Lion Sabatier Ideal Steel 5pc Knife Block Set
Lion Sabatier Ideal Steel 5pc Knife Block Set
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About the Lion Sabatier Ideal Steel Knife Block Set
The Lion Sabatier Ideal Steel 5-piece knife block set represents the complete knife collection every kitchen needs. Combining French knife-making heritage dating back to 1812 with modern materials and manufacturing, this set delivers professional-quality performance in an elegant, organised package.
Each knife in this collection is 100% fully forged in France from N4116 Nitro+ steel—a premium French stainless steel that balances excellent edge retention with easy sharpening. The full tang construction extends the blade completely through the handle for perfect balance and durability. POM handles provide a comfortable, secure grip whilst maintaining the classic Sabatier aesthetic enhanced with brass rivets.
The set is housed in a stunning Borneo ashwood knife block, chosen specifically for its exceptional durability and attractive grain patterns. Ashwood is prized in fine furniture for its strength and elegant appearance, making this block both a practical storage solution and a beautiful addition to your kitchen countertop. The block's compact footprint (23.5cm x 18cm x 8.5cm) provides organised storage without dominating your worktop space.
What's Included in the Set
20cm Chef's Knife: The workhorse of any kitchen, this versatile knife handles the majority of your cutting tasks. Perfect for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, mincing herbs, and crushing garlic. The 20cm blade length offers excellent control whilst providing enough blade surface for rocking cuts and efficient chopping. This will quickly become your go-to knife for daily cooking.
20cm Bread Knife: Features a serrated edge specifically designed for slicing through crusty bread without crushing the soft interior. The serrations also make this knife excellent for slicing tomatoes with tough skins, cutting delicate pastries, and tackling other foods where a smooth blade might slip or compress. Essential for any household that enjoys fresh bread.
20cm Carving Knife: A long, slim blade designed for slicing cooked meats with precision. The 20cm length provides the reach needed to carve large roasts, whilst the narrow blade reduces friction for smooth, even slices. Perfect for Sunday roasts, Christmas turkey, and presenting beautifully carved meats at the table.
12cm Utility Knife: This mid-sized knife bridges the gap between the chef's knife and paring knife. Ideal for cutting sandwiches, slicing smaller fruits and vegetables, preparing cheese boards, and countless other tasks where a chef's knife is too large but a paring knife too small. One of the most underrated and frequently used knives in the kitchen.
10cm Paring Knife: Essential for intricate work requiring precision and control. Perfect for peeling fruits and vegetables, deveining prawns, removing seeds, hulling strawberries, segmenting citrus, and any detailed cutting task. The small blade offers maximum manoeuvrability for delicate work.
Borneo Ashwood Knife Block: A beautiful and practical storage solution that protects your knives whilst keeping them organised and within easy reach. The ashwood construction combines exceptional durability with attractive grain patterns that complement any kitchen décor. The angled slots allow easy knife identification and removal whilst the compact design maximises countertop efficiency.
Key Features
- Complete 5-Knife Collection: Everything you need for comprehensive kitchen prep—from delicate paring to efficient chopping
- 100% Fully Forged: Each blade forged from a single piece of steel for superior strength, balance, and performance
- N4116 Nitro+ Steel: Premium French stainless steel combining excellent edge retention with easy sharpening
- Full Tang Construction: Blades extend completely through handles for perfect balance and lifetime durability
- POM Handles: Durable, maintenance-free polymer handles that won't crack, warp, or require special treatment
- Brass Rivets: Traditional brass riveting provides secure attachment and classic aesthetic appeal
- Borneo Ashwood Block: Beautiful, durable hardwood known for strength and attractive grain patterns
- Compact Design: Block dimensions (23.5 x 18 x 8.5cm) provide organised storage without dominating countertop space
- Made in France: Crafted with over 200 years of French knife-making expertise since 1812
- Traditional Design: Classic Sabatier profile that's been trusted by generations of chefs
- 58 HRC Hardness: Optimal hardness for edge retention whilst maintaining ease of sharpening
- Lifetime Warranty: Covered by lifetime warranty on materials and manufacturing defects
- Professional Quality: Used in professional kitchens yet perfect for serious home cooks
Knife Selection Guide
Daily vegetable prep: Use the 20cm chef's knife for chopping onions, dicing peppers, slicing courgettes—this handles 80% of daily cutting tasks.
Bread and tomatoes: Always reach for the 20cm bread knife. The serrations grip rather than slip, giving clean cuts without crushing.
Sandwiches and smaller items: The 12cm utility knife is perfect—big enough to cut through sandwiches in one stroke, small enough for precise work.
