Comparison: Best Chicago Cutlery Clybourn 12 Piece (Updated | Nov 10th)
If you’re in the market for reliable, stylish kitchen cutlery, the Chicago Cutlery Clybourn 12-Piece Set is definitely on your radar. Known for its sleek design and durable construction, this set promises to upgrade your everyday cooking experience. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve put it to the test, comparing performance, comfort, and value against top competitors to help you decide if it’s truly the best choice for your kitchen. Spoiler: it’s a strong contender. Let’s dive in and see how it really stacks up.
- Best for walnut block elegance: Chicago Cutlery Racine 12-PC Kitchen Knife Wood Block Set
- Best for walnut steak set: Chicago Cutlery B144 Walnut Tradition 4-Piece Walnut Tradition Streak Knife Set (2-Pack)
- Best for sharpener-ready set: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Triple Rivet Poly (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for contoured handle set: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for cushion-grip set: Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block
- Best for walnut trio set: Chicago Cutlery B42 Walnut Tradition 3pc Parer
- Best for hardwood block set: Chicago Cutlery® Burling 14-piece Block Set
- Best for sharpener block set: Chicago Cutlery Malden (16-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener
- Best for guided grip trio: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 3-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip
- Best for metal tang essentials: Chicago Cutlery Essentials 3-Piece Kitchen Chef Knife Set With Stainless Steel Blades For Home Kitchen
Product Comparison: Best Chicago Cutlery Clybourn 12 Piece
Chicago Cutlery Racine 12-PC Kitchen Knife Wood Block Set, Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, Steak Knives, Serrated, Chef, Utility, and Paring Knife, Removable Steak Knife Block, Walnut Handle
- 12 PIECE: Set includes: (1) 9″ serrated bread knife, (1) 8″ chef knife, (1) 5″ utility knife, (1) 3-1/2″ paring knife, (1) 4-1/2″ steak knives (6), walnut wood block, and (1) walnut steak knife block.
- WOODEN HANDLES: Each handle comes with a contoured handle made out of walnut that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STAINLESS STEEL: Stainless steel blades resist rust, stains, and pitting. Top quality high-quality steel grants long-lasting service and easier cutting for your choice of meats, tofu, vegetables, fruit and more.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- METAL TANG: Each knife features a metal tang, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Chicago Cutlery B144 Walnut Tradition 4-Piece Walnut Tradition Streak Knife Set (2-Pack)
- High-carbon stainless steel blades for enhanced durability.
- Features classically designed solid walnut handles.
- Included: (8) Chicago Cutlery B144 Walnut Tradition Steak Knife
- Triple compression brass rivets hold the walnut handles securely to the blade for safety and stability.
- Full tang designed knives
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Triple Rivet Poly (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener, Black Ergonomic Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set
- 18 PIECES: The Chicago Cutlery Insignia set features 17 specialty knives and 1 pair of scissor – made with durable, high-quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come. Set includes: (1) 8″ Chef Knife, (1) 8″ Slicing Knife, (1) 7″ Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 7″ Santoku Knife, (1) 5″ Boning Knife, (1) 5.5″ Utility Knife, (1) 3.5″ Paring Knife, (1) 3″ Peeler Knife, (8) 4.5″ Steak Knives, (1) Shears / Scissor with Opener.
- BUILT IN SHARPNER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLES: Each handle comes with a curve-optimized handle that is ergonomically designed for easy and comfortable gripping, even during extended use. The handles provide a secure, slip-resistant grip, making the knives safe and easy to use.
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel (18-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set & Built-In Sharpener, Contoured Ergonomic Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set & Scissors With Bottle Opener
- 18 PIECES: This Chicago Cutlery set is made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come. Set includes: (1) 8″ Chef Knife, (1) 8″ Slicing Knife, (1) 8″ Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 7″ Santoku Knife, (1) 5″ Santoku Knife, (1) 5.5″ Utility Knife, (1) 3.5″ Paring Knife, (1) 3.25″ Paring Knife, (8) 4.5″ Steak Knives, (1) Shears / Scissor with Opener, (1) Natural Rubberwood Block with built-in Sharpener.
- BUILT IN SHARPENER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Storage Block, Cushion-Grip Handles with Stainless Steel Blades that Resists Stains, Rust, and Pitting
- ALL IN ONE: The 17 Piece set includes a 7-3/4″ Chef knife, 7-3/4″ Serrated bread knife, 7″ Santoku knife, 5″ Santoku knife, 5″ Utility knife, 3-1/4″ Paring knife, 4. 5″ Steak knives (8) , sharpening steel, chop assist and a honey maple-stain wood block.
- MADE TO LAST: Long-lasting sharpness perfect for frequent cooking and peace of mind.
- SAFE HANDLING: Asian-influenced, cushion-grip handles provide a sturdy, non-slip grip.
- STAINLESS STEEL: High-quality stainless steel creates stronger, harder blades to resist stains, rust and pitting.
- LONG-LASTING SHARPNESS: Signature 26-Degree taper grind edge for optimum sharpness, precise cutting and easy sharpening.
