Best Kitchen Knives UK (2026)
A good knife set covers most kitchen tasks, but a few individual specialist knives often outperform what comes in a block. This guide compares both, tested by Expert Reviews, from budget sets to knives with built-in sharpeners.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Elevate Knives SlimBlock 5-Piece
Best all-in-one
Weighted handles and Japanese stainless steel blades, with a built-in ceramic sharpener so you never need a separate sharpening tool, though it takes some practice to use and isn't dishwasher safe.
- Weighted handles
- Ceramic sharpener included
- Japanese stainless steel
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate Knives SlimBlock 5-Piece | Best all-in-one | £100, Japanese stainless steel, integrated ceramic sharpener | Check price |
| BergHOFF Leo 5-Piece Set | Best space-saving | £55, slimline block, reversible insert | Check price |
| Lakeland Fully Forged Stainless Steel Five-Piece Block | Best for durability | £110, fully forged construction, dishwasher safe | Check price |
| Stellar Poise 5-Piece Wooden Block | Best value | £100, lifetime warranty | Check price |
| Viners Assure Four Piece Knife Set | Best budget | £13, flat safety tips | Check price |
| Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block | Best built-in sharpening | £170, forged stainless steel, integrated sharpener | Check price |
| Le Creuset Vegetable Knife | Best individual paring knife | £56, Damascus steel | Check price |
| Victorinox Santoku Knife 17cm | Best budget individual knife | £51, fluted blade | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best all-in-one
Elevate Knives SlimBlock 5-Piece
Weighted handles and Japanese stainless steel blades, with a built-in ceramic sharpener so you never need a separate sharpening tool, though it takes some practice to use and isn't dishwasher safe.
- Price guide
- £100
- Material
- Japanese stainless steel
- Extras
- Integrated ceramic sharpener
Pros
- Weighted handles
- Ceramic sharpener included
- Japanese stainless steel
Cons
- Sharpener has a learning curve
- Not dishwasher safe
Best space-saving
BergHOFF Leo 5-Piece Set
A slimline block with a reversible pink or grey insert and multi-function tools, backed by a 15-year warranty, though cutting precision trails premium options.
- Price guide
- £55
- Warranty
- 15 years
Pros
- Slimline, space-saving block
- Reversible colour insert
- Multi-function tools included
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Less precise cutting than premium options
Best for durability
Lakeland Fully Forged Stainless Steel Five-Piece Block
A fully forged, sturdy set that's dishwasher safe for easy everyday care, though the blade variety is more limited than some rivals.
- Price guide
- £110
- Construction
- Fully forged
- Dishwasher safe
- Yes
Pros
- Fully forged construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy
Cons
- Limited blade variety
Best value
Stellar Poise 5-Piece Wooden Block
Sharp and precise, with an especially good bread knife, backed by a lifetime warranty, though the 6-inch cook's knife could do with a wider blade.
- Price guide
- £100
- Warranty
- Lifetime
Pros
- Sharp, precise cutting
- Excellent bread knife
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- 6-inch cook's knife could be wider-bladed
Best budget
Viners Assure Four Piece Knife Set
Flat, rounded tips reduce the risk of injury, making this a sensible choice for family kitchens, with lightweight, non-slip handles and a 10-year warranty, though the tips struggle with harder vegetables.
- Price guide
- £13
- Warranty
- 10 years
- Feature
- Flat safety tips
Pros
- Flat tips reduce injury risk
- Lightweight
- Non-slip handles
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Flat tips look unusual
- Struggles with hard vegetables
Best built-in sharpening
Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block
A stylish set with an integrated sharpener that keeps blades handling tough vegetables well, though it requires some practice and the blade selection is limited.
- Price guide
- £170
- Material
- Forged stainless steel
Pros
- Forged stainless steel
- Integrated sharpener
- Handles tough vegetables well
Cons
- Sharpener requires practice
- Limited blade selection
Best individual paring knife
Le Creuset Vegetable Knife
Expert Reviews calls this the sharpest, most precise paring option tested, made from durable Damascus steel, though it needs hand-washing and shouldn't be handled with wet hands.
- Price guide
- £56
- Material
- Damascus steel
Pros
- Sharpest, most precise paring knife tested
- Durable Damascus steel
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Not safe to use with wet hands
Best budget individual knife
Victorinox Santoku Knife 17cm
A lightweight, affordable Santoku with a fluted blade that helps prevent food sticking, though the rosewood handle needs careful hand-cleaning and isn't dishwasher safe.
- Price guide
- £51
- Blade
- Fluted
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fluted blade prevents sticking
- Affordable for the category
Cons
- Rosewood handle needs careful cleaning
- Not dishwasher safe
Buying guide
Do I need a knife set or individual knives?
A set covers most everyday tasks in one purchase and usually works out cheaper overall. Buying individual knives lets you choose the best option for each specific job, such as a dedicated paring or bread knife, but costs more to build a full collection.
Forged or stamped knives?
Forged knives are made from a single piece of heated, shaped steel and tend to be heavier, more durable and better balanced. Stamped knives are cut from a sheet of steel, making them lighter and usually cheaper, though generally less long-lasting.
Are built-in knife sharpeners worth it?
A block with an integrated sharpener, like the Elevate Knives or Ninja sets here, keeps blades sharp with minimal extra effort or cost, though it takes some practice to use correctly and can add to the price.
Can I put my kitchen knives in the dishwasher?
Check each knife's care instructions individually, as it varies a lot even within a set. Dishwasher detergent and heat can dull blades and damage some handle materials, particularly wood, so many premium knives recommend hand-washing even if others in the same set are dishwasher safe.
Sources
Related guides
Best Air Fryers UK
Single-drawer, dual-drawer and oven-style air fryers compared by capacity, power and who they suit.
Best Air Purifiers UK
HEPA air purifiers compared by CADR, room size, noise and who they suit, including allergy and baby-safe picks.
Best Blenders UK
Portable, personal and full-size blenders compared by power, jug capacity and who they suit.
Best Coffee Machines UK
Bean-to-cup, pod, espresso and filter coffee machines compared by type, features and who they suit.