Whether you are making a dinner for friends and family or just a romantic dinner for two at home, steak is a great choice. But don’t butcher your beautifully cooked steak with just any ole knife.  A good steak knife is essential to the steak-eating experience.

But don’t think you have to spend an arm and leg to be able to have a nice set of steak knives.  I have compiled a list of the best steak knives out there that will fit your budget.

Most of the knives on this list are very affordable.  Don’t cut out (pun intended) the higher priced sets though.  A one-time investment for long lasting knives may be the way to go, especially if you are eating steak regularly.

Buying Guide

Types of Blades

The first thing to consider is what type of blade you want your knife set to have.  There are three choices to consider, each with pros and cons.

Straight-Edged

Cuts steak like butter, right?  Straight-edged knives can be a good choice, especially for those who like their steak sliced in smooth, clean cuts.  The downside to straight edge is it wears down easy and quicker.

However, straight-edged knives can easily be re-sharpened, but depending on how frequently you use your knives, you may need to re-sharpen regularly.

Micro-Serrated

Like the straight-edged knife, micro-serrated can wear down quicker.  Another downside to micro-serrated knives is because of the microscopic serrations, they are harder to sharpen and cannot be re-sharpened like straight-edged blades.

Serrated

Some people would argue that serrated knives are the only type of steak knives you should have.  In terms of wear, serrated knives will last much longer than straight-edged and micro-serrated and will not need to be sharpened much at all.

However, some individuals do not like the look of steak cut with a serrated knife as it tends to be jagged since it tears through the meat fibers.

About Balance

While the blade is obviously the most important aspect of a good steak knife, do not overlook the handle as well as the blade-to-handle proportion.  Some things to ask yourself when choosing a knife:

• Is the handle comfortable to hold?
• Is the handle or whole knife too heavy or too light?
• What is the handle made of?
• Will this be comfortable to hold for an entire meal?

Materials

Let’s go back to the blade for a minute.  You now know the choices between what kinds of blades: serrated vs straight-edged. But what about materials of the knife itself?

The Blade

For the blade, the two main choices are high-carbon steel and stainless steel.  While not as common, ceramic steak knives are becoming more popular as well.

Most home cooks prefer a high-carbon steel blade.  It’s easy to sharpen and stays sharp longer.  Stainless steel knives are not as easy to sharpen and need to be sharpened more frequently but are extremely durable.

Unlike stainless steel and high-carbon steel, ceramic knives hardly ever need to be sharpened. They do not rust and last for a long time.  A ceramic knife is also lighter than a steel one.

The Handle

And what about the handle of a knife? As mentioned before, balance is key. Since you will be using the knife for the entire meal, you probably want to avoid a heavy or uncomfortable handle.

Wood is a classic choice for a steak knife handle. The only problem with knives with wood handles is that over time they can become brittle and crack. Another downside is wood handles can hold unwanted odor. One way to avoid this is to be sure to wash and care for the knives as directed.

Caring for Your Knives

Some steak knives might say they are dishwasher safe, but most are not.  Regardless, I would strongly suggest that you keep all of your steak knives out of the dishwasher.  Take the time to hand wash them to get the longest life out of them possible.

For steak knives with wood handles, do not submerge them in water.  Instead, clean the handle with a damp cloth or sponge and immediately air dry.

How to Sharpen a Knife

If you decide to go with a straight-edged knife, it’s important to keep it sharp.  There are a few different types of knife sharpeners.

If you have ever purchased a kitchen knife set, a knife sharpening steel may have been included. It looks like a steel pole with a handle.

Other options are an electric or manual knife sharpener.  These are easier to use, but electric sharpeners can be expensive and manual sharpeners may not sharpen a knife that is extremely dull.

The final option is a whetstone which is a piece of stone used to sharpen knives.  While it is an inexpensive choice, it is not easy to use and requires practice in order to use it correctly.

To find out how to use the above sharpening tools, check out this video:

10 Great Picks

The best steak knife sets on this list are made by trusted brands, most of which offer a warranty or guarantee.  Regardless of which set you chose, you’ll be happy to know that each delivers.

---

1. Flying Colors Laguiole Steak Knife Set

This stylish looking 6-piece knife set is a great choice for special occasions or everyday, casual steak dinners with the family.  This set is so good looking that it would make for a great gift as well!

