Best Cutco Knives Reviewed: Top Picks and Buying Guide

A good kitchen knife can make cooking feel a whole lot easier, and let’s be honest, safer too. Cutco is a name you see a lot if you’re looking for sharp blades, comfy handles, and that famous lifetime guarantee. Cutco knives have got a pretty loyal following among home cooks and pros alike.

If you’re shopping for Cutco knives, there’s a handful of things to think about. Blade material and sharpness matter for cutting all sorts of foods. Handle design and weight really affect how the knife feels in your hand. And then, some folks want a full set, while others just need one good knife. It all depends on how much you cook, honestly.

We spent hours digging into Cutco’s lineup, testing and researching their most popular knives. Our goal? Find the ones that actually make prep work easier and feel good to use day after day.

Buying Guide

It’s worth taking a little time to compare these features so you get knives that actually suit your kitchen and don’t let you down after a few months.

These items should be considered before buying:

Blade Material:
A solid blade should use good-quality steel. Stainless steel’s a favorite since it doesn’t rust and cleans up fast.

Handle Grip:
A comfortable handle really matters. Go for one that fits your hand and doesn’t get slippery.

Edge Type:
Some knives have a straight edge, others are serrated. Straight edges work best for slicing, serrated ones are better for tough stuff.

Balance and Weight:
A knife that’s balanced just feels right. If it’s too heavy or too light, your hand’s going to complain after a while.

Maintenance:
Check if you can sharpen and clean the knife easily. Some need special sharpeners, but others you can handle at home.

Top Cutco Knives

We’ve rounded up the top Cutco knives to help you find what fits your kitchen best. Our picks cover a range of needs, so hopefully you’ll spot something that feels right.

Cutco Table Knife (Model 1759)

If you want sharpness, comfort, and a knife that just works for almost anything at the table, this one’s an easy pick.

Pros

• Stays sharp for ages
• Feels good and balanced in your hand
• Works for all sorts of foods and tasks

Cons

• Costs more than most table knives
• Needs hand-washing to keep it looking good
• Only comes in one handle color

When we tried the Cutco Table Knife, it sliced through steak, veggies, even crusty bread without a hitch. That Double-D serrated edge gives you clean cuts with no tearing or squishing. The handle’s sturdy and fits well, even when you’re prepping a lot.

We used it for steak, chicken, slicing tomatoes, and even spreading butter. The balance made every cut easier, so kitchen work just felt smoother.

The price did make us hesitate, but the free sharpening and lifetime replacements make it feel like a safe bet. If you want simple, sharp, and reliable, the Cutco Table Knife is worth it.

Cutco 7″ Santoku Knife

The Cutco 7″ Santoku stands out for its sharpness and a handle that just feels right.

Pros

• Slices veggies and meat with zero fuss
• Handle feels secure, even if your hands are damp
• Edge stays sharp for a long time

Cons

• More expensive than most similar knives
• Doesn’t win any style points
• Blade might feel too big for tiny tasks

When we tested the Cutco Santoku, the balance was the first thing we noticed. Chopping onions or carrots was a breeze, and the blade glided right through. The handle’s shape gave us confidence, even when things got a bit messy.

We appreciated how the edge held up, even after weeks of chopping. Slicing tomatoes or meat was still easy. It’s simple to wash, and the handle never picked up odors. Plus, you can toss it in the dishwasher if you’re in a rush.

The price is definitely up there. While it’s a great performer, you’re paying for that quality and the lifetime guarantee. If you want something lighter, flashier, or more compact, this might not be your first pick. But for reliability and long-term use, the Cutco 7″ Santoku is hard to beat.

Cutco Trimmer Knife

If you want a kitchen knife that’ll stick around and perform, the Cutco Trimmer Knife is a smart choice. It’s built tough and cuts like a champ.

Pros

• Handle stays comfy and grippy, even during marathon prep
• Blade slices cleanly through veggies, meats, and bread
• Lifetime sharpening and replacement warranty is a huge plus

Cons

• Costs more than typical kitchen knives
• Handle might feel bulky for smaller hands
• Serrated blade isn’t easy to sharpen at home

We got good results with the Trimmer right out of the box. The high carbon stainless steel blade handled tomatoes, bread, and more without any trouble. The full tang and triple rivets meant we always felt in control.

