The Ultimate Chicago Cutlery Knife Review for 2025

About Chicago Cutlery

Chicago Cutlery has been crafting quality kitchen knives since 1930 when it was founded by Alfred Paulson in Chicago. Originally a knife sharpening service for local butchers, the company expanded into manufacturing and renting cutlery in the 1940s.

Today, Chicago Cutlery is owned by Corelle Brands and sells affordable, high-quality knives for home cooks. While manufacturing has shifted largely overseas, these forged knives have a reputation for durability and dependability that has lasted over 90 years.

Chicago Cutlery Knives Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Durable high-carbon stainless steel blades
• Comfortable triple-riveted handles
• Trusted brand with 90+ years of experience
• Inexpensive compared to other quality knives
• Some sets include knife blocks or shears

Cons:

• Edges may require frequent sharpening
• Not as sharp out of the box as premium brands
• Mostly manufactured overseas
• Limited warranty coverage

Compared to premium brands like Wüsthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Chicago Cutlery knives are not as inherently sharp and need occasional steeling and sharpening to maintain a razor edge.

However, their forgiving high-carbon stainless steel blades sharpen easily. And for the average home cook that doesn‘t want to spend over $100 per knife, Chicago Cutlery‘s durability and performance are extremely impressive given their reasonable prices.

Reviews of the Best Chicago Cutlery Knife Sets

Chicago Cutlery knife block sets conveniently provide you with assorted knives and other tools for all your kitchen needs. Here are some of their top-rated knife sets:

Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-pc Block Set

The Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 knife set includes an acacia block and 18 pieces:

• 8.25” Chef Knife
• 3.5” Paring Knife
• 3” Paring Knife
• 5” Serrated Utility Knife
• 7” Santoku Knife
• 8” Slicer Knife
• 8 Steak Knives
• Shears
• Sharpener

With a full set of essential knives and the handsome acacia block for storage, this is one of the best Chicago Cutlery knife sets for outfitting your entire kitchen.

The triple-riveted handles provide a secure grip. And the high-carbon stainless steel blades have excellent balance for controlled cuts. While they require occasional sharpening to keep the edges precise, the built-in sharpener makes that quick and convenient.

For the quality and performance, this Chicago Cutlery block set offers fantastic value.

Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-pc Block Set

If you‘d prefer something more modern, the Chicago Cutlery Fusion set has an eye-catching contemporary design. It includes an 18-piece stainless steel knife block set:

• 3” Paring Knife
• 5” Santoku
• 5” Serrated Utility
• 6” Serrated Steak Knife (Set of 4)
• 7” Santoku
• 8” Chef’s Knife
• 8” Slicing Knife
• 8.25” Bread Knife
• Kitchen Shears
• Sharpening Steel

Customers praise the comfortable contoured handles with finger grips that provide a secure hold. The taper ground blades retain sharp cutting edges. And the sleek glass knife block protects the quality knives while complementing modern kitchens.

For stunning style and dependable cuts, the Chicago Cutlery Fusion knife block set delivers premium performance that outshines its reasonable price tag.

Chicago Cutlery Belmont 16-pc Knife Block Set

Made from high-quality stainless steel with triple-riveted full metal tang construction, the Chicago Cutlery Belmont 16-piece knife block set includes:

• 3.25” Parer
• 4.5” Utility
• 7” Santoku
• 8” Chef’s Knife
• 8” Slicer
• 8” Bread Knife
• 6-piece Steak Knife Set
• Kitchen Shears
• Hardwood Block

The contoured stainless steel handles provide a comfortable, non-slip grip even when wet or greasy during slicing and dicing.

Reviewers say the knives retain sharp cutting edges even with heavy use over time. And the smaller paring and utility knives handle detail work like peeling perfectly.

For just over $100, it‘s one of the best quality Chicago Cutlery knife block sets for the price.

Reviews of Top Chicago Cutlery Knives

While Chicago Cutlery knife block sets provide everything you need, you can also invest in individual knives to add to your collection or replace worn ones.

Here are some of their best-selling knives:

Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Series

The Walnut Tradition series features classic high-carbon stainless steel blades triple-riveted to handsome walnut wood handles.

The traditional bolster design provides durability plus proper balance and heft. Reviewers praise the comfort along with the sharp cutting performance across all types of foods.