Peeling and detail work: The 10cm paring knife excels at any task requiring control and precision, from peeling apples to deveining prawns.
Sunday roasts: Let your joint rest, then use the 20cm carving knife for professional-looking, even slices that show off your cooking.
The Blades: N4116 Nitro+ Steel
Every knife in this set features a blade crafted from French N4116 Nitro+ stainless steel, chosen specifically for its excellent balance of performance characteristics. This premium steel offers genuine stainless properties with superior corrosion resistance, excellent edge retention for long-lasting sharpness, relative ease of sharpening even at home, and 58 HRC hardness—the sweet spot between edge retention and sharpening ease.
The 100% fully forged construction means each blade is forged from a single piece of steel rather than stamped from sheet metal. This forging process creates a blade with superior strength and durability, better balance and weight distribution, enhanced performance that professional chefs demand, and a quality you can feel immediately when handling the knife. The full tang construction (blade extending completely through the handle) ensures the blade can never separate from the handle and provides perfect balance.
Each blade features a satin finish that reduces glare whilst maintaining the professional aesthetic. The smooth blades (except the serrated bread knife) are sharpened to a secondary V-edge at approximately 13 degrees per side, ideal for efficient cutting with minimal resistance. The extended bolster on each knife protects your fingers and provides a safe, comfortable grip point.
The Handles: POM with Brass Rivets
All five knives feature handles crafted from POM (polyoxymethylene), a high-performance polymer chosen for its exceptional properties. POM offers moisture resistance that prevents cracking or warping, no special maintenance required (no oiling or conditioning), excellent durability through decades of daily use, comfortable grip even when slightly damp, and seamless integration with the traditional bolster design.
Despite being a modern material, the POM handles maintain the classic Sabatier aesthetic. The black handles with brass rivets create a timeless look that wouldn't be out of place in a professional kitchen or a heritage collection. The brass rivets serve both functional and aesthetic purposes—securely attaching the handle scales to the full tang whilst adding visual warmth and traditional elegance.
The symmetrical handle design accommodates both right and left-handed users, and the traditional Western grip provides comfortable, secure control during use. The handle lengths are proportioned to each blade size, ensuring proper balance and comfortable use regardless of which knife you've selected.
The Block: Borneo Ashwood
The knife block is crafted from Borneo ashwood, a premium hardwood chosen specifically for this application. Ashwood is renowned in fine furniture making for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, beautiful grain patterns that add natural character, excellent durability that withstands daily use, and natural resistance to splitting or cracking.
The block's design provides angled slots that make knife identification and removal easy, protective storage that maintains blade edges, stability on the countertop without excessive weight, and a compact footprint (23.5 x 18 x 8.5cm) that doesn't dominate your worktop. The natural wood grain means each block is unique, with its own distinctive pattern—no two are exactly alike.
The ashwood's light to medium tone complements most kitchen colour schemes, from traditional to contemporary. The block's finish enhances the natural grain whilst providing protection against moisture and staining. This isn't merely a storage solution—it's a beautiful piece that enhances your kitchen's aesthetic whilst keeping your knives organised, protected, and within easy reach.
Specifications
Set Contents:
Knife Specifications:
Knife Block Specifications:
General:
Care & Use Instructions
Knife Care:
Before first use: Remove all packaging materials and any blade protectors. Wash all five knives in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately with a clean towel. This removes any manufacturing residue or protective oils. The knives should arrive reasonably sharp but may benefit from light honing on a steel before first use.
After each use: Wash knives by hand immediately after use. Don't leave them sitting with food residue or soaking in water. Use warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads on the blades. For the serrated bread knife, pay attention to cleaning between the serrations. Rinse thoroughly under clean running water.
Drying: This step is crucial. Dry all knives immediately and thoroughly after washing using a clean tea towel. Don't leave them to air dry, as water spots can form and prolonged moisture isn't ideal even for stainless steel. Pay particular attention to drying around bolsters and rivets where water can collect.
Storage in the block: Always return clean, dry knives to the block with the blade facing down into the slot. Never force a knife into a slot—it should slide in smoothly. The block protects your knives and prevents accidents. If a slot feels tight, check the knife is entering at the correct angle. Never store knives whilst still damp.
Maintaining sharpness: Before each use, run smooth-bladed knives along a honing steel 3-4 times per side at approximately 13-15 degrees. This realigns the edge and maintains sharpness between proper sharpenings. The serrated bread knife doesn't require regular honing. When knives no longer respond well to steeling (typically after several months of regular use), they need proper sharpening.