The handle never slipped, no matter how long we used it. Even after a full day in the kitchen, our hands weren’t sore. The material is tough. Our blade still looked new after lots of washing and daily use.

One thing we really like is the lifetime warranty. Cutco will sharpen or replace it, which is reassuring. Sure, it’s an investment, but the quality and service make it feel worth it.

Cutco Nakiri Knife

If you prep a lot of vegetables and want a knife that’s both effective and easy to handle, this is a strong pick.

Pros

• Great control for clean veggie chopping
• Edge holds up after lots of use
• Handle feels good, even during long sessions

Cons

• Costs more than some other brands
• Not dishwasher safe
• Blade’s best for produce, not proteins

The Cutco Nakiri Knife made quick work of onions, carrots, and greens. The blade shape made it easy to scoop chopped food into a pan, and the rocking motion felt natural.

The handle stayed comfortable and secure, even after a big chopping session. We didn’t have to stop to sharpen it, which was a relief. The edge just kept going.

It’s not cheap, but the quality and ease of use are obvious. If you mostly prep veggies, it’s a reliable option. If you want a general-purpose knife, though, you might want to look elsewhere.

Cutco Gourmet Paring Knife

If you’re after a sharp, reliable paring knife that fits nicely in your hand and won’t let you down, this one’s a real contender.

Pros

• Stays sharp with at-home care
• Comfortable handle, easy grip
• Lifetime guarantee included

Cons

• Higher price compared to some brands
• Might be too big for very detailed work
• Only a few color choices

When we tried the Cutco Gourmet Paring Knife, we could tell right away it fit our hand well. The handle gave us good control and didn’t slip, whether we sliced something small or something tougher. Cutting apples, peeling potatoes, and prepping veggies felt easy. It’s lightweight but still feels sturdy and balanced.

Sharpening at home took just a few minutes. The straight-edge blade held its edge even after a week of daily use, which saved us some hassle. The full-length tang really gives it a solid feel. There is no wobbling when pushing through harder foods.

The Cutco forever guarantee is a huge plus. If something ever goes wrong, Cutco has your back. If you’re putting together a kitchen set or swapping out old knives, this paring knife is a strong choice.

Cutco Cheese Knife 5.5″ Serrated

If you want a cheese knife that can handle both hard and soft foods with ease, this one stands out.

Pros

• Slices through cheese and produce without much effort
• Feels sturdy and balanced in our hands
• Perforations prevent foods from sticking to the blade

Cons

• Handle feels bulky if you have small hands
• Knife is pricier than most similar options
• Serrated edge requires careful cleaning to keep sharp

We put the Cutco Cheese Knife to work and noticed the blade glides through all kinds of cheese. The serrated edge made cutting tough cheddar or soft brie almost effortless. Those holes in the blade? They really do cut down on cheese and fruit sticking, which keeps things moving and the slices looking decent.

It also does a nice job with tomatoes and potatoes. We used it for a cheese board at a party, and it didn’t slow us down. The grip feels solid, though if your hands are on the small side, the handle might seem a bit chunky.

This knife just feels dependable. It stays sharp and can take a beating. Honestly, it makes a great gift for anyone who likes to entertain. Even after plenty of use, the blade kept its edge. For us, it’s a go-to cheese knife, but it’s handy for more than just cheese.

Cutco 19-Piece Knife Set with Cherry Wood Stand

If you want a high-quality, long-lasting knife set for everyday cooking, the Cutco 19-Piece Set should be on your radar.

Pros

• Handles feel sturdy and comfortable in our hands
• Blades stay sharp for years with basic care
• A wide variety of knife styles to cover every prep need

Cons

• Set is expensive compared to other brands
• Wooden stand is not compact for small kitchens
• Not dishwasher safe, so cleaning can take extra time

Each knife in this Cutco set just feels right in the hand. The cherry wood stand looks classic on the counter, though it’s not exactly space-saving. We used the paring, trimmer, and carver knives for all sorts of prep, and everything felt balanced and sliced smoothly.

The variety is great. There is a knife for every job, from dicing veggies to trimming meats. The high-carbon stainless steel blades keep their edge with regular use, and sharpening them is pretty straightforward.

