Steak knives have a storage problem. Most sets arrive in a gift box that goes in the recycling, and the knives end up loose in a drawer, where the edges knock against spoons and whisks until they no longer bite through the crust on a grilled rib eye or a plate of carne asada. A set that comes with its own block, or a kitchen block with a full row of steak knives built in, solves that before it starts: every knife has a slot, and the slot protects the edge.
This guide is for that narrower buyer. If you only want the knives, our main guide to the best steak knives covers boxed sets on their own. Here we look at sets where storage is part of the package, either a steak-only block or a full kitchen block set with six or eight steak knives, and we say what each maker states about the blades, the block and the care.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in steak knives and their storage, the makers’ own specifications and the details on each Amazon listing.
Quick verdict: which steak knife block set to buy
If you already own kitchen knives and just want steak knives with a home, the Wüsthof 7-Piece Steak Knife Block Set is the one to buy: six German-made 4.5-inch steak knives in a six-slot block, with a limited lifetime warranty. If you are starting from scratch, the Victorinox Swiss Classic 14-Piece Swivel Block Set puts six serrated steak knives in the same rotating block as a chef’s knife, bread knife and honing steel, made in Switzerland. For a table of eight, the Zwilling Twin Signature 19-Piece Block Set includes eight steak knives.
Below you will find the five standouts side by side, all eight sets in detail, and what to check before you choose between a steak-only block and a full kitchen set.
Five steak knife sets with storage, side by side
Our five standout sets, one for each kind of household, with the steak knife count and storage each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Set | Best for | Steak knives | Storage | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wüsthof 7-Piece Steak Knife Block SetBest overall
|
Adding steak knives to an existing kitchen | Six, 4.5 in | Six-slot steak block | View on Amazon |
Victorinox Swiss Classic 14-Piece Swivel Block SetBest full kitchen set
|
A first complete block | Six serrated, 4.5 in | 13-slot swivel block | View on Amazon |
Zwilling Twin Signature 19-Piece Block SetBest for a table of eight
|
Big families and dinner parties | Eight, 4.5 in | Wood block | View on Amazon |
Jean Dubost Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knives with Wooden BlockBest on the table
|
Serving straight from the block | Six | Wooden block | View on Amazon |
Chicago Cutlery Avondale 12-Piece Block SetBudget pick
|
A full block on a tight budget | Six, 4.5 in | Stained wood block, built-in sharpener | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Knife counts and storage are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best steak knife block set
The eight sets fall into two groups. Three are steak-only: a block or stand that holds the steak knives and nothing else, which suits a kitchen that already has its prep knives. Five are full kitchen block sets with six or eight steak knives in their own slots. None of them repeats a pick from our best knife set guide, and only the Wüsthof knives overlap with our steak knife guide, for the reason given in its write-up.
1. Wüsthof 7-Piece Steak Knife Block Set – Six German Knives, One Home
This is the simplest answer to the storage problem. The listing describes six 4.5-inch Wüsthof Gourmet steak knives and a six-slot steak knife block, listed in black with a beech block. Nothing else comes in the box, which is the point: the block is small enough to sit at the back of the counter or go into a cupboard between dinners, and every knife has its own slot.
The knives are the same Gourmet line that appears in our main best steak knives guide as a boxed set of six. We include the block version here because it is the same blade with the storage solved, which is exactly what this page is about; if you already own the boxed set, you do not need this one. Wüsthof’s listing says the blades are laser-cut and stamped from high-carbon stainless steel, with triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene handles that it says resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact.
Wüsthof says the knives are hand wash only and carry a limited lifetime warranty, and that the company has been family-owned for seven generations in Solingen, Germany. The listing does not state whether the edge is straight or serrated.
Why we like it
- Block made for exactly six steak knives
- Stamped high-carbon stainless blades
- Triple-riveted synthetic handles
- Made in Solingen, limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 1065070701 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | 4.5 in |
| Edge | Not stated |
| Storage | Six-slot steak knife block, beech |
| Other pieces | None |
| Care | Hand wash only |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that already has a chef’s knife and a paring knife it likes, and only needs a proper set of steak knives with a place to live.
