How To Choose The Right Set For You
JA Henckels knife sets have been setting the standard in kitchen knives for years. Naturally, they have a lot of different sets. I’ve rounded up their 6 best knife block sets for this report and tracked down the best price online (click here for my TOP JA HENCKELS CHEF KNIFE picks). Check out my charts below for a quick overview of their best – Best In Class, Best Budget, and Best Individual. Scroll down for more details on each one. Don’t forget to keep on scrolling down to see my TOP PICK of all the JA Henckels knife sets and full report on it.
I check and update prices daily to find the lowest online. Click here to jump to my TOP PICKS for HENCKELS STEAK KNIVES.
Best In Class
JA HENCKELS CLASSIC 16-PIECE
Top Of The Line
Type: Forged
Selection: Good
Key Highlight: Best quality materials and workmanship
Recommendation: Beautiful knives that will last a lifetime
JA HENCKELS TWIN SIGNATURE 19-PIECE
High End
Type: Stamped
Selection: Excellent
Key Highlights: German made and laser sharpened
Recommendation: A smart investment in high quality knives
JA HENCKELS FORGED PREMIO 18-PIECE
Best Value
Type: Forged
Selection: Excellent
Key Highlight: Oustianding price for forged knives
Recommendation: Best overall value
Best On A Budget
JA HENCKELS STATEMENT 15-PIECE
Low Cost
Type: Stamped
Selection: Good
Key Highlight: Light materials and plastic help keep the price down
Recommendation: Basic but will get the job done
JA HENCKELS SILVERCAP 14-PIECE
Least Expensive
Type: Stamped
Selection: Good
Key Highlight: Micro-serrated edges never need sharpening, but don't slice as cleanly as non-serrated knives
Recommendation: A good starter set for a low price
JA HENCKELS TWIN SIGNATURE 7-PIECE
Value Set
Type: Stamped
Selection: Essentials
Key Highlight: Superior quality set of perfectly balanced knives
Recommendation: A perfect choice for the practical cook
Best Individual
JA HENCKELS CLASSIC 8-INCH
Chef's Knife
Type: Forged
Uses: Chop, mince, slice, dice
Recommendation: The most versatile knife of all.
JA HENCKELS CLASSIC 7-INCH
Bread Knife
Type: Forged
Uses: All serreated applications from crusty bread to thin skinned tomato
Recommendation: Kitchen essential
JA HENCKELS CLASSIC 4-INCH
Pairing Knife
Type: Forged
Uses: Peel, cut, clean, garnish
Recommendation: The go to light blade for small, precise work
More Details
Now I want to show you some more details about each of these JA Henckels knife sets. I’ve also included the best deals I’ve found today. If it says “NA” don’t worry. All you have to do is click on the link and put the item into your cart. The price will show up. You don’t have to buy it.
FREE DELIVERY: An excellent value set. Offers a wide selection and forged quality at an affordable price. Set includes 3" paring knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 5" boning knife, 6" utility knife, 7" santoku hollow edge, 8" chef's knife, 8" bread knife, 9" sharpening steel, kitchen shears, Stamped Steak Knives (8 Pieces), and the Hardwood Block.
GREAT PRICE: An entry level set that covers the basics and maintains quality. Excellent deal for Henkel knives at this price point. Set includes a 3" paring knife, 5" santoku knife, 7" santoku knife, 8" chef's knife, 8" bread knife, six 4.5" steak knives, 5" serrated utility knife, a sharpening steel, shears, and a hardwood block.
These beautifully weighted, forged knives will last a lifetime. Set Includes: 2.5" Curved Peeling Knife, 4" Paring Knife, 5" Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, 5" Serrated Utility Knife, 5.5" Boning Knife, 6" Utility Knife, 8" Chef's Knife, 9" Sharpening Steel, Six 4.5" Forged Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, and 16-slot Bamboo Knife Block. FREE SHIPPING!
INCREDIBLE PRICE! If you're looking for a starter set at a low price, these Henkel knives are what you need. Set includes 3.5" paring, 5" utility, 5" Santoku, 6" sandwich, 8" chef, 8" bread, 6 steak knives, kitchen shears, and knife block.
SUPER DEAL! Superior quality and feel are the main advantages of this beautiful knife set. It comes with a 2.5" peeling knife, 4" paring knife, 4.5" utility knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 6" utility knife, 8" chef's knife, 7" Santoku hollow edge knife, 8" bread knife, kitchen shears, 9" sharpening steel, 8 non-serrated steak knives, and a bamboo storage block.
GREAT DEAL: Just the essentials without sacrificing quality. This set includes a 8" chef’s knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 4" paring knife, 2-1/2" peeling knife, shears, sharpening steel, 11-slot hardwood block.
