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Sharpening a knife is part of the game. No matter how sharp it was out of the box or how careful you are with the maintenance, the edge will still go dull after prolonged usage. Sooner or later, every knife will require sharpening. Imagine a world where knives remain sharp forever and you would no longer need to sit down and sharpen each of them individually. Self-sharpening knives stay sharp for a lifetime.
Finding the best self-sharpening knife set requires some research though. Many brands produce mediocre knife sets, but some brands take quality standards to another level. Here is everything you need to know before making a final decision.
In a hurry? See our top picks…
CLICK on any image below to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
Top | Calphalon Precision Self-sharpening 15-piece Knife Block Set | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | HENCKELS Statement 20-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Set | Check Price on Amazon |
Top | Farberware Self-Sharpening 13-Piece Knife Block Set | Check Price on Amazon |
What is a Self-Sharpening Knife Set?
Self-sharpening knives come with a storage block. These blocks have a slot for each knife in the sets. Each of these slots has a ceramic sharpening edge. Whenever you put the knife in or take it out, you will inevitably rub it against the sharpener. That’s how it gets sharpened.
Now, how do these sharpeners actually work? Unlike classic sharpeners, the ceramic edges will not actually remove small parts of the steel to sharpen the edge. They only hone and realign the edge whenever the knife is taken out or put back in.
Does this mean you would never have to sharpen your knife? It depends on what you use the knife for. If you use it for soft fruits and veggies only, you may not need too much sharpening. If you use them for other things too, you may need a few extra strokes once in a while. One thing is for sure though – such knives will require less frequent sharpening.
Now that you know how these knives sharpen themselves, let us find out what are the best self-sharpening knife sets out there?
Best Self Sharpening Knife Sets in 2024
We have picked self-sharpening knife sets that come with plenty of knives, are efficient in self-sharpening, and come with durable steel blades.
Calphalon Precision Knife Block Set
Full package – Calphalon produces the best self-sharpening knife sets. Quality standards leave no room for mistakes. There are 15 different knives in the set, as well as a block with a unique sharpening technology. You can also buy another version of this set that comes with 10 knives.
Multiple applications – You will not have to buy anything else once you get this set. Basically, it has any knife you could use in your kitchen. You have an eight-inch chef knife, a bread knife, a santoku knife, a utility knife, a parer, eight steak knives, kitchen shears, and the block. The block has an extra slot, just in case you want to add another quality knife from a different set.
Sharpening technology – Calphalon has implemented its proprietary SharpIn technology. There are built-in ceramic sharpeners on the edges of each slot, so knives will be sharpened with every use. Apart from that, the block is made of dark wood. It looks both modern and traditional and will match any kitchen out there.
Quality knives – Knives are based on high carbon steel. It has impressive edge retention. The steel is treated to prevent stains too. You have a fully forged blade, as well as a bolster and tang. It is worth noting that steak knives are based on Asian steel, while the others are made of German steel. Bar riveted handles are labeled for quick identification.
Pros
- Full package
- High-quality knives
- Excellent edge retention
- Good sharpening technology
- Good looking knives and block
Cons
- The steel is not stainless, so it requires some maintenance – also, knives must be washed manually
- Expensive
Henckels Statement 20 Piece Block Set
High-quality set – Henckels is one of the most reputable names on the market in terms of durability and quality. Its best self-sharpening knife set comes with everything you might need. There are 20 pieces in the package and each of them has its own role. There are other versions of this set coming with 7 and 14 knives. Other than that, you get a beautiful block and ease of use – each slot is labeled, so you know precisely where each knife goes.
All types of knives – The set brings in all types of knives, whether you are after basic recipes and traditional cooking or you like to surprise your family with all kinds of sophisticated dishes. You have a few paring knives, a couple of utility knives, a prep knife, a boning knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, a carving knife, a chef knife, eight steak knives, and kitchen shears.
Durable build – Each knife follows the same high-quality standards. You have stylish brushed stainless steel. It is rust and corrosion-resistant. It does not require too much maintenance, but make sure you clean the knives manually and they are dry before storage. The block is based on stained ash wood – it looks great, regardless of the design style of your kitchen.
Efficient self-sharpening – Given the fact that stainless steel is very simple to sharpen, the self-sharpening block does a pretty good job of preventing you from doing it separately. Each slot has ceramic-based self-sharpening slots that work on your knives whenever they are used. A metallic top for all the knives, except for the steak ones, makes it look even better.