Skip it if you want the knives to go in the dishwasher; Wüsthof says hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact steak-only block
- German-made, long-established maker
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Edge type not stated
- Same knives as the boxed Gourmet set
2. Victorinox Swiss Classic 14-Piece Swivel Block Set – Every Slot Filled
This is Victorinox’s full home block, with a row of steak knives built in. The listing gives a 3.25-inch paring knife, 4.5-inch serrated utility knife, 7-inch hollow-edge santoku, 8.25-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, six 4.5-inch serrated steak knives, a 10-inch honing steel and come-apart shears, in a 13-slot swivel block with a walnut finish. Victorinox notes that all slots are filled, so you are not paying for empty holes.
The block swivels, which matters more than it sounds on a crowded counter: you can turn it to reach the steak knives at the back without lifting it. The listing gives the whole set at 12 inches long, 6.75 inches wide and 12.5 inches high. Blades are high-carbon stainless steel at 56 Rockwell hardness with a 15-degree edge on each side, on slip-resistant Fibrox handles.
Victorinox says the set is made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty. The serrated steak knives will keep cutting through a charred crust for a long time without sharpening, and the included steel keeps the straight-edged prep knives in line.
Why we like it
- Six serrated steak knives plus a full prep set
- Swivel block, all 13 slots filled
- Honing steel and shears included
- Made in Switzerland, lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Swiss Classic 14-piece swivel set |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | 4.5 in |
| Edge | Serrated |
| Storage | 13-slot swivel block, walnut finish |
| Other pieces | Paring, utility, santoku, bread, chef’s knife, honing steel, shears |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone setting up a kitchen who wants working knives and a set of steak knives in one purchase, from a maker with a long professional record.
Skip it if you prefer the weight of forged knives; Fibrox-handled Victorinox knives are light by design.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rotating block saves reaching
- Complete set, no empty slots
- Swiss-made with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Tall block needs cabinet clearance
- Dishwasher guidance not stated
3. Zwilling Twin Signature 19-Piece Block Set – Eight Steak Knives for a Full Table
Most block sets stop at six steak knives. This one has eight, which is the number you want if Sunday dinner or a fajita night regularly fills the table. Retail listings for the set, including Dillard’s and Bloomingdale’s, give eight 4.5-inch steak knives alongside a bird’s beak peeler, a 4-inch paring knife, 4.5-inch and 5-inch serrated utility knives, a 6-inch utility knife, a 7-inch santoku, an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 9-inch honing steel and shears, in a wood block. Zwilling’s own page confirms the 19-piece count under item 30782-000.
The Amazon listing says the blades are precision-stamped from Zwilling’s special formula steel, ice-hardened by its FRIODUR process to 57 Rockwell, hand sharpened and polished, with a 15-degree angle on each side (10 degrees on the santoku). The handles use Zwilling’s traditional three-rivet design, and the set is made in Germany.
Zwilling lists the knives as dishwasher safe but recommends hand washing, and states a limited lifetime warranty. One caution: a knife retailer lists the set as discontinued, so check the Amazon listing is still in stock before you plan around it.
Why we like it
- Eight steak knives, more than most sets
- FRIODUR ice-hardened blades, 57 Rockwell
- 15-degree edge on each side
- Made in Germany, limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 30782-000 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Eight (per retail listings) |
| Blade length | 4.5 in |
| Edge | Not stated |
| Storage | Wood block |
| Other pieces | Peeler, paring, three utility, santoku, chef’s, bread knife, honing steel, shears |
| Care | Dishwasher safe, hand washing recommended |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large household that wants every knife, including steak knives for eight, from one German maker in one block.
Skip it if you have limited counter space; a block holding 19 pieces is a large one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Seats eight at the table
- Hardened German steel
- Dishwasher safe if you must
Cons
- Big block, big footprint
- Listed as discontinued by one retailer
- Steak knife edge type not stated
4. Jean Dubost Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knives with Wooden Block – Made in France
Laguiole knives are a French table tradition, and Jean Dubost, a family company the listing says was established in 1920 in the south of France, makes them in France. This set puts six steak knives with assorted mineral-colored ABS handles into a wooden block, which is handsome enough to put on the dining table and let guests take a knife as the platter goes round.