Mariano’s Top Pick: JA Henckels Forged Premio 18 Piece Set
This is a good quality set of knives from the German manufacturer. Though not made in Germany, the JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set is produced to the high standards you would expect. As you can see from the name, these knives are forged, not stamped. The set includes all the essential knives you need for your kitchen as well as shears and a honing steel. It’s even got 8 steak knives so you won’t run short next time you have guests! Please scroll down to check out my full report. If you want to jump straight to the very best deal, click here for the specific deal on Amazon. Their business model gives them great leverage to get the best prices, so that’s why I use them. I check daily to make sure I’ve got the best price online. So, enough talk. Let’s take a closer look at these babies from JA Henckels!
Here are a few additional items you’ll want to have a look at. Keep scrolling down for my full report on the JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set.
Click this link for the best deals on cutting boards.
Click this link for the best deals on knife sharpeners.
Mariano’s Full Report On The JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set – Best Forged
Feel
The handles on the JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set are a good size for most hands. The bolster is well shaped and comfortable when slicing. They’re nicely curved and assist in the rocking motion as well. They have a good balance, too. Overall, an excellent knife that should meet the feel standards for a wide range of cooks.
Weight
The weight of a knife will tell you a lot about it. The blades in the JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set fit right into the sweet spot of neither too heavy nor too light. They have a weight that suggests immediately that they’re a quality product.
Sharpness
There have been mixed reports about the sharpness of this knife set when it comes out of the box. Some people said they weren’t happy while most reported that theirs came razor sharp. I certainly would expect a new set of knives at this price point to come fully sharpened from the factory. However, no knife in the world will remain sharp forever. JA Henckels knife sets require some maintenance including proper storage, cleaning, and sharpening. There are lots of excellent knife sharpeners at a range of prices and it would be a tool I highly recommend investing in. The most expensive blade in the world will not cut well when it’s dull. Typical daily use of a knife means it would benefit from regular honing and annual sharpening.
Important Note The JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set includes serrated knives that should not be sharpened with the honing steel! That means the 8″ bread knife, the 5″ utility, and the 8 steak knives.
Selection
You can scroll down for the specific list. I just want to comment below with my assessment of what the JA Henckels International Forged Premio 18-Piece Block Set offers.
All the standard knives are here – chef’s, pairing, bread, etc – but the inclusion of a boning knife and santoku wins points with me. A lot of people who are knife skill newbies feel most comfortable with the santoku. It’s a little shorts and doesn’t have a pointed tip. It’s just less intimidating. Plus it can do double duty as a tool to scoop up chopped food because of its wide blade. The boning knife is for more experienced users because it’s a blade that’s wielded free hand – that is not on a cutting surface but through and along the food product itself. Something for beginners and advanced? I like it!
The Knife Block
It’s a handsome wood block that will fit nicely in pretty much any kitchen setting. This JA Henckels knife set does have 3 extra slots – 1 for a long knife like a carver, and 2 for smaller pairing type knives. That’s a factor I certainly appreciate as anyone who already has a couple of good knives would. It also allows you to augment the set somewhat without needing separate storage. I know I’m always happy to have a couple of extra pairing knives!
Clean Up
These knives are not dish washer safe. I have seen complaints about staining/rusting – not a lot, but some. I suspect those people are not following best practices for knife care. People who are hand washing then wiping dry with a cloth are not reporting any problems with staining. In fact, quite the opposite. The truth is, if you want to keep your knives sharp and nick free, you’ll keep them out of the dish washer – and that includes quality steel found in JA Henckels knife sets. The cutlery baskets in washers tend to get crowded and the sharp edges of knives don’t like to come in contact with other hard surfaces. On top of that, some detergents and the high heat of washers can affect the steel.
Tech Specs
Forged (but the steak knives are stamped)
Stain resistant steel
Triple riveted handle
Satin finish
Metal end cap with logo
Made in various international – not Germany
Product Support
Henkel knives provides a Life Time Warranty against defects in materials and/or craftsmanship. With few exceptions, the reviews of this manufacturer’s customer support are outstandingly good. Henckels is one of the world’s leading knife manufacturers and they have the reputation to back that up.
What’s In The Box
3″ paring knife
5″ serrated utility knife
5″ boning knife
6″ utility knife
7″ santoku hollow edge
8″ chef’s knife
8″ bread knife
9″ sharpening steel
kitchen shears
Stamped Steak Knives (8 Pieces)
Hardwood Block
Final Thoughts
This JA Henckels knife set is a high quality product that’s priced to sell. It has an excellent selection of knives not only for the kitchen but 8 steak knives for your table as well. If you take care of these beauties, they’ll last a lifetime.
Mariano Says
May you chop well and prosper – Mariano
FREE DELIVERY: An excellent value set. Offers a wide selection and forged quality at an affordable price. Set includes 3" paring knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 5" boning knife, 6" utility knife, 7" santoku hollow edge, 8" chef's knife, 8" bread knife, 9" sharpening steel, kitchen shears, Stamped Steak Knives (8 Pieces), and the Hardwood Block.
