imarku Knife Block Set Review: Features a Built-in Sharpener and Ventilation Design

imarku Knife Block Set

imarku Knife Block Set

4.7/5 from 1,965 buyer ratings

$109.99 price checked August 2026

If you need a 14-piece set with a built-in sharpener for daily meal prep, this is the one to price-check.

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Where the imarku Knife Set Fits

The imarku Knife Block Set is for the home cook who needs a versatile 14-piece collection featuring a 56 HRC heat-treated steel hardness for reliable everyday cutting.

Dull or mismatched blades often turn simple meal preparation into a frustrating task where ingredients tear rather than slice. Using a disorganized collection of knives makes it difficult to find the right tool for specific tasks like mincing herbs or slicing bread.

The imarku Knife Block Set provides a comprehensive solution with a 14-piece variety that includes a 7″ Santoku and an 8″ chef knife. These blades are hand sharpened to 15 degrees per side to ensure a clean edge for daily kitchen tasks.

We evaluated the imarku Knife Block Set against the other kitchen cutlery options we compared to determine its performance. This review is for the first-time buyer looking for a complete, coordinated set that includes a built-in sharpener and a solid wood block.

How MyHobbyLobby picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed kitchen cutlery listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 122 qualified. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).

The Short Answer on the imarku Knife Set

Best for: you need a comprehensive starter set that includes specialized tools like shears and a built-in sharpener for a complete kitchen setup.

The imarku Knife Set is a practical choice at $109.99.

  • Pro: The 14-piece set includes a 7″ Santoku and an 8″ chef knife for versatile daily prep.
  • Pro: Heat treated blades reach 56 HRC, providing a standard level of edge retention for home use.
  • Pro: The solid wood block features a ventilation design to help dry the blades after washing.
  • Con: The 56 HRC hardness is lower than the VG-10 steel found in high-end Japanese sets, meaning it will require more frequent honing.
  • Con: The 15-degree per side sharpening angle is relatively sharp, which may lead to edge rolling if used on hard bones or frozen foods.

Don’t buy this if: you require a blade hardness above 56 HRC to maintain an edge through heavy-duty professional tasks.

Price assessment: At $109.99, the price is fair for a 14-piece set featuring Japanese-imported steel and a full tang design.

9.2/10

MyHobbyLobby score: 9.2/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)

You can also view our full review of the FULLHI Knife Set to see how it compares to other options.

If you are looking for a specific table setup, explore the best steak knife set for your home dining needs.

The Specifications That Matter

The Specifications That Matter – imarku Knife Set
Blade Count 14
Steel Type High Carbon Stainless Steel
Rockwell Hardness 56 HRC
Blade Edge Hand sharpened to 15 degrees per side
Handle Construction Full tang
Block Material Solid wood
Dishwasher Safe Yes
Weight 8.2 pounds

The 56 HRC hardness rating defines the balance between edge retention and corrosion resistance for the imarku Knife Set.

Performance: What the Specs Deliver

Japanese Steel Blade Construction

The imarku Knife Block Set uses imported steel from Japan that has been heat treated to 56 HRC. This hardness level provides a balance of edge retention and durability, allowing the blades to maintain a sharp edge through repeated slicing and dicing tasks without the micro-chipping common in softer steels.

The imarku Knife Set blades are hand sharpened to 15 degrees per side. This specific angle ensures the knives are sharp enough to perform out of the box without immediate maintenance, while the 8″ chef knife and 7″ Santoku knife provide sufficient blade length for standard food preparation. You can rely on these dimensions to handle everything from heavy chopping to precise paring.

Ergonomic Ridged Handle Design

The imarku Knife Set features full tang ergonomic handles with a ridged design. A full tang construction means the steel extends through the entire handle, which provides the structural integrity needed to prevent handle detachment during heavy lateral pressure or forceful cutting.

The ridged texture on the handles increases surface area for your grip. This design helps you maintain control over the 8″ bread knife and 8″ slicing knife, even when your hands are wet or the blade is under load. These handles are designed to distribute pressure evenly across your palm during repetitive kitchen work.