Pros
- Lots of different knives
- Efficient self-sharpening technology
- Luxurious design
- Labeled slots to prevent misplacing knives
- Easy to look after
Cons
- The storage block is larger than average, so make sure you have enough room
- Expensive
Farberware Knife Block Set – Value for money self-sharpening knife set
No fancy bells and whistles – This is another budget self-sharpening knife set from Faberware. You get 13 different pieces – more than enough for both simple and sophisticated recipes. Given the inclusion of basic items only, the manufacturer has managed to bring in excellent value for money.
Quality and elegance – Each piece is designed to last, but also to look good. Despite the value for money, this set looks luxurious and attractive – it is likely to become the focal point in your kitchen. You have high carbon stainless steel that can become razor-sharp, as well as ergonomic handles in a brushed semi-matte finish. They are comfortable to handle and well-balanced.
Just the right knives – You do not always need fancy knives if you are not a professional chef. This set has just the right things for a classic residential kitchen. Practically, you have a chef knife, a slicer, a serrated utility knife, another chef knife with kullens, a paring knife, six steak knives, and kitchen shears. What else can you ask for?
Self-sharpening and care – Just like most other self-sharpening knife sets from Farberware, this one carries the Edgekeeper technology. Every primary slot comes with a built-in ceramic sharpening that works on the edges whenever knives go in and out. As for care and maintenance, wash these knives manually and dry them right away before storage.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Good looking set
- Durable design
- Edgekeeper self-sharpening technology
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Must be dried immediately after washing
McCook MC29 – Cheap Self Sharpening Knife Set
Different options – McCook’s best knife set is available in two different options. The 15 piece set is the best-selling option, but users can also opt for a 20 piece set if they want more versatility. No matter which set you choose, it comes with a block set. You can opt for a classic black block or a walnut one that also displays the wooden grains.
Outstanding quality – All the knives in this set are built with quality in mind. Knives feature high carbon stainless steel blades. Basically, edges can retain their sharpness for ages. Meanwhile, stainless steel will help with the resistance against rust and corrosion. Each knife goes through five tests before going out.
Edge retention – As if the high carbon stainless steel was not enough, the block has a slot for each knife out there, so you know precisely where everything goes. One of the slots has a built-in sharpener. Whenever you take the knife out or put it back in, it will get even sharper. In terms of maintenance, clean knives manually and never in a dishwasher – dry them out before storage.
Full set – The 15-piece set has anything you will need for a comprehensive cooking experience. You will get a chef knife, a slicing knife, a santoku knife, a serrated utility knife, a straight utility knife, a pairing knife, six steak knives, and two sets of kitchen shears. The last piece is the actual block.
Pros
- Automatic sharpening
- Easy and straightforward storage
- Well diversified knife set
- Great value for money
- Block available in more designs
Cons
- Might feel a bit too lightweight
- Manual washing is required
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know the best-rated options on the market. But if this is the first time you buy a self-sharpening knife set or you are not familiar with these technologies, you may still have a few questions.
Do you still have to sharpen your knives if you have a self-sharpening block?
The answer to this question is a bit ambiguous because it depends on a few different factors. For instance, self-sharpening technology may vary from one manufacturer to another. Then, it is one thing to use a knife on soft meat only and another thing to use it on hard foods.
While the self-sharpening technology will keep your knives in good condition, they may still require a few strokes often. However, you will have to do it less frequently and for less time – forget about spending hours sharpening your entire set.
Can I use the block to sharpen the shears?
No. While many self-sharpening knife sets (or regular sets) come with all-purpose kitchen shears, you will not be able to sharpen them in the block. Practically, you will store the scissors in the closed position, so there is no access to their blades.
The scissors can and will get dull over time, but you will have to use a classic sharpener for each part individually – a sharpening stone will also get the job done in no time.
Can I use the self-sharpening block for regular sharpening?
The self-sharpening block is mostly used for long-term maintenance. It is not recommended to pull the knife out and put it back in repeatedly to sharpen it. If it still requires a bit of sharpening often, simply use an electric sharpener or a sharpening stone.
On the other hand, you cannot use the block to sharpen other knives because it would not be efficient. For example, each slot is designed in the optimal size to take a specific knife included in the set. This is why many blocks come with labeled slots. A different knife would have a different size and shape, so the operation would not be efficient.
Conclusion
Any of the above-mentioned self-sharpening knife sets come with high-quality knives and efficient self-sharpening technology. At the end of the day, you also have to consider the budget and types of knives included in the package, make sure they match your personal cooking necessities. Once you have these aspects covered, making the right decision is just a matter of time.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.