Astercook 13-Piece vs Cutluxe Artisan 5-Piece: Which Knife Set Should You Buy? (UK 2026)
🔪 Products Compared
📊 Specs Comparison
| Feature | Astercook 13-Piece | Cutluxe Artisan 5-Piece |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $79.99 |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Piece Count | 13 (6 knives + shears + 6 blade guards) | 5 knives (no storage included) |
| Blade Material | German 1.4116 High-Carbon Stainless Steel | German High-Carbon Steel (1.4116, 56–57 HRC) |
| Construction | Stamped blades with non-stick anti-rust coating | Full-tang, Granton edge at 14–16° per side |
| Handle Material | Polypropylene (lightweight, ergonomic) | Pakkawood (herringbone design) |
| Storage | 6 plastic blade guards included | Blockless, designed for drawer or magnetic strip |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Hand-wash recommended |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
* Astercook Knife Set, 13 Pieces
- * Exceptional value: a complete 13-piece kitchen kit for under $20, roughly $1.54 per piece
- * Genuinely dishwasher safe through repeated cycles, a rare feature at this price point
- * Non-stick anti-rust coating resists corrosion and stops food sticking during cutting
- * Lightweight polypropylene handles reduce fatigue during long meal prep sessions
- ❌ Stamped blades lose their edge faster than full-tang forged steel, expect more frequent sharpening over time
- ❌ Only 6 blade guards for 13 pieces; without a block, some knives go unprotected in storage
* Cutluxe Kitchen Knife Set, 5-Piece Artisan Series
- * Full-tang German steel at 56–57 HRC delivers substantially better edge retention than stamped budget blades
- * Granton edge reduces drag and food adhesion, noticeably useful when slicing fish, meat, or soft vegetables
- * Pakkawood handles with herringbone texture provide a premium, ergonomic grip that doesn't slip when wet
- * Named a best bang-for-your-buck pick by CNN Underscored (2026), rare third-party validation at this price
- ❌ Five knives only, no steak knives, kitchen shears, honing rod, or storage included; extras cost more
- ❌ Heavier blades (around 255 g each) may tire smaller or less experienced hands during extended prep
📝 User Reviews
Amazon shoppers on both sets consistently praise out-of-the-box sharpness; Astercook buyers are regularly surprised that a sub-$20 set holds up through the dishwasher, while Cutluxe owners frequently note the balance and heft rival knives costing two to three times as much.
🏆 Verdict
For a bare kitchen or a tight budget, the Astercook 13-Piece is a genuinely capable set, the dishwasher safety alone earns it a place in most households at that price. If you cook daily and want a knife that keeps its edge without constant sharpening, the Cutluxe Artisan 5-Piece is worth the extra spend: its higher-hardness German steel and full-tang construction represent a meaningful quality step up, backed by CNN Underscored's independent testing.
Astercook 13-Piece best for first kitchens, students, renters, and anyone who needs a complete set, including shears, without spending more than a takeaway. Cutluxe Artisan 5-Piece best for home cooks who prep daily and want professional-grade edge retention and balance that will outlast several rounds of budget replacements.
❓ FAQs
Are either of these knife sets suitable for professional kitchen use?
Neither is designed for commercial kitchen demands, where forged German or Japanese knives from Wüsthof, Victorinox, or Global are the standard. The Cutluxe comes closest with its 56–57 HRC hardness and full-tang construction, making it a solid choice for passionate home cooks; the Astercook is firmly in everyday household territory.
How do I sharpen these knives at home?
The Astercook's stamped blades respond well to a pull-through sharpener or a basic whetstone, both are inexpensive and widely available in the UK. For the Cutluxe, a quality honing rod used regularly will maintain the 14–16° factory edge; reserve a whetstone for full resharpening every few months, and avoid aggressive pull-through sharpeners that remove too much steel.
Which set offers better long-term value?
The Astercook wins on upfront cost-per-piece at roughly $1.54 per item, but stamped blades typically need replacing sooner. The Cutluxe costs more now but its harder steel edges stay sharp longer, reducing the frequency of sharpening and eventual replacement, making it the stronger long-term investment for cooks who use their knives daily.