![HexClad Reviews: 7 Items That Are Worth the Hype [Tested]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/All-About-HexClad_Katie-Bandurski_SSedit_FT.jpg?resize=72,72)
Yes, chef! A set of HexClad knives turns any home cook into a professional.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Learn more.
As a shopping editor, I’ve tested hundreds of products for the kitchen and home. Some of my favorite gadgets solve a simple problem with a high-tech solution (hello, LARQ water pitcher). Other top-notch tools are purely utilitarian (looking at you, Baratza burr coffee grinder). And, well, some beloved items are just plain fun (shoutout to my porch goose!).
Needless to say, as someone who has dedicated her life to finding the best products available, it’s pretty rare for me to claim an item is “life-changing.” But after years of daily use, this 7-piece HexClad knife set earns that status. Here’s why.
HexClad 7-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set
This essential knife set will speed up your prep work and level up your cooking prowess.
What are HexClad Knives?
First things first: What is HexClad? Made popular by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and social media, this viral brand lives up to the hype. They’re best-known for their hybrid cookware that blends the durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick. Our experts have extensively tested HexClad products in our home kitchens—putting the hybrid pan, wok and Dutch oven through the paces—and each piece earned our stamp of approval. In addition to cookware and knives, the brand sells accessories like pepper mills, aprons and cutting boards.
Now, onto the HexClad knives. HexClad uses Japanese Damascus steel and a green pakkawood handle. The 7-piece set includes an 8-inch Chef’s knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 8-inch serrated knife, 9-honing steel and a magnetic walnut knife block. Each piece is not only aesthetic (truly, they’re some of the prettiest knives I’ve seen) but strong and sturdy for a lifetime of use.
HexClad Knife Set Features
The HexClad Knife Set includes seven pieces:
- Magnetic walnut knife block
- 8-inch Chef’s knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 8-inch serrated knife
- 9-inch honing steel
The blades feature 67 layers of Damascus steel with an AUS-10 stainless steel cutting core. Each blade is meticulously hand-sharpened using the three-step Honbazuke method, which results in a precisely ground 12-degree edge on each side. This is significantly more acute than what you’ll find on most German-style knives. That geometry, combined with a Rockwell hardness rating of 60+ HRC, means the blades are exceptionally hard, hold their edge for longer between sharpenings, and can handle ultra-fine cuts with minimal resistance. The handles are made of green pakkawood, a wood-resin composite infused with resin to resist cracking, and the full hybrid tang construction runs the length of the handle for improved balance and control. Plus, they’re sharp right out of the box, so they’re ready to use for a wide variety of cooking tasks.
Colorways and Accessories
The 7-piece HexClad knife set is available in three gorgeous handle colorways. The Green Pakkawood version is the original and bestselling option, with its distinctive forest-green handles which are what most people picture when they think of HexClad knives. A newer Espresso Pakkawood colorway offers the same blade specs and magnetic walnut block in a warmer, darker finish. For a more premium look, the limited-edition Master Series features a sleek faux ebony hexagonal handle with gold detailing and a special HexClad insignia. These are a great choice if the knives are as much a display piece as a kitchen tool.
Outside of the 7-piece set, HexClad sells a range of individual knives and accessories for building out your collection. These include a 4-piece steak knife set, a carving knife and fork set (10-inch), and individual knives available separately if you want to fill a specific gap. On the storage side, the Magnetic Walnut Knife Block is sold separately and can also store the steak knives. HexClad also offers a hybrid carving and cutting board that pairs well with the knife aesthetic.
How We Tested It
I’ve tested the HexClad 7-piece knife set in my home kitchen since September 2023. And I’ve used them every. single. day.
Packaging
When the HexClad knives first arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging. A sleek, white cardboard sleeve gave way to a hinged black box lined with velvety packing material. Each knife had a protective plastic sleeve and a little sheath tip and was nestled in an indented area. They were incredibly secure. The box also included a polishing cloth, care and use instructions and a little card with a Gordon Ramsay quote.