Sharpening: You can sharpen at home using whetstones if experienced (use 1000 grit followed by 3000-6000 grit, maintaining the 13-degree angle per side), or take to a professional knife sharpener. The N4116 Nitro+ steel is designed to be relatively easy to sharpen. Note: Don't attempt to sharpen the serrated bread knife at home—this requires specialist equipment and is best left to professionals, though serrated edges typically last for years before requiring sharpening.
Using appropriate cutting surfaces: Always use wood or quality plastic cutting boards. Never cut on glass, marble, granite, ceramic, or metal surfaces, as these will quickly dull your knives. Each knife type has its purpose—using the right knife for each task extends blade life and makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
What to avoid with knives: Never put your knives in the dishwasher, despite the blades being technically dishwasher safe. The harsh detergents, high heat, and water pressure will dull blades, damage edges, and gradually degrade handles. Don't use knives to cut through bones (except with appropriate bone-handling techniques for the chef's knife with soft bones). Avoid twisting motions which can chip edges. Don't use knives as can openers, screwdrivers, or for any non-food tasks. Never leave knives soaking in water or put them in the sink where they can't be seen.
Knife Block Care:
Placement: Position the block on a stable, level surface away from the edge of the countertop. Ensure it's not in a location where it might be knocked or where moisture accumulates. Keep away from the sink splash zone and cooking areas where oil splatter might occur.
Regular cleaning: Wipe down the exterior of the block weekly with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately with a clean towel. This removes dust, fingerprints, and any cooking residue. For the knife slots, occasionally invert the block and tap it gently to dislodge any crumbs or debris that may have fallen in.
Deep cleaning: Every few months, remove all knives and clean the slots more thoroughly. Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to reach into the slots if needed. You can use a slightly damp cloth or very lightly dampened brush, but ensure the block dries completely before returning knives. Some people use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove debris from slots.
Wood care: The ashwood block has a protective finish, but wood benefits from occasional conditioning. Every 6-12 months, or when the wood appears dry, apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil or wood conditioning oil. Apply with a soft cloth, allow it to absorb for a few hours, then buff off any excess. This maintains the wood's moisture balance and enhances its appearance.
What to avoid with the block: Never submerge the block in water or place it in the dishwasher. Don't use harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbing pads. Avoid placing the block in direct sunlight or near heat sources (oven, hob, radiators) as this can dry out and crack the wood. Don't use the block if it's wet—ensure it's completely dry before returning knives to slots.
Safety Guidelines:
General knife safety: Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers clear of the blade path. Use proper cutting techniques with your knuckles curled back as a guide. When not actively cutting, place knives safely on your work surface with blades facing away. Never try to catch a falling knife—step back and let it fall. Keep knives sharp—counterintuitively, sharp knives are safer because they require less pressure and are less likely to slip.
Block safety: Always insert and remove knives carefully, keeping your hands clear of the blade edge. Remove knives by grasping the handle firmly and pulling straight out—don't wiggle or twist. When carrying the block, hold it from underneath with both hands and keep it level. Ensure children understand that the knives and block are not toys and should only be used under supervision.
Storage safety: Never store dirty knives in the block. Always ensure knives are completely dry before returning them to slots. If a knife doesn't slide smoothly into its slot, don't force it—check you're using the correct slot and angle. Position the block where it won't be knocked but is still convenient for the primary cook.
Long-Term Maintenance:
Regular inspection: Periodically check knife handles for any looseness (unusual with full tang construction but should be addressed if noticed). Inspect blade edges for any chips or damage that might require professional attention. Check the block for any cracks, splits, or damage that might harbour bacteria or compromise stability.
Maintaining performance: With proper care, this knife set will last decades. Continue hand washing and drying immediately, store only clean and dry knives in the block, regular honing and periodic sharpening, and condition the block's wood 1-2 times per year. The combination of quality materials, proper care, and traditional craftsmanship ensures these knives will potentially outlast you and become family heirlooms.
When to seek professional help: If a blade edge becomes chipped or damaged, take to a professional for repair. If you're uncomfortable sharpening knives yourself, use a professional sharpening service 1-2 times per year. If any handle develops looseness, contact us immediately. If the block develops cracks or splits, it may need replacement to ensure safe knife storage.
Troubleshooting: If knives seem dull despite regular steeling, they need proper sharpening. If the block develops an odour, it may need more thorough cleaning and drying. If the wood appears very dry or rough, it needs conditioning with mineral oil. If water spots appear on blades despite drying, you may be leaving them slightly damp—ensure thorough drying after washing.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality knife sets and kitchen essentials. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock Lion Sabatier because their commitment to quality and French culinary heritage aligns with our standards.
