You either have to memorize which color is which blade, keep the package handy, or take a photo to identify the different knife edges. Ceramic blades tend to stay sharp longer — which is good because they’re difficult to sharpen. Most household knives are made from stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and durable. Their edges are not as sharp as carbon steel, though, and they are harder to sharpen. Many purists prefer knives made from carbon steel, which makes for very strong blades and edges that stay sharper longer. However, these need to be seasoned to prevent rust and to make them more resistant to acidic compounds like those found in lemons.
Get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. Join our free newsletter and get the latest reviews, deals, giveaways, and exclusive content. Both brands are relatively affordable, but Cuisinart knives are exceptionally cheap. Henckels knives are sharper with a 30-degree cutting angle, while Cuisinart’s are sharpened to 44 degrees. Henckels blades are hardened to 57 on the Rockwell scale, while Cuisinart’s steel is softer, scoring 55.
As a bonus, the kitchen shears are a highly-ranked pair that we already loved. This Wüsthof set is relatively lightweight for German-steel knives. These precision-forged knives are made from a single piece of continuous high-carbon stainless steel, so they’re super sharp and won’t rust easily. The full-tang gotham steel cookware sets blade is seamlessly attached to a comfortable polypropylene handle that didn’t slip in our hands, even when wet. We would have liked to see a smaller serrated knife included with this set. It ended up being our least favorite knife in the set because it’s large and we weren’t sure what to use it for.
The Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Knife Set almost rivals our top pick, but it only comes with four knives plus shears. The utility knife’s long, semi-flexible blade makes it stand out in a set we already love. If you don’t need any of the extra knives, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
By the end, you’ll know whether Cuisinart knives are right for you — and which ones might make the best fit for your kitchen. Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. A blade that is too hard is prone to chipping and can break Cookware Sets if it’s dropped since it lacks flex. If you’re not familiar, the bolster is the part of the knife where the blade and handle meet, and the steel thickens. It provides a smooth transition between the blade and handle and serves as a finger guard, protecting your hand from slipping onto the blade.