Washing
I washed the knives in warm, soapy water and then immediately dried them with a towel. Next, I arranged them on the magnetic walnut block. As someone who has used both traditional knife blocks and plastic sheath-covered knives, the magnetic storage method is the way to go. It’s so convenient to keep knives out in the open. Plus, it’s perfectly safe. The magnet is strong and requires a little bit of force to pull away, so there are no accidental slips. (Albeit I don’t have kids, so there’s no risk of little hands pulling at the blades.)
Cutting
Once washed, it was time to start experimenting. As I said, I’ve used these knives every day for two years. I’ve performed pretty much every cooking task—from chopping onions to slicing homemade bread to chiffonading fresh basil—and have yet to be disappointed.
One notable experience? Cutting through a squash. While they’re one of my all-time favorite fall veggies, I’d be lying if I said I looked forward to the prep. Before HexClad, I would spend at least five minutes wrestling and rocking with my knives to cut through the dense, slippery flesh. But with the help of the HexClad Chef knife’s 8-inch blade, I cut through the thickest portion with one simple swipe. Truly, I was amazed. It was like cutting through butter. Plus, they stay sharp for a long time. Even after several months of consistent use, they cut with ease.
As for downsides, the list is pretty short. The walnut block could be a touch wider. It fits all the knives, but I would love a little more wiggle room. Professional chefs may also notice that the Santoku knife lacks divots on the blade that traditionally help prevent sticking when slicing meats and vegetables.
Some reviewers also mention that the knives are bulky or cumbersome—especially for smaller hands. Truthfully, as a fairly petite woman, I never had an issue. I found the handles comfortable for even long-term chopping marathons.
2-Year Testing Update
The HexClad knife set continues to be my go-to for daily use. I’ve had them professionally sharpened a few times, but beyond that, not much has changed. I still do not see any rust spots on the blade, nor is the handle wood starting to chip or crack. I ran into both problems with other brands just weeks into testing for our best knife sets review, so I’m impressed HexClad looks as good today as it did on day one.
I’ll also admit: I’ve gotten more lax with my washing and drying routine. Ideally, I’ll dry the HexClads immediately after washing. But when life gets in the way, and I leave the knives in the drying rack for a day or two, they’re totally fine. I’m continually impressed by the longevity and quality of this brand.
Oh, and almost everyone who comes into my kitchen comments on the sleek look of the walnut knife block.
Pros
- Incredibly sharp, durable knives
- Heirloom-quality
- Beautiful green handle
- Assortment of blades for any cooking task
Cons
- Magnetic block could be a little wider
- Recommended hand wash
- Pricey (Although there are frequent HexClad sales!)
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
I’m not the only one trading in dull, unsafe knives for the super-sharp HexClad set. Here’s what other reviewers had to say.
“I really don’t know what I was doing prior to purchasing this knife set,” shares five-star Amazon reviewer, Danielle N. “I love cooking; however mincing and cutting has been burdensome in the past with other cutlery utensils. Not anymore!”
“This will be the last knife set I buy!” shares five-star HexClad reviewer, Cody M. “Been in the market for knives for a while and am glad I spent the money and went with a high-class cutting utensil. Definitely recommend over buying cheap knife sets every year that don’t last!”
Product Comparison
HexClad vs. Shun
Shun is the benchmark Japanese knife brand for serious home cooks, so it’s the natural first comparison for HexClad. Both use Damascus steel construction and pakkawood handles, and both land at a very similar Rockwell hardness (Shun Classic knives use a 34-layer Damascus cladding over a VG-MAX steel core, with a Rockwell hardness of 60–61 HRC).
