Quick verdict
The Emeril Cutlery Forged line offers surprising quality for the price—especially the edge retention and handle comfort. While the blocks are bulky, the core knives perform on par with sets costing significantly more.
Emeril Cutlery Forged 15-Piece Knife Block Set
This is the flagship set that includes all the knives you need: chef's, Santoku, serrated utility, paring, and steak knives. The forged German steel blades held their edge for weeks, and the ergonomic handles fit my hand perfectly. The block is sturdy but large; it's a minor space hog. Overall, it's the most complete and reliable set I tested.
I've spent weeks testing knife sets in my own kitchen, and the Emeril Cutlery Forged line keeps coming up as a serious contender for home cooks who want…
I’ve spent weeks testing knife sets in my own kitchen, and the Emeril Cutlery Forged line keeps coming up as a serious contender for home cooks who want professional-grade performance without breaking the bank. These knives are forged from high-carbon German steel, which gives them excellent edge retention and a balanced feel. I was skeptical at first-can a celebrity chef’s line really deliver? But after chopping, slicing, and dicing everything from onions to butternut squash, I’m convinced these are among the best values in the forged knife category.
The set I tested includes the essentials: an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch Santoku, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and six steak knives. The full tang construction and triple-riveted handles provide confidence during heavy use. I particularly appreciate the ergonomic handle design-it reduces fatigue during long prep sessions. The blades arrived sharp out of the box, and after a month of daily use, they still slice through tomatoes without squashing them.
That said, no set is perfect. The included shears feel a bit flimsy, and the block takes up more counter space than I’d like. But for the performance you get, these are minor trade-offs. If you’re upgrading from a stamped blade set or starting your first serious knife collection, the Emeril Forged set is a smart pick. Below, I break down the top five options I’ve tested, with honest pros, cons, and real-world insights.
How we test
I tested each knife set over a month, using them for daily meal prep-chopping vegetables, slicing proteins, and even breaking down a whole chicken. I evaluated edge retention by cutting through cardboard and then checking sharpness with a paper test. Balance was assessed by holding each knife at the bolster and seeing if it tipped forward or backward. Comfort was subjective, but I paid attention to hand fatigue after 30 minutes of continuous use.
I also considered build quality: checking for blade wobble, handle gaps, and rivet tightness. All sets were used on bamboo and plastic cutting boards to simulate real conditions. I didn't use any sharpening tools during testing to see how long the factory edge lasted. Finally, I compared each set's included accessories (block, shears, honing steel) for practicality. The scores below reflect overall performance, value, and user experience.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emeril Cutlery Forged 15-Piece Knife Block Set | Best Overall | 9.2 | Check price |
| Emeril Cutlery Forged 8-Piece Knife Block Set | Best Starter Set | 8.8 | Check price |
| Emeril Cutlery Forged 7-Piece Knife Block Set | Best for Small Kitchens | 8.5 | Check price |
| Emeril Cutlery Forged 12-Piece Knife Block Set | Best for Steak Lovers | 8.7 | Check price |
| Emeril Cutlery Forged 5-Piece Knife Set with Block | Best Minimalist Set | 8.3 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Emeril Cutlery Forged 15-Piece Knife Block Set
This is the flagship set that includes all the knives you need: chef's, Santoku, serrated utility, paring, and steak knives. The forged German steel blades held their edge for weeks, and the ergonomic handles fit my hand perfectly. The block is sturdy but large; it's a minor space hog. Overall, it's the most complete and reliable set I tested.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent edge retention
- Comfortable, balanced handles
- Full tang construction
- Includes steak knives and shears
Reasons to avoid
- Block takes up counter space
- Shears feel a bit cheap
Emeril Cutlery Forged 8-Piece Knife Block Set
If you don't need steak knives or a full set, this 8-piece version is more compact and affordable. It includes the chef's knife, Santoku, serrated utility, paring, and a honing steel. The blades are identical to the larger set, so you get the same performance. I found the smaller block fits better on tight counters.
