Finding knives that are durable, efficient, beautiful, and affordable can be a tall order. But luckily, there are several products that don’t require you to break the bank while experiencing beautiful knives that can get the job done.
That’s why I chose the Sabatier Forged 15-Piece Set. This Sabatier knife set combines beautiful aesthetics and solid quality at an affordable price point.
But there are other choices that may be a better fit. Sabatier knives won’t have the same durability and quality as a more expensive brand. Additionally, some may prefer a sharpening slot over honing steel.
For these reasons, I’ve broken down the pros and cons of different Sabatier knife sets.
Which one is the best for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Contents
Sabatier Knives Guide
Sabatier knives began in Thiers, France, at the turn of the 19th century. These French-style knives were fully forged and made from quality steel. Since then, the Sabatier name has become synonymous with high-quality knives. Companies in Thiers are still producing knives with the same attention to detail and quality.
But there’s a major caveat.
Because the name “Sabatier” came into use before copyright laws, it’s fair game, if you will. For that reason, a host of companies in the culinary world bear the name Sabatier while making low-quality knives.
For a knife to be a traditional Sabatier knife, it must be fully-forged and manufactured in the Thiers region.
Are Sabatier Knives Good?
That depends on which of the many Sabatier brands you’re referring to. The Sabatier knives in this Sabatier knives review are manufactured by Lifetime Brands, the company responsible for Farberware and KitchenAid.
These are the most popular and widely available Sabatier knives.
However, these Sabatier knife collections are manufactured in China, so they’re not traditional Sabatier knives.
Yet, they are forged from carefully-selected carbon stainless steel using the traditional Sabatier knife-making methods. They feature the Sabatier logo and are available at a lower price point than many French knives.
Sabatier Knife Reviews
Sabatier Forged Triple Rivet Knife Block Set, 15-Piece: Best Overall
This Sabatier 15-Piece Knife Block Set comes with a choice between black or white handles and includes the following pieces:
- 8-inch (20 cm) Chef’s knife
- 8-inch (20 cm) slicer
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) Santoku
- 5. 5-inch (14 cm) serrated Utility knife
- 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) utility knife
- 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) paring knife
- (6) 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) steak knife set
- Sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Acacia knife block
Each blade is fully forged from high-carbon stainless steel, so it’s resistant to stains and corrosion. The triple-riveted handles are ergonomically designed and offer a sure and comfortable grip.
Several user reviews mentioned how sharp these Sabatier knives are. Others were not as impressed with their cutting performance.
But one thing all customers agreed on was how beautiful these knives are. Even better? Those aesthetics won’t cost you a fortune. This Sabatier knife set is quite affordable.
What customers didn’t like? This set is prone to rusting. It’s very important to hand wash these knives and dry them immediately. The longer they stay wet, the more quickly rust will set in.
While the handles are pretty, several people had issues with the handles cracking and staining.
Overall, customers were pleased with these knives. Just realize they’ll eventually need replacing, for one reason or another.
Pros
- Attractive set
- High carbon steel blade
- Comfy grip
- Affordable
Cons
- Made in China
- Prone to rusting
Sabatier Edgekeeper Pro 12-Piece Forged Triple Rivet Knife Block Set: Best Self-Sharpening
Next on our list is the Sabatier Edgekeeper Pro set, which comes with 12 pieces. Watch this manufacturer video to see the highlights of this collection and to see a Sabatier Chef’s knife in action:
This set comes with the following:
- 8-inch (20 cm) Chef’s knife
- 8-inch (20 cm) slicer
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) hollow edge Chef knife
- 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) fine-edge utility knife
- 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) paring knife
- (6) 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) steak knife set
- Edgekeeper self-sharpening block
This set is available in either black or grey handles with stainless steel end caps on the larger knives. The sleek black knife block has built-in self-sharpening slots with integrated ceramic rods.
These ceramic rods automatically hone the cutlery every time the knives are removed or placed back into the block. This does not include the slots for the steak knives, though.
Each forged Sabatier knife has a high-carbon stainless steel blade for maximum sharpness. The slightly ergonomically shaped handle maximizes comfort, while the full tang and triple rivets give this set durability.
