As a manufacturer and cutler since 1648, we design and test the products featured in this guide. While we are proud of our TB creations, our priority is to provide you with objective technical advice to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place of creation and sharing. And at the center of any well-equipped kitchen are essential tools: knives. Whether you are a passionate chef or an everyday cook, the quality of your blades can transform your culinary experience. But with so many options, how do you find your way? Should you buy knives individually or opt for a complete set? Welcome to your go-to online knife store, TB-1648, heir to French cutlery expertise since 1648.
Investing in a quality knife set is often the most sensible approach. It's a practical, economical, and aesthetic solution to immediately have fundamental tools at your disposal. In this article, we will guide you through the advantages of knife sets, the criteria for choosing well, and most importantly, we will present a selection of 14 3-piece and 5-piece knife sets from our "La Cuisine" collection, specially designed to meet all needs and requirements. Get ready to discover how to equip your kitchen with precision and elegance.
Why opt for a knife set? Key advantages
Choosing a knife set rather than individual pieces offers several significant benefits, especially when dealing with a knife store renowned for its quality like ours.
- Consistency and Harmony: A set ensures aesthetic unity in your kitchen. The knives share the same design, handle materials, and often the same type of steel. This brings a professional and organized touch, whether the knives are stored in a block, on a magnetic strip, or in a drawer.
- Value for Money: Buying a set is generally more economical than acquiring each knife separately. Manufacturers often offer advantageous prices for sets, allowing you to access a higher quality range within a controlled budget.
- Essentials at Your Fingertips: Sets are designed to cover basic kitchen needs. A 3-piece set will offer the most versatile knives, while a 5-piece set will add more specialized blades. You are thus prepared for most cutting tasks from the start.
- Uniform Performance: Knives in the same set are manufactured according to the same quality standards, with the same type of steel and heat treatment. This provides consistent cutting performance, edge retention, and ease of maintenance across all your blades.
- Integrated Storage Solution (Often): Many sets, especially 5-piece or larger ones, come with a wooden storage block or another system. This protects your blades, keeps them organized and within reach, while contributing to safety in your kitchen.
Essential criteria for choosing your knife set
Navigating the offer of knife sets can seem complex. Here are the fundamental criteria to consider for making an informed choice in our knife store:
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Set Composition (3 or 5 pieces?):
- 3-piece sets: Ideal for starting or complementing a collection. They generally include a Chef's knife (versatile), a Paring knife (small cuts, peeling), and a Utility or Steak/Tomato knife (intermediate tasks). Perfect for less equipped kitchens or essential needs.
- 5-piece sets: More complete, they often add a Bread knife (serrated blade) and a Santoku or a Carving knife. They offer greater versatility for specific cuts and more varied preparations.
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Steel Quality: This is the heart of the knife. At TB, we prioritize high-quality stainless steels or innovative steels from our R&D. Hardness (expressed in HRC) is an indicator, but the overall balance of properties is crucial.
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Blade Construction (Forged vs. Stamped):
- Forged blades: Shaped from a single piece of heated and hammered steel, they are generally more robust, balanced (with a full bolster), and offer better edge retention. Often considered high-end.
- Stamped blades: Cut from a sheet of steel, they are lighter and often more affordable. Modern technologies allow for excellent performance even with stamped blades.
- The Handle: Material and Ergonomics: Comfort and secure grip are essential. Handles can be made of wood (traditional, warm), technical polymers (hygienic, resistant), or stainless steel (modern design, durable). The ergonomics, shape, and balance of the knife are paramount for prolonged use without fatigue.
- Design and Aesthetics: While performance is paramount, appearance also matters! Choose a set whose style matches your kitchen and your taste.
TB: your trusted knife store
Since 1648, the Tarrerias-Bonjean name has been synonymous with excellence in French cutlery, based in the heart of the Thiers basin. By choosing TB-1648, you are not just buying knives; you are investing in a heritage of craftsmanship, innovation, and quality. Our online knife store gives you access to a wide range of products, from traditional pocket knives to the most modern kitchen tools.
We master the entire production chain, from selecting the best steels to the ergonomic design of handles, including precise heat treatments that guarantee an exceptional and durable edge. Many of our knife sets bear the "Made in France" label, a guarantee of quality and adherence to the strictest standards. Exploring our "La Cuisine" collection means discovering tools designed by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.
Discover our history and our commitment to quality
Our selection of 3 and 5-piece knife sets
Here's an overview of the types of knife sets you can find in our "La Cuisine" collection, specifically filtered for 3 and 5-piece sets. Remember to check the product pages for exact details of each item.
