When it comes to meal prep and tasks around the kitchen, one tool is more important than all the others and that’s a kitchen knife. Having a sharp and well-made knife saves time and makes cutting a whole lot more enjoyable. Many knives are cheaply made and low quality, which is why many customers search for American made kitchen knives that are built to last.
Knife sets can range widely in the number of pieces they contain. The most basic might have three or four pieces, including a chef knife, a paring knife, a bread or serrated knife, and steel for sharpening the knives. In this article, we’ll be sharing the highest quality kitchen knife sets made in the USA and also some of our favorite individual knives.
List of American Made Kitchen Knives
1. Cutco Cutlery (Premium Knife Sets)
| Estimated Price | Varies by Model and Set |
| Type of Cutlery | Kitchen Knife set |
| Material Steel | 440A Steel |
| Weight | Varies by knife |
| Location Produced | Olean, New York |
Cutco’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Cutco is one of the most well-known cutlery crafters in the market, creating ultimate kitchen sets complete with steak knives and has every kitchen tool you’ll ever need.
Cutco Knives have been made in America since 1949, and they claim to be the largest manufacturer of kitchen cutlery in North America. Their products are manufactured in New York, and the family-owned company employs over 700 Americans.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Cutco Knives
If the price is giving you a bit of sticker shock, remember Cutco knives are backed by Cutco’s forever guarantee. Cutco’s promise to consumers is their product will be “as good tomorrow as the first time they used it.” This means Cutco will sharpen your knives for free (shipping and handling fee not included), and if you are not satisfied with a product, Cutco will correct the problem or replace the item. This type of guarantee is extremely uncommon, and it really shows that Cutco believes in its knives. We believe that the price is well worth it when you factor in that you will likely never need to buy another knife set again.
We recommend an American-made cutlery set from Cutco for the serious cook looking for top-of-the-line items, someone who wants a product they will likely never have to replace and can even pass down to other generations.
Cutco knives are among the most expensive on this list, but if you’ve ever seen Cutco knives and felt their quality, the price tag probably wouldn’t be as intimidating to you. Cutco has made a fortune by having representatives display the quality of their knives. Once you’ve used a Cutco knife, it’s hard to downgrade to an average knife again, which is why Cutco has such a loyal customer base. I find them to hold an edge well, are easy to sharpen, and they’re backed by Cutco’s forever guarantee, making these the ultimate “buy once cry once” type of item.
2. Rada Cutlery Knives (Great Starter Sets)
| Estimated Price | $10 to $150 |
| Type of Cutlery | Knife Set or Single Kitchen Knives |
| Material Steel | Surgical-grade T420 high-carbon stainless steel |
| Weight | N/A |
| Location Produced | Waverly, Iowa |
Rada Cutlery’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
The Rada cutlery catalog comes with surgical-quality, T420 high-carbon stainless steel knives to get any job you need to be done in the kitchen. Rada knives also come with a lifetime guarantee. Rada pledges all its products will be free from defects in materials or craftsmanship for life.
Rada has been manufacturing cutlery in the Midwest since 1948. Every single Rada Cutlery product is 100 percent American-made. Every step, from raw materials through manufacturing. Rada employs about 100 American workers.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Rada Cutlery Knives
Our experience with Rada Knives is extremely positive, and we find them to be incredibly sharp right out of the packaging. Rada is a brand with loyal fans, so if you choose one of their knife sets, you will find yourself in good company. I’ve had a Rada knife set for years and it requires little maintenance due to its strong and simple design. They have a relatively affordable price tag compared to many other American-made kitchen knives, meaning you don’t have to baby them as much or worry about something happening to them.
We recommend Rada Knives to those looking for a quality set of knives but trying to stay on the lower end of their budget. They have a wide variety of knife sets which is nice because it doesn’t force you to purchase a large set that includes many knives that you won’t end up using. The video below gives you a tour of the Rada knife factory.
3. Benchmade Kitchen and Table Knives (Most Rugged)
| Estimated Price | $600 to $1000 |
| Type of Cutlery | Steak Knife Set |
| Material Steel | CPM-154 or 440C Stainless Steel |
| Weight | NA |
| Location Produced | Oregon City, Oregon |
Benchmade’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Benchmade cutlery is a new product line created by one of the absolutely most legendary knife companies in the world. They’re better known for their super high-end pocket knives, though. The table knives launched in 2020 are customizable and wear-resistant. They come in two different steel options, CPM-154 and 440C, and with a variety of handle options.