Lion Sabatier Lifetime Warranty
This knife set comes with Lion Sabatier's lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects when used and cared for according to instructions. This demonstrates Lion Sabatier's confidence in their craftsmanship and materials—a tradition of quality that dates back to 1812.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not satisfied with the knife set?
Return it to us, even if you've used it. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items—if the set doesn't meet your expectations or cooking needs, we'll refund you in full. This applies whether you've used one knife or the entire set.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage any knife in the set or the block (for example, chipping a blade tip or cracking the block), we'll replace the damaged item at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This supplements Lion Sabatier's lifetime warranty, which covers manufacturing defects.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Is this set suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. This set is perfect for anyone building their first quality knife collection or upgrading from cheap knives. You get all the essential knives needed for comprehensive kitchen work, each one is intuitive to use, the quality materials forgive beginner mistakes better than cheap knives, and proper knives actually make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Many beginners find that investing in quality knives transforms their confidence and enjoyment in the kitchen.
Can I buy replacement knives if one gets damaged?
Individual Lion Sabatier Ideal Steel knives may be available for purchase separately. Contact us for specific availability. However, our Half-Price Replacement guarantee means that within the first 2 years, we'll replace any accidentally damaged knife at half price, making replacement more affordable.
How often do the knives need sharpening?
With daily honing before use (3-4 passes per side on a steel), the knives typically need professional sharpening every 6-12 months with regular home use. The serrated bread knife will last several years before needing sharpening. Regular honing maintains the edge between proper sharpenings and extends the time between sharpening sessions significantly.
Is the knife block stable on the worktop?
Yes, the ashwood block has a solid, stable base that won't tip or slide during normal use. The compact dimensions (23.5 x 18 x 8.5cm) provide good stability without being excessively heavy or bulky. Place it on a level surface away from the counter edge for maximum stability.
What's the difference between fully forged and stamped knives?
Fully forged knives (like these) are created from a single piece of steel through a forging process, resulting in superior strength and durability, better balance and weight distribution, enhanced performance that professional chefs demand, and typically longer lifespan. Stamped knives are cut from a sheet of steel and are generally lighter, more flexible, less durable, and don't offer the same level of performance. The difference is substantial and immediately noticeable when handling and using the knives.
Can I put the knives in the dishwasher?
No, absolutely not, despite them being technically dishwasher safe. Hand washing takes less than a minute per knife and ensures they maintain their edge and appearance for decades. Dishwashers use harsh detergents, high heat, and water pressure that will dull blades, damage edges, cause water spots, and gradually degrade handles. All quality knives should be hand washed—it's a small investment of time that protects your investment in quality cutlery.
Will the ashwood block crack or split?
With proper care, no. Ashwood is chosen specifically for its durability and resistance to cracking. To prevent issues: never submerge in water or put in the dishwasher, wipe down regularly and keep dry, condition with mineral oil 1-2 times per year, and keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Follow these guidelines and the block will last for decades without issues.
What makes Sabatier knives special compared to other brands?
Lion Sabatier has been the icon of French cuisine since 1812, representing over 200 years of knife-making expertise. The Ideal Steel series combines traditional design with modern materials—100% fully forged construction, N4116 Nitro+ French steel, full tang throughout, lifetime warranty, and made in France. You're getting professional-quality knives at a price that's accessible for serious home cooks, backed by centuries of reputation and expertise.
Do I really need all five knives?
Yes, each knife serves specific purposes that make kitchen work more efficient and enjoyable. The chef's knife handles the majority of tasks, the bread knife is essential for crusty loaves and tomatoes, the carving knife makes presenting roasts professional, the utility knife fills the gap for mid-sized tasks, and the paring knife excels at detailed work. Together, they cover every cutting need in the kitchen. Buying the set also represents better value than purchasing knives individually.
How does this compare to much more expensive knife sets?
This Lion Sabatier set offers remarkable value. You get 100% fully forged construction (not stamped), premium French N4116 Nitro+ steel, full tang throughout, made in France with 200+ years expertise, beautiful ashwood block, and lifetime warranty. More expensive sets may use slightly harder steels or exotic handle materials, but for the vast majority of home cooks (and many professionals), this set provides everything needed for excellent performance without the premium price of ultra-high-end brands. The performance difference rarely justifies double or triple the price.
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“ Master knife selection with our expert guide. Learn blade types, steel grades, maintenance tips, and find your perfect chef's knife. 50+ years of expertise.” Read more about my views on Kitchen Knives in my article Kitchen Knife Buying Guide  by Andi HealeyArt of Living - Web Manager |