Prices range from $10 for the 3.25” paring knife to $20 for the larger 8” chef‘s knife. This durable yet affordable Chicago Cutlery knife series is perfect for gifting as well.

Chicago Cutlery Zymbol Series

If you want something with more flair, the Zymbol series provides sleek, ergonomic knives with unique blade shapes.

The Zymbol Chef‘s Knife features an upswept blade to rock chop smoothly. And the narrow blade tip allows you to mince through onions and herbs with swift precision.

The custom zymbol pattern on the military-grade, stain-resistant stainless steel also prevents food from sticking. So you can slice meats cleanly and diced veggies come off easily.

Prices range from $13 for the 3” paring knife to $30 for the 8” chef‘s knife. While costing slightly more than basic options, Zymbol knives deliver high-end performance you can really show off!

Chicago Cutlery Tribute Collection

The Tribute line features classic kitchen knife profiles with hammered finishes on the high-carbon stainless steel blades.

The hammered pattern helps food release while chopping. And the ergonomic handles provide a sturdy grip.

The top-rated 6” utility knife gets rave reviews for chopping, slicing, and dicing various fruits, veggies, herbs – even cutting crusty bread with ease.

Starting around $12 each, Tribute knives deliver reliable cutting power in stylish designs.

Caring for your Chicago Cutlery Knives

While Chicago Cutlery knives are built to last, proper care is key to their longevity. Here are some top tips:

• Wash by hand and dry right away to prevent moisture damage.
• Store in dedicated knife blocks instead of loose in drawers.
• Use cutting boards to avoid dulling blade edges.
• Hone regularly with a steel or ceramic rod.
• Sharpen every few months based on usage.

Avoid dishwashers which can cause handles to loosen over time. With occasional sharpening and careful use, Chicago Cutlery knives can maintain quality cutting performance for decades.

Current Sales and Promotions

While Chicago Cutlery doesn‘t offer many discounts, you can often find their products on sale at various retailers:

• Amazon: Up to 25% off select knife block sets
• Bed Bath and Beyond: 25% off your purchase
• WayFair: Enjoy 70% off with their winter sales

Sign up for email newsletters from merchants that carry Chicago Cutlery knives to receive notifications about the latest deals and promotions too.

Should You Buy Chicago Cutlery Knives?

For affordable, forged knives with proven performance Chicago Cutlery is a brand you can depend on. Their blades retain edges incredibly well compared to the price.

While they may require occasional honing and sharpening to keep razor-sharp edges, Chicago Cutlery knives are perfect for avid home cooks that don‘t want to spend a fortune outfitting their kitchen.

With sturdy construction and ergonomic handles for comfort, even the cheaper models punch above their lightweight price tags when it comes to durability and cutting ability.

So if you want quality knives with trusted craftsmanship over 90 years in the business – without breaking the bank – Chicago Cutlery delivers impressive value for money. Consider the reliable Insignia2 or Fusion block sets, along with Walnut Tradition or Zymbol individual knives to take your meal prep to the next level.

Where To Buy Chicago Cutlery Knives

You can browse the full Chicago Cutlery knives lineup on their official website. And their products are also stocked by several major retailers online and in-store including:

• Amazon
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Target
• Wayfair
• Kohl‘s

Chicago Cutlery Knives – FAQs

Curious about warranty coverage or manufacturing? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: Who makes Chicago Cutlery knives?

A: Originally made in the USA since 1930, most Chicago Cutlery knives today are manufactured in China and owned by Corelle Brands.

Q: Where are Chicago Cutlery knives made?

A: While some factories may still be in North America, the majority are produced overseas in China.

Q: Do they offer a lifetime warranty?

A: Select knife series come with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. Normal wear and tear is not covered however.

Q: Can I put Chicago Cutlery knives in the dishwasher?

A: Dishwashers can loosen handles so Chicago Cutlery doesn‘t recommend it. Hand washing and drying your knives provides better care.

If you have any other questions, check out the FAQ and contact page on ChicagoCutlery.com. Or reach their customer service at 800-999-3436.

So get chopping like a pro with durable yet affordable Chicago Cutlery knives! Let me know in the comments if you have this trusted brand in your kitchen too.