Benchmade has been focused on quality and customer relationships since 1987. Their precision-cut, handmade kitchen knives are produced in Oregon. They call their products “American-made cutlery for the no-limit cook.”
What We Like and Don’t Like About Benchmade Knives
Benchmade knives are highly regarded particularly by outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, military personnel, first responders, and knife enthusiasts in general. Benchmade knives are also backed by Benchmade’s Lifesharp Service. This means that you can ship your knives back to Benchmade at any time to have them sharpened, oiled, cleaned, or adjusted. I personally find this to be an absolutely huge benefit to choosing Benchmade knives.
In addition to the table knives, which came out in the spring of 2020, the American-made knife manufacturer now offers a meat crafter, a station knife, and a three-piece knife set that includes a chef knife, a utility knife, and a paring knife.
We recommend this line for those in need of a serious set of knives out in the wilderness or someone who wants to be on the front edge of product lines. If you want to get kitchen knives made by one of the most reputable companies in the world, Benchmade is another great choice.
4. The Virginia Boys Kitchens 8-inch Chef Knife (Editor’s Choice Award)
| Estimated Price | $90 |
| Type of Cutlery | Chef Knife |
| Material Steel | 420 High Carbon German Steel, Wood |
| Weight | 7 Ounces |
| Location Produced | Produced McLean, Virginia |
The Virginia Boys Kitchens Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Virginia Boys’ products are 100 percent made in the USA. For every purchase, a tree is planted, and there is a lifetime guarantee behind all their products. Based on their name, I don’t think I need to go into too much detail about where the company was founded or where they do their manufacturing.
What We Like and Don’t Like About The Virginia Boys Kitchens Knives
While the Virginia Boys Kitchen is well known for its beautifully designed cutting boards, their 8-inch precision, laser-cut Chef knife is an impressive contender in the world of kitchen knives.
The blade of the knife is made of high carbon stainless steel and tempered to a 58 Rockwell hardness, with a dishwasher-safe black walnut wood handle.
We recommend this knife for the patriot chef since all Virginia Boys Kitchen products are 100 percent American-made. This is certainly not the cheapest Chef knife in the world but compared to knives made overseas, it’s going to last a lot longer and provide you with a much more enjoyable cutting and food prep experience.
5. Case’s Cutlery 8-inch Chef Knife (Best Light Weight Chef Knife)
| Estimated Price | $45 to $300 |
| Type of Cutlery | Chef Knife |
| Material Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 6.2 Ounces |
| Location Produced | Bradford, Pennsylvania |
Case’s Household Cutlery’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
First and foremost, Case’s Household Cutlery kitchen knives are made in the United States with domestic and imported parts. The exact amount of materials that are imported is unknown, but we do know that they hire a lot of American workers and the quality of their products is extremely high. WR Case & Sons Cutlery Company has a 130-year-old legacy of superior craftsmanship, and like many of the other knife brands on this list, they too have a loyal following. The company started in Little Valley, New York but has since moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Case’s Household Cutlery Knives
Case’s Household Cutlery is a serious cutlery manufacturer worth investing your hard-earned dollars in. Their 8-inch Chef Knife is very high quality, and the company, in general, has been winning many awards. Recently, one of their EDC knives won the prestigious BLADE Magazine “American Made Knife of the Year” Award. They also offer a lot more than just a chef knife, and almost all of their knives are an incredible value and extremely well made.
We recommend this knife to anyone looking for functional, high-quality knives without a very high price tag. The only feature that we don’t like about these knives is that they are made with both domestic and imported materials, rather than all domestic.
We also like that their knives are offered in a variety of styles, and their knife blocks and handles are available in many wood types that look great.
6. Dexter-Russell 7-inch Duo-Edge Santoku Style Chef Knife (Best Santoku-style Chef Knife)
| Estimated Price | $40 |
| Type of Cutlery | Chef Knife |
| Material Steel | High-Carbon Steel |
| Weight | 4 Ounces |
| Location Produced | Southbridge, Massachusetts |
Dexter-Russell’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Dexter-Russell is another knife brand we really like, and their blades are very well designed with that beautiful “made in the USA” label stamped right on them. They offer just about every type you could possibly need in your kitchen, but the model we will be focusing on here is the Dexter-Russell 7-inch Duo-Edge Santoku Style Chef Knife. This is a great option for those looking for a smaller, lighter chef knife. A “Santoku” knife is the Japanese version of a chef knife and is very similar in style, just a bit smaller and with a wider blade.