The listing says master cutlers forge, polish and sharpen the 1.2 mm stainless steel blades by hand and rivet the handles on, and that each piece carries the bee mark associated with Laguiole. A 1.2 mm blade is thin, which helps it slip through a cooked steak rather than tearing it.
On care, Jean Dubost recommends washing by hand under running hot water and wiping the knives dry at once, while saying most of its products other than those with natural wood handles or brass details are dishwasher safe. These handles are ABS, but hand washing is still the maker’s first advice. The listing does not give blade length or say whether the edge is serrated.
Why we like it
- Made in France by a family maker
- Thin 1.2 mm stainless blades
- Block doubles as a table display
- Riveted, colorful ABS handles
Key specifications
| Model | 7103 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | Not stated |
| Edge | Not stated |
| Storage | Wooden block |
| Other pieces | None |
| Care | Hand wash recommended |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a host who wants the steak knives to look good on the table and to have somewhere to go when the meal is over.
Skip it if you want a stated warranty or detailed blade specs; the listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- French-made, traditional design
- Thin, sharp-cutting blades
- Attractive serving block
Cons
- No stated warranty
- Blade length and edge not stated
5. Chicago Cutlery Avondale 12-Piece Block Set – A Full Block for Less
The Avondale set is Chicago Cutlery’s affordable route to a full block with steak knives. The listing gives an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 5.5-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, six 4.5-inch steak knives and a pair of shears, in a stained wooden block with a sharpener built into it.
Chicago Cutlery says every blade has a 26-degree taper grind edge and that the polymer handles are curve-optimized for a secure, slip-resistant grip. The listing does not say whether 26 degrees is the included angle or the angle per side, so it cannot be compared directly with the 15-degree-per-side figures Victorinox and Zwilling give.
The listing does not state a warranty, a steel grade or whether the steak knives are serrated, so compare the photos on the listing if the edge matters to you. The sharpener in the block means the knives can be touched up without a separate tool, though it is no substitute for a proper stone or professional sharpening.
Why we like it
- Six steak knives in a full block
- Built-in block sharpener and shears included
- 26-degree taper grind edges
- Slip-resistant polymer handles
Key specifications
| Model | 1151039 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | 4.5 in |
| Edge | Not stated (26-degree taper grind) |
| Storage | Stained wooden block with built-in sharpener |
| Other pieces | Chef’s, bread, utility, paring knife, shears |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first apartment or a second kitchen where you want a complete block, steak knives included, without spending on German or Swiss steel.
Skip it if a stated warranty matters to you; the listing does not give one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete set at a lower cost
- Sharpener built into the block
- Six steak knives at the budget end
Cons
- Steel grade and warranty not stated
- No santoku or sharpening steel
6. Dalstrong Valhalla 4-Piece Steak Knife Set with Display Block – Straight Edges, Upright Storage
Dalstrong’s Valhalla set is a small, showy steak-only block for four. The listing describes four 5-inch steak knives with straight, plain edges and a rubberwood display block that holds each knife upright in its own slot; the block stands 6.7 inches tall and 3.9 inches wide.
The blades are where the specs get serious. Dalstrong lists five-layer 9CR18MOV stainless steel hardened to 60 Rockwell or higher and sharpened to 8 to 12 degrees, with a sandblasted finish. That is a much finer edge than a typical serrated steak knife, and Dalstrong says it slices from crust to center without sawing. A fine straight edge cuts cleanly but needs a gentler hand: use a wooden board or a plate that will not chip it, and plan on honing or sharpening it, unlike a serrated knife.
