Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set Review

Our cooks at LivegreenPDX are passionate about cooking, and we’re always in pursuit of the right set of knives. And this pursuit landed us on a Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set.

No matter how fine you can cook, if your knife is dull, you won’t cook to your potential. The Gladiator series helps you cook to your potential. 

In this blog post, you’re going to read what our cooks feel and think after using this knife set for a long time. 

What Is the Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set?

The Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set is a heavy-duty, forged German set designed for home cooks and professional chefs who need reliable, versatile tools in their kitchens.

All-Purpose, Durable German Steel

These knives are forged from high-carbon German stainless steel, retaining their sharp edges for a long time and resisting corrosion. 

This means less maintenance and a set that performs cut after cut.

Built for Stability and Control

Each blade is forged from a single piece of metal, delivering stability, balance, and control during food prep. 

This lets you cut with confidence, whether you’re slicing delicate herbs or breaking down thick cuts of steak.

Complete Set for All Your Needs

This set covers everything you need for both everyday meal prep and more ambitious cooking tasks. Each knife is designed to handle a range of cutting jobs with ease.

Here’s what you get in this versatile set:

• 10” Honing Steel: Keep your edges razor-sharp and ready for action.
• 9” Carving Knife: Glide through roasts, ham, or brisket effortlessly.
• 9” Bread Knife: Slice artisan loaves without tearing or squishing.
• 8” Chef’s Knife: Your all-around workhorse for chopping, dicing, and mincing.
• 7” Santoku: Shorter and more maneuverable for finer cuts.
• 7” Nakiri: Designed for precise vegetable slicing.
• 6” Serrated Utility: Easily cut through tough-skinned produce.
• 6.5” Utility: A flexible blade for a range of small tasks.
• 8.5” Kiritsuke: Combines power and precision for versatile food prep.
• 6” Boning Knife: Perfect for trimming meat, fish, and other proteins.
• 2.75” Bird’s Beak Paring Knife: Ideally shaped for intricate cutting.
• Six 5” Straight-Edge Steak Knives: Provide a smooth, clean cut at the dinner table.
• 3.5” Paring Knife: An all-purpose small blade for peeling and trimming.
  

With this complete set, you’re fully equipped to handle whatever your recipe calls for…from simple meal prep to elaborate holiday feasts.

Safe Storage in Acacia Wood Block

Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set comes with a stylish acacia wood block that lets you safely store, protect, and showcase your knives, keeping them within reach while freeing up drawer space. It’s a convenient and elegant solution for both small and large kitchens.

Why This Dalstrong Gladiator Series Stands Out

It stands out because it is designed for heavy workloads, daily use, and long-lasting performance. If you are a cook offering services, this set will benefit you a lot. 

Here are all the other reasons; 

Durable, Forged German Steel

The set is forged from high-carbon German stainless steel. This guarantees greater stability, control, and power when cutting, whether you’re slicing through thick cuts of steak or delicate herbs. 

The full-tang blade…forged from a single piece of metal adds balance and robustness. It helps you perform every cut with confidence. This kind of forged steel maintains its sharpness for a long time and resists corrosion, even after extensive daily use.

Comfortable Handle for Better Control

The handle is made from durable, engineered wood. It’s designed to reduce wrist fatigue, even when you’re preparing large batches of food or making intricate cuts. 

The heavy, well-balanced handle lets you control every movement, whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef. This combination of power, grip, and control sets Dalstrong’s set apart from many other knives in its class.

Acacia Wood Block Storage — Safe, Durable, and Stylish

Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set comes with a handcrafted Acacia wood block that safely stores your knives while adding a stylish, sophisticated look to your countertop. 

Dalstrong designed the block to protect your knives’ edges, keep them organized, and prolong their lifespan. This makes for a convenient, all-around solution for both storage and care.

Who Should (& Shouldn’t) Buy Dalstrong Gladiator Series 

✅ Who Should Buy 

1. Busy home cooks or professionals who prep a lot.

If you regularly cook large meals or handle dense ingredients like squash, brisket, or bone-in cuts, this set gives you the power and durability to do it with ease.

2. Cooks who want a firm, balanced grip.

The triple-riveted handles are weighty and stable. They’re built to reduce wrist strain, especially helpful during long prep sessions.

3. Anyone who prefers forged German knives.

These knives are thick, sturdy, and built to withstand years of cutting. If you like a knife that can take a beating without losing its edge, this set is for you.

4. People who want one high-quality set to do everything.

With 18 tools, from chef’s knives to boning knives to honing steel, it’s a complete toolkit, not just a fancy display.

❌ Who Shouldn’t Buy

1. Fans of ultra-light, razor-thin Japanese blades.

If you love the finesse of slicing raw fish or paper-thin vegetables, these knives may feel too heavy and thick for your needs.

2. Cooks with tiny hands.

The handle is thick and hefty. Some people may find it more challenging to control or tiring to use.

3. Shoppers on a tight budget.

This is a premium set…you’re paying for performance, not price. If you’re not cooking often, it may be more than you need.

Pros and Cons of the Dalstrong Gladiator Series

Here’s a practical look at what this knife set does well…and where it might fall short…based on how it performs in real kitchens.

✅ Pros:

• Forged full-tang blades offer strength, control, and stability for heavy-duty prep work.
• High-carbon German stainless steel stays sharp longer and resists rust, even with constant use.
• Triple-riveted handles are sturdy and comfortable, helping reduce wrist strain over long prep sessions.
• Complete 18-piece set includes every essential tool, from chef’s knife to bird’s beak paring knife…no need for extras.
• Acacia wood block keeps your knives organized, protected, and looks great on the counter.
• Dalstrong’s lifetime warranty and responsive customer support provide added peace of mind.

❌ Cons:

• Heavier than Japanese knives, which may feel bulky for those who prefer light, agile blades.
• Some users report minor handle cracking over time, though Dalstrong usually resolves these quickly with replacements.
• Higher price point, which may not be ideal for casual cooks or those just starting.

This set is for serious use. But it’s important to know whether it fits your style and expectations before investing.

Loving Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite 18-Piece Knife Set so far?

Final Verdict: Is the Dalstrong Gladiator Series Worth It? 

Great knives make you cook better. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series is a full kitchen upgrade. With every slice, you feel the difference in balance, weight, and craftsmanship. 

It gives you the kind of confidence that turns meal prep into something you enjoy, not rush through. 

If you’ve ever felt held back by dull blades or cheap sets, this is your chance to step up. You’re not buying tools — you’re investing in how you cook, and how much you enjoy doing it.

You might have these questions about the Dalstrong Gladiator Series