Key takeaways
- Farberware has been a household name on kitchen shelves for generations.
Farberware has been a household name on kitchen shelves for generations, and its knife sets are the kind many people already recognize from a relative’s counter. That familiarity creates a specific buying problem: the brand sells many block sets with similar names, and the difference between a 13-piece, a 16-piece and a 22-piece model is not obvious from the front of the box. The decision here is which Farberware configuration matches how you actually cook, and whether self-sharpening blocks are worth choosing over a plain wood one.
This guide is for buyers who have already settled on the brand and want help sorting its lineup, whether for a first kitchen, a wedding registry or a refresh. In 2026 the options center on triple-riveted high-carbon stainless blades, so the six sets below were chosen to show the main variations: piece count, self-sharpening slots, block style and handle color. Every comment sticks to facts in the product titles.
Quick Picks
Our top picks
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| Product | Best for | Key spec from the title |
|---|---|---|
| Farberware 22-Piece Block Set | Equipping a whole kitchen | 22 pieces, steak knives, scissors, sharpening steel |
| Farberware Edgekeeper 16-Piece | Low-effort sharpening | Triple rivet, built-in sharpener, black |
| Farberware 15-Piece White/Gold | A stylish counter | Triple-riveted, wood block, white and gold |
| Farberware 15-Piece Black Pine | A classic pinewood look | Triple riveted, natural pinewood block |
| Farberware EdgeKeeper 13-Piece | Smaller kitchens | Self-sharpening block, black |
| Farberware 18-Piece Block Set | Cooks who dislike maintenance | Never-needs-sharpening blades, non-slip handles |
How to Choose
Decide whether you want a self-sharpening block
Farberware’s EdgeKeeper line uses sharpening slots inside the block, so each time you pull a knife out or slide it in, the blade touches an abrasive surface. This keeps edges serviceable with almost no effort. The trade-off is that the slot removes a little steel each time, so over many years the blades wear thinner. If you want long blade life and enjoy sharpening, a standard block with a separate honing steel makes more sense. Also consider who else uses the kitchen, since a household where several people grab knives casually benefits from the forgiving, no-fuss approach of a self-sharpening slot. Either path works well, so choose the one that fits your habits rather than the one with the louder claim on the box.
Read what the piece count includes
A 22-piece listing does not mean 22 knives. Titles for the larger sets mention steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel, which count toward the total, and the block itself can also be counted. For daily cooking you need a chef knife, a bread knife, a utility knife and a paring knife, with shears as a handy extra. Beyond that, extra pieces add convenience, not capability, so weigh each extra against the counter space it takes.
Check construction words
Triple-riveted handles secure the handle scales to the tang with three rivets, a common sign of better attachment than a simple molded handle. High-carbon stainless steel blends hardness with rust resistance. Razor sharp is marketing language; look instead at construction terms. Non-slip or ergonomic handles help during longer prep sessions. Titles in this brand rarely list a blade hardness number, so avoid assuming performance beyond what is stated. Ignore bold claims on the packaging and compare the construction words instead.
Match the block to your counter
Larger sets use bigger blocks, and block material changes the look. A pinewood block feels classic, a graphite or black block feels modern, and a white and gold one is a deliberate style choice. Measure counter depth and the clearance under your cabinets before choosing a 20-plus piece block. Blocks also need to stay dry, so avoid placing them right beside the sink, and leave a few inches of space on each side so a hand can reach in comfortably. Budget sets in any brand tend to cut corners on edge retention rather than on piece count.
The 6 Best Options
Farberware 22-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
The largest set in the lineup, aimed at someone stocking a kitchen from scratch. The title describes a complete 22-piece set in high carbon stainless steel, with knives, steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel. It is a one-order solution for a new household or a registry, because it reduces the need for follow-up purchases of a honing tool or shears. Families who cook most nights and entertain a few times a year will use the range of blades best.
- Strength: it includes steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel in the same order.
- Strength: the high carbon stainless steel construction fits both slicing and daily prep.
