Best Kitchen Knives For Beginners: Top Picks Guide

Best kitchen knives for beginners: a balanced starter set, sharp, safe, and easy to maintain.

You just moved into your first place or finally decided to sharpen your kitchen game. Cutting with dull, mismatched blades makes cooking slow and risky. I know the relief of switching to knives that feel right in your hand. The right starter knives make slicing faster, safer, and more enjoyable. In this guide I test and compare options that suit new cooks, small kitchens, and tight budgets so you can pick the best kitchen knives for beginners with confidence.

Astercook 13-Piece Knife Set

I like the Astercook 13-piece set for its value and simple care. The blades have an anti-rust coating that helps when you forget to dry them. Handles feel light and balanced, so they work for long prep sessions. I found the included blade guards handy for storage and travel.

New cooks will like how this set covers common tasks. The set includes chef, paring, bread, and utility knives so you can practice basic cuts. The coating keeps spots away, but I still hand-wash and dry the blades to keep edges longer. Overall, it’s a good starter solution for anyone looking for best kitchen knives for beginners.

Pros:

• Complete 13-piece set covers all beginner tasks
• Anti-rust coating reduces corrosion in busy kitchens
• Lightweight handles for less fatigue during prep
• Blade guards included for safe storage and travel
• Good value for the price—easy entry for new cooks

Cons:

• Coating can wear over long-term heavy use
• Not a high-end steel—edge retention is modest
• Dishwasher-safe claim works, but hand-wash recommended

My Recommendation

I recommend the Astercook 13-piece set for cooks who want a ready kit without a steep investment. I found it ideal for apartments, students, and gift-giving. It helps beginners learn knife basics while covering most kitchen tasks.

Best for	Why
Starter kitchen	Complete set covers all essential tasks for new cooks
Budget buyers	Low cost per knife with useful accessories like guards
Travel or moving	Blade guards make transport safer and easier

Astercook 12-Piece Color Knives

The color-coded Astercook 12-piece set is smart for food safety and learning. Each blade has a different tint so you can match knives to tasks and avoid cross-contamination. I found the blades surprisingly nimble for slicing vegetables, fruits, and cooked meats.

For beginners, the colors make routine safer and more intuitive. I trained myself to use one color for raw meat and another for veg. The anti-rust finish helps in busy kitchens, but I still dry knives after washing. This set ranks highly among best kitchen knives for beginners who want color-coded clarity.

Pros:

• Color-coded for easy task assignment and food safety
• Light blades that are easy to control
• Anti-rust coating helps maintain blade look
• Compact set that saves drawer or counter space
• Good for families and shared kitchens to reduce errors

Cons:

• Colors may fade with rough washing or high heat
• Edge retention is moderate—needs occasional sharpening
• Plastic handles can feel less premium for some cooks

My Recommendation

I recommend the Astercook 12-piece color set for anyone who values safety and simple routines. I used the color system to separate raw and cooked food prep with ease. It’s a great pick for busy households and for people learning knife skills.

Best for	Why
Food safety beginners	Colors make cross-contamination easier to prevent
Shared kitchens	Easy visual cues reduce mistakes between cooks
Families	Kids and teens learn safe habits with color codes

Brewin 3PC Professional Knives

The Brewin 3-piece set focuses on core tools: chef, utility, and paring knives. The blades are high-carbon stainless steel and come very sharp out of the box. I noticed clean, precise cuts when I sliced tomatoes and carrots right after unboxing.

These knives suit beginners who want professional-feel tools without a large set. The balance and edge geometry make basic chef skills easier to learn. For many people seeking the best kitchen knives for beginners, starting with a solid 3-piece set like this makes practice more effective.

Pros:

• High-carbon stainless steel holds a sharp edge well
• Straightforward three-knife kit covers main tasks
• Great out-of-box sharpness speeds learning curves
• Nice weight and balance for control and confidence
• Attractive packaging—good for gifting new cooks

Cons:

• Only three knives—may need extras for specialty tasks
• Requires mindful care to keep the edge long-term
• No blade guards included for travel storage

My Recommendation

I recommend the Brewin 3-piece kit if you want to focus on skill development. I used these when practicing julienne and chiffonade; they sharpened my habits. This set is one of the best kitchen knives for beginners who prefer quality over quantity.

Best for	Why
Skill builders	Sharp, balanced knives speed learning core techniques
Minimalists	Just three versatile blades to cover daily prep
Gift buyers	Professional feel and presentation for new cooks

McCook German Knife Block Set

The McCook German knife block set includes a built-in sharpener in the block. I like that because it encourages quick touch-ups right on the counter. The blades are German-style stainless steel with a thicker spine and strong tips for everyday chopping.

