When we evaluate any kitchen knife set with block, we immediately ignore the gimmicky extras and focus on three crucial characteristics of the main blades: the steel, the edge, and the balance.
1. The Blade Material
A knife’s performance hinges on the steel. You want something that holds a sharp edge for a long time but isn't so brittle that it chips if you hit a bone or a tough cutting board. That’s why imported German steel remains the industry benchmark. Brands like Klaus Meyer focus on High Carbon Stainless Steel. The "high carbon" part means it can be hardened to hold a fantastic edge, and the "stainless" part means it won't rust easily when exposed to kitchen moisture. The specific heat treatment matters, too. For example, the Contour series knives from Klaus Meyer undergo an oil-hardening (oil quenching) heat treatment. This process makes the blade surface even more resistant to oxidation and gives it a slightly higher hardness rating (53-55 Rockwell C), meaning those blades are remarkably sharp and stay sharper for longer than softer steels.
2. The Edge Angle
The sharpness of a knife isn't just about how recently you sharpened it; it's about the angle of the blade’s bevel. The vast majority of quality European and American knives are ground to an angle between 17 and 22 degrees per side.
However, the "golden angle" for optimal sharpness and performance is generally considered to be 15–17 degrees per side. The Contour series, for instance, uses this 15–17-degree edge. This fine, acute angle allows for incredibly precise cuts, making chopping tasks feel effortless and reducing the chance of your blade crushing delicate herbs or tearing through meat.
3.Balance and Ergonomics: Safety, Comfort, and Control
A frequently overlooked yet crucial factor is the balance of the knife. A knife that feels uncomfortable or is poorly balanced in the hand will not only discourage the user from utilizing it but can also increase the risk of accidents.
• Full-Tang Construction (The Backbone): The best knives typically feature a full-tangdesign, meaning the steel extends continuously from the tip of the blade to the very end of the handle.
• Advantage: This construction ensures uniform weight distribution, significantly enhancing the knife's strength and durability. It eliminates weak points at the blade-handle junction and provides a sturdy skeleton for the handle material.
• The Art of the Balance Point: Skilled knife designers manipulate weight placement to adjust the point of balance. Traditionally, the balance point of a standard knife is located right where the blade meets the handle (the bolster).
• The Innovation of the Klaus Meyer Contour Series: This series innovates by adding internal weights within the stainless steel hollow handle. This intentional weighting shifts the balance point backward, placing it closer to the user's hand.
• The Result of the Design: This design makes the knife feel lighter and more maneuverable in the hand, granting superior control. The rearward balance point minimizes the effort required by the wrist and fingers to maintain the knife tip's direction. This significantly reduces hand strain and fatigue during long chopping sessions. This level of ergonomic design is truly a "lifesaver" for professional chefs or serious home cooks who spend considerable time on meal preparation.
Focusing on the Kit: The Klaus Meyer Contour 19 Piece Set
When you decide it’s time to buy a comprehensive set, you want one that covers every job. That’s why we often recommend a large, well-curated collection. Let’s look at the specs for the Klaus Meyer Contour 19 Piece Set, which is a fantastic example of a complete kitchen knife set with block:
l The Core: You get all the essentials—an 8'' Chef's Knife, an 8'' Bread Knife, a 6'' Utility Knife, and a 3.5'' Paring Knife. This combination alone covers about 95% of your daily cutting work.
l The Specialty Tools: This set goes above and beyond with specialty blades that make certain tasks easier. You get an 8'' Carving Knife for roasts and three different sizes of Santoku knives (7'', 5.5'', and 3'')! Having multiple Santokus is great, allowing you to quickly switch between chopping vegetables and mincing herbs without having to wash the same knife repeatedly.
l The Extras: The set is rounded out by eight 4.5'' Steak Knives for your table settings, Kitchen Scissors, and a Sharpening Steel to keep your 15–17 degree edge honed daily.
l The Block: All 19 pieces are housed in a sturdy, solid wood block, ensuring safe and easy access while protecting those precious sharp edges.
This comprehensive approach means you are ready for any culinary task, from a simple weekday meal to a full holiday dinner.
Final Word on Longevity
Choosing the best knife set with block is an investment. At Klaus Meyer, we back our German engineering with an outstanding 10-year limited warranty, because we are confident in the quality built into every blade. This peace of mind, combined with the superior performance of a balanced, high-carbon, oil-hardened blade, is our promise to you. Remember, to protect your investment, we recommend treating your set with care: hand wash the knives, keep the block clean, and use the honing steel regularly. Do that, and we are confident your Klaus Meyer set will reward you with decades of effortless slicing and dicing.