A quality steak knife set is an essential part of every kitchen. Steak knives are very helpful for any meal, from steak to chops and even sandwiches. This is exactly why we have listed the top steak knife reviews in this article.
The best steak knife set will ensure delicate and clean cuts. It will let you enjoy a delicious meal without having to saw through the meat using your regular, usually blunt, knives.
Whether you seek functionality or want the finest cutlery to be part of your kitchenware, you can always appreciate a good steak knife in the kitchen.
This post will review the best steak knives Consumer Reports have shown to help you pick the right set for your unique kitchen needs.
Page Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Steak Knives for 2024 Reviews by Consumer Reports
- 1.1 1. Best Steak Knives Set: Best Wüsthof Classic Steak Knife Set
- 1.2 2. Best High End: Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
- 1.3 3. Best Overall: Wusthof 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set
- 1.4 4. Runner Up: DALSTRONG Steak Knives – Set of 4 – Gladiator Series – Forged German ThyssenKrupp HC Steel w/Sheaths (5″ Straight-Edge Blade, Black G10 Handle)
- 1.5 5. Best Budget: Messermeister Avanta Set Steak Knife, 5″, Brown
- 2 Editor’s Pick: The Best Steak Knives Set
- 3 Why We Need a Best Steak Knives Set
- 4 What is the Best Steak Knife?
- 5 Wrap-Up
Top 5 Best Steak Knives for 2024 Reviews by Consumer Reports
Here’s our list of best steak knives 2024 with America’s Test Kitchen best knife, so that you can find the perfect set for your needs.
1. Best Steak Knives Set: Best Wüsthof Classic Steak Knife Set
Wüsthof Classic Steak Knife Set features four luxurious steak knives that offer premium quality and timeless design. If you are willing to spend some extra for better quality, this set is the one to spend on.
The Wüsthof Classic Steak Knives boast a razor-sharp blade with a straight edge. The 4-inch blade has a high carbon stainless steel construction, which translates to greater durability. With sturdy and sharp blades, the knives deliver precise cuts without much hassle.
We noticed that even though the blades are high-quality, they require frequent sharpening. So, you will have to invest in a good sharpener to keep the edges good in condition.
While not everyone prefers polypropylene handles, they make the set heat resistant and highly durable. They are also triple-riveted and provide precise control over the full tang blade without any slips.
Pros:
- Sharp straight-edge blades
- Triple-riveted handles
- Comes with a protective case
- Luxurious look
Cons:
- Need frequent sharpening
- Hefty price tag
2. Best High End: Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set is a high-end knife set handcrafted in Japan. It offers functionality and style, which make it perfect for special occasions or gifts.
The elegant knives feature a razor-sharp VG-Max steel blade, corrosion-resistant, and insanely strong with a fine edge. The quality is in accordance with the traditional Japanese knives that are known for their superior performance.
Moreover, the 68 micro-layer Damascus cladding leaves a unique pattern on the sharp blade, adding to its aesthetics and strength as well.
You will find ergonomic black pakkawood handles on the knives, which allow a better grip, and add to the overall elegant look. They are also moisture resistant, so they are likely to last you a long time.
On the downside, not everyone prefers straight Japanese handles. Therefore, it might be a deal-breaker for some of you.
Pros:
- Super steel blades with sharp edges
- 68 micro-layer Damascus cladding
- Ergonomic pakkawood handles
- Stylish box
Cons:
- Japanese-style straight handles might be less comfortable
- Hefty price tag
3. Best Overall: Wusthof 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set
Wusthof Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set includes eight excellent steak knives that are highly attractive in appearance. The serrated blades are made of high carbon, which makes them strong and durable.
Due to their sturdy construction, the blades also have high edge retention, so you won’t have to sharpen them every other day. With precision-forged edges, each knife will deliver precise cuts every time and glide through meat without any troubles.
When it comes to balance, the full tangs of the knives extend through the handles providing maximum control. The stainless steel handles also look sleek and stylish, giving the knives a modern look. These features make the knives well balanced and comfortable to hold.
Not to forget the rosewood storage box, which comes with the knives and keeps the blades safe. Paired with the stylish knives, it gives you a rich culinary experience at the dinner table.
The knife set can also make an excellent present for weddings and other special events. One little problem is that the durability of the storage box does not match that of the knife set.
Pros:
- High carbon forged blades
- Full tangs
- Well-balanced design
- Rosewood storage box
Cons:
- Storage box is not durable
4. Runner Up: DALSTRONG Steak Knives – Set of 4 – Gladiator Series – Forged German ThyssenKrupp HC Steel w/Sheaths (5″ Straight-Edge Blade, Black G10 Handle)
DALSTRONG Steak Knives consists of four steak knives with a traditional look and high-quality straight blades. The brand, Dalstrong, is relatively new in the knife-making world, but it has proved its worth by offering excellent quality and good value for money.
Dalstrong Steak Knives have full tangs, and each comes with a separate protective sheath. The 5″ Thyssenkrupp German steel blades are carefully hand-sharpened, making this set stand apart from others.
The hollow edges on the blades ensure that no food sticks to the knife. That allows you to make fine cuts, no matter how tough the meat.
Similar to the blades, the black pakkawood handles also add to the premium cutting experience. The lamination makes it easier to maintain and adds durability. Moreover, the ergonomic shape makes the handles well-balanced and comfortable in hand.