This knife is made with DEXSTEEL, Dexter-Russell’s high-carbon, high-alloy American-made stainless steel. It has a soft non-slip grip and weighs 4. These knives are made in Massachusetts and have been made in America since 1818.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Dexter-Russell Knives
Dexter-Russell has been producing high-quality cutlery for over 200 years, making them one of the oldest knife makers on this list. Currently, about ninety percent of their knives are American made, the Northeastern United States.
If you’ve ever held or owned one of their knives, you can tell they are extremely high quality right away. These are the type of knives you can have for decades and pass them down from generation to generation. These knives are super-sharp, ergonomic, and well-priced.
The balance of the knife is great, and it’s perfect for anyone who prefers a lighter knife.
7. Warther Cutlery 5-inch Stainless Steel Steak Knives (Fanciest Steak Knives)
| Estimated Price | $50 to $600 |
| Type of Cutlery | Steak Knife Set |
| Material Steel | High-Carbon Steel |
| Weight | NA |
| Location Produced | Dover, Ohio |
Warther Cutlery’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Warther Cutlery has been handcrafting knives in the USA for over 100 years, and the company is still owned and run by its founder’s family. Warther Cutlery has a lifetime guarantee on its knives under normal kitchen use.
Their knives are absolutely stunning, and many of their knife sets also include a great-looking wooden case. Along with knives, they also make many other great cutting boards and storage options.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Warther Cutlery’s Knives
Warther Cutlery 5-inch stainless steel steak knives are tempered to a Rockwell 58-60 and come with a cherry, maple, or walnut engravable case. A definite conversation piece.
Our experience with Warther is limited, but during our research, we were blown away by their community. Phrases like “worth every penny,” “my favorite knife,” and “extraordinary quality” are things we’ve heard about these knives, and based on the fact that they’ve been in business for over 100 years, I think it’s obvious that they’re doing something right. A community like this only comes from a company that takes quality and craftsmanship seriously.
These knives are great for those looking for a premium knife set, and they also make a great gift, particularly because many of their sets come with the most beautiful wooden cases we’ve ever seen.
8. Buck 13-piece Kitchen Cutlery Set (Best Mid-Range Knife Block Set)
| Estimated Price | $600 |
| Type of Cutlery | Knife set |
| Material Steel | 420HC Stainless Steel, Wood, Slate |
| Weight | N/A |
| Location Produced | Post Falls, Idaho |
Buck’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
Buck is a 110-year-old company that uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver the highest quality of products to patrons. All Buck Knives are guaranteed to be free of defects in material or workmanship for the lifetime of the knife.
Their knives are one of the most popular in the outdoorsman community, but we’ve found their kitchen knives to be just as quality as their outdoor knives.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Buck Knives
The Buck 13-piece Kitchen Cutlery Set will give you everything you need to create culinary masterpieces. Buck still makes most of its products in the US, but be aware that in recent years they have shifted some of its manufacturing overseas.
Buck doesn’t cut corners, and this 4th generation, family-owned business is serious about its craftsmanship and quality.
They offer a wide range of kitchen knives and also knife sets in multiple sizes. Their two most popular sets are their six and three-piece sets, but they also sell individual knives for those of you who are just looking for a single knife.
We recommend this if you are looking for a good quality kitchen set that doesn’t break the bank. These are easily some of the highest quality American-made kitchen knives on the market right now. The only complaint we have about Buck knives, in general, is that some of them are starting to be made overseas, but the vast majority of their knives, including these, are made in the USA.
9. Rada Cutlery Serrated Steak Knife Set (Best Basic Steak Knife Set)
| Estimated Price | $50 |
| Type of Cutlery | Steak Knife Set |
| Material Steel | Surgical-grade T420 High-Carbon Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 12.5 ounces |
| Location Produced | Waverly, Iowa |
Rada Cutlery’s Origin and Manufacturing Locations
We’ve already talked bout Rada Cutlery, so we’ll keep this section short. If you’re looking for a standard set of steak knives, then Rada has got you covered. Rada uses super-hard surgical-grade T420 high-carbon stainless steel and comes with a satin aluminum or black resin handle.
As with all Rada knives, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. The Rada company will replace any product they manufacture due to defects in material or workmanship.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Rada Cutlery Serrated Steak Knife Sets
In general, with Rada knives, you get more than you pay for. That said, their knives are on the cheaper side so don’t expect the quality of a premium knife at a budget price. These knives will certainly get the job done at an affordable price, but they just don’t have that super high-end feel that some of the other knives we have discussed do. That said, for their price, Rada knives are surprisingly well made and durable. We also love that they have so many options in terms of set sizes and blade types. Overall, Rada cutlery is well-respected, and of good quality, so their kitchen knives might be perfect for you.
