Build Your Own Damascus Knife Set In Three Easy Steps
Note: I have included the sets we offer in case you want to start with one of our recommended sets. From there just add more knives to make it your perfect set. I have also included the ability for you to add our most common companion products, cutting boards, sharpeners, knife blocks and magnetic knife boards. Show More
Step 1: Click on a series below that you would like to know more about
Step 2: Read the information about that particular series of knives
Step 3: Start picking knives for your perfect set!
Note: I have included the sets we offer in case you want to start with one of our recommended sets. From there just add more knives to make it your perfect set. I have also included the ability for you to add our most common companion products, cutting boards, sharpeners, knife blocks and magnetic knife boards.
Read on for our comprehensive insight on how to build your own knife set
Build Your Own Knife Set
Investing in a good knife set is a great idea for anybody who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, no matter how much – you don’t need to be a professional chef, nor does cooking need to be your favorite hobby.
Being able to cook with a high-quality set of knives that suits your needs is important for a plethora of reasons, including the fact that you’ll be prepared to perform any task, it’s more cost-effective, and you’ll be able to enjoy a uniform aesthetic, among other things.
However, having a good set of knives is very much tailored to the individual. There’s no single superior type of knife set – they come in all shapes and sizes depending on what you’re looking for. Indeed, one set of knives may be ideal for Peter and completely inappropriate for Jenny. It’s all about assessing your skills in the kitchen, what you enjoy cooking, how much time you spend cooking, and, of course, your budget. With these factors in mind, you can start making decisions about what kind of kitchen knife set will best suit your personal needs.
Knife sets differ in many ways, starting with the size of the set, the types of knives included, the price and quality, and, of course, the outward appearance of the knives, among other things.
So, with all these things in mind, how do you find the right set of knives for your kitchen and your purposes?
We’ve put together a guide to help you determine the types of knives you need to have in your custom set. To do this, we’ll talk about basic versus specialty knives; we’ll contemplate a variety of different types of knives, delving into what they are, what their purposes are, and the types of sets they tend to be included in; we’ll talk about your primary options regarding different sizes of knife sets; and finally, we’ll go over some tips for making decisions about the perfect knife set for you.
Basic Vs. Specialty Knives
There are two important divisions between the types of knives that go into a set – there are the basic knives and the specialty knives. And, if you want to gain a better understanding of how to build your own knife set and which knives you’ll need to include, it’s an important distinction to understand.
So, here are the main differences between basic knives and specialty knives:
Basic Knives
Straight off the bat, basic knives are the ones that are suited to more general-purpose tasks.
- Purpose: Designed for general, everyday kitchen tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing. They’re made to be able to take care of the most common things you’re likely to need to do on a regular basis.
- Common Types: The first knives that come to mind when we think of basic knives would be the chef’s knife, utility knife, and bread knife, to name a few. Close second would be a paring and Santoku knife to make a more basic all-purpose set.
- Material: Most often, they’re made from durable materials like stainless steel, and sometimes, they’re made from carbon steel, because they tend to be high-use knives. Some of that yes knives Will be high carbon steel with properties of stainless steel for anticorrosion and durability.
- Design: Simple and functional – normally, the focus is on versatility.
- Maintenance: They’re normally fairly easy to sharpen and don’t need special tools or techniques. They’re also normally dishwasher-safe for ease of use.
- Cost: Basic knives tend to be on the more cost-effective side of things and they’re also more widely available. However, you do still get high-end versions of these basic knives that can be pricier due to higher quality steels and knives that have multiple layers of different kinds of steel.
Specialty Knives
Specialty knives, on the other hand, are designed for specific purposes rather than general versatility.
- Purpose: Designed to be able to perform specific tasks like filleting fish, carving meat, or slicing sushi, for instance.
- Common Types: Boning knife, filleting knife, large carving knife, Nakiri knife and bone chopping Cleaver, are but a few.
- Design: Specialty knives are precision-engineered tools designed for specific tasks, boasting unique shapes and blade angles.
- Maintenance: Requires careful and meticulous maintenance. Often, they’re not dishwasher safe.
- Cost: Typically more expensive due to specialized materials, designs, and scarcity.
Essentially, the difference between basic knives and specialty knives is that the former tends to be the most versatile, everyday knives while the latter are designed for specific culinary needs, offering specialized functionality.
Building Your Own Knife Set
Building your own set of knives is a great way to ensure that you end up with a set that’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Before we start talking about individual knives, we’re going to give you some tips on how to begin the process of building your own knife set.
- Assess Your Needs: Think about your style of cooking and the types of dishes you frequently prepare, and from there, consider the types of cutting tasks that are required.