The steak knives do not have a serrated edge, which some liked and others did not. That really boils down to personal preference.
User reviews were mixed for these Sabatier knives. Many customers said their knives were sharp. They also said that they’re well-balanced even though the knives are lightweight.
A lot of people liked the look of the knives and block, but several had problems with rusting blades and handles. These knives are not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is essential.
Not only that, but you must dry them immediately. Proper care will help prevent rusting, although some users still had problems even after proper care.
If you live in a humid environment or are worried about rust, I recommend lightly oiling (with food-grade oil) the knives after washing and drying. This will help prevent humidity from reaching them.
Pros
- Built-in knife sharpener
- Well-balanced, light
- High carbon steel blades
- Affordable
Cons
- Prone to rusting
- Not as durable
- Made in China
Sabatier Forged Triple Rivet Edgekeeper Knife Block Set, 15-Piece: Overall Runner-Up
This Sabatier Edgekeeper 15-Piece knife set is available in a black or white handle and includes the following pieces:
- 8-inch (20 cm) Chef’s knife
- 6-inch (15.2 cm) slicer
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) Santoku knife
- 5-inch (15.2 cm) serrated Utility knife
- 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) fine-edge Utility
- 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) paring knife
- 3-inch (7.6 cm) bird’s beak knife
- (6) 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) steak knife set
- All-purpose shears
- Acacia knife block
Unlike the Edgekeeper Pro knife blocks, this block does not have self-sharpening slots for each of the knives. But it does come with a built-in knife sharpener that can be used with any of the knives.
The handles on the Edgekeepers set have an ergonomic design with perfect balance for optimal control. All are full tang, with the larger knives having a stainless steel end cap.
The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel for maximum sharpness.
One knife that’s different in this set is the bird’s beak knife. This curved paring blade is great for trimming fruits, slicing strawberries, and peeling apples. It’s a task-specific blade, so its utility depends on your personal use.
Like the other sets, this one comes with six straight-edged steak knives. Also like the other sets, these knives are definitely not dishwasher-safe.
These are sharp knives, but several users had issues with rusted or imperfect blades upon receipt. It may depend on the individual seller, but there seemed to be more quality control issues with this set.
Pros
- Sharp
- Well-balanced
- Attractive design
- Affordable
Cons
- Reports of stained or rusted knives
- Made in China
- Too lightweight (feel cheap)
Sabatier Slim-Style Forged Japanese Stainless Steel Triple Rivet Small Prep Knife Set with Bamboo Storage Block, 5-Piece: Best Starter Set
The smallest and most affordable set on our list is this Sabatier Slim Knife Set. It comes with the following 5 pieces:
- 6-inch (15.2 cm) Chef’s knife
- 5-inch (15.2 cm) serrated Utility knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) Santoku knife
- 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) paring knife
- Bamboo wood storage block
Each knife blade is forged from Japanese stainless steel for blade retention. The ergonomic handles are comfortable and have triple rivets for security and durability.
The knife blades in this set are on the shorter side, so they’re not suited for larger items like melons, pineapple, or eggplants. The Santoku blade has a hollow structure so foods won’t stick to it while cutting.
These knives have a full bolster (the part of the blade that meets the handle) for superb balance and control. And the bamboo storage block is designed to save space on the counter.
Customers were happy with these knives. They liked the serrated edge of the utility blade for a variety of sawing cuts, while the Chef and Santoku knives were good for chopping, dicing, and slicing fruits and vegetables.
The biggest issue is the knife block. While the slim design saves space in the kitchen, it isn’t well-balanced. This set isn’t always available, either, which is inconvenient.
Pros
- Space-saving
- Sharp knives
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Shorter blades
- Reports of unbalanced block
The Alternatives
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Zwilling Pro 12 Piece Block Knife Set: Best Splurge
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels is one of the most reputable names in kitchen cutlery. This 12-piece Zwilling Pro Set includes a 4-inch (10.2 cm) parer, 5-inch (12.7 cm) serrated knife, 7-inch (17.8 cm) Santoku, 8-inch (20 cm) bread knife, 8-inch (20 cm) Chef knife, four 4.5-inch (11.4 cm) steak knives, kitchen shears, sharpening steel, and wooden block.