- Trade-off: a 22-piece block is large and may not fit under low cabinets.
Skip it if you have limited counter space or prefer to buy only the knives you will use.
Farberware Edgekeeper 16-Piece Triple Rivet Block Set
This is the choice for someone who wants sharpening handled by the block. The title lists a 16-piece triple rivet set in black with a built-in knife sharpener. It pairs a sturdy handle design with automatic upkeep, so it appeals to people who cook often but never get around to scheduling a sharpening session. Buyers who like a dark, modern block will also find the black finish easy to match with appliances.
- Strength: the built-in sharpener means every knife gets a touch-up on the way out.
- Strength: triple-rivet handles point to a stronger attachment than molded ones.
- Trade-off: built-in sharpening removes steel gradually, so blade life may be shorter than with careful manual honing.
Skip it if you prefer to sharpen with stones or want a natural wood block.
Farberware 15-Piece Triple-Riveted Block Set, White/Gold
A style-focused set. The title lists 15 pieces of triple-riveted high-carbon stainless steel knives, razor sharp blades, a wood storage block and a white and gold look. It is meant for cooks who treat the counter as part of the decor and want the block to match a bright kitchen rather than disappear into a corner. A kitchen with white cabinets or brass hardware is where the color scheme makes the most sense.
- Strength: the white and gold finish is unusual among block sets and stands out.
- Strength: triple-riveted construction signals sturdier handles.
- Trade-off: light-colored handles may show stains more easily over time.
Skip it if you want a traditional black or wood look, or a block with a sharpener built in.
Farberware Triple Riveted 15-Piece Block Set, Black Pine
The classic. The title lists a 15-piece triple riveted set in black pine, with high carbon stainless steel blades, ergonomic handles and a natural pinewood block. It suits traditional kitchens where a warm wood tone is preferred, and it keeps the Farberware look familiar to anyone who grew up with the brand. Gift buyers shopping for a parent or a first-home couple will find the traditional look easy to like.
- Strength: ergonomic handles and triple rivets point to a comfortable, secure build.
- Strength: a natural pinewood block fits most kitchen styles.
- Trade-off: the title does not list a sharpener, so a separate honing tool may be needed.
Skip it if you want self-sharpening convenience or a modern color scheme.
Farberware EdgeKeeper 13-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set
The smaller self-sharpening option. The title describes a 13-piece black block set with high carbon stainless steel blades, ergonomic handles and a self-sharpening feature. It trims the footprint of the larger EdgeKeeper set while keeping the automatic upkeep, which makes it a better fit for apartments and shared kitchens. College students and renters who want a real set without a bulky block are the natural audience.
- Strength: self-sharpening slots keep edges usable without extra tools.
- Strength: the 13-piece size is easier to fit on a smaller counter.
- Trade-off: fewer pieces mean less room for a full steak knife lineup.
Skip it if you want the biggest set or prefer a natural wood block.
Farberware 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
The maintenance-averse pick. The title lists 18 pieces of high carbon stainless steel with never-needs-sharpening blades, non-slip handles and a natural finish storage block. It is for cooks who want to buy once and stop thinking about the edge, as long as they understand that never-needs-sharpening is a marketing promise and not a physical guarantee. Treat it as a convenience line and still plan to hone the blades now and then.
- Strength: non-slip handles support safer grip during wet prep.
- Strength: a natural finish block blends with most counter styles.
- Trade-off: never-needs-sharpening wording is a bold claim that no blade can fully deliver over many years.
Skip it if you want a more cautious claim about edge life or a built-in sharpening slot.
Which One Fits Your Situation
You want everything in one box
The Farberware 22-Piece set bundles steak knives, scissors and a sharpening steel with the block, so it is the closest to a complete kitchen purchase. Move-in day shoppers will appreciate not having to hunt for a second order.
You do not want to think about sharpening
The EdgeKeeper 16-Piece set and the EdgeKeeper 13-Piece set both use self-sharpening blocks. Choose the 13-piece one for a smaller counter and the 16-piece one for more blades.