- Start with the Basics: Every set requires the basic baseline knives – that is, at least a chef’s knife, paring knife, and a bread knife – so ensure you have these ones sorted before you go any further.
- Consider Specialty Knives: Depending on your style of cooking, select knives that suit what you do. For instance, if you work with fish a lot, you may want a sashimi knife and a filleting knife. Or, if you work with big cuts of meat, a meat cleaver and a boning knife may be important.
- Handle Comfort: For all your knives, both the specialty and basic knives, figure out what kind of handle you find most comfortable.
- Material Matters: Consider your budget but try to opt for knives made from high-quality materials like high-carbon stainless steel to maximize durability and less sharpening.
- Blade Maintenance: If you have a good knife set, you’ll need to be able to take care of them, so invest in a good sharpener and honing rod can maintain your knives’ edges. And make sure you learn how to do it properly.
- Storage Options: Ensure that you have a safe and practical place to store your knives, like a magnetic knife holders, knife block, magnetic knife strip, or protective sheaths to store your knives safely and keep them in good condition.
- Moneyback Guarantee: be sure you are buying from a quality retailer with a nice selection knives to choose from and has a money back guarantee.
- Budget: It’s more important to spend money on some knives than others, so try balance your budget by prioritizing.
Putting together the perfect knife set for you and your kitchen is all about your own personal needs and desires, but these are a few of the most important factors to take into consideration.
Common Knives Included in Kitchen Knife Sets
Starting off the most common and beloved knives to some of the more specialty tools in the kitchen, we’re going to have a quick look at what each knife is, the kind of knife set you’re likely to find it in, and what its main purposes are.
Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is widely regarded as one of, if not the, most versatile and important tool in any kitchen. It’s normally one of the largest and most important knives in the set, ranging from six to 12 inches in length.
A chef’s knife is the workhorse in the kitchen, ideal for chopping, slicing, dicing, julienning, and mincing a variety of different ingredients, from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat.
It’s ergonomically designed, prioritizing comfort and balance, making it easy to maneuver and control.
The chef’s knife is the one you’re most likely to find in most knife sets – whether it’s the most basic collection or an extended, more specialized collection. The chef’s knife is the go-to tool for most kitchen tasks, making it an indispensable tool in any knife set.
Santoku Knife
A Santoku knife is a Japanese-style knife, typically found in high-end knife sets or Asian-inspired collections.
Characterized by its straight edge, flat profile, and rounded tip, the santoku knife is designed with versatility and precision in mind, exceling at slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables, fish, and meat. The flat shape allows for smooth, even cuts, as well as the easy transfer or ingredients to a cutting board or a pot.
Within a set, the santoku knife compliments the chef knife, offering a unique blend of versatility and precision, making it a valuable addition to any knife set.
Paring Knife
Designed for precision, the paring knife is a small, versatile knife that is found in most knife sets. It boasts a short blade of between two and four inches long, making it great for peeling, coring, and slicing small fruits and veggies. They’re also great for trimming and removing seeds, leaves, and stems.
In a knife set, a paring knife serves as a specialized tool for delicate work, complementing the larger chef’s and utility knives. Its small, sharp blade makes it ideal for intricate tasks, allowing for control, precision, and accuracy.
The paring knife is an essential addition to any kitchen and knife set, and it serves a vital function.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is a medium-sized knife that is prized for its versatility. With a blade that’s between four and six inches long, it’s designed for general-purpose tasks, filling the gap between the larger chef’s knife and the smaller paring knife.
Utility knives are good at slicing, chopping, and mincing smaller ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
The utility knife is generally considered a necessary component of most knife sets, serving as a reliable, go-to knife for everyday tasks. It complements the chef’s knife and paring knife, making it an indispensable addition to any kitchen.
Bread Knife
A bread knife is a long, serrated knife that is found in most sets. The blade is normally between eight and 10 inches long and it’s designed to be able to effectively slice through bread and pastries without crushing or tearing them.
In a knife set, the bread knife serves as a specialized tool, but it can be used for more than just bread. Tougher foods are no match for a bread knife either. Your larger squash and melons can be harder to get through the thick skin with straight-edged knives, and pose a cutting hazard to chefs. Whereas they are easily sliced through with a long bread knife. Prepping other fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes or pineapple, are also good occasions to break out your bread knife. In a pinch, it is great for slicing meatloaf or carve a roast!
The unique design and serration of the bread knife make it an essential addition to any kitchen and knife set, allowing for smooth, even cuts and impressive control.
Carving Knife
A carving knife is a specialized knife that is designed for slicing and carving large cuts of meat, poultry, and even fish. It’s normally found in high-end comprehensive knife sets or specialized carving sets.
The main, primary purpose of a carving knife includes slicing thin, uniform cuts of meat, carving roasts, and serving food at the table. Indeed, a carving set will often include a carving knife (or a few different carving knives) and a carving fork for serving.