Their knives look great and get the job done at a fair price. For most people, that’s all they need or want! Rada Cutlery, without a doubt, makes some of the best kitchen knives made in the USA.
10. Buck 934 Small Paring knife (Best Mid-Range Paring Knife)
| Estimated Price | $50 |
| Type of Cutlery | Paring Knife |
| Material Steel | 420HC Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 2.8 Ounces |
| Location Produced | Post Falls, Idaho |
What We Like and Don’t Like About Buck Knives Paring Knife
We already talked about Buck Knives above, so we won’t cover that again here. I just wanted to share their paring knife because it is an outstanding little knife.
The Buck 934 Small Paring knife is 2 and 3/4 inches of raw, American-made pairing power. Made with stainless steel and a longer handle, this knife is extra maneuverable. The steel has been hardened to a Rockwell Hardness rating of 58, and like all Buck knives, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
We love the design of this knife. The blade is sharp, it’s easy to handle, and a great option for those with smaller hands. This is a solid find.
This seems to be a knife of choice for outdoorsmen or anyone who appreciated excellent craftsmanship.
11. Rada Cutlery’s Everyday Paring Knife (Best Budget Paring Knife)
| Estimated Price | $10 |
| Type of Cutlery | Paring Knife |
| Material Steel | T420 Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 1.5 ounces |
| Location Produced | Waverly, Iowa |
What We Like and Don’t Like About Rada Cutlery’s Everyday Paring Knives
Rada Cutlery’s Everyday Paring Knife is a six-¾-inch stainless steel blade with an aluminum handle.
As mentioned, the Iowa-based manufacturer has been producing cutlery in the USA since 1948. For those of you looking for a good paring knife that’s very cheap compared to many of the other paring knives that are made in America, this is a good option.
Rada Knives are a family favorite, especially for families who are looking for value. They are not only high-quality but seem to provoke a nostalgic joy in those familiar with these knives. For many, they’re not just getting a sharp, power knife; they are getting let in on a family secret.
We recommend this knife for those ballin’ on a budget but still want something classy and durable.
12. New West KnifeWorks G-Fusion 3-inch Paring Knife (Editor’s Choice Award)
| Estimated Price | $135 |
| Type of Cutlery | Paring Knife |
| Material Steel | High Carbon, Alloyed Steel |
| Weight | 2.3 ounces |
| Location Produced | Victor Idaho |
New West KnifeWorks’ Origin and Manufacturing Locations
New West KnifeWorks’ G-Fusion 3-inch paring knife is a stylish addition to any kitchen. It has a modified “drop point design,” a unique shape compared to typical paring knives, which New West says allows for a smoother glide through tougher fruits and vegetables.
Every New West G-Fusion product is made for maximum performance with high carbon, alloyed knife steel. G-Fusion knives are made in the US with American steel and are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
What We Like and Don’t Like About New West KnifeWorks Knives
Wallstreet Journal has called New West Knives “the Cadillac of its kind.” This company is serious about its workmanship and considers its products to be functional art. With all the knives in this line decked out with a multicolored eclectic handle, sporting names like “Huckleberry” and “Sunburst,” we’re inclined to agree.
We recommend this knife for those who see their knife as an extension of their hand in the kitchen and someone who’s willing to pay a higher price for something truly lovely.
Factors We Considered
Knife Type and Style:
A well-made knife makes a difference in several areas. A good set of knives can have a huge impact on the totality dish. When ingredients are not uniform in size, shape, or texture, this can negatively affect the intended flavors of a dish.
Additionally, the presentation of a dish is highly dependent on the cuts from a knife. If you are spending a great amount of time preparing a meal, would you want the end product to look bad? It may taste great, and all the flavors complement each other well. However, when dicing, slicing, and chopping, it’s important for the vegetables and herbs to have a similar appearance.
The Right Knife for the Right Job is a Must-have
Paring Knives:
The paring knife is used to cut, chop and slice fruits and vegetables. They can be used to make garnishes, create small precision cuts, and peel. The paring knife is easily able to do what a chef knife cannot, such as removing seeds from produce and making small, detailed shapes in foods.
Steak Knives:
It’s equally important to evaluate steak knives because the chef isn’t the only one who needs a good knife. Steak knives, sometimes referred to as table knives, are typically small, serrated, and used for cutting main dishes.