Ventilated Wood Block Storage

The imarku Knife Set includes a solid wood knife block with a wood grain finish and a ventilation design at the bottom. This ventilation allows air to circulate around the 14-piece set, which helps keep the handles dry and the wood from absorbing moisture over time.

The block provides a dedicated space for each tool, including the 6 kitchen shears and the built-in sharpener. By keeping the blades organized in a dedicated storage unit, you reduce the risk of accidental nicks and keep your workspace clear for cooking.

How the imarku Knife Set Compares to Alternatives

The imarku Knife Set provides the highest piece count in our comparison, featuring 14 pieces including 6 kitchen shears and a built-in sharpener.

  • The imarku Knife Set is the 1st highest-rated of the 6 options we compared with a 4.7 rating.
  • The imarku Knife Set costs the same price as the Ginsu Chikara Series Forged 12-Piece Japanese Knife Set.
  • The imarku Knife Set includes 14 pieces, whereas the Piklohas Kitchen Knife Set with Block contains fewer tools.
  • The imarku Knife Set features 56 HRC hardness, which is lower than the 58 HRC rating of the Piklohas Kitchen Knife Set with Block.
  • The imarku Knife Set provides a wood grain finish compared to the satin-finished blades of the Piklohas Kitchen Knife Set with Block.
  • The imarku Knife Set offers 14 pieces for the same $109.99 price as the KEEMAKE Damascus Knife Set.

If you require a higher hardness rating for extreme edge retention, choose the Piklohas Kitchen Knife Set with Block, as its 58 HRC steel exceeds the 56 HRC of the imarku Knife Set.

The 56 HRC hardness of the imarku Knife Set is sufficient for a home cook to maintain a reliable edge. While professional-grade Japanese heat treatments often reach higher numbers, 56 HRC provides a balance of durability and ease of sharpening for standard kitchen tasks.

What the imarku Knife Set costs next to the Kitchen Cutlery alternatives we compared.imarku Knife Block Set$109.99Ginsu Chikara Series Fo…$109.99Piklohas Kitchen Knife …$109.99KEEMAKE Damascus Knife …$109.99SENKEN Wasabi Collectio…$109.99Kitchen Knife Set with …$109.99Prices at review time; the reviewed product is highlighted.
What the imarku Knife Set costs next to the Kitchen Cutlery alternatives we compared.

For those seeking different tools, explore kitchen cutlery alternatives to achieve similar results.

Where This Price Sits

The imarku Knife Set sits at the $109.99 mark, which is the exact average of the similar kitchen cutlery products we compared it against. At this price point, you receive a 14-piece set featuring high-quality stainless steel blades and a solid wood block with a wood grain finish. You get a comprehensive range of tools, including an 8″ chef knife and a 7″ Santoku knife, alongside specialized items like kitchen shears and a built-in sharpener. While some sets at this price point use lower-grade steel, these blades are heat treated to 56 HRC and imported from Japan.

The imarku Knife Set is the right buy if you need a complete starter kit that includes a built-in sharpener and a 14-piece variety. The built-in sharpener allows you to maintain the edge without purchasing a separate honing rod, as the blades are hand sharpened to 15 degrees per side. If you require a professional-grade German set like a Wüsthof Classic or a high-end Japanese blade like a Shun Premier, you would need to increase your budget significantly beyond the $109.99 price point.

Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 122 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.7 rating places it #9, on 1,965 ratings – above the 112-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 109 of them.

The imarku Knife Set: Remaining Questions

How do I know if the imarku Knife Block Set will get moldy?

The imarku Knife Set includes a solid wood block featuring a ventilation design at the bottom to help moisture escape. This design helps the wood stay dry, though you should check the manufacturer’s specific drying instructions to ensure the wood grain finish remains clean.

Are the handles on the imarku Knife Block Set comfortable for smaller hands?

The imarku Knife Set features full tang ergonomic handles with a ridged handle design for grip. These handles provide a secure hold for various hand sizes while maintaining the structural integrity of the 8″ and 7″ blades.