The Essentials: Our 3-piece knife sets
These sets are perfect for equipping a first kitchen, for efficient daily use, or as a quality gift. They provide an excellent introduction to professional quality accessible through our knife store. Here is a selection from our collection, combining French craftsmanship and performance:
3-knife set - Maestro (Paring, Carving, Kitchen)
Composition: A versatile trio including a Paring Knife (10cm blade), a Carving Knife (15cm blade), and a Kitchen Knife (20cm blade).
Price (April 2025): €159.90
Features: Benefit from the robustness of a "Made in France" forged knife set. The full tang blade, entirely forged from NITROX steel in Thiers, guarantees exceptional sharpness and great durability. The ergonomic POM (resistant and lightweight polymer) handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip. A high-performing classic from Tarrerias-Bonjean.
Ideal for: Everyday versatility, cooking enthusiasts looking for traditional French forged quality.
3-knife set - Louis (Paring, Santoku, Chef)
Composition: Includes the essential Paring Knife, Santoku Knife, and Chef's Knife.
Price (April 2025): €229.90
Features: From the Louis collection, this knife set combines elegance and precision. The distinctive beveled Walnut handle seamlessly integrates with the extension of the blade and bolster, offering remarkable ergonomics. These very maneuverable knives ensure clean cutting and superior resistance for all your uses.
Ideal for: Cooks sensitive to the refined aesthetics of noble wood and seeking excellent maneuverability.
3-knife set - Georges - Wood (Paring, Santoku, Kitchen)
Composition: A practical set with Paring Knife (10cm), Santoku Knife (18cm), and Kitchen Knife (20cm).
Price (April 2025): €159.90
Features: Manufactured in our Thiers factory, this knife set is "Made In France" forged. The ergonomic traditional Walnut wood handle offers a secure grip, reinforced by the integrated bolster to secure your cutting movements. The perfect combination of tradition and efficiency.
Ideal for: Those who appreciate the charm of wood, the security of a bolster, and the versatility of a classic forged set.
3-knife set - Furtif - Stainless Steel Blade (Paring, Chef, Santoku)
Composition: A modern trio consisting of a Paring Knife, a Chef's Knife, and a Santoku Knife.
Price (April 2025): €169.90
Features: This "Made in France" knife set stands out for its unique design and cutting performance. The particularly tapered profile of the stainless steel blades allows for remarkably fine cutting. The ergonomic ABS handle completes the set with style and comfort.
Ideal for: Cooks looking for a distinctive contemporary design and surgical cutting precision.
3-knife set - Maestro (Paring, Santoku, Kitchen)
Composition: An essential variation including Paring Knife (10cm), Santoku Knife (18cm), and Kitchen Knife (20cm).
Price (April 2025): €175.90
Features: Find the "Made in France" forged quality of the Maestro range with this composition incorporating the popular Santoku. Full tang NITROX steel blade for strong sharpness, ergonomic resistant POM handle. Designed and manufactured in Thiers for durable performance.
Ideal for: Those who prioritize the Santoku knife in their basic forged equipment.
3-knife set - Georges - POM (Paring, Santoku, Kitchen)
Composition: The same effective trio: Paring Knife (10cm), Santoku Knife (18cm), and Kitchen Knife (20cm).
Price (April 2025): €149.90
Features: Enjoy all the advantages of the "Made In France" forged Georges range (robustness, balance, secure bolster) with the practicality of an ergonomic POM handle. This modern material offers excellent resistance and easy maintenance. A forged knife set with excellent value for money.
Ideal for: Combining the quality of French forging with the modernity and resistance of the POM handle.
3-knife set - Absolu - Rosewood (Vegetable, Slicer, Chef)
Composition: A specific set including a Vegetable Knife (9cm blade), a Slicing Knife, and a versatile Chef's Knife.
Price (April 2025): €161.99
Features: This elegant "Made In France" knife set from the Absolu range seduces with its very ergonomic Rosewood handles, a noble and warm wood. The high-quality Swedish stainless steel blades, with a double bevel, ensure precise and efficient cutting, particularly suited for vegetable preparation and various cuts.
Ideal for: Lovers of beautiful wood and ergonomic handles, those who work with a lot of vegetables.
Increased versatility: Our 5-piece knife sets
For more demanding cooks or those who want more complete equipment, 5-piece knife sets offer an ideal solution. They often include a practical and aesthetic storage block, making them an excellent choice for any well-organized kitchen from our knife store.
5-knife block - Georges - Wood
Composition: The entire Georges collection with Paring Knife, Steak Knife, Kitchen Knife, Santoku Knife, and Bread Knife, presented in an elegant wooden block.
