Best self-sharpening knife set

Best Self-Sharpening Knife Set for Fast Meal Preparations

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Despite using your new knife set carefully, you will eventually need to sharpen the blades since the edges will become dull after some time and use. Additionally, manually sharpening knives may require you to read a few how-to articles and watch tutorials if you do not want to ruin your cutting tools. Luckily, buying the best self-sharpening knife set can help relieve this tasking chore and ensure you avoid any dull moments in the kitchen.

However, settling on the ideal self-sharpening block since plenty of options may not get the job done. Here, we look at these essential kitchen tools and how you can distinguish them from other sharpening instruments. Also, you can learn the key features to consider before you buy these knife sets or go through our detailed recommendations.

Defining a Self-Sharpening Knife Set

Self-sharpening knife sets and regular ones are similar in that they both have a storage block to keep the knives neatly and safely tucked away. However, the main difference is the former has ceramic sharpeners within the knife blocks that automatically hone the blades whenever you take out or replace them.

Succinctly, the ceramic components rub against the blade edge to help realign it when pulling the knife or pushing it into the block. Nevertheless, the self-sharpening knife sets cannot perform a miracle and make a dull blade razor-sharp since they do not remove steel when sharpening. Thus, you may be forced to manually sharpen your knives more so when you use them frequently.

Do Self-Sharpening Knife Set exists?

5 Best Self-Sharpening Knife Sets

1. McCook MC29 Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener

Sale
McCook MC29 Knife Sets,15 Pieces German Stainless Steel...
  • HIGH QUALITY Kitchen Knife Set - Tarnish-resistant and...
  • WORLD CLASS KNIFE SET - Exclusive taper grind edge technology...
  • EASY TO STORAGE - All knives store safely in the hard wood knife...
  • VALUE SET - 15 pieces knife set includes: 8" chef knife, 8"...
  • EASY CARE - The kitchen knife set with block is easy and fast to...

With a walnut-tone knife block and silver knives, the McCook MC29 Knife Set is the best self-sharpening knife set on our list because it brings style, function and durability to your culinary tasks. All the blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel, which is rust-and-tarnish resistant to give you years of service while maintaining their silvery look. Also, German steel makes up the ergonomically designed handle to increase longevity and enhance the aesthetics of the knives.

Aside from style and durability, the McCook MC29 also doubles as a self-sharpening knife set. Its taper grind-edge sharpening technology keeps the knives in tip-top shape whenever you need a precise cutting tool. In addition, the sharpening slot on the wooden block is simple to use and non-abrasive to the blades.

The McCook MC29 knife block set comes with 15 knives, including an all-purpose 8-inch chef knife, a slicing knife of the same length, a 5-inch Santoku knife for vegetables, and a 5.5-inch serrated utility knife. Additionally, you will get a 5-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, six steak knives, along with other essential knives. Thus, you may not need to go shopping for other cutting tools for your culinary tasks.

Pros:

  • It uses unique taper grind-edge sharpening technology.
  • Ergonomic grip in the German steel handles.
  • Blades are made of durable high-carbon steel.
  • It is a 15-piece knife set with all the necessary blades to complete your kitchen.
  • The wooden block has a stylish walnut tone finish.

Cons:

  • The knife set is tricky to maintain a silvery look since you need to handwash and dry immediately.

2. Henckels Graphite 20-Piece Self-Sharpening Knife Set

HENCKELS Graphite 20-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Set with...
  • SET INCLUDES: 3-inch Paring knife, 4-inch Paring knife, 5-inch...
  • QUALITY DESIGN: Stylish brushed stainless-steel cap and stained...
  • SELF SHARPENING: Self-sharpening slots that sharpen each time a...
  • EASY TO PLACE KNIVES: Labeled slots guide proper placement
  • QUALITY MANUFACTURING: Knives fabricated from high-quality...

The Henckels Graphite 20-Piece Self-Sharpening Set comes loaded with 20 cutting tools to ensure that you will not need to buy other knives for your kitchen. These knife blocks have a stained ash wood finish that helps you display your set with confidence. In addition, a brushed stainless-steel cap covers each knife slot to protect the self-sharpening mechanisms and give the block a stylish look.

Moreover, the knives are made from high-quality stainless steel, and the blades feature a stamped construction to ensure long-term use. These cutting tools are expertly balanced by a triple-rivet handle with a curve for comfortable and safe use. Plus, the handles will not be coming off any time soon.

