Knives that sharpen themselves in the block

What reviewers say

Questions and answers

Is the Henckels Elan set worth it at $119.99?

At $119.99 at Kohl's as of November 7, 2026, it is a low-cost way to get a full forged set with a self-sharpening block. Ratings of 3.1 out of 5 mean you should expect decent everyday performance rather than premium edge retention.

How does the self-sharpening block work?

Each slot holds ceramic or carbide sharpeners that touch the blade as you pull it out or push it in. That keeps edges usable but slowly removes steel, so blades will not last as long as hand-sharpened ones.

Are these knives really dishwasher safe?

Henckels lists the set as dishwasher safe, but hot water and detergent speed up dulling and can damage handles. Hand washing and drying keeps edges and handles in better shape.

What knives are in the 14-piece set?

It includes an 8-inch chef knife, santoku, bread knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, steak knives, kitchen shears and a wood block with self-sharpening slots.

How does it compare with a Henckels International set?

Both are budget-friendly Henckels lines. The Elan adds the self-sharpening block and dishwasher-safe claim; traditional sets usually need separate sharpening but often use heavier blades.

When is the price lowest?

The current $119.99 at Kohl's as of November 7, 2026 is already near the bottom of its recent range. Knife block sets typically drop further around Black Friday and holiday sales.