Chicago Cutlery B42 Walnut Tradition 3pc Parer, Utility and Chef Knife Set
- Used for cutting, slicing, and chopping
- Safe for dishwasher, Recommended for handwashing
- Includes: (1) 8” chef knife, (1) 5” boning/utility knife, and (1) 3” parer knife
- Taper Grind edge technology for optimum sharpness and greater ease of sharpening
Chicago Cutlery® Burling 14-piece Block Set
- Sharp knives should never be stored loose in a drawer because contact with hard objects can dull the blade. Many CHICAGO CUTLERY sets are sold with a hardwood block for safe, convenient storage.
Chicago Cutlery Malden (16-PC) Kitchen Knife Block Set With Wooden Block & Built-In Sharpener, Contoured Handles and Sharp Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set & Scissors
- 16 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8″ Chef Knife, (1) 6.75″ Serrated Bread Knife, (1) 6″ Santoku Knife, (1) 4.75″ Utility Knife, (8) 4.5″ Steak Knives, (1) 3.25″ Paring Knife, (1) Shears / Scissors With Opener, (1) Block.
- BUILT IN SHARPENER: With a unique built-in sharpener in the acacia wood block, the Insignia knife set makes it easy to keep your knives sharp and ready for any cutting task.
- 27 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 3-Piece Knife Set With Guided Grip, Stainless Steel Blades and Handles For Home Kitchen and Professional Use
- 3 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8″ Chef Knife, (1) 5″ Utility Knife, (1) 3.25″ Parer Knife.
- STAINLESS STEEL: Made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- CONTOURED HANDLES: Each handle comes with a well-balanced contoured handle that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand. The stainless steel handles perfectly match the stainless steel blades and allow for effortless cleaning, making it a must-have addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- STRONG & STURDY: Excellent craftsmanship in each knife, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Chicago Cutlery Essentials 3-Piece Kitchen Chef Knife Set With Stainless Steel Blades For Home Kitchen
- 3 PIECES: Set includes: (1) 8″ Chef Knife, (1) 4.75″ Serrated Utility Knife, (1) 3.5″ Parer Knife
- STAINLESS STEEL: Made with durable, high quality stainless steel blades that resist stains and corrosion, ensuring they remain sharp and ready to use for years to come.
- 26 DEGREE TAPER: The signature blades on all the knives are made with a 26 degree taper grind edge, providing optimal sharpness and precision for effortless cutting through meats, vegetables, fruits and more.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The blade of this paring knife is easy to clean and maintain whether by dishwasher or by hand, ensuring that it will last for years to come with proper care.
- METAL TANG: Each knife features a metal tang, which provides added strength and durability to the knife’s construction, ensuring it can handle even the toughest cutting tasks with ease.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a Chicago Cutlery knife set?
Focus on blade material, handle comfort, and the included knife types. Stainless steel blades with a 26‑degree taper provide long‑lasting sharpness, while walnut or stainless handles affect grip and cleaning. Also consider whether the set includes a built‑in sharpener or storage block for convenience.
How does the Racine 12‑Piece set compare to the Insignia 18‑Piece sets?
The Racine set offers a solid core of essential knives plus a walnut block, ideal for smaller kitchens, while the Insignia 18‑Piece sets add specialty knives like a Santoku, boning, and a built‑in sharpener. Insignia’s larger collection provides more versatility, but the Racine’s simpler lineup can be easier to master. Both share the same 26‑degree taper edge for consistent performance.
Are walnut handles worth the extra cost?
Walnut handles give a premium feel and natural resistance to moisture, which can improve durability over time. They also match the aesthetic of many kitchen blocks, adding visual appeal. However, stainless steel handles are easier to clean and may be preferable for users who prioritize low‑maintenance options.
What is the benefit of a built‑in sharpener in the block?
A built‑in sharpener lets you quickly touch up the edge without needing a separate tool, helping maintain optimal cutting performance. It’s especially handy for frequent cooks who may dull blades faster. Keep in mind that occasional professional sharpening may still be required for the best edge retention.
Do I need a full‑tang knife for everyday cooking?
Full‑tang construction adds strength and balance, reducing the chance of the blade breaking under heavy use. Many Chicago Cutlery models, including the Racine and Insignia lines, feature metal tangs for added durability. For most home cooks, a full‑tang knife offers a reliable, long‑lasting option.
How important is the 26‑degree taper grind for cutting tasks?
The 26‑degree taper grind creates a fine, precise edge that slices through meats, vegetables, and fruits with minimal effort. It also makes sharpening easier compared to steeper angles. This grind is a hallmark of Chicago Cutlery’s performance and is consistent across most of their sets.
Is it better to buy a larger set like the 18‑Piece or a smaller 12‑Piece set for value?
Larger sets provide more specialized tools, which can be cost‑effective if you need those extra knives for specific recipes. Smaller sets focus on core knives and often have a lower price point, delivering strong value for everyday cooking. Evaluate your cooking style and kitchen space to decide which size offers the best return on investment.