Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with Block, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Forged Triple Rivet, White, C77WTR-15P

Why it's worth it

Fifteen pieces of forged high-carbon stainless steel in a wooden block: chef's, santoku, slicer, utility, two paring knives, six steak knives, shears, and a honing steel. It's the gift a new homeowner opens and puts straight to work.

Almost everyone moves into a new place with a drawer of mismatched knives from three apartments ago. That's why this works as a gift when you barely know the recipient. There's no ecosystem to join, no Wi-Fi password, no wall to drill. They set the block on the counter and dinner gets easier that evening.

The construction is the reason we picked this set over the many cheaper blocks out there. These are forged, full-tang blades with triple rivets and a wide bolster, so the weight sits in your hand instead of out at the tip. Owners who'd been burned by pricier sets that rusted or chipped early report these staying sharp through years of regular use, and the set carries a lifetime warranty against defects.

From our review of 8 gifts for new homeowners

What we like

• +Almost everyone moves into a new place with a drawer of mismatched knives from three apartments ago
• +The construction is the reason we picked this set over the many cheaper blocks out there
• +It also solves the steak knife problem nobody thinks about
• +For gifting, the white block is unusually easy to place

What to know

• –The set is broad rather than deep
• –A 15-piece block also eats real counter space at nearly 15 inches wide, which is a genuine consideration in a galley kitchen or…