A knife set is an investment that determines the quality and efficiency of kitchen work — professional knives cut more precisely, quickly and safely than cheap alternatives. A unified set with coordinated blade material and handle design makes working with different knives in one shift easier, reduces adaptation time and improves overall kitchen productivity. A professional knife set is a chef’s essential tool.
Typical contents of a knife set
A professional knife set usually contains the following knives according to kitchen needs. Chef’s knife (20–25 cm) — a versatile knife for chopping vegetables, meat and herbs; the most frequently used knife in the kitchen. Bread knife with serrations — a serrated blade for slicing bread, ciabatta and other baked goods without crushing. Filleting knife (18–21 cm) — a flexible narrow blade for filleting fish and meat. Meat knife (25–30 cm) — a large and thick blade for large pieces of meat. Vegetable knife (14–16 cm) — a medium-sized knife for preparing vegetables and fruit. Small knife (9–11 cm) — a precise fine knife for peeling and decorating. Also explore kitchen knives.
Types of knife sets
Knife sets are available in various formats to suit different needs and storage options. Knife roll — a fabric or leather roll with pockets for each knife; convenient for transporting a chef’s personal set; a professional standard. Knife block — a wooden or plastic block with slots for each knife; countertop storage in the kitchen. Knife sheaths — individual sheaths with snap-on guards; HACCP compliant with colour-coded handles. Knife bag — a soft carrying case; compact; suitable for fast-food kitchens and travelling chefs. Magnetic knife strip — wall-mounted; saves counter space; a modern look in the kitchen. Also explore HACCP kitchen knives.
Knife blade materials and quality grades
The quality of a knife set largely depends on the blade material and processing. Stainless steel — X50CrMoV15 or similar alloyed steel; good edge retention; corrosion-resistant; the most popular HoReCa standard. Hollow ground — a thinner, bevelled blade; less resistance when cutting; suitable for precision cutting. Japanese stainless steel — higher hardness 60+ HRC; a finer, more precise blade; thinner; requires more frequent sharpening. Ceramic blade — very hard; requires specialised sharpening equipment; suitable for precision cutting. Also explore Japanese knives.
Knife maintenance and sharpening
Maintaining a professional knife set is essential to preserving the investment. Sharpening — regular sharpening with a water stone or oil stone; honing after each shift with a honing steel or rod. Cleaning — hand washing with warm water and neutral detergent; dishwashers are not recommended for premium knives. Storage — knife roll, magnetic strip or individual sheaths; never stack without protection. Handle care — oil wooden handles; clean plastic and stainless steel handles as standard. Also explore knife sharpeners.
HoReCa usage scenarios
A chef’s personal set — a knife roll with a full 6–8 knife set; a professional standard; the everyday work essential in any kitchen. A restaurant or canteen kitchen’s basic set — a 3–5 knife standard set per chef; stored in a block or magnetic strip at the workstation. Catering or banquet kitchen — an additional knife set for event preparation outside the main kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Which knife set is recommended for a beginner chef? A 3-knife basic set — a chef’s knife, bread knife and small knife; add other knives as needed. Explore the Knives and Boards range.
Are colour-coded handles required for HACCP requirements? In a HACCP system, different handle colours are recommended for knives used with different products; this reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Also explore SANELLI kitchen knives.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