Can I actually put the imarku Knife Block Set in the dishwasher?

Yes, the imarku Knife Set is listed as dishwasher safe. While the blades are made of high-quality stainless steel, you should verify if the wood block is also dishwasher safe before running a cycle to prevent the wood from warping.

Is the imarku Knife Block Set worth the $109.99 price?

If you need a comprehensive 14-piece starter set, the $109.99 price point includes a wide variety of tools like a Santoku and bread knife. The set holds a 4.7 rating from 1,965 buyers, which supports its value as a high-volume kitchen cutlery option.

Is the imarku Knife Set Right for You?

The imarku Knife Set suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 3 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.

Who the imarku Knife Set is for, and what it does well

Who the imarku Knife Set suits

  • Home cooks preparing family dinners — the 14-piece variety covers every common cutting task from dicing to slicing
  • Apartment dwellers with limited storage — the solid wood block keeps the full set organized in one footprint
  • Beginner home chefs — the 56 HRC hardness and 15-degree sharpen provide a durable, easy-to-maintain edge
  • Host who serves steak and bread — the inclusion of a serrated steak knife and a dedicated bread knife
  • Home cooks who prep large quantities of vegetables — the 8-inch chef knife and 7-inch Santoku provide versatile large-blade options

What the imarku Knife Set handles well

  • Slicing crusty loaves — the 8-inch bread knife
  • Prepping mirepoix and aromatics — the 8-inch chef knife and 7-inch Santoku
  • Trimming small fruits and herbs — the 3.5-inch paring knife
  • Cutting poultry and large proteins — the 6 kitchen shears
  • Daily kitchen maintenance — the built-in sharpener
  • Cleaning up after meals — the dishwasher-safe blades

What the imarku Knife Set is the wrong choice for

  • Professional sushi preparation — the 56 HRC hardness is too low for high-precision Japanese blade standards
  • Heavy-duty butchery — the 8-inch blade lengths and 56 HRC rating are not designed for large carcass breakdown
  • High-volume commercial kitchens — the wood block and 14-piece set lack the durability for 8-hour industrial shifts

What to budget alongside the imarku Knife Set, and what to skip

Worth buying at the same time

  • Cutting boards — necessary surface to protect the blades and ensure safety while cutting
  • Knife roll — for transporting the set if the wood block is too bulky to move
  • Cleaning cloth — to dry the blades after washing to prevent water spots on the steel
  • Oil for maintenance — to protect the wood grain finish of the block from moisture

What you can skip

  • Separate sharpening stone — the set already includes a built-in sharpener
  • Knife stand — the solid wood block provides the necessary storage and organization
  • Basic shears — the set already includes 6 kitchen shears

Where to Buy the imarku Knife Set

These retailers sell Kitchen Cutlery generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.

  • Surplus Center (online only) — trade and bulk accounts for commercial kitchen supplies
  • Chef’s Store (online and physical stores) — specialist selection and expert staff knowledge
  • Amazon (online only) — wide selection of brands and fast shipping
  • Walmart (online and physical stores) — affordable options and physical store pickup
  • Target (online and physical stores) — curated selection of home goods and kitchenware
  • Costco (online and physical stores) — bulk quantities and high-volume value packs
  • Williams Sonoma (online and physical stores) — premium brands and specialist kitchen advice

Final Verdict on the imarku Knife Set

You need a comprehensive starter kit that includes specialized blades like a Santoku and bread knife for a price around $109.99. The imarku Knife Block Set is the right choice for this requirement.

The imarku Knife Set provides a 4.7 rating from 1,965 buyers, which serves as a strong indicator of its performance for home cooks. The inclusion of 14 pieces, including a built-in sharpener and a 7″ Santoku knife, provides a versatile range of tools for basic kitchen tasks.

Skip it if: You require a harder steel than 56 HRC for professional-grade edge retention or need a specialized set that excludes a 14-piece block configuration.

Check the current price on Amazon