For beginners, the block and sharpener make maintenance less intimidating. I found it easy to keep a working edge with a few pulls on the built-in slots. This set is a solid pick among best kitchen knives for beginners who want an all-in-one solution that sits on the counter.

Pros:

• Block includes a built-in sharpener for easy maintenance
• German stainless steel is durable for daily use
• Complete range of knives for common kitchen tasks
• Block keeps knives organized and protected
• Handles are comfortable and secure during long prep

Cons:

• Built-in sharpeners are convenient but crude—occasional pro sharpening needed
• Block takes counter space—less ideal for tiny kitchens
• Heavier knives may be less nimble for tiny hands

My Recommendation

I recommend this McCook block set to cooks who want a visible, easy-care kit. I valued the built-in sharpener for quick touch-ups when I rushed to prep dinner. It’s a top choice for people seeking the best kitchen knives for beginners with simple maintenance and storage.

Best for	Why
Maintenance-averse users	Built-in sharpener makes upkeep straightforward
Organized kitchens	Block keeps tools tidy and easy to reach
Daily cooks	Durable German steel stands up to regular use

Brewin Universal Knife Block Set

The Brewin universal block set focuses on essentials and ease of use. I liked the uniform handle design that reduces hand strain. The block holds knives at a slight angle that helps me grab the right blade quickly during busy cooks.

Beginners benefit from clear organization and a neutral design. I used these knives daily and found them easy to sharpen at home with a simple steel. This set is practical for those who want functional tools that will help them learn why good knives matter—making it one of the best kitchen knives for beginners in my tests.

Pros:

• Good balance between function and storage
• Uniform handles that reduce wrist fatigue
• Block design keeps knives safe and accessible
• Easy to sharpen and maintain at home
• Simple, timeless look fits many kitchens

Cons:

• Block takes counter space like other block sets
• Not the highest-end steel for long edge life
• Block slots may limit knife shapes over time

My Recommendation

I recommend the Brewin universal block set for cooks who want practical and steady tools. I found it easy to stay organized while I practiced new cuts. It’s a reliable choice for the best kitchen knives for beginners who prefer a tidy counter setup and steady performance.

Best for	Why
Organized beginners	Block keeps tools visible and ready to use
Comfort seekers	Uniform handles ease long prep sessions
Home cooks learning skills	Simple design reduces distractions while you learn

McCook German Knife Set II

This McCook set echoes the block-and-sharpener concept with slight design differences. The German-style blades are durable and the set includes useful knives for new cooks. I appreciated how stable the block felt on the counter when I reached for a blade during prep.

Beginners gain confidence from the durable feel and easy upkeep. I did a few touch-ups with the built-in sharpener and found the edge workable for daily tasks. When you want the best kitchen knives for beginners that feel solid and last, this McCook set is worth a close look.

Pros:

• Durable German steel built for everyday use
• Block keeps knives safe and accessible
• Built-in sharpener encourages quick maintenance
• Complete range of knife types included
• Good value for a full kitchen starter set

Cons:

• Bigger footprint—takes more counter or cabinet space
• Built-in sharpener is basic; pro sharpening still recommended
• Some blades may be heavier for small hands

My Recommendation

I recommend this McCook set if you want durable tools and easy upkeep in one package. I found it dependable while prepping multi-course meals and quick snacks alike. It stands out as a strong pick among the best kitchen knives for beginners who want a full, lasting kit.

Best for	Why
Durability seekers	German steel and solid block for long-term use
Busy cooks	Quick touch-ups keep knives ready during daily use
Full-kitchen starters	Complete set covers most daily cooking needs

FAQs Of best kitchen knives for beginners

What knives should a beginner buy first?

Start with a chef’s knife and a paring knife. Add a serrated bread or utility knife if needed. A good 3-piece kit covers most prep tasks and speeds skill building.

How do I keep my starter knives sharp?

I sharpen regularly with a whetstone or a quality pull-through sharpener. Use a steel for light touch-ups. Store knives dry and avoid the dishwasher to protect edges.

Are cheap knife sets worth it for beginners?

Yes, if they are safe and well-balanced. Cheap sets can teach basics. I recommend upgrading individual knives later as skills grow and needs change.

Do color-coded knives help beginners?

Yes. I found color-coding reduces cross-contamination and speeds workflow. It’s especially helpful in shared kitchens and for teaching kids.

How many times should a beginner practice cutting per week?

I suggest short, focused practice sessions three times a week. Repetition builds confidence. Use vegetables like carrots and onions to practice basic cuts.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For most new cooks, a focused three-piece set like the Brewin 3PC or a full starter set like Astercook gives the best balance of cost and usefulness. Each of the tested options offers features that make them strong contenders for the best kitchen knives for beginners.

Pick a kit that fits your space, maintenance routine, and the way you cook. I recommend starting simple, practicing often, and upgrading one knife at a time as your skills grow.