Chef Knife:
The chef knife is likely to be the tool you use most in the kitchen. If you can only buy one knife, a durable, well-manufactured American-made chef knife is the way to go. The chef knife is the most versatile knife for all types of cooking. Chef knives have curved blades, which allow for the steady rolling motion required for chopping and dicing. Chef knives can be used on thicker, harder, and more oddly shaped fruits and vegetables. With a good chef knife, you can usually cut all of the ingredients needed for a dish.
Because this knife can stand alone and really be a tool for all actions—chopping, dicing, mincing, slicing, etc—a chef knife has several points that should be considered when determining the best one to choose.
Handle/Grip: This might be the most important part of the knife for a chef, aside from the blade, because the handle is the part of the knife you actually make contact with. The handle should feel comfortable in your hand, and the grip should be easy. It also should feel stable in your hand when wet.
Feel:
Knife ergonomics is a personal preference. Within knife feel, you might consider several factors.
Weight: Some cooks prefer a heavier knife because they think it does more of the work for them, as a heavier knife is likely to fall with more force. Some people prefer a lighter knife because it allows them to be more nimble and fluid with their movements.
Balance: Balance means when holding the knife, it shouldn’t feel significantly heavier on either end or when making contact with the cutting surface, tend toward a particular side.
Blade:
The shape, sharpness, size, and material of the blade are the quintessential characteristics of the knife.
Knife expert, Eytan Zias, recommends a knife with a sharp edge that runs the entire length of the blade. Some knives have a bolster or a thick piece of metal at the handle end, which in his opinion, isn’t good for anything. Some experts may say it makes a knife more stable, but in Zia’s opinion, it’s better to have the full surface of the blade to cut with.
The harder the material, the more resistant to knicks, and the less they need to be sharpened. Some manufacturers provide information on the Rockwell Hardness score of their materials. The Rockwell scale is a hardness scale based on the indentation susceptibility of a material. The best quality knives have a Rockwell Hardness rating of 60 and above. The steel in this range is hard and will retain its edge for a great length of time.
The standard length for a chef knife is 8 inches; however, there are shorter and longer variations, dependent upon preference. Typically ranging from 6-14 inches. A longer 10-inch blade is only advisable for taller individuals and carries a greater risk of unintentional injury is too big for the user. A 6 or 7-inch blade will allow for greater control, but obviously, with a smaller cutting area, the volume will be reduced when cutting, and it will be harder to cut large items, such as watermelon, or harder items, like a sweet potato.
Durability:
Several of the companies we reviewed have been producing high-quality cutlery for hundreds of years. We specifically looked for mentions of the length of time people have been able to satisfactorily use their knives. No one wants to spend time and money replacing cutlery. Being able to purchase a well-made knife or set of knives that stand the test of time was an important factor.
Material:
Chef knives typically come in carbon steel, stainless steel, or high carbon stainless steel. Carbon steel knives are stronger, so will stay sharper longer, but they are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel is much more resistant to rust and corrosion but requires more frequent sharpening. High carbon stainless steel will stay sharp and resist rust but are more expensive.
Wrapping Things Up:
When talking about the best of the best for kitchen cutlery, the conversation is typically geared toward Japanese or German knives. German knives are known for their heft and quality, and Japanese knives are the go-to for a light, ultra-sharp knife.
However, many people still prefer to support American-made products and companies. The knives we’ve listed are high-quality knives, and the products of any of these countries may not necessarily be superior to others.
We found some really great companies with a commitment to quality and country that are worth considering. That said, if you know of any great knives that we left off this list, let us know in the comments below. We’re looking for more great products to add, especially handmade kitchen knives made in the USA. If you know of any, let us know.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Choosing products made in America is important to me because it supports local economies, creates jobs, helps the environment, and ensures ethical labor practices. I also find that American made products are usually of higher quality so although they’re a little more expensive, you save money in the long run. Before starting this website I was in the USMC infantry and nowadays I work on this website as a hobby.
Nice to see Benchmade on this list. Their Lifesharp service is what keeps me going back to them.
Yes, Benchmade is one of my go-to companies for pocket knives too!
I used to work for Cutco and I have to say their knives really are outstanding, albeit probably still a little overpriced. Sadly right now I can’t even afford them so I’m looking for something a little more mid tier. I think I’ll try Virginia Boys.
Hey Krissy, I’ve had multiple representatives from Cutco come to my house and do their demonstration and I was seriously impressed. They cut a penny in half with their scissors and cut through rope-like butter. Their knives hold an edge well too. Let me know what knives you choose and how they work out for you.