You want a statement counter
The 15-Piece White/Gold set is the visual outlier, and the Black Pine set is the warmer, more traditional alternative.
You cook a lot and want fewer worries
The 18-Piece set with non-slip handles and the never-needs-sharpening claim is aimed at this buyer, though regular honing is still wise. Think of it as a low-fuss set rather than a no-maintenance one.
Common Mistakes
- Counting scissors, sharpening steels and steak knives as full-size kitchen knives.
- Putting a large 22-piece block on a counter without checking cabinet clearance.
- Believing that self-sharpening means a blade never wears down.
- Leaving the block next to the sink where it stays damp.
- Ignoring the handle color, then discovering white handles show stains.
Specs and Terms Explained
Triple rivet
Three rivets pin the handle scales to the steel tang beneath. The idea is a stronger bond between handle and blade, which matters after years of washing and heavy chopping. It is a construction detail worth noticing on a lower-priced block set, even though the rivets alone do not decide how good the steel is.
Edgekeeper
The name refers to a sharpening mechanism built into the block slots. Each time a knife is slid in or out, it passes a small abrasive so the edge gets a light touch-up. Many owners like the convenience; others note that the abrasive removes metal over time and cannot replace a proper sharpening session.
Stainless steel versus high-carbon
Plain stainless resists rust and needs little attention, while high-carbon stainless can hold an edge longer but wants more care. A listing that names the steel type gives you a clue to expected upkeep.
What the piece count includes
Count the full-size knives separately from the shears, a honing rod, steak knives and the block itself. A big headline number often includes small accessories.
Which One Should You Buy?
| If you… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Want everything in one box for a new home | Farberware 22-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set |
| Want a self-sharpening block with a mid-size count | Farberware Edgekeeper 16-Piece Triple Rivet Block Set |
| Want a light countertop color | Farberware 15-Piece Triple-Riveted Block Set, White/Gold |
| Want a darker wood look | Farberware Triple Riveted 15-Piece Block Set, Black Pine |
| Want a smaller self-sharpening block | Farberware EdgeKeeper 13-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set |
| Want a large count in a conventional block | Farberware 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set |
Who Should Skip These
If you already sharpen knives on a stone, a block that grinds at every use will fight your routine, so the self-sharpening models are not for you. Choose a plain block instead.
Anyone drawn to the 22-piece headline should confirm they will use the extras, because the daily-use blades usually make up a small fraction of a large total.
Small kitchens may find the largest blocks eat too much counter. And people who want a single standout chef knife are usually better off buying that blade on its own than hunting through a set.
Setup and Care Tips
- Hand wash and dry the knives instead of using the dishwasher, which is rough on handles and can loosen rivets over time.
- Insert blades into the slots with the sharp edge facing the side the maker intends, so the sharpening slot works as designed and not against the edge.
- Do not rely on the built-in sharpener forever. When the knife slices tomatoes poorly, send it for proper sharpening or use a stone.
- Wipe the block interior with a dry cloth occasionally to clear crumbs and moisture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does triple riveted mean?
It means three rivets hold the handle halves to the blade tang. It is a traditional sign of secure handle construction, though it is not a guarantee of steel quality. Check the handle fit and any gaps between scales and steel when the set arrives.
Is a self-sharpening block worth it?
For many home cooks, yes, because convenience wins and edges stay serviceable. The cost is gradual steel removal, so serious enthusiasts often prefer to hone and sharpen by hand.
How many knives will I really use?
Most cooks use a chef knife, a paring knife, a utility knife and a bread knife for nearly everything. The rest, including steak knives and shears, are a convenience. If your cooking is mostly weeknight dinners for two, a 13-piece or 15-piece set already covers every task and leaves room on the counter for other tools.
Can I put these in the dishwasher?
The titles here do not promise dishwasher safety, so hand washing is the safer choice, even for stainless steel blades that tolerate moisture well. Dry the blades right away to protect both the steel and the handles, and wipe the block’s slots occasionally so crumbs do not collect.
