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Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set

Block SetsCalphalon

Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set

8.8

Whetstone scoreEditorial rating from spec, steel and build analysis. Not a customer rating.

The Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set delivers a well-rounded, stylish, and functional cutlery collection suited for both everyday cooking and more detailed kitchen tasks.

  • SteelHigh-carbon stainless

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The verdict

The Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set delivers a well-rounded, stylish, and functional cutlery collection suited for both everyday cooking and more detailed kitchen tasks. The full tang construction and precision blades offer excellent performance, while the built-in sharpener adds long-term convenience rarely found in sets at this price. Minor drawbacks like the lighter steak knives and aggressive sharpener are easily outweighed by the set's overall value, versatility, and sleek design, making it a strong choice for home cooks seeking a complete, reliable knife collection.

8.8Whetstone score for the Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set

Spec sheet

Specifications

Steel family

High-carbon stainless

General-purpose high-carbon stainless used across most block sets and budget knives.

Upkeep

Material
High-carbon stainless steel
Number of Pieces
17
Block Material
Walnut-finish hardwood
Handle Type
Full tang, ergonomic design
Care Instructions
Hand wash recommended
Category
Knife Block Sets
Maker
Calphalon

Trade-offs

Pros & cons

What we like

  • Built-in sharpener keeps blades consistently sharp without extra tools
  • Full tang design offers excellent balance and durability
  • Attractive, space-saving block fits well on most countertops
  • Comprehensive set covers nearly all kitchen cutting needs
  • Comfortable handles reduce hand fatigue during extended use
  • Stainless steel resists staining and corrosion over time

What to know

  • Some steak knives in the set feel lighter-weight than the main knives
  • Block design only allows knives to be inserted at specific slot sizes
  • Built-in sharpener can be overly aggressive with frequent use
  • Hand-washing required despite stainless construction, as dishwasher use dulls blades faster
  • Higher price point compared to basic knife sets

Highlights

What stands out

  1. 0117-piece set includes chef's, bread, utility, paring, and steak knives
  2. 02Premium high-carbon stainless steel blades for long-lasting sharpness
  3. 03Full tang construction for balance and control
  4. 04Precision-forged bolster for comfortable, secure grip
  5. 05Built-in sharpener embedded in the block for convenient blade maintenance
  6. 06Sleek walnut-finish hardwood storage block with contemporary design
  7. 07Includes kitchen shears for added versatility

In depth

Full review

The Calphalon Contemporary 17 Piece Knife Block Set brings a complete, professional-grade cutlery collection to the home kitchen, pairing precision performance with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Each blade is crafted from high-carbon, no-stain steel that has been precision forged and tapered from bolster to tip, delivering the kind of balance and edge retention that serious home cooks and culinary enthusiasts expect. The set includes essential pieces such as an 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 7-inch santoku, 6-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and a dedicated set of steak knives, ensuring that nearly every kitchen task, from slicing crusty bread to breaking down proteins, is covered without needing to purchase additional blades.

What sets this collection apart is the thoughtful design woven into every component, including the sturdy hardwood block that stores the knives safely and stylishly on any countertop. The block's slots are arranged to accommodate each blade length properly, protecting the edges from dulling against other metal while also keeping fingers safe during storage and retrieval. The handles themselves are engineered with a comfortable, ergonomic profile and a textured, slip-resistant grip, allowing for confident control whether you're performing delicate paring work or heavier chopping motions. The brushed stainless steel accents along the bolster and handle give the entire set a contemporary, upscale look that complements modern kitchen decor while still feeling durable and purpose-built for daily use.

Beyond the core knives, this 17-piece set typically rounds out the collection with kitchen shears and a sharpening steel, giving users the tools needed to maintain blade sharpness over time and handle miscellaneous cutting tasks like opening packaging or trimming herbs. Calphalon's reputation for quality construction shines through in the full-tang design of the larger knives, which enhances durability and reduces the likelihood of wobble or breakage at the handle junction. Easy to clean and built to withstand the rigors of regular meal preparation, this knife block set is designed for cooks who want a cohesive, reliable, and good-looking cutlery solution that handles everything from everyday dinners to more involved culinary projects, all organized neatly in one elegant block.

Ready to cut?

Calphalon Contemporary 17-Piece Knife Block Set

Block Sets · High-carbon stainless · score 8.8/10

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