I had the same IKEA knives in my kitchen for 14 years (yikes). But even the most dependable knives need to be retired and there’s a good reason to make the upgrade sooner rather than later: nothing is more dangerous in the kitchen than a dull knife.
My new knife block of choice: the 15-piece Cutluxe Pro Kitchen Block, a classic wooden block with every kind of knife you’d need. The set includes six kitchen knives: a chef’s knife, Santoku, bread knife, carving knife, utility knife, paring knife, six steak knives, detachable kitchen shears and a honing rod.
Replacing a collection of mismatched, well-worn knives was needed. The chef’s knife has become my everyday go-to for chopping and slicing, the bread knife handles crusty edges without crushing them, and the steak knives are abundant and perfect for dinner guests.
The knives feel balanced and sturdy (especially compared to the plastic knives that traveled with me through college and beyond). The set comes with a honing rod, which is something I definitely did not have with my old knives (I had to look at the instructions to really understand what it was, if I’m being honest). Regular honing helps keep the edge aligned between sharpenings – the more you know. It also recommends using wood or plastic cutting boards, since glass and ceramic surfaces can dull a blade.
What really surprised me was just how much easier these knives make everyday prep work. They glide through meats with very little effort and make quick work of vegetables like peppers, onions and tomatoes. I had gotten so used to struggling with dull blades that I forgot how satisfying it is when a knife actually does the work for you. Tasks that used to take extra time and require more force now feel smooth and efficient. Whether I’m preparing a weeknight dinner or tackling a larger recipe, the sharpness and precision have made cooking noticeably more enjoyable.