The handles are cast resin with stabilized burl wood, each poured individually so no two look alike. The listing says hand wash and towel dry, not dishwasher safe, and the warranty field gives a 70-day money-back guarantee rather than a lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Straight 5-inch edges, no serrations
- Steel hardened to 60 Rockwell or higher
- Compact upright display block
- Individually cast resin and wood handles
Key specifications
| Model | Valhalla Series 4-piece with block |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Four |
| Blade length | 5 in |
| Edge | Straight, 8 to 12 degrees |
| Storage | Rubberwood display block, 6.7 x 3.9 in |
| Other pieces | None |
| Care | Hand wash, not dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | 70-day money back |
Why we recommend it
It suits a couple or small household that prefers a straight edge for clean slices and wants a block that looks at home on the table.
Skip it if you need more than four knives or want a long warranty.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fine straight edge
- Hard, layered steel
- Small footprint
Cons
- Only four knives
- Fine edges need care and sharpening
- 70-day money back, not lifetime
7. Henckels Statement 14-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set – Hones as You Draw
This Henckels block does some of the upkeep for you. The listing describes a hardwood block with 13 slots, some of them fitted with ceramic honing wheels that sharpen the straight-edged knives each time they go in or come out. The remaining slots are for serrated knives, which Henckels notes do not need sharpening.
Inside are a 3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 5-inch prep knife, 7-inch santoku, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, six 4.5-inch steak knives and kitchen shears. Henckels says the knives are single-piece, precision-stamped stainless steel with triple-rivet handles, and that they are dishwasher safe, which is unusual among the sets here.
It is not the same set as the Henckels Statement 15-piece in our knife set guide: this one adds the self-sharpening slots. The listing does not state a warranty or the steak knives’ edge type.
Why we like it
- Ceramic honing wheels in the block
- Six steak knives with the prep set
- Listed as dishwasher safe
- Henckels International, making knives since 1895
Key specifications
| Model | 1028250 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | 4.5 in |
| Edge | Not stated |
| Storage | 13-slot hardwood self-sharpening block |
| Other pieces | Paring, utility, prep, santoku, bread, chef’s knife, shears |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a busy household that will never pick up a honing steel and wants the block to keep the prep knives keen.
Skip it if you want a honing steel in the set; this one relies on the block instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in sharpening
- Dishwasher safe
- Complete everyday set
Cons
- Stamped, lighter blades
- Warranty not stated on listing
8. Cangshan Sanford 17-Piece Block Set – Forged Knives and an Acacia Block
Cangshan’s Sanford set is the forged option on this list. The listing gives an 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch santoku, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch tomato and cheese knife, two 5-inch serrated utility knives, six 5-inch serrated steak knives, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 2.75-inch peeling knife, 9-inch come-apart shears and an 8-inch honing steel, in an acacia knife block.
Cangshan says the knives have a forged bolster and high-alloy German steel blades, treated with its ULTRA6 heat treatment for edge retention, and that they are hand sharpened and NSF certified. Forged knives with a bolster are heavier in the hand than stamped ones, which some cooks prefer for chopping.
The 5-inch serrated steak knives are a little longer than the 4.5-inch knives in most sets here. Cangshan states a limited lifetime warranty. Care instructions are not on the listing; as with any forged set, hand washing is the safe choice.
Why we like it
- Six 5-inch serrated steak knives
- Forged bolsters, German steel
- NSF certified, hand sharpened
- Honing steel included, limited lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 1027051 |
|---|---|
| Steak knives | Six |
| Blade length | 5 in |
| Edge | Serrated |
| Storage | Acacia knife block |
| Other pieces | Ten prep knives, honing steel, shears |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants forged knives throughout, including a boning knife for trimming steaks before they go on the grill.
Skip it if you want a compact block; 17 pieces take up real counter space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Forged construction
- Longer steak knives
- Very complete set
Cons
- Large block
- Care guidance not on listing
Steak-only block or full kitchen set?
Start with what you already own. If you have a chef’s knife, a paring knife and a bread knife you are happy with, a full block set means buying them again just to get the steak knives. A steak-only block, such as the Wüsthof, Laguiole or Dalstrong sets, adds the steak knives and their storage without duplicating anything. You can keep them in a cupboard and bring the block out for dinner.