Pros:
- Thyssenkrupp German steel straight-edge blades
- Well-balanced full tang construction
- Hand-sharpened
- Ergonomic pakkawood handles
- Protective sheaths included
Cons:
- No storage box included
5. Best Budget: Messermeister Avanta Set Steak Knife, 5″, Brown
Messermeister Avanta 5″ Set Steak Knife is a set of four tough slicing knives with fine edges and a unique appearance. The knives’ exquisite design makes them appear high-end even though they come with a reasonable price tag.
These knives feature a high carbon German steel construction that offers durability, strength, and high edge retention. That means they are strong and don’t require frequent sharpening or maintenance. The 5″ blades allow you to cut through meat smoothly, with ease.
Each knife has an exposed full tang, which you can see at the end of the handles. It boasts high-quality construction while making the handles look extremely classy. Paired with the premium brown pakkawood handles, the model can be well worth double its price tag.
Aside from all the good stuff, the handles could have been a bit smoother, but that is not a deal-breaker. So, if you are looking to treat yourself with a stylish steak knife set but don’t want to spend extra, this one’s for you.
Pros:
- High carbon German steel construction
- High edge retention
- Visible full-tang
- Well-balanced construction
- Durable and classy pakkawood handles
Cons:
- Handles are a bit rough to touch
Editor’s Pick: The Best Steak Knives Set
With 5″ fine-edge blades, a fine top for boning, and unmatched appearance, the Messermeister Avanta Set Steak Knife is our top pick.
The four-piece knife set offers superior performance on a budget. It is well-built, balanced, and razor-sharp with high edge retention.
The visible tang and brown pakkawood handles give the set a high-end look while adding to its durability. These extremely sharp blades can make steak dinners a little extra special.
Moreover, the Avanta knives are reasonably priced, but they look special enough to use on particular occasions or give as a gift at weddings or housewarming parties.
Why We Need a Best Steak Knives Set
There are many reasons why you should toss the old blades out the window and look for the best steak knife set to fulfill your cutting needs. Here are some reasons that will convince you to go for a good set of steak knives that can complement your dinner table.
Sharp Blades
Each of the blades in a quality steak knives set is crafted very carefully to create a razor-sharp edge. That’s why these blades glide through your steak like it’s butter.
Unlike blunt table knives that tear the meat into shreds and drain out all the juices, sharp steak knives ensure a precise cut. They allow you to enjoy a good piece of meat without being anxious while slicing it.
Apart from its primary purpose, you can also use a steak knife to slice vegetables and fruits or cut sandwiches in halves.
Safety Features
The sharper the knife, the safer it is to use. The best steak knife set will contain well-made knives that have sturdy handles, so the blade doesn’t start shaking after a few uses.
Furthermore, quality steak knives have ergonomic handles that are designed to keep the sharp blades in place. It helps you avoid any potential accidents while cutting. Plus, the full bolsters on the handle keep your hands safe while applying pressure on the meat.
Easy to Handle
When it comes to steak knives, sharpness is not enough. If you only want sharpness, you can easily pullout a regular sharpened knife from your kitchen drawer for that matter.
Along with being sharp, the best steak knife will also be well balanced and easy to hold, so that you can cut your desired way without much effort. Steak knives should feel comfortable in your hand and not be a distraction on the dinner table — unless it’s the guests complimenting your knife set.
A Special Feeling
Old and worn out knives are never a pleasant sight. If you put them alongside a premium steak cut, you simply cannot get that special feeling of occasion. The best steak knives set not only looks good, but it also lets you cut precise pieces to give your steak night a special touch.
Delicate and beautiful knives are also a great way to show that someone special you have put a little more effort into the meal.
What is the Best Steak Knife?
A steak knife is not just another regular kitchen knife that gets blunt over time, and it doesn’t really bother you. Steak knives are supposed to stand out in your kitchenware and make your dinners more enjoyable.
Here are five features to look for in a steak knife.
Sharp Blade
A sharp blade is not the only feature to consider, but it is undoubtedly the most important one to check. If you want to cut precise and fine pieces of meat without losing all those precious juices, you can not use a blunt knife.
Sharp fine-edge blades ensure effortless cuts through the toughest of meats. It lets you enjoy your meals without breaking a sweat.
Blade Material
Traditionally, steak knives were made from carbon steel, which is a super durable material. The best steak knives have a high carbon stainless steel construction, which is sturdy and lightweight to handle.
A good-quality steel blade will ensure better cuts and high edge retention. If it’s stainless steel, the blade will also be resistant to rust and corrosion, which is very important if you plan on keeping the knives in decent condition for several years.
Full Tang
A full tang construction means that the knife is made out of a single metal piece, which adds to its durability and your safety. It prevents accidental slips and stays put inside the handle without any risks of breaking out unexpectedly.
As a matter of fact, the particular construction can save you from serious injuries at the dinner table. It also gives a nice weight to the knife, which takes us to our next feature: balanced design.
Balanced Design
Along with a full tang, the knives should also have a balanced design for better control and easy handling. A design with some pleasant weight will make it easy for you to cut accurately and won’t feel toyish in your hands.
Ergonomic Handle
The best steak knife set will have smooth, comfortable, and sturdy handles. The knives will fit nicely in your hand without feeling too rough or too smooth.
Some knives have handles that look good but lack the performance you want. So, you should definitely consider the type and material of the handles before making a decision.
Wrap-Up
To conclude our steak knives reviews, every knife set on our list has some outstanding quality, making it worth considering.
Before you choose, make sure you know what you are looking for. The blade size, handle material, and safety features are a few things you should consider before making a purchase.
Whichever set you pick, it will surely add a special touch to your steak nights and receive quite a few compliments at the table.