The blade is forged from a single piece of steel and has a high carbon content to stay sharp for a long time. The full bolster supports the pinch grip, and the ergonomic handle makes chopping vegetables a breeze.
As far as knife sets go, this one is excellent in terms of quality and performance. Customers raved about their Zwilling Pro 12-Piece set. However, this quality comes at a cost. This knife set is significantly more expensive than any of the Sabatier knives reviewed here, making them better for those with a flexible budget.
Pros
- High-quality forged blade
- Sharp edge
- Superb edge retention
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Expensive
You can also buy this knife set directly from the manufacturer, Zwilling.
Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set: Best Bargain Pick
If you’re looking for a budget knife set as an alternative to Sabatier French knives, this Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Block Set is both affordable and high-performing.
The set includes an 8-inch (20 cm) Chef Knife, 8-inch (20 cm) Slicing Knife, 7-inch (17.8 cm) Santoku Knife, 5.5-inch (14 cm) serrated utility, 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) parer, 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) bird’s beak paring, six 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) steak knives, sharpening steel, all-purpose shears and wooden storage block.
Each blade is made from high-quality carbon stainless steel for precision and edge retention. These steel knives have ergonomic handles with a hollow structure for balance and control.
The customer reviews on this set were glowing. People loved this knife set and its top-notch performance. The biggest complaint? Some had issues with rusting. It’s important to hand wash these knives with mild detergent and dry them immediately to avoid any rust. These are most definitely not dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Sleek stainless handles
- High-quality blade
- Affordable
Cons
- Prone to rust
- Not dishwasher-safe
Knife Buying Guide
Handles
The best knives are comfortable, non-slip, and durable. To meet all those goals, only the best handles will do.
When it comes to handle materials, there are several options. A wooden handle is common, as well as steel and polymer. Each material has its own advantages, but an ergonomic design is key.
Blade Quality
When discussing a knife’s cutting performance, it all comes down to the blade. A cheap, thin blade won’t cut well or last. When considering which knife to get, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Blade Material
The primary material for most blades is steel. The higher the carbon content, however, the better edge retention. All the options on our list have a higher carbon content and are corrosion-free knives. To keep your knife sharp, use a sharpener or honing steel.
Angle (Sharpness)
The angle to which a blade is sharpened determines the types of cuts it can handle. A blade with an angle of 13-20 degrees per side is the most common and can handle most everyday kitchen cutting tasks.
Bolster
The bolster is the part of the knife where the blade meets the handle. A good knife will have a bolster that helps encourage proper grip while not getting in the way of the cutting edge. A full bolster is typically considered better, but that depends on the quality of the bolster.
Forged or Stamped
Forged blades are formed from a single piece of metal. Stamped knives are cut out, or “stamped,” from a thin sheet of metal. Stamped blades are normally lower-quality knives. Forged blades are considered better quality. They also run more expensive than stamped blades.
Tang
A full tang means the blade extends all the way through the handle. A partial tang means the blade only extends part of the way into the handle. A full tang generally gives more stability and durability to the knife. If you’ve ever had a cheap knife with a blade that fell out of the handle, you know what I’m talking about.
How to Clean Kitchen Knives
Some manufacturers advertise their knives as dishwasher-safe, but most are not. Even the ones that are won’t last as long if cleaned in the dishwasher. For the best results, wash your kitchen knives by hand with warm water and mild detergent. Towel dry immediately and thoroughly before storing.
How to Store Kitchen Knives
To prevent damage to the blade, it’s best to store kitchen knives in a storage block. In the absence of a block, you can also store the knives in a drawer with a protective sheath or cover. Some people also attach their knives to a magnetic strip.
Sabatier Knife Reviews: The Last Word
So what are the best Sabatier knives? I would go with the Sabatier Forged 15-Piece Set. This is one of the best knife sets in the Sabatier line. It’s also affordable and beautiful to look at.
If you have the room in your budget, however, I would go with the Zwilling J.A. Henckel’s Zwilling Pro 15-Piece Set. The quality and performance are simply unmatched by the other options on our list.
