A kitchen knife set is one of the few gifts that is used every day for years. To choose well, start from the person's habits: a full block to equip a kitchen, a set of two or three blades to complete existing equipment, or a more specialised set for the Japanese cuisine enthusiast. Then look at the steel, the handle and the upkeep required. Here is how to find your way.
Why a set rather than a single knife?
A single knife is a pleasure, but a set tells a more complete story: blades designed to work together, careful presentation and often suitable storage. It is also a way of covering everyday tasks without getting it wrong. In most kitchens, three tools cover the essentials: a paring knife for peeling and slicing, a chef's knife or santoku for chopping and slicing, and a carving or bread knife.
The different types of sets
The full block: to equip a kitchen
It is the ideal gift for a first home, a wedding or a housewarming. The Victorinox 8-piece knife block, for example, brings together a 17 cm santoku, a 19 cm carving knife, a 21 cm bread knife, several paring knives, a serrated tomato knife and a steak knife. Its nylon bristle interior lets you insert the blades freely; the knives and the interior are dishwasher safe, but the wooden stand is not.
The trio set: the essentials, done well
For someone who already cooks but works with tired blades, a well-chosen trio changes everything. The Opinel Intempora set combines an 8 cm paring knife, a 16 cm carving knife and a chef's knife, with full-tang blades in Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and handles in glass-fibre-reinforced POM. A sturdy, easy-going set.
In a more gastronomic vein, the Anne-Sophie Pic set of 3 knives was designed with the three-Michelin-starred chef from Valence: a "bec de lièvre" turning knife, an 8 cm paring knife and an 11.5 cm all-purpose knife, with heat-treated oak handles, all in a beech box made in France. A lovely gift for enthusiasts of small, precise preparations.
The Japanese set: for the precision enthusiast
Japanese blades win people over with their fineness and sharpness. The Sayuto Santoku Office set brings together a santoku and a paring knife in San Mai steel (hardness around 60 HRC), with a sequoia handle and buffalo horn bolster. The set of 3 Japanese kitchen knives offers a 21 cm sashimi knife, an 11 cm kodeba and a 17 cm santoku, supplied with a sharpening stone; note that this set is designed for right-handed users only. If you are torn between the two schools, our article Japanese or European knives explains the differences.
The criteria for choosing well
Steel and care
A quality stainless steel, such as 12C27, is very forgiving: it resists corrosion and is easy to resharpen. Harder steels, common on Japanese blades, keep their edge longer but demand more care: hand washing, immediate drying, no glass board. Ask yourself whether the person receiving the gift enjoys looking after their tools or prefers simplicity.
Handle and feel in the hand
Wood, composite or synthetic: the choice is first a matter of taste, but also of use. A wooden handle brings warmth and character; it needs hand washing. A synthetic handle copes better with moisture and heavily used kitchens.
Storage
A good knife that is badly stored soon gets damaged at the bottom of a drawer. A block, a wooden box or a roll protect the edge of the blades. For those who carry their tools (cooking classes, chalet, catering), a roll such as the Global G-667/16 roll, which holds up to 16 tools, is a much-appreciated addition.
Think about sharpening
A set that lasts is also a set that is maintained. Adding a honing steel or a small stone to the gift is a useful gesture. You will find a wide choice in our sharpeners section.
Which set for which profile?
- Young couple or first flat: a full block, to have everything to hand from day one.
- Everyday cook: a sturdy trio with stainless blades, easy to maintain.
- Gastronomy enthusiast: a signature set or precision paring knives.
- Asian cuisine enthusiast: a Japanese set with a santoku, provided you accept more careful upkeep.
To compare all the models available, browse our kitchen knives collection, or drop by: nothing replaces holding one in your hand.
Why Couteaux Fontaine
A Geneva cutler since 1832, Couteaux Fontaine welcomes you at Rue de la Servette 48 to advise you and let you try the blades in hand. Free delivery from CHF 200 and free returns within 7 days. A question? Call us on +41 78 865 17 32 or write to info@couteaux-fontaine.com. Knives are sold only to customers aged 18 and over.
Frequently asked questions
How many knives should a set contain?
Three well-chosen knives (paring, chef's or santoku, carving or bread) cover the essentials. A block of six to eight pieces suits those who want to equip a kitchen completely.
Is a Japanese knife set suitable for a beginner?
Yes, provided you accept hand washing, immediate drying and the use of a wooden or synthetic board. For use without constraints, a European stainless steel is more forgiving.
Can a knife set go in the dishwasher?
It depends on the model. Some stainless knives with synthetic handles can take it, but hand washing always protects the edge better. Wooden handles and most Japanese blades never go in the dishwasher.
Should you add a sharpener to the gift?
It is recommended. A honing steel or a stone keeps the edge sharp and extends the life of the blades. We are happy to advise the right tool for the chosen steel.
What if the set is not suitable?
Returns are free within 7 days. You can also drop by the shop to exchange for a better-suited model, with our advice.