The main difference you’ll notice in use is the edge angle: Shun knives are sharpened to 16 degrees on each side, while HexClad comes in sharper at 12 degrees per side. That makes HexClad’s edge more acute out of the box, though Shun’s slightly softer VG-MAX core may make it slightly more resistant to chipping. Each Shun knife is also constructed through a 100-step handcrafted process in Seki, Japan, which can explain the higher price tag (a comparable Shun 7-piece set typically retails between $700 and $1,200 depending on the line). If you want a brand with deeper knife-making heritage and you’re willing to pay a premium, Shun is the obvious choice. But for everyday home cooks who want high-performance Japanese Damascus steel at a lower entry price, HexClad holds up extremely well.
HexClad vs. Global
Global knives have a distinct look: they’re made entirely of CROMOVA 18 stainless steel, including the handle, which is hollow and sand-filled for balance. No wood, resin, or bolster anywhere. That minimalist, all-steel aesthetic has its fans, but it’s a fundamentally different knife from HexClad. The bigger difference, though, is in the steel hardness: Global knives are hardened to 56–58 Rockwell, which puts them below most Japanese knives and well below HexClad’s 60+ HRC rating. The Classic and UKON lines are sharpened to 15 degrees per side, making HexClad’s 12-degree edge a lot sharper. Global’s lower hardness does mean the blades are more forgiving (so, less likely to chip if you’re rough with them) and easier to sharpen at home. But if edge retention and out-of-the-box sharpness are your priorities, HexClad has the advantage. Global also lacks the visual drama of Damascus patterning, which matters if you care about how your knives look on the counter.
HexClad vs. Mercer
Mercer is a different kind of comparison: it’s the go-to brand for culinary school students and budget-conscious home cooks who want professional-grade tools without a premium price. Mercer knives are made in Taiwan and cost a fraction of German or Japanese brands (their Genesis 6-piece knife block set typically retails for well under $200). The flagship Genesis line uses forged German steel at around 56 HRC, with a taper-ground 15-degree edge. These are durable and functional, but softer and less sharp than HexClad.
Mercer’s MX3 Japanese-steel line reaches 60–62 HRC and gets closer to HexClad’s performance tier, but doesn’t include Damascus layering or the same aesthetic finish.
The bottom line: if you’re buying for a first kitchen or need a reliable workhorse set on a tight budget, Mercer is an excellent choice. But if you’re investing in a set you expect to use every day for years (and want something that looks as good as it performs) HexClad justifies the price gap.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a new knife set that will last a lifetime, HexClad is the way to go. The 7-piece set has everything I need to prep all my favorite dishes—and to look good while doing it. I love the sharp, durable blades and ergonomic handles. After months of daily use, they’re still incredibly sharp. And, with proper care, they should last for years. Just like HexClad cookware, the brand’s knives get our universal stamp of approval.
Next: Read up on the difference between HexClad and All-Clad or HexClad and Caraway.
Where to Buy HexClad Knives
HexClad 7-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set
The knife set includes a magnetic walnut knife block, Chef’s knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife and honing steel.
You can buy HexClad knives directly from the brand’s website or Amazon. The set is valued at $784 but is frequently on sale for less. And, if you don’t need all seven pieces, you can buy each item individually.
FAQ
Are HexClad knives real Damascus?
Yes. They are made with 67 layers of Damascus steel.
Do HexClad knives rust?
In my experience, no. I only hand-wash the knives, but not always immediately after cooking. I also sometimes put them on the drying rack rather than towel-drying them immediately after washing. Even with this less-than-ideal care, the knives are still in excellent condition with no rust in sight.
Where are HexClad knives made?
HexClad knives are designed in Los Angeles and South Korea, but made in China. The blades use Japanese-sourced AUS-10 Damascus steel, and each knife is finished using the three-step Honbazuke hand-sharpening method. While the knives are not made in Japan, the Japanese steel specification and the 60+ HRC hardness rating put them in the same performance tier as many knives that are.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a professional product tester and an enthusiastic home cook, I know my way around the kitchen. With over eight years of experience in the home space, I can pretty quickly identify which trendy items are worth the splurge and which ones are just hype. I’ve reviewed everything from coffee subscriptions to housewarming gifts so Taste of Home readers can click “add to cart” with confidence.