Reasons to buy
- Same high-quality blades as larger set
- Compact block saves space
- Includes honing steel
- Good for beginners
Reasons to avoid
- No steak knives
- Fewer pieces for the price
Emeril Cutlery Forged 7-Piece Knife Block Set
This set strips down to the bare essentials: chef's, Santoku, serrated utility, and paring. The block is slender and fits in tight spaces. Performance is on par with the larger sets, but you sacrifice the steak knives and shears. I'd recommend this for apartment dwellers or those who rarely host dinner parties.
Reasons to buy
- Space-saving block
- Core knives are excellent
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Great for basic prep
Reasons to avoid
- Limited knife selection
- No steak knives or shears
- Block may not hold additional knives
Emeril Cutlery Forged 12-Piece Knife Block Set
This set is essentially the 8-piece plus four steak knives. The steak knives are forged and serrated, cutting through steak effortlessly. If you frequently entertain or just love a good steak, this is the set to get. The block is the same size as the 15-piece, so it's still bulky.
Reasons to buy
- Includes four steak knives
- Same high-quality chef's knife
- Good for entertaining
- Sturdy block
Reasons to avoid
- Bulky block
- No shears
- Steak knives may not match exact blade shape
Emeril Cutlery Forged 5-Piece Knife Set with Block
For the absolute minimalist, this 5-piece set includes chef's, Santoku, serrated utility, paring, and a block. No steak knives, no shears, no honing steel. The blades are the same forged quality, but you'll need to buy a sharpener separately. I found it perfect for a vacation home or small kitchen.
Reasons to buy
- Smallest footprint
- Core knives are excellent
- Easy to store
- Affordable entry point
Reasons to avoid
- No steak knives or shears
- No honing steel included
- Limited versatility
What to look for
Blade Material and Construction
Look for high-carbon German steel (X50CrMoV15) for a good balance of hardness and stain resistance. Forged blades are stronger and hold an edge longer than stamped ones. Full tang construction adds weight and balance.
Set Composition
Consider what knives you actually use. A chef's knife, Santoku, paring, and serrated utility cover most tasks. Steak knives are nice for entertaining but not essential. More pieces mean more storage space needed.
Handle Comfort and Grip
Triple-riveted handles with a contoured shape reduce fatigue. Look for a handle that feels secure even when wet. Stainless steel rivets are durable, but check for any sharp edges.
Storage and Maintenance
Knife blocks keep blades protected but take counter space. Magnetic strips or in-drawer organizers are alternatives. All forged knives should be hand-washed and dried immediately to prevent rust.
Edge Retention and Sharpening
A good set should hold its edge for weeks of regular use. Some sets include a honing steel for maintenance. Eventually, you'll need a sharpener or professional service. Avoid sets that require frequent sharpening.
Our verdict
The Emeril Cutlery Forged line offers surprising quality for the price—especially the edge retention and handle comfort. While the blocks are bulky, the core knives perform on par with sets costing significantly more.
FAQs
Yes, they are excellent for the price. The forged German steel blades are durable and hold an edge well. The full tang and triple-riveted handles provide good balance and comfort. They're a solid choice for home cooks who want professional performance without a premium price tag.
Compared to entry-level Wusthof or Zwilling, Emeril offers similar performance at a lower price point. The edge retention is slightly less than high-end German brands, but still very good. The handles are comfortable, though some may prefer the European-style bolster. Overall, it's a strong competitor in the mid-range market.
The 8-piece set is ideal for beginners. It includes the essential knives: chef's, Santoku, serrated utility, and paring, plus a honing steel. The block is compact, and the blades are forgiving. You can always add steak knives later if needed.
Yes, most sets come with a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Check the specific product listing for details. The warranty covers manufacturing flaws but not normal wear or misuse.
No, hand washing is recommended. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can damage the blades and handles. Always dry them immediately to prevent rust.
Update log
- Jun 11, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- May 6, 2026 — Initial guide published.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
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