The slim handle is made of a beautiful olive wood, giving the knife a classy, refined look.  The wood is super smooth and the shape of the handle makes it comfortable to hold.

The straight-edged blade is made of stainless steel and is super sharp.  It will slice through steak like butter.

The blade is durable, but since the handle is made of wood, be sure to hand wash these lovely steak knives for a long life.

What I Liked

• An attractive looking knife set.
• Reasonably priced. Perfect for yourself or as a gift.
• Great balance. Not too light, not too heavy.

What I Didn’t Like

• The color of wood in each handle didn’t exactly match each other.
• The wood handle may crack or wear prematurely.

---

2. Equinox Steak Knife Set

If you are looking for an everyday steak knife that is good looking and effective, then this is your set.

These knives have a full tang blade, which means the blade runs the full length of the knife, tip to handle.  This also means that the balance of the knife itself is very good.

The dark wood handle is comfortable, but a little shorter than desired. The high-carbon German stainless steel serrated blade cuts through steak and other food perfectly.

The set is not only very affordable but comes with a full lifetime warranty.

What I Liked

• Low price.
• Dark wood handles.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Comes in 4-piece or 8-piece set.

What I Didn’t Like

• Short handle. I wish it was just a little bit longer.

---

3. Dalstrong Gladiator Series Steak Knife Set

Slice through any type of meat with a knife from this set.  These straight edge knives not only look fierce but are fierce.  These super sharp knives live up to their Gladiator name.

The high-carbon steel blade is made of a super durable German steel and is 5” long.  Throwing these knives into the dishwasher is not recommended and may cause the blade to form rust spots.

The ergonomic handle is comfortable and made of black pakkawood which is a dense composite waterproof wood.  Each knife comes with its own sheath.

The price is on the higher side, but the Dalstrong Gladiator Series Set is a beautiful, durable set of steak knives that you will have for years to come.

What I Liked

• Very sharp.
• Comfortable, waterproof handle.
• Comes with a sheath for each knife.

What I Didn’t Like

• Only comes with 4 knives.

---

4. Wusthof Gourmet 4-Piece Knife Set

A popular brand for kitchen knives, this Wusthof set is great for everyday use.

This is another full-tang knife that is not too heavy, not too light.  The handle size is good, but the handle shape isn’t as comfortable as others on this list.

The straight-edged stainless steel blade is easy to sharpen.  While it says they can be put in the dishwasher, hand washing these knives is strongly suggested.

While this knife set is sharp and does the job well, for the price, I hoped for a more stylish looking knife or at the very least, another couple of knives for a 6 piece set instead of 4.

What I Liked

• Sharp, durable blade.
• Well balanced.
• Easy to sharpen.

What I Didn’t Like

• Rather boring design.
• Higher price.

---

5. Cuisinart Advantage Color Collection 6-Piece Ceramic Coated Steak Knife Set

We’ve come to the first ceramic knife set on the list.  This unique all-white steak knife set is not only eye-catching but functional too.

The ceramic coating on the stainless steel blade makes this knife nonstick.   The coating, as well as the serrated edges, makes cutting steak and other food very easy.

This set also comes in other colors including red and black.  But for those looking for more of a traditional steak knife, the look of these knives may not be for you.

These knives stay very sharp for a long time.  The downside is that the knives are a ceramic-coated knife rather than a solid ceramic knife, and the coating has the potential to peel.

What I Liked

• Unique Look
• Comes with 6 knives
• Great price

What I Didn’t Like

• Doesn’t match other utensils.
• Not a true ceramic knife. The coating may peel.

---

6.  Victorinox Swiss Spear Tipped Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set

The makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife make much more than just that.  Their stainless steel knife set is as strong and reliable as you can expect from this popular brand.

The knives in this set have a Fibrox handle which is comfortable and allows you to keep a good grip on the knife.  Since the handle is not wood, it won’t dry out or absorb odors.

What’s even better? These knives can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.  This set is tough enough to withstand frequent use.

What I Liked

• Dishwasher safe.
• Comfortable Fibrox handle.
• Durable and long lasting.

What I Didn’t Like

• Lacks style. The plastic handle doesn’t look as nice as a wood handle.

---

7. Bellemain Premium Steak Knife Set

This knife set was designed for steak-eaters.  The stylish, ergonomic handle and full-tang stainless steel blade make steak dinners that much more enjoyable.

