Product Review: Henckels 12 Piece Statement Knife Set

What’s Included

• 1x 8-inch chef’s knife
• 1x 7-inch hollow edge santoku knife
• 1x 8-inch bread knife
• 1x 3-inch paring knife
• 6x 4.5-inch steak knives
• 1x 9-inch sharpening steel
• 1x 11-slot hardwood storage block

To learn more about different types of knives and knife accessories, check out our introduction to kitchen knives (coming soon).

Our Take

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Set covers all the basics needed for at home cooks
• Includes a knife block for easy and safe countertop storage
• Includes a honing rod for easy knife maintenance to keep your knives working at peak performance
• Very sharp right out of the box
• Entry level price point allows you to enjoy the benefit of high quality knives while still learning what you like best before purchasing a high end set if desired
• Soft blade material allows for easy sharpening and durable knives
• Stainless steel blades are easy to take care of and won’t rust
• Plastic handles provide a timeless look that provides a durable and sure grip
• Full tang for balanced and weighted grip
• Dishwasher safe – while we never recommend putting any knife you care about in the dishwasher, it’s nice to know you can in a pinch

Cons:

• Soft blade material means knives need to be sharpened frequently (as is the case with most knives at low price points)
• Limited set does not have specialty knives for specific use cases (i.e. filet knife, cleaver, boning knife)
• Experienced chefs will find the blades dull
• Stamped blades are not as sharp or durable as forged blades
• No extra knife slots in the block

Product Specs

• Tang – full
• Production Method – stamped
• Blade material – stainless steel
• Blade hardness – not rated
• Handle material – plastic (ABS)
• Made in – China

Alternative Recommendations

While we don’t think you can get a better set for this price, we wanted to give you a couple alternative recommendations because nothing works for everyone. Here are some alternatives that are either a slight tier up, or tier down, from this Henckels Statement 12-piece set.

Tier Up

Henckels Classic 7-piece Self Sharpening Knife Set – While the price point is very similar to the 12 piece set, this 7 piece set features forged blades for added durability and sharpness. Stored in a self sharpening block you don’t have to fuss with a honing rod or whet stone. Just store your knives as you normally would and the block will ensure they are always as sharp as the day you got them. This set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch hollow edge santoku, 5.5-inch prep knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, and 4-inch paring knife.

Henckels Modernist 7-piece Self Sharpening Knife Set – This set is basically the same as the classic set above but with a sleek modern look. 

Cangshan Helena 12-piece Knife Set – With a step up in price, the Cangshan Helena series is a modern take on the classic black riveted handle and wood block. This set features forged knives made with a German steel and heat treated to a hardness of 58 for added strength and durability. With an 8-inch chef’s knife, 7-inch hollow edge santoku, 8-inch bread knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 4 steak knives, kitchen shears, and a honing rod, this set will leave you wanting for nothing.

Material Kitchen Knife Trio – While this is just a 3 knife set, it covers all the basic types of knives you need in your kitchen with a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. These knives are definitely a step up from any Henckels knives, but if you have the budget for them why not start with something you’ll fall in love with from the first slice? 

Tier Down

There aren’t any full sets that we recommend below this tier. However if you don’t currently have the money to spend on this set and are looking for something cheaper, then we recommend you buy a small set or a couple of individual knives. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Small Sets:

Henckels Statement 2 piece chef and paring knife set – Start yourself off with the two most used and most versatile knives from this beginner set that includes an 8-inch Chef’s knife and a 3-inch paring knife.

Henckels Statement 2 piece santoku and paring knife set – If you like the feel of a slightly smaller and lighter knife, check out this set which features a 7-inch santoku to go along with the 3-inch paring knife.

Individual Knives:

Mix and match Henckels Statement knives to fit your needs.

Henckels Statement Chef’s Knife – This 8-inch chef’s knife is the perfect well rounded kitchen tool. From slicing to dicing and everything in between, it will be your go-to knife.

Henckels Statement 5-inch Compact Chef’s Knife – Do you like the feel of a smaller knife? Or maybe you need a smaller knife, this 5-inch chef’s knife can do everything the 8-inch can do in a nice compact size.

Henckels Statement 7-inch Santoku Knife – The Santoku knife is the Japanese equivalent of the chef’s knife in a slightly smaller form factor. While it can do everything a chef’s knife can do, many people find it better suited for chopping vegetables and the like while preferring the chef’s knife for meats. The hollow edged blade helps keep food from sticking to the knife while chopping for added convenience. 

Henckels Statement Bread Knife – There isn’t much to explain here, if you have bread you need sliced, this knife will do the trick.

Henckels Statement Paring Knife – This 3-inch paring knife is perfect for any task needing smaller, more precise cuts. Whether it’s prepping fruit, cutting cheese, or scoring meat, this will likely be your second most used knife behind your chef’s knife (or santoku if that’s your style).

You can also check out our knife buying guide for other recommendations here (coming soon).