Set with Block, Razor-Sharp, Made in Company-Owned...
95 Reviews
ZWILLING Twin Signature 6-Piece German Knife Set with Block, Razor-Sharp, Made in Company-Owned...
  • ULTRA RAZOR-SHARP: ZWILLING knives start out razor-sharp and stay sharper longer, even with minimal...
  • THE LAST KNIFE YOU’LL EVER NEED TO BUY: Zwilling knives are built to last. They are German...
  • WE KNOW MORE ABOUT KNIVES THAN ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD: ZWILLING has been making knives since 1731...
  • LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF KNIVES GLOBALLY: As the largest manufacturer of knives globally, we own our...
  • SUPERIOR CRAFTMANSHIP: Special formulated German stainless steel perfected for almost 300 years....

If the previous product had dissatisfied you in any way, then this one will uplift your mood. It is a 6-piece knife set that also includes kitchen shears and sharpening steel.

The three knives are the basic necessity in the kitchen that holds onto the traditional cutting, chopping, dicing and slicing as effectively as possible. A Chef’s knife, a Paring knife, and the Utility knife beautifully complete the set in a birch wood block.

These blades are precision stamped stainless steel specifically manufactured in Germany. Hence, the weight is lighter as you work with them, but the sharp edge is entirely remarkable to ignore.

Everything is put together to deliver a premium quality feel, including the ergonomic handle, and magnificent wooden block. It actually has an extra slot for a cleaver. The three-rivet structure ensures high-end endurance over the years without causing any hassle of breakage or slip-ups.

In short, Zwilling J. A. Henckels brings one of the best 6-piece knife sets for all kinds of users. Whether you are a professional or a hard-learned cook, this unit will not disappoint you!

  • Comes with a 10-slot woodblock
  • Stainless and rust-free
  • Full tang to bond well with polymer handle
  • Three-rivet design for sturdiness
  • Excellent edge retention with the one-piece stamped blade

  • Limited collection

5. Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection 15-Piece Knife Block Set – Black

Cuisinart 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block, Cutlery Set, Triple Rivet Collection, C77TR-15P
25,073 Reviews
Cuisinart 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block, Cutlery Set, Triple Rivet Collection, C77TR-15P
  • Superior high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision and accuracy
  • Precision-tapered ground blades that narrow gradually to an extremely sharp, fine edge
  • Forged durable extra-wide safety bolster for perfect stability and control
  • Stainless steel rivets to secure the full-tang blade to the ergonomically designed handle
  • Lifetime

Cuisinart C77TR-15P is a fine example that describes higher quantities that do not always produce lower quality.

The forged high-carbon stainless steel blades offer precision and accuracy, which is what all the cooks require from various levels. Moreover, bolsters are made more expensive than most other similar products.

As a result, the user will achieve substantial stability and control at every stroke and cut. All the knives have tapered ground blades for extremely sharp edges.

The blade, then, meets the full tang that bonds into the handle with three secured rivets. If you are looking for a comfortable design and razor-sharp cutting experience, we recommend this product without a second thought.

As for the woodblock, it does not offer many luxuries besides the purpose it serves as 15 slots are integrated into the block. It allows quick removing and placing of the knives effortlessly.

What we loved the most is how long the edge stays sharp even after multiple uses. Of course, you must make sure to clean and dry them well to continue attaining such an advantage.

  • Supreme quality blades
  • Wider bolster for safety and stability
  • Stainless, rust-free, and long-lasting
  • Full tang with triple rivets in the handle
  • Excellent precision

  • Requires extra maintenance

Top 5 Knife Set Under 150  Comparison Tbale

Title

Color

Brand

Blade Material

Number of Knives

Rating

Calphalon Classic Self-sharpening Knife Block Set

Silver

Calphalon

Alloy Steel

6 Pieces

Mercer Culinary Genesis Knife Block Set

Black

Mercer Culinary

Carbon

6 Pieces

Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Knife Block Set

Black

Chicago Cutlery

Stainless Steel

17 Pieces

ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Knife Block Set

Black/Stainless Steel

ZWILLING

High Carbon Stainless Steel

6 Pieces

Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection Knife Set

Black

Cuisinart

Stainless Steel

15 pieces

What to Look for Before You Buying Affordable knife set?

There are a lot of things to consider before buying a knife set. However, we will share the most vital features to look for while mulling over the value.

