The chef knife set is a great way for anyone who enjoys cooking to get the knives they need without having to purchase each knife one by one or paying more for a larger set containing knives you probably do not need. A chef knife set is generally made up of three knifes: a chef's knife, a utility knife and a paring knife. A two piece chef knife set usually includes only the paring knife in addition to the chef's knife. Whether you buy a two piece set or a three piece set, you are bound to wind up using the knives almost every day. The sets pictured above and described below should give you an idea of the kind of quality available in a good chef knife set.
Victorinox Chef Knife Set - The leftmost picture above shows the Victorinox Cutlery 3 Piece Fibrox Chef's Set. This set features a ten inch chef's knife, dependable carbon steel blades and ergonomic handles. The company stands behind their cutlery with their lifetime warranty. The list price for the set is $106, but if you shop around online you can get them for under $65 which is truly a bargain given the quality of all three knives.
Wusthof Chef Knife Set - The second picture features the Wusthof Grand Prix II 3 Piece Chef's Knife Set. Wusthof knives are universally praised for their durability, sharpness, and flawless design. The Grand Prix 2 chef knife set has a sleeker, more modern look compared to more traditional knives so they look good in addition to working well. If you are looking for a solid performer with a little bit of flair, this Wusthof set is an excellent choice.
Kyocera Chef Knife Set - The two piece set with black blades pictured above is the Kyocera Revolution Series 2 Piece Paring and Santoku Knife Set. These knives are absolutely stunning to look at yet practical enough for every day usage. The ceramic blades are extremely sharp, the knives are super light weight, and the handles are ergonomic making these knives extremely easy to handle. The santoku is five and a half inches so it is not as big as the usual chef's knife, but it is just as effective. If you are looking for a chef knife set that represents a departure from the more traditional chef's knife look and feel this could be it.
Global Chef Knife Set - The fourth picture from the left is the Global 3 Piece Chef's, Utility, and Paring Knife Starter Set. These knives are a solid choice for home cooking. The blades are thin stainless steel, hold their edges well, and are razor sharp. The knives that make up this set are also well balanced and quite light so you will feel comfortable working with these knives even if you have smaller hands. These Japanese made knives are expensive at around $200 for the set, but professional chefs and serious amateurs swear by Global knives. With proper care, they may never need to be replaced.
As you can see, the chef knife set comes in many varieties to suit all needs and budgets. Whether you are looking for a bargain or top of the line cutlery, you can find a set you will be happy with. Two and three piece sets will save you the bother of having to shop for each knife individually without sacrificing quality.