Astercook 15-Piece vs 6-Piece Knife Set: Which Should You Buy? (UK 2026)
Published 23 October 2026 • 🔪 Knife Sets • Contains affiliate links
A set of six Victorinox Fibrox knives costs around £120 in the UK; the Astercook 15-piece arrives at £39.88 with a block, six steak knives, and a built-in sharpener included. Both use German-specification stainless steel, and the price gap is mostly brand margin, not raw material quality. This guide compares the 15-piece and the £19.99 6-piece so you can buy the right one the first time.
🔪 Products Compared
Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block and Sharpener 15pcs German
£39.88
* 4.8/5
Check Price *Astercook Knife Set, 6-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block
£19.99
* 4.7/5
Check Price *
📊 Specs Comparison
| Feature | Astercook 15-Piece | Astercook 6-Piece |
|---|
| Price | £39.88 | £19.99 |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Pieces Included | 15 (8 knives, 6 steak knives, shears) | 6 knives + block |
| Steel Grade | German 1.4116 high-carbon stainless | High-carbon stainless (3CR13 grade) |
| Blade Hardness | 55-58 HRC | 55-57 HRC |
| Built-in Sharpener | Yes (honing slot in block) | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Standard manufacturer warranty |
* Astercook Knife Set for Kitchen with Block and Sharpener 15pcs German
- * Covers nearly every kitchen task: 8-inch chef knife, Santoku, bread knife, utility, paring, six steak knives, and shears in one purchase
- * German 1.4116 steel sits a clear grade above budget 3CR13 alternatives, with better corrosion resistance and edge retention
- * Built-in block sharpener extends time between full sharpenings to around 8-12 weeks of regular home cooking
- * Lifetime warranty offers significantly more protection than the 6-piece set's standard terms
- ❌ The full block takes up substantial counter space, which matters in smaller UK kitchens and rented flats
- ❌ Black anti-rust coating shows fingerprints and water spots prominently and needs frequent wiping
* Astercook Knife Set, 6-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block
- * At £19.99 it is the lower-risk first purchase, with very little to lose if you decide to upgrade later
- * Compact block suits small worktops, student kitchens, and rented accommodation
- * Arrives sharp out of the box and handles everyday prep including vegetables, boneless meat, and bread
- * Anti-rust coating and dishwasher-safe construction keep maintenance simple
- ❌ No built-in sharpener means buying a separate honing rod or pull-through sharpener once edges start to dull
- ❌ 3CR13 steel is softer than the 15-piece set's 1.4116, so blades lose their edge faster under daily heavy use
📝 User Reviews
Buyers of the 15-piece set consistently praise how sharp the knives arrive and how the block sharpener keeps them usable without extra tools. The 6-piece earns strong marks for value and tidy design, though several reviewers note the block interior cannot be cleaned.
🏆 Verdict
If you cook from scratch most evenings, the 15-piece at £39.88 is the better buy: you get a superior steel grade, nine more pieces, a built-in sharpening solution, and a lifetime warranty for an extra £20. Buy the 6-piece at £19.99 if you are outfitting a first flat, buying a gift on a tight budget, or simply do not need steak knives and shears taking up drawer space.
Astercook 15-Piece best for households that cook daily and want one set that covers every task for years. Astercook 6-Piece best for students, first-time renters, or anyone who wants functional sharp knives without spending more than £20.
❓ FAQs
Are both Astercook sets safe to put in the dishwasher?
Yes, both are labelled dishwasher safe. Hand washing in warm soapy water will preserve the blade edge longer, but occasional dishwasher use will not cause visible damage at this steel grade.
Does the 15-piece set's built-in sharpener actually sharpen the blades?
It hones rather than sharpens: it realigns the blade edge without removing metal. That extends intervals between proper sharpenings from around 4 weeks to 8-12 weeks of regular use. For full blade restoration you will still need a whetstone or a pull-through sharpener at some point.
Which set holds its edge longer?
The 15-piece, because 1.4116 German stainless steel is hardened to 55-58 HRC compared to the 6-piece's 3CR13 at 55-57 HRC. The difference is modest on paper, but 1.4116 is the benchmark steel for mid-range European knives and performs noticeably better under daily cooking over several months.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices accurate as of 23 October 2026.