Knife Block Set Sizes Compared: 14-Piece vs 15-Piece
By Gibson Homewares | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Comparisons
Compare a 14-piece and a 15-piece knife block set on price, blade steel, and handle construction to decide which size fits your kitchen.
Quick answer
Choose the 15-piece Babish set if you want high-carbon German steel and a full tang forged build, and you are willing to pay more for specialty knives. Choose the 14-piece Kenmore Kane set if you want everyday essentials, steak knives, and a sharpener at a much lower price.
The real difference is steel and construction, not the one extra piece
A one-piece difference in a knife block set rarely changes how you cook. What matters more is the blade steel and how the handle is built. The Babish set uses 1.4116 German steel and a full tang forged construction, which means the steel runs through the handle for a solid, balanced feel. The Kenmore Kane set uses single-piece precision-forged stainless steel, so it is also forged, but the catalog does not specify the steel grade. If steel type matters to you, the Babish set gives you a named specification to compare; if not, the Kenmore set covers the basics at a lower cost.
Count the blades you will actually use
The Kenmore set includes a chef's knife, paring knife, santoku, utility knife, bread knife, shears, six steak knives, a sharpener, and an ashwood block. That covers slicing, dicing, bread, and table service for a family. The Babish set is described as having essential and specialty knives, but the catalog does not list every piece, so check the full contents before buying if you need a specific blade. In practice, most home cooks use a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife daily; the rest are occasional. A larger set is only worth it if you will use the extra pieces or want matching steak knives.
Price and block material trade-offs
The Babish set is priced at USD 124.09 (compared with USD 169.99), while the Kenmore Kane set is USD 37.94 (compared with USD 54.99). That is a significant gap. The Kenmore set includes a rubber-coated wood block and comes in a color option, which may suit a lighter or more decorative kitchen. The Babish set is black and focuses on the knife build. Neither set lists a warranty or sharpening angle in the catalog, so if those details matter, ask before you buy. Remember that a block set takes up counter space; measure your available area before choosing.
Key trade-offs to weigh
- Steel specification vs price: The Babish set names its steel (1.4116 German) and costs about three times as much as the Kenmore set, which does not list a steel grade. If you want a known steel and a full tang forged build, pay for the Babish; if you want a low-cost set that still includes forged stainless steel, the Kenmore is the practical pick.
- Piece count vs actual use: The Kenmore set lists every piece, including six steak knives and a sharpener. The Babish set does not list its full contents in the catalog, so confirm the exact knives before buying if you need a specific blade like a santoku or bread knife. A higher piece count only helps if you will use those pieces. Check the full contents list for any set before you rely on the piece count.
- Block style and kitchen fit: The Kenmore set comes with a rubber-coated wood block and a color option, while the Babish set is black. Both take up counter space. Measure your counter and consider whether you want a block that matches your kitchen or one that hides marks.
Product facts
- Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel 15 Piece Full Tang Forged Cutlery Kitchen Knife Block Set - Black: High-carbon 1.4116 German steel with full tang forged construction. A full tang gives the knife a solid, balanced feel and a named steel grade lets you compare quality directly.
Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel 15 Piece Full Tang Forged Cutlery Kitchen Knife Block Set - Black - Kenmore Kane 14-Piece Cutlery Set w/ Rubber Coated Wood Knife Block: 14-piece set includes chef's, paring, santoku, utility, and bread knives, shears, six steak knives, sharpener, and ashwood block. You get a complete everyday kit plus steak service and sharpening in one purchase, with no need to buy extras.
Kenmore Kane 14-Piece Cutlery Set w/ Rubber Coated Wood Knife Block
Which set fits your kitchen?
Best for
- Cooks who want a named German steel and full tang forged knives and will use specialty blades
- Buyers who prefer a black block and are willing to invest more in blade construction
Not for
- Shoppers on a tight budget who mainly need everyday knives and steak service
- Anyone who wants a listed sharpener and a color-matched block included