If you are starting out, moving, or replacing a drawer of mismatched knives, a full block set is the better value: you get prep knives, steak knives and usually a honing steel and shears, all stored together. Count the steak knives before you buy. Six is the usual number; the Zwilling set has eight, and some smaller full sets have only four, which runs out fast on a taco or fajita night.
How to choose a steak knife set with a block
Steak knife count. Match it to the number of people you usually feed, not the number on a holiday. Six covers most families; eight is worth paying for if you host often.
Serrated or straight edge. Serrated steak knives, like those in the Victorinox and Cangshan sets, keep cutting for years without sharpening and forgive a ceramic plate. Straight edges, like the Dalstrong, slice more cleanly but dull on plates and need sharpening. If the listing does not say, look at the product photos before you buy.
Block size and shape. Measure the counter and the space under your cabinets. Full sets with 13 to 20 slots are tall and deep; a swivel block helps if it sits in a corner. A steak-only block can live in a cupboard.
Care. Most makers here say hand wash. Henckels lists its Statement knives as dishwasher safe and Zwilling allows it while recommending hand washing. Dishwashers are hard on edges and handles whatever the label says.
Upkeep built in. A honing steel in the set, or a self-sharpening block like the Henckels, keeps straight-edged prep knives working between sharpenings. Serrated steak knives cannot be honed on a standard steel, so plan on professional sharpening if they ever dull.
How we picked these eight sets
We looked for sets sold on Amazon in the United States from identifiable knife makers where the storage is part of the package: steak-only blocks and stands, and kitchen block sets with at least six steak knives (four for the steak-only Dalstrong). We checked every listing’s stock with Amazon’s product data before writing and left out sets that were down to their last few units or unavailable, which ruled out several Mercer, Zwilling and Chicago Cutlery block sets and the Zwilling steak sets in wood gift boxes. We also left out sets from sellers with no identifiable maker. We avoided repeating picks from our best knife set and best steak knives guides, with the one exception explained in the Wüsthof write-up. Specifications come from the Amazon listings and, where noted, from the maker or retailer pages; where neither states a figure, we say “not stated”. We checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database for each brand and found no knife or knife block recalls listed for them. We did not use these knives for this guide and have not cited published reviews we did not read.
Steak knife block set questions, answered
What is the best knife block set with steak knives?
For most kitchens, the Victorinox Swiss Classic 14-piece swivel set: six serrated steak knives plus a full prep set and a honing steel, made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty. For eight steak knives, choose the Zwilling Twin Signature 19-piece.
Can I buy a steak knife set with just a block?
Yes. The Wüsthof 7-piece set is six steak knives in a six-slot block, the Jean Dubost Laguiole set is six knives in a wooden block, and the Dalstrong Valhalla set is four knives in an upright display block.
Are serrated or straight-edge steak knives better?
Serrated knives stay useful longer with no maintenance and handle hard plates better. Straight edges give a cleaner cut but need honing and sharpening. Most block sets use serrated steak knives for that reason.
Do steak knives need their own block?
They need somewhere their edges will not knock against other metal. A block, a fitted case or blade guards all work; a loose drawer does not. Our guide to the best knife block covers blocks sold empty if your knives already came without one.
Can steak knives go in the dishwasher?
Some makers allow it; Henckels lists its Statement set as dishwasher safe. Wüsthof and Dalstrong say hand wash only. Hand washing and drying straight away is kinder to edges and handles whatever the label says.
Our final word on steak knives that come with a home
Buy the Wüsthof 7-piece steak block if you only need steak knives and want them stored properly. Choose the Victorinox swivel set for a complete first block, the Zwilling Twin Signature for eight at the table, the Laguiole set for serving with some style, and the Chicago Cutlery Avondale to keep the cost down. Whichever you pick, put the knives back in their slots dry and the edges will last.
For more on the knives themselves, see the best steak knives, and when steak night means fajitas, our guide to how to eat fajitas explains the rest of the plate. To keep straight edges sharp, see the best honing steel.
And if you would rather someone else grilled tonight, see the menu or call to order.