Furthermore, the knife block features self-sharpening slots to keep your knives razor-sharp. In addition, the slots have labeling to guide you in placing them correctly. Thus, each time to take one out or replace it, the knives sharpen themselves.

Pros:

  • All the knives and the kitchen shears feature a durable stainless-steel construction.
  • The curved handles are comfortable to hold.
  • Labeling on the knife block for proper placement.
  • The storage block keeps things neat and looks fantastic on any kitchen counter.
  • Twenty kitchen knives, including kitchen shears, in each set for plenty of variety.
  • The triple-riveted handle is durable.

Cons:

  • It is not the most compact option.

3. Sabatier Self-Sharpening Edgekeeper Pro 12-Piece Knife Block Set

Sale
Sabatier Self-Sharpening Edgekeeper Pro 12-Piece Forged...
  • SELF-SHARPENING KNIFE BLOCK: Each slot features a built in knife...
  • RAZOR-SHARP BLADE EDGES: Each Blade is expertly hand crafted for...
  • SUPERIOR QUALITY: Each forged knife is made from high carbon...
  • ERGONOMIC CONTROL: Triple Riveted designed handles offer a sure...
  • 12 PIECE SET INCLUDES: 8 inch chef knife, 8 inch slicer knife, 5...

The Sabatier Self-Sharpening Edgekeeper Pro 12-Piece Knife Block Set may seem out of place on our list since it has fewer knives. However, this product offers numerous cutting-edge features, pardon the pun, to ensure you do not regret your purchase. For instance, the self-sharpening block helps maintain optimum sharpness each time you remove and insert the knives. However, this feature does not extend to the steak knives as their slots are meant for storage.

High carbon stainless steel, the material used in constructing these knives, is robust and long-lasting. Additionally, the material adds stain and corrosion-resistant qualities to your knife set. Plus, the handcrafted knives will have a sharper edge for longer.

Although the knives included in this set are fewer than other entries on our list, you will get the essential ones like two chef knives, a paring knife, steak knives, a slicer knife and a fine edge utility knife. Finally, the handles make each knife feel comfortable when holding, and the triple-rivet design ensures it does not slip off when cutting.

Pros:

  • Each blade edge is super sharp and has edge retention.
  • Handle feels sure, comfortable and easy to maneuver.
  • Exceptional quality blades.
  • Unique self-sharpening block design.

Cons:

  • You may need to buy more knives since it is only a 12-piece set

4. Faberware Self-Sharpening 13-Piece Knife Block Set with EdgeKeeper

Sale
Farberware Self-Sharpening 13-Piece Knife Block Set...
  • EDGEKEEPER TECHNOLOGY: Each primary slot features a built-in...
  • HIGH-QUALITY BLADES: Each knife features a high-carbon, stainless...
  • ELEGANT HANDLES: Each handle is ergonomically designed for a...
  • 13 PIECE BLOCK SET: 8 inch chef knife, 8 inch slicer, 5.5 inch...

These Faberware Self-Sharpening Knife Sets are the most elegant yet minimalist recommendation on our list. Additionally, this affordable option, including kitchen shears, has an Edgekeeper technology where each knife slot has built-in ceramic sharpeners for sharpening knives automatically when placing or removing them. Consequently, you do not have to worry about the blades losing their edge whenever you use them.

The high-carbon stainless steel build of each blade helps retain the sharpness of the kitchen knives included for longer. Also, this high-quality material will not stain or rust as quickly as others. Thus, you can be sure the knife set will continue looking elegant for a while to come when you maintain it properly.

Pros:

  • Ceramic sharpeners are not abrasive.
  • Forged stainless-steel handles make the knives included sturdy and stable.
  • These Faberware self-sharpening knife sets are affordable.

Cons:

  • The stamped steel used is not the most durable.

5. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Set

Sale
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15 Piece Cutlery...
  • Kitchen knife set includes: 4 1/2 inch Paring Knife, 6 inch...
  • Built in ceramic sharpeners automatically sharpen chef knives and...
  • Forged, high carbon, no stain steel (steak knives made from...
  • Labeled handles for easy identification in the block; Triple...
  • Full tang design for strength and balance; Full lifetime warranty

The Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Set has ceramic sharpeners to hone the straight-edge knives whenever you use them. In addition, these grinders are housed in a classy rubberwood knife block. Hence, this piece adds a touch of class to your restaurant or kitchen.

