HexClad is often linked to celebrity kudos. When Hailey Bieber gave her fans a kitchen tour last year, one detail stood out among the marble counters and organized spice tins: a full set of HexClad knives displayed proudly on her kitchen island.
As someone who regularly stalks the HexClad sales, I was intrigued. I recently reviewed the best HexClad pans, known for their unique stainless-steel-meets-non-stick frying pans, andendorsed by Gordon Ramsay. So, I wondered: are HexClad knives good too? Or just an unnecessary extra from a buzzy brand trying to capitalize on their famous name?
As a chef, I used Sabatier knives at cooking school, but since then I’ve tested everything from ultra-premium Shun knives to budget kit from affordable Amazon brands. When HexClad sent me their Damascus steel knife set for an honest review, I was genuinely curious where this set would land. Spoiler alert: they’re not just good, they’re exceptional. To me, they totally outperform the pans - and they're also included in HexClad's 4th July Sales, so get shopping if you're in the market for a new set.
Design & specifications
HexClad knives are high-quality kitchen tools made for serious chopping. They’re crafted from 67 layers of Damascus steel, which makes the blades extra strong and helps them stay sharp for longer.
The blades are sharpened to a very fine 12-degree angle. Most Western knives are sharpened to around 20 degrees per side, so a 12-degree edge is noticeably sharper. It's a trait common in high-end Japanese knives, where finer edges are needed for cleaner, more precise cuts (think of sushi chefs finely slicing sashimi, for example).
Included in the set you'll find: an 8-inch chef's knife, a bread knife, a 7-inch Sankotu knife, a utility knife, paring knife, and a sharpening rod. Each HexClad knife is rated 60+ on the Rockwell scale, a measure of hardness, meaning they’re tough and durable. In fact, the set comes with a lifetime warranty and 30-day return guarantee.
The best part for me is the included walnut knife block that has built-in magnets. I've always wanted one like this. It keeps your knives safe, organized, and sharp without taking up much counter space, and it looks professional, too.
Unboxing
I don't usually include unboxing details in my reviews, as I'm really all about performance, but this one was quite special. The knives were nestled safely into a velvet-textured box, with a set of care instructions and microfibre cleaning cloth. I did enjoy the included notecard with Gordon Ramsay's handwriting, that reads: 'A good chef is only as good as their knives.' If you're saving up for this knife set or considering it as a gift, you won't be dissapointed by the 'wow-factor' reveal.
Pros of HexClad Knives
The first thing I noticed is that the HexClad knives are sharp right out of the box. Beautifully, effortlessly, satisfyingly sharp. There’s also range to the set. You’ll find everything from a versatile chef’s knife, a large bread knife, and a small paring knife for delicate tasks, all housed on a magnetic wooden board that doubles as a statement piece on your countertop.
My first test was chopping a cucumber five ways; slices, medium dice, half-moons, julienne batons, and rounds. For this, I used the utility knife and paring knife, which were both effortless to use, allowing for thin, precise slices without any tugging or uneven cuts.
I also used the bread knife to saw through crusty sourdough, and the chef knife to slice thin lemon rounds and chop delicate herbs. Each blade feels robust yet precise, with a pleasing weight that gives total control without causing wrist fatigue.
The handle design is particularly well-balanced, offering just enough heft for a confident grip but never feeling bulky. The full tang design (metal runs through the whole handle) gives each knife better balance and control. Whether I was dicing shallots or carving a roast, the knives moved with me, not against me.
I love the olive-toned handles, which perfectly complement the Mediterranean color scheme I’m creating in my kitchen (if you’ve seen my Evergreen KitchenAid stand mixer, you know the vibe.) HexClad knives are also available in espresso brown, which feels very on-trend, too.
Cons of HexClad Knives
As with many premium knife sets, the biggest barrier here is price. HexClad knives are an investment, and while I’d argue they earn their place in a serious cook’s kitchen, not everyone will need the full set.
If you already own a great bread knife, you may find a couple of the included pieces redundant. And while I personally adore the moody green or rich espresso tones, they may not suit every kitchen aesthetic.
Other than that, I really don't have much to criticize. When I reviewed the HexClad cookware range, I wasn't convinced the pans would remain in my collection for decades to come. But, I feel quite opposite about the HexClad knives. They have a durable, heirloom quality that inspires confidence.
How do they compare?
I have a premium, hand-crafted Nakiri Knife from Shun, widely known as one of the best in the business. However, I prefer HexClad's knives. I suppose it's a matter of taste, but I found them easier to control and more comfortable to handle. The Shun knife is really excellent but almost dangerously sharp; I've had a few near misses with my fingers, whilst I've been getting used to the unique Nakiri shape. I think HexClad knives are more accessible and suited to everyday cooks. If you're a professional, you may well love the Shun range.
I also own a set of stainless steel Global knives available on Amazon, which come in at a lower, mid-range price point. They’re sleek and much more lightweight, but they don’t have the same premium feel or power behind the blade. Once you’ve used HexClad knives, it’s hard to go back to something lighter and less substantial.
If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, take a look at Mercer knives on Amazon. They are really affordable, but also perform well, and if you're not worried about ultra-premium design and sushi-chef-level precision, they will probably suit you just fine. They are often discounted to very low prices for Prime Day, too.
Our verdict
Are HexClad knives worth it? In my opinion, yes. They’re more than just countertop eye candy or a celebrity-endorsed trend. While the price is very steep, the craftsmanship, versatility, and durability make this set a good investment for anyone who loves to cook. If you're already a fan of HexClad’s pans, the knives will feel like a superior next step.
Once you get used to the control, balance, and sharpness of this set, you'll struggle to find much else that lives up to it. In fact, I’d go so far as to say: once you go HexClad, you won’t go back. They are worth saving up for, or watching out for more price drops in the Amazon Prime Day sales.