There are four main types of carving knives, each with a slightly special purpose – the regular carving knife, the long slicing carving knife, a ham carving knife, and the butcher carving knife.
Regular carving knives are ideal for carving traditional roasts and turkeys, while long slicing carving knives are perfect for slicing thin cuts of meat. Ham carving knives have a narrow blade for slicing around the bone, and butcher carving knives boast a rigid, sturdy blade for heavy-duty tasks.
In a comprehensive general knife set, you’re likely to find one carving knife included – most likely the regular carving knife – but you find a few, if not all, included in an actual carving set. Overall, carving knives’ long, narrow, slightly flexible blades and comfortable handles make it easy to maneuver and control, allowing for smooth, even cuts.
Boning Knife
A boning knife normally forms part of more comprehensive knife sets, butcher sets, and chef’s collections due to its specific design and purpose. Its blade is slender and flexible, which allows it to be used for effectively deboning meat, poultry, and even fish.
The narrow feature of the blade is what allows it to make precise cuts close to the bone, avoiding wastage.
Boning knives are often considered quite specialized as they’re designed for performing tasks that require immense precision and control. This makes it a tool that would be useful for both professionals and amateurs alike, depending on their cooking style, and it tends to be included in knife sets specifically geared towards working with meat.
Nakiri Knife
A typical Japanese-style kitchen knife, the nakiri knife is designed for use with vegetables. Since it’s fairly specialized, you’ll often find the nakiri in Japanese knife sets or vegetable-focused kitchen collections.
The nakiri knife features a straight-edged blade and a flat edge - these features make it perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables. Its design also contributes to its ability to achieve precision and uniformity, making it a great tool for chefs who enjoy creating beautiful dishes with ease.
Cleaver
A cleaver is a knife that’s often included in versatile sets, heavy-duty collections, and professional chef’s knife sets.
The blade of a cleaver is rectangular and broad which gives it a combination of power and precision. These features make the cleaver good at working with vegetables, herbs, and boneless meats - unlike a meat cleaver that can also cut through bone.
An ordinary cleaver is strong and robust like a meat cleaver, but it boasts a bit more precision and finesse, making it ideal for tougher vegetables and other similar ingredients.
Overall, it’s most likely to be included in a more extensive kitchen knife set.
Meat Cleaver
A meat cleaver is designed for breaking down large pieces of meat - its robust structure and design allow it to do everything from cutting through cartilage to breaking straight through bone.
It features a large, rectangular blade with a significant amount of weight, making it tough and durable.
Since its function is pretty specialized - that is, most ordinary home cooks aren’t going to be breaking down big pieces of meat unless you buy your meat in whole, halves or quarters. You will find it in butcher knife sets, heavy-duty kitchen sets, and comprehensive professional chef collections.
Steak Knife
A steak knife is more of an eating knife than a preparation knife, and for that reason, you’re most likely to find them in cutlery collections, dining sets, and premium tableware sets. As the name suggests, it’s made for eating meat like steak, but it can be used for anything that requires a sharper blade.
The blade of a steak knife can be straight-edged or serrated (although the former is most common), and it makes it possible to make smooth slices through meat without the risk of tearing it.
Steak knives may be included in both high-end and basic dining sets, and they enhance mealtimes by providing a refined and functional tool for enjoying meals.
Gyuto Knife
Typically found in high-end Japanese-style knife sets, the gyuto boasts a curved, tapered blade. It’s designed for precision and versatility, and its main purpose is to excel at slicing, dicing, and mincing meat, vegetables, and fish.
Within a knife set, the gyuto knife serves as a primary tool for everyday kitchen tasks, offering a balance of strength, agility, and sharpness. Its curved shape allows for cuts that are smooth and even, giving it more precision than some other versatile knives. Thus, you’re most likely to find it in specialized knife sets.
Bunka Knife
A bunka knife often referred to as the Japanese version of the utility knife, typically found in high-end Japanese knife sets. Much like the utility knife, it’s designed for precision and versatility, and its blade is straight or ever-so-slightly curved. Its main functions include slicing, chopping, and mincing veggies, fish, and meat.
Within a knife set, a bunka knife tends to serve as a secondary tool for tasks that require a bit more finesse than the chef’s knife can offer and more strength than a paring knife can provide.
Kiritsuke Knife
The Kiritsuke knife has a curved, tapered blade, combining the features of a chef’s knife and a slicing knife. The main purpose of a Kiritsuke knife is chopping, slicing, and mincing vegetables, meat, and fish.
In knife sets, Kiritsuke knives serve as a versatile tool for a variety of tasks, balancing sharpness, strength, and agility. You’re most likely to find it in Japanese-inspired knife sets.