GREAT PRICE: An entry level set that covers the basics and maintains quality. Excellent deal for Henkel knives at this price point. Set includes a 3" paring knife, 5" santoku knife, 7" santoku knife, 8" chef's knife, 8" bread knife, six 4.5" steak knives, 5" serrated utility knife, a sharpening steel, shears, and a hardwood block.
These beautifully weighted, forged knives will last a lifetime. Set Includes: 2.5" Curved Peeling Knife, 4" Paring Knife, 5" Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, 5" Serrated Utility Knife, 5.5" Boning Knife, 6" Utility Knife, 8" Chef's Knife, 9" Sharpening Steel, Six 4.5" Forged Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, and 16-slot Bamboo Knife Block. FREE SHIPPING!
INCREDIBLE PRICE! If you're looking for a starter set at a low price, these Henkel knives are what you need. Set includes 3.5" paring, 5" utility, 5" Santoku, 6" sandwich, 8" chef, 8" bread, 6 steak knives, kitchen shears, and knife block.
SUPER DEAL! Superior quality and feel are the main advantages of this beautiful knife set. It comes with a 2.5" peeling knife, 4" paring knife, 4.5" utility knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 6" utility knife, 8" chef's knife, 7" Santoku hollow edge knife, 8" bread knife, kitchen shears, 9" sharpening steel, 8 non-serrated steak knives, and a bamboo storage block.
GREAT DEAL: Just the essentials without sacrificing quality. This set includes a 8" chef’s knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 4" paring knife, 2-1/2" peeling knife, shears, sharpening steel, 11-slot hardwood block.
Henckels Steak Knives
Here are my top picks for JA Henckels steak knives. As you can see, there is quite a range is pricing. The main difference is the quality of the materials. The high end sets are superior, but the entry level sets can do the job for everyday use.
SUPERIOR QUALITY: High carbon, stainless steel blades. Constructed under Henckels sigmaforge standards for perfect geometry. Designed for optimum weight and balance. Lifetime warranty.
VALUE PRICED: High Carbon stainless steel serrated blades. A value priced choice - though purists will prefer a straight edge for smooth slicing rather than serrated which tends to tear meat. Well balanced and beautifully styled.
LIFETIME WARRANTY: Three-rivet handles. Back weighted for hefty feel. Thin blades with ultra sharp edge. Precision knives for control and elegance.
FREE SHIPPING! A special arched bolster designed by architect Matteo Thun promotes a perfect thumb grip. ABS resin handle is triple riveted to the blade. A special laser technique is used to ensure optimal edge sharpness.
FREE SHIPPING! These slim, thin blades slice with precision all the way to their sharp point. Lifetime warranty. Dishwasher safe but handwashing is recommended for all quality knives like these.
GREAT PRICE: Serrated edge never needs sharpening. 1-piece construction with full tang. Modern look of all stainless steel. Dishwasher safe.
LOW PRICE: Micro-serrated edge never needs sharpening. Full tang triple rivet handles. High carbon steel and is stamped from a single piece of metal.
JA Henckels Chef Knife
There’s a good number of excellent blades here. If the price says N/A, don’t worry. Just click through and put in in your cart to make the price show up. You don’t have to buy it.
FREE SHIPPING! Made from a single solid piece of high carbon steel. Full bolster for balanced weight and feel. Three-rivet polypropylene handle offers a firm and durable grip. Excellent for circular, rocking, or chopping motion.
GREAT SET: Add a 4" paring knife at a value price.
HIGH QUALITY: The knife features a Friodur ice-hardened blade. It's precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. Enhanced bloster and full tang design. Ergonomic polypropylene handle.
EXCELLENT PRICE: Laser controlled edge. Full tang for superior balance. Black molded polypropylene handle. Strong, high quality knife built to last a lifetime - with a warranty to match!
GREAT VALUE: This is a lower priced line from Henckels that still offers great quality and feel. High-carbon German stainless steel. Hot-drop forged blades and bolsters. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
LOW PRICE: A superior forged product at a tremendous value. Highly durable and balanced blade. Knives feature an elegant finish and stainless steel construction.
DISCOUNT PRICE: Fully forged high-performance German stainless steel blades. Heavy duty handle is ergonomic and durable.
If you want more info on JA Henckels knife sets or forged knives, just click the links below:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._A._Henckels
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/23/business/23pursuits.html?_r=1&
https://books.google.ca/books?id=rq0zAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA88&lpg=PA88&dq=forged+knife+london+times&source=bl&ots=rxn3KUVGKT&sig=-uBYh7x1icGzBVvoD08zZyy3qOA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuqprSvvbLAhUCnIMKHYaSB0kQ6AEINjAE#v=onepage&q=forged%20knife%20london%20times&f=false