This set does require a bigger investment upfront. You’ll need to hand-wash the knives, which isn’t a big deal but does take a little more care. Still, if you want tools that perform and last, the Cutco 19-Piece Knife Set delivers.

Cutco 21-Piece Kitchen Knife Set

This kitchen knife set is a solid pick for anyone who cares about durability, sharpness, and comfort in daily cooking.

Pros

• Extremely sharp blades make food prep easy
• Handles feel comfortable and secure
• Stays rust-free and holds an edge over time

Cons

• Expensive compared to many other sets
• Not dishwasher safe
• The full guarantee might not apply for resold products

Using the Cutco 21-Piece Kitchen Knife Set, we noticed right away how sharp every blade was. Slicing even tough veggies or fruits felt smooth, and the blades didn’t seem to dull fast. The Double-D edge really does make every cut efficient, no matter how you move the knife.

The handles are molded to fit the hand and don’t slip, even after long prep sessions. The knives have a nice, balanced weight that gives you confidence in your grip. Kitchen shears, a peeler, and a sharpener round out the set, so we end up reaching for it almost every day.

Yes, it costs more than many other sets, but the lasting sharpness and solid feel are worth it. We just have to remember to hand-wash them. The guarantee is a bonus, though it might not always transfer if you buy secondhand. This is something to keep in mind.

Cutco Pearl Knife Set + Cherry Block

This set is a good fit for anyone who wants sharp, reliable, and comfortable knives for daily cooking.

Pros

• Handles feel comfortable and solid to grip
• Knives come extremely sharp and cut with little effort
• The set covers every kitchen task we faced

Cons

• The price is high compared to some other sets
• The block takes up a lot of counter space
• Pearl handles might stain if not careful

Testing the Cutco 19 Piece Pearl Knife Set, we found the knives impressively sharp right out of the box. Slicing veggies, meats, and bread was almost effortless. The handles fit comfortably, so prepping larger meals didn’t leave our hands tired.

The cherry wood block looks good and keeps everything tidy. It’s a nice upgrade if you want a complete kitchen set. Every piece has its spot, and the included sharpener keeps things ready between uses.

The set is heavy and does eat up counter space, so it’s not ideal for tiny kitchens. Pearl handles look great but need a little extra care to avoid stains. Still, if you’re after a full, dependable knife set that feels great to use, this one’s worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about Cutco knives, mostly about their price, quality, and where to buy. Here’s what we know, for what it’s worth.

What factors contribute to the high cost of Cutco knives?

Cutco knives are made in the USA with high-carbon stainless steel. Their customer service is well-known, and the “Forever Guarantee” covers repairs and sharpening.

The company sells directly, so you won’t see the usual discounts or sales you find at big stores.

How do Cutco knives compare to Wusthof in terms of quality and performance?

Cutco knives are lighter and have a unique handle design, which makes them easy to hold. Wusthof knives are heavier, with forged blades that a lot of pros like for their balance and precision.

Both brands keep a sharp edge, but Wusthof usually gives you better control if you’re into more advanced cooking.

Can Cutco knife sets be purchased at wholesale retailers such as Costco?

Yes, Cutco knives are sold at wholesale clubs like Costco. Cutco also sells through direct retailers.

What are the common complaints or issues reported in Cutco knives reviews?

Some folks say Cutco knives are pricey compared to similar brands. The handle shape isn’t for everyone, and some people find it uncomfortable after a while.

Others mention the knives are stamped, not forged, which turns off some experienced cooks.

How often does Consumer Reports feature reviews on Cutco knives?

Consumer Reports doesn’t cover Cutco knives much. When they do, it’s usually as part of bigger knife brand roundups or general knife reviews.

Other brands seem to show up more often in their regular tests and lists.

Are there specific Cutco knives that are recommended by professional chefs?

Most professional chefs don’t really go for Cutco knives in commercial kitchens. They usually reach for brands like Wusthof or Shun because those just feel better in the hand and offer more control.

Still, plenty of home cooks and some casual chefs enjoy using the Cutco chef’s knife or trimmer. They’re easy to handle, and that lifetime warranty is pretty appealing.

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