Blade Quality

To own a blunt set of blades is like throwing all your efforts and money down the river. How do you, then, identify a premium blade quality?

In short, most experts and chefs recommend only two kinds of blades for the knives; high carbon stainless steel and 420 stainless steel. They have gained popularity for long-term accessibility to sharpness.

While the forged blades are incredibly sharp and durable, they can be heavy to hold. Stamped ones, on the contrary, are lightweight but have lower blade retention.

Handle Quality

The quality of the handle is also a matter of significance. If the handle does not cooperate with the user while in use, there could be inevitable kitchen accidents.

Look for the wooden structure. It is durable and also very beautiful to behold. You can even go for the stainless steel or other material handles if the wood is not what you have in mind.

Block Quality

It would be impossible to keep all the knives in check (in a safe place) without a storage block. Thus, do not focus just on knife quality. See if the material used to craft the block is sturdy enough to hold everything or not.

There are wooden, bamboo, plastic, steel, and even acrylic stands. However, we think wooden blocks provide the best kind of corrosion resistance and rapid water absorption from the metallic surface.

Tang: Half or Full

A full tang is when the blade continues as a single part all through the handle. Conversely, a half tang ends right around where the handle begins.

Full tang knives are sturdy even if you drop them on the floor. On the other hand, a half tang knife is lightweight and quite gorgeous to own. The choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do you pick a good knife set?

The general rule is to find out what type of material is used to forge the knives. Be sure they are resistant to rust, and damage and have various sizes.

See if the weight is discernable because heavily weighted knives will not wield a good outcome. Plus, look for the bolster design, tang length, number of rivets on the handle, block material and durability, etc.

  1. What is the best affordable knife set?

According to our list, the Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection stands the most chance against the rest of the products.

It has many knives for various purposes, something a novice would love to own for cooking lessons.

  1. What knife set does Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay’s world-famous cook often utilizes various kinds of knives based on what he prepares for the day/show.

His most known MasterClass lessons are brandished, though, only one set, which is Henckels. Besides, he was also seen to have used the Wüsthof knife set here and there to fulfill the essential knife collection.

  1. What are the best kitchen knives set?

There is Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set that we think deserves a try-out despite the slight steep cost. The quality of the whole thing is quite impressive.

In addition to the abovementioned set, Cuisinart C77TR-15P Triple Rivet Collection offers such exquisite value. Each knife has the agile sharpness that the entry-level cooks seek.

Even the block stand comes in a beautiful wooden material.

  1. Which knives stay sharp the longest?

It will depend on many aspects, but the most crucial one to consider is the material of the blade and the cutting-edge angle.

How you apply it and how often maintenance takes place will also determine the duration of a sharp edge.

In our opinion, a ceramic knife often stays sharp the longest. Thanks to the hard edge it comprises, the blade tends to stay sharp without honing for quite some time.

The only problem is that knives of this material require special equipment to sharpen, or it is futile to own them.

  1. Why are Japanese knives so expensive?

The sole reason is the multiple layers of forging by the additional laborious efforts. Aside from it, there is a high-grade material implementation to think about.

Overall, the final piece eventually becomes out to be one high-priced but strikingly sharp-edged knife that most chefs love to possess.

  1. How much should I spend on a knife set?

It is all about how much the consumer can spend to acquire a knife set. There are varieties of factors one has to take into account.

For example, purchasing an expensive set does not necessarily mean it is the best in the market. Correspondingly, spending less does not always procure harmful products.

The line is often a blurry one in such a case. Therefore, our suggestion is not to spend too much on your first attempt.

  1. What knives should every chef have?

A Chef’s Knife is the best option for every kitchen. Next comes the Paring Knife, Boning Knife, and Carving Knife. Even a Utility Knife and a Bread Knife are handy.

Do not forget that a Honing Rod is also an important tool for keeping the knife razor-sharp.

Final Words

So, have you made up your mind yet? No worries, take your time and process all the information we have just fed you.

A long and thoughtful decision is better than a hasty one, is that not right? Let us hope that the reader attains the best knife under 150.

Besides, maintaining the set is also a partial reason behind long-term usability. Therefore, take care of them, each knife, and the block.

We all want to begin from somewhere when stocking the first kitchen or taking a beginner cooking course; it might as well be a knife set; what do you say?

Hopefully, this article assists you greatly in starting from scratch.

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