Sakimaru Knife
A sakimaru knife is a Japanese-style taper-ground knife, mostly found in high-end sets and Japanese knife collections. It has a straight or slightly curved blade, designed for precision and delicacy.
The primary purpose of the sakimaru knife is to work with smaller ingredients like herbs and vegetables, so it serves as a fairly specialized tool for intricate work. Its tapered shape allows for smooth, even cuts.
With the addition read on for our comprehensive insight on how to build your own knife set but add the part about
Final Thoughts on Building Your Own Knife Set
Building your own knife set is an investment in your culinary journey, allowing you to tailor your tools to your own specific needs and preferences.
By starting off with the essentials like the chef’s knife, paring knife, and utility knife, you lay a strong foundation for versatile cooking. From there, you can start adding specialty knives like a santoku, a boning knife, or a cleaver, depending on your preferences and cooking style.
Remember, comfort and balance are key, so make sure you take your time in considering your options.
With a well-curated knife set suited to your personal needs, you’ll be able to enhance your cooking experience, making food preparation far more effective, efficient, and enjoyable.
By following these guidelines and investing wisely, you’ll be able to create a personalized set of knives that meets all your culinary needs and will serve you well for a long time to come.
Show Less
Filters
-
Original price $80.95 - Original price $374.75Original price $80.95 - Original price $374.75Original price $80.95$53.50 - $228.50$53.50 - $228.50Current price $53.50| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B13D Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Hezhen B13D YU Series 67 Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives Dessert Ironwood HandlesA chef's knife is one of the most versatile kitchen tools – also mak...
View full detailsOriginal price $80.95 - Original price $374.75Original price $80.95 - Original price $374.75Original price $80.95$53.50 - $228.50$53.50 - $228.50Current price $53.50| /Save up to 39% Save % -
Original price $100.00 - Original price $292.80Original price $100.00 - Original price $292.80Original price $101.95$67.50 - $174.00$67.50 - $174.00Current price $67.50| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B27 Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Xinzuo B27 YI Series 67 Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives Rosewood Handles BRAND: Xinzuo SERIES: B27 YI Series 67 Total Layers Center Core 10Cr15CoMoV...
View full detailsOriginal price $100.00 - Original price $292.80Original price $100.00 - Original price $292.80Original price $101.95$67.50 - $174.00$67.50 - $174.00Current price $67.50| /Save up to 41% Save % -
Original price $100.00 - Original price $466.75Original price $100.00 - Original price $466.75Original price $321.80$100.00 - $302.99$100.00 - $302.99Current price $100.00| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B32 Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Xinzuo B32 Feng Series 67 Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives G10 Handles BRAND: Xinzuo SERIES: B32 Feng Series 67 Total Layers Center Core 10Cr15CoMoV ...
View full detailsOriginal price $100.00 - Original price $466.75Original price $100.00 - Original price $466.75Original price $321.80$100.00 - $302.99$100.00 - $302.99Current price $100.00| /Save up to 35% Save % -
Original price $128.95Original price $100.00 - Original price $128.95Original price $128.95$85.50 - $100.00$85.50 - $100.00Current price $85.50| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B37 Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Xinzuo B37 Lan Series 67-Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives Olivewood Handles BRAND: Hezhen SERIES: B37 Lan Series 73 Total Layers Center Core 14Cr14Mo...
View full detailsOriginal price $128.95Original price $100.00 - Original price $128.95Original price $128.95$85.50 - $100.00$85.50 - $100.00Current price $85.50| /Save up to 34% Save % -
Original price $100.00 - Original price $778.75Original price $100.00 - Original price $778.75Original price $768.65$100.00 - $510.50$100.00 - $510.50Current price $100.00| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B13R Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Hezhen B13R YU Series 67 Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives Rosewood Handles BRAND: Hezhen SERIES: B30 Master Series 67 Total Layers Center Core 10C...
View full detailsOriginal price $100.00 - Original price $778.75Original price $100.00 - Original price $778.75Original price $768.65$100.00 - $510.50$100.00 - $510.50Current price $100.00| /Save up to 34% Save % -
Original price $446.80Original price $100.00 - Original price $446.80Original price $446.80$100.00 - $296.00$100.00 - $296.00Current price $100.00| /
Damascus Kitchen Knives B30 Series - Build Your Own Bundle
Hezhen B30 Master Series 67 Layer Damascus Kitchen Knives Sycamore Handles BRAND: Hezhen SERIES: B30 Master Series 67 Total Layers Center Core 1...
View full detailsOriginal price $446.80Original price $100.00 - Original price $446.80Original price $446.80$100.00 - $296.00$100.00 - $296.00Current price $100.00| /Save up to 34% Save %