Top Rated Kitchen Knife Sets | eHow

Wusthof Classic knives consistently beat their competition as the best overall kitchen knife set, according to Consumer Search, which aggregated several knife reviews. Wusthof Classic series knives are forged from a single sheet of high-carbon steel and feature a triple rivet on the handle. A favorite among home cooks, Wusthof knives' also feature a full tang, or protrusion of steel into the handle, that extends through the handle, providing extra stability. Wusthof's Classic series has black handles, made from a molded, synthetic material. Overall, Wusthof knives get high marks for their heavy, forged blade, good balance and durability. On the downside, the handle could be thin for some tastes and run on the expensive side. A 10-inch chef knife costs about $75.

In the budget category, the stand-out is RH Forschner by Victorinox Fibrox. Cooking for Engineers, a popular food science website, tested the Fibrox knife set by chopping several vegetables and comparing the results with other knife sets. The Fibrox line was ranked as the best value, out-classing less expensive knives and performing nearly as well expensive brands. Apart from good value, Fibrox knives have a non-slip handle, available in black or white and easily stand up to normal kitchen tasks. Fibrox knives are crafted from stamped stainless steel and lack the heft and durability of forged knives. If you're looking for a bargin, this set is worth considering. A 10-inch chef knife costs upwards of $25.

Among the high-end options, Global knives rank as the clear winner. A favorite with serious home cooks, this Japanese line has a reputation for crafting knives that offer more precision and cleaner cuts than their competition. Global knives have a distinctive, instantly recognizable look. The entire knife is made from ice-tempered stainless steel, and the blade seamlessly tapers into a textured handle. In the classic Japanese style, Global knives have a thin blade and a sharply angled edge. This line gets raves for its all-metal design, good heft and balance and superior sharpness. However, some reviews note that the handles are uncomfortable due to the non-slip grip. Global knives are expensive, and the 10-inch starts around $150.