The Anolon SureGrip knife set is a well-made, attractive collection crafted from Japanese stainless steel and fitted with sturdy silicone-enhanced handles. Designed for comfort and a non-slip hold, this set balances everyday durability with user-friendly design. Below is a detailed, practical review based on long-term use of an earlier generation and hands-on testing of the updated model.
Anolon SureGrip Knife Set Review
The 17-piece set includes a wide selection to cover most kitchen tasks:
- 8-Inch Chef Knife
- 8-Inch Bread Knife
- 8-Inch Slicer Knife
- 5-Inch Santoku
- 5-Inch Utility Knife
- 3½-Inch Paring Knife
- Eight 5-Inch Steak Knives
- Kitchen Shears
- 8-Inch Honing Steel
- Acacia Wood Knife Block
This review reflects three years of daily use with the original Anolon set in a busy home kitchen, plus additional hands-on time with the newer version. The focus is on real-world performance: grip, balance, edge retention, maintenance needs, and suitability for different users.
Anolon SureGrip Knives PROs
Comfortable, Non-Slip Handles
The standout feature is the SureGrip technology: silicone-enhanced handles that are firm yet slightly yielding. They provide a secure hold even when hands or the handle are damp. In a busy kitchen, where hands and tools get rinsed and wiped repeatedly, those few extra seconds of confidence with a knife matter.
The handle shape is ergonomic, with a subtle rounded “belly” that helps your hand settle naturally for a steady grip. The polished stainless steel end cap both balances the knife and gives the set a refined look.
Attractive, Thoughtful Design
The set’s Acacia wood block has a gentle curve that complements the rounded handles. Color options such as Bronze provide a warmer aesthetic than typical black-handled sets, making this a good choice for kitchens with warm tones. Overall, the knives have a handsome, substantial presence on the countertop without feeling overly bulky.
Anolon SureGrip Knives CONs
One notable design choice is the full bolster. While bolsters can add durability and balance, they also make it harder to use a “pinch grip” (thumb and forefinger on the blade) that many chefs prefer for precision cutting. If you rely on that grip style, these knives may feel less natural.
Blade specifications are modest: the blades are made from Japanese 420J2 stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness around 50 ±2 HRC. This is a reasonable, cost-effective steel—resistant to corrosion and easy to sharpen—but it’s softer than higher-end stainless steels. Expect to hone and sharpen these blades more frequently if you use them heavily.
Edge Retention and Maintenance
In regular home use, the included honing steel will keep edges aligned and functional. After several years of daily use, full sharpening (removing metal to recreate the edge) will be necessary to restore a factory-sharp profile. When sharpened properly, the knives perform well for typical kitchen tasks. If you want blades that stay razor-sharp longer with less maintenance, look to higher-hardness steels, but those come at a higher price and usually require more care.
For most home cooks, a simple manual sharpener or occasional professional sharpening is sufficient to maintain performance. The set is forgiving to sharpen due to the softer steel, which is an advantage for people new to knife maintenance.
Who These Knives Are Best For
These knives are particularly well suited to people with weaker hands, limited grip strength, or arthritis. The thicker, comfortable handles reduce the need to close the hand tightly, allowing safer, more confident cutting for users with hand pain or stiffness. They’re also a solid choice for busy home cooks who want a complete set that looks good and performs reliably for everyday tasks.
If you have small hands or prefer very slim, lightweight handles, these might feel too large and bulky. Likewise, professional chefs who demand maximum edge retention with minimal sharpening may prefer higher-end cutlery steels.
Conclusion
The Anolon SureGrip 17-piece set offers an appealing balance of comfort, design, and practical performance for home kitchens. The silicone-enhanced handles make these knives safer and more comfortable to use in real-world cooking, while the Acacia block and finish add visual appeal. Blade steel is mid-range—easy to sharpen and corrosion-resistant but requiring more frequent maintenance than harder steels. Overall, this set is a strong value for home cooks, especially those who prioritize ergonomic handles and an attractive countertop presence.
Anolon SureGrip 17-Piece Knife Set Giveaway
Stay tuned for giveaway details and how to enter.