Price (April 2025): €230.00
Features: A magnificent "Made In France" knife block comprising 5 forged pieces. The traditional ergonomic Walnut handle ensures an excellent grip, complemented by a secure bolster. Thiers' forged quality in a complete set with storage.
Ideal for: Lovers of tradition, noble wood, and those who want the complete Georges collection with its matching block.
5-knife block - Georges - POM
Composition: The entire Georges collection: Paring Knife, Steak Knife, Kitchen Knife, Santoku Knife, and Bread Knife, in a wooden block.
Observed Price (April 2025): €219.50
Features: Find the performance of "Made In France" forged Georges knives with the practicality of ergonomic POM handles (resistant and easy to maintain). This 5-piece knife block offers the same secure grip with integrated bolster. A complete and durable set.
Ideal for: Those seeking the complete forged Georges quality with the modernity and resistance of POM.
5-knife block - Maestro (+ Sharpening Steel)
Composition: The 5 essentials (Paring, Steak/Utility, Santoku, Kitchen, Bread) accompanied by a TB sharpening steel, all in a storage block.
Observed Price (April 2025): €250.00
Features: This Maestro knife set is exceptional: 5 full tang "Made in France" entirely forged blades in NITROX steel for formidable sharpness. Ergonomic and distinguished POM handles. The plus: the included steel to keep your blades sharp. All presented in a practical block.
Ideal for: A complete chef's equipment from the start, including maintenance with the sharpening steel. The full forged Maestro performance.
5-knife set - Absolu - ABS
Composition: A set of 5 versatile Tarrerias-Bonjean knives (exact composition to be checked on the product page, generally Paring, Utility/Steak, Kitchen/Chef, Santoku, Bread).
Observed Price (April 2025): €180.00
Features: Made in France, this 5-piece Absolu knife set is designed to be ergonomic and lightweight, inspired by professional constraints. ABS handles. Enjoy the unique expertise of Thiers cutlery at an accessible price.
Ideal for: Amateur and experienced cooks looking for an ergonomic and lightweight French set at a competitive price.
5-knife block - Brigade - Wood
Composition: The complete Brigade collection: Paring Knife, Steak Knife, Chef's Knife, Santoku Knife, and Bread Knife, in an elegant wooden block.
Observed Price (April 2025): €235.90
Features: A superb 5-piece knife block "Made In France" with forged blades. The distinctive feature lies in the ergonomic handles made of stabilized beech wood, offering beauty, excellent grip, and increased durability. All necessary tools within reach.
Ideal for: Those who appreciate noble and innovative materials (stabilized wood) and are looking for a complete and high-performance forged set.
5-piece knife block - Furtif - Black Blade
Composition: A stylish set of 5 knives (probably Paring, Chef, Santoku, Bread, Utility/Steak - to be confirmed on the product page) in a matching block.
Observed Price (April 2025): €340.00 (Currently out of stock)
Features: The unique design of the Furtif range in a "Made in France" 5-piece knife set. Blades with a sleek profile for perfect, precise cutting, here in a distinctive black finish. Ergonomic ABS handles. An exceptional item for a modern kitchen.
Ideal for: Enthusiasts of contemporary design and cutting performance, willing to wait for the availability of this specific model.
Explore our entire collection of kitchen knife sets
How to properly care for your knife set?
Acquiring a quality knife set is an investment. To preserve their sharpness and appearance for as long as possible, proper maintenance is essential:
- Washing: ALWAYS prioritize hand washing, even if some knives are indicated as dishwasher safe. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent any marks or corrosion spots. Harsh detergents, thermal shocks, and rubbing in the dishwasher damage blades and handles.
- Storage: Never throw your knives loose in a drawer! Use the provided block, a wall-mounted magnetic strip, or an in-drawer knife organizer. This protects the edges and prevents accidents.
- Sharpening and Honing: Maintain the edge of your blades regularly with a honing steel (to realign the edge) before almost every use. When the knife loses its sharpness, perform deeper sharpening with a whetstone or a suitable sharpener. [Internal link to sharpening tools or a sharpening guide on your blog if available]. Do not hesitate to consult a professional if needed.
Choosing the right knife set can truly enhance your pleasure and efficiency in the kitchen. Whether you opt for an essential 3-piece set or a more comprehensive 5-piece collection, the important thing is to prioritize the quality of materials, ergonomics, and a composition adapted to your culinary habits.
As a knife store with a centuries-old heritage and recognized expertise, TB-1648 is committed to offering you high-performance, durable, and aesthetic tools. The 14 references presented here are just a glimpse of what our "La Cuisine" collection can offer you. We invite you to explore each product in detail to find the knife set that will become an extension of your hand in the kitchen.
Ready to equip your kitchen with excellence?