The steel in this blade is ice-tempered steel rather than heat-tempered steel. What does this mean for you? Simply put— a more durable blade.

The large serrations make it easier to saw through your steak and prevent it from sticking in your meat.

A great-looking, durable set for a very affordable price. What more could you want?

What I Liked

• Affordable.
• Stylish.
• Slices through steak well.

What I Didn’t Like

• A little on the heavy side.

---

8. J.A. Henckels International 8 Piece Knife Set

This simple, sleek steak knife set is a no fuss, quality set that will hold up to everyday use.  It’s one of the bigger sets on this list with a total of 8 knives, so invite a few friends over for a delicious steak dinner you all can enjoy together.

The blade features both large and smaller serrations and will stay sharp for a long time.  That said, it didn’t cut as smooth as many of the other knives on this list as it did stick a little when cutting through a steak.

The design is pretty straightforward, no frills or curves or embellishments.  However, it will appeal to those who are looking for something simple and effective.

What I Liked

• Large set. Comes with 8.
• Affordable price.
• Large and small serrations on the blade.

What I Didn’t Like

• Labeled dishwasher safe, but better if hand washed.

---

9. FOXEL Steak Knife Set

Made for steak-lovers, this unique knife has a weighted handle and serious serration to saw through any type of meat.

The weighted tang handle not only is comfortable but is good looking too. The blade is stainless steel and rust resistant. Just be sure to hand wash and air dry. Even though it is “rust resistant” rust spots sometimes formed if any moisture was left on the blade.

No sawing needed with this knife. It cuts meat very smoothly and will stay sharp for a very long time. No frequent re-sharpening needed.

What I Liked

• Attractive Design
• Cuts well
• Comes in a 6 or 12 knife set

What I Didn’t Like

• Rust spots may form if not dried quickly.

---

10. Chicago Cutlery Walnut 4-Piece Steak Knife Set

This familiar looking set may remind you of your favorite steakhouse.  This affordable 4 piece set is a great choice for family steak dinners.

The sharp high-carbon steel blade is straight-edged and easy to sharpen.  The walnut handle is comfortable, albeit a bit thicker than many of the other handles on this list.

The vintage look will appeal to those looking for steak knives with a traditional look or steak knives that can be used for more casual dinners.

What I Liked

• Walnut handle gives it a classic steak knife look.
• Low price.
• A super sharp blade that’s easy to re-sharpen

What I Didn’t Like

• Wish it came with more than 4 knives.

---

FAQs

Q: How do you clean and store steak knives?

A: Most knives, including steak knives, should be cleaned by hand and allowed to air dry.  The wood handle on certain steak knives should never be put completely in water.  Simply wipe it with a damp sponge or cloth.  If provided, knives can be stored in their sheath or block.  If not, store in a dry drawer, out of the reach of children.

Q: Can you sharpen a serrated steak knife?

A: Serrated steak knives do not need to be sharpened as much as straight-edged knives.  However, after time, you may find that you need to sharpen your serrated knife.  The best way to do so is to buy a Serrated Knife Sharpener.  However, if the knife is inexpensive, it might be time to replace it altogether.

Q: How do I choose a steak knife set?

A: When choosing a steak knife set, the first thing you need to consider is how often you intend to use it. If you think you will be using it frequently or even daily, you might want to spend a little more money on a durable, long lasting set.

Other things to consider is the look and style of the set, the comfort of the handle and how many knives you will need when using it.  Going with at least a 6 piece set is a good choice if you are unsure how many people will be using it.

Q: How can you tell if it’s sharp enough? 

A: One way to see if your knife is sharp enough is the paper test.  Simply hold a piece of paper up with one hand and in the other hand, to slice the paper with the knife.  (Be careful not to get your fingers!)  If it slices through the paper easily, then you are good to go.  If it cannot slice through the paper, it’s time to sharpen your knife.

Bottom Line

If you enjoy a steak dinner regularly and are looking for the best steak knife set, definitely consider the Flying Colors Laguiole Steak Knife Set.  These are great looking knives that stand up to frequent use and worth the price.

But if the price is still a bit too high or you are looking for the best steak knife set to have on hand for the occasional steak dinner, I would suggest the Equinox Steak Knife Set.  Whether you choose the 4-piece or  8-piece set, you’ll be happy to have a reliable steak knife set in your kitchen.

You might also be interested in: BEST ELECTRIC KNIVES