Apart from the steak knives made from stamped steel, the rest feature a carbon stainless steel construction for longevity and a cleaner look throughout the years. Plus, the full tang design adds strength to the build while allowing the knives to feel balanced. Finally, the triple-riveted handle has contours so that it stays tightly in your hand when cutting. a

Pros:

  • The self-sharpening knife sets include built-in ceramic grinders.
  • The Calphalon knives have a full tang blade design for excellent balance and sturdiness.
  • You also get kitchen shears with this self-sharpening knife set.
  • The handles have labeled to help you identify the knives.

Cons:

  • It does not come with a bread knife.

What to Consider When Buying Self-Sharpening Knife Sets

a). How Many Knives Are in the Set?

A typical knife set will include a chef knife, a utility knife, a boning knife, a santoku knife, a paring knife and several steak knives. Some options may also include a bread knife, serrated utility knife and kitchen shears. A complete set is often the way to go when you do not want to spend more money buying additional knives.

Nevertheless, if you are not a fancy cook, a standard self-sharpening knife set with at least six pieces should cater to your culinary needs. Alternatively, people who run restaurants or want to indulge in cooking as a hobby should try to find a 15-piece knife set or more. Thus, try to consider how often you cook and the kinds of meals you prepare when buying the best self-sharpening knife set.

b). What Are the Handles Like?

Handling knives requires keenness, especially when they are razor sharp. Consequently, try to consider the grip the handles provide when shopping for a self-sharpening knife set. Some materials offer better grip than others, while most knives include ergonomic designs for the handles. These qualities can help improve your safety when using the cutlery.

On the other hand, if you make the right choice, the knife handles offer an aesthetic appeal. Wood and other wood-like options can match your current kitchen decor. Synthetic materials may not look or feel as good, but they are much cheaper. Alternatively, stainless-steel handles can have a stunning finish, more so when it is semi-matte.

c). Are the Blades Made of Quality Steel?

The type of steel used to make the self-sharpening knife sets determines the durability, maintenance and style. For starters, high-grade steel tends to last long while the blades remain sharper for longer. Consequently, you may not need to sharpen them often manually.

High carbon as a top layer to steel constructed knives gives it an elegant finish. Additionally, the material increases the resistance of the knife to stains and rust.

d). Is the Knife Set Easy to Maintain?

Typically, a set of self-sharpening knives does not extend such features to a serrated utility knife or kitchen shears. Thus, you may be forced to find other means, such as ceramic rods, to sharpen them. Nevertheless, if you pay attention to the blade build quality when buying, you may not need to use a honing rod often.

Maintaining stainless steel can be quite demanding since the material tends to form rust and spots whenever it is left wet. As a result, knives made from steel may not be dishwasher safe. Nevertheless, handwashing is your best chance to keep them looking as good as new for longer. Plus, try not to forget to pat them dry immediately after washing to avoid discoloration due to stains.

e). How Does the Knife Block Set Look?

Admittedly, aesthetics may not be a priority when looking for a reliable kitchen partner. However, you can leverage the best of both worlds when you choose between different self-sharpening knives. Moreso, when you have an open-plan kitchen where your cutlery is in full view of any guests that come visiting.

You can choose between wooden block designs or unique ones made from brushed stainless steel to ensure the storage piece and self-sharpening knives do not look out of place in your home. Luckily, you can find plenty of options that suit numerous kinds of interior decor designs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Self-Sharpening Knife Sets

1. Can you sharpen self-sharpening knives?

When you notice that your knives are getting dull, you can use the sharpening slots of the block to increase the cutting power. First, you need to insert the knife then pull it from the block gently. You can do this as many times as necessary to get to your desired sharpness. Critically, the ceramic grinders are meant for honing and not sharpening since they may quickly degrade when doing such tasks. Thus, you should find another way to increase the sharpness instead of buying replacement sharpeners for the block.

2. How does self-sharpening knife block work?

Knife blocks in self-sharpening products contain ceramic rods or grinders that rub against the blades when you insert or remove them from the slots. Although this method effectively realigns the blade's edge, it is not a substitute for manually sharpening when you use the cutlery frequently. However, the technology allows you to prolong the time before you need to sharpen the knives again.

Image Source: Unsplash.com

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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