If you’ve ever felt the frustration of a dull knife squashing a tomato or struggling through an onion, you know that a sharp blade is the heart of a happy kitchen. I’ve been there, and I got tired of the guesswork with sharpening steels and the expense of professional services.
That’s why I turned to the Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System. If you want to eliminate the single biggest annoyance in your daily cooking prep and arm yourself with consistently sharp, reliable knives, then this is the set you need to buy.
My NeverDull Journey: The First Cut
The day the Ninja Foodi NeverDull system arrived, I felt a mix of skepticism and excitement. The box itself had some serious heft to it, which was my first clue that this wasn’t just another flimsy knife set.
Unpacking it, the knife block was the first thing that struck me. It’s a substantial, sleek-looking piece of kitchen equipment, not just a passive block of wood. The integrated sharpener on the side looked serious and purposeful.
I lined up the knives, admiring the seamless transition from the stainless-steel blade to the handle. They felt balanced and solid in my hand, with a comfortable grip that felt secure, not slippery.
But let’s be honest, you don’t buy knives to look at them. The real test is in the performance. I decided to start with the classic chef’s knife and the ultimate test of sharpness: a ripe, soft Roma tomato.
A dull knife will mash it, forcing you to push down and create a pulpy mess. I held my breath slightly, placed the blade on the tomato’s skin, and simply pushed forward. It was like a hot knife through butter.
The blade glided through with almost zero pressure, leaving two perfectly clean halves with no juice spilled on the cutting board. It was a revelation.
Next, I tackled an onion. The dicing was effortless. The blade was so sharp and precise that I got uniform, thin slices without the usual struggle. There were significantly fewer tears, a well-known side effect of using a sharp knife that cleanly slices onion cells rather than crushing them.
But the real “aha!” moment came a week later. After several days of heavy use, I felt the chef’s knife wasn’t quite as laser-sharp as it was out of the box. This was the moment of truth for the NeverDull sharpener.
Following the simple icon-based instructions, I inserted the clean, dry knife into the sharpening slot. I slid the lever on the side down and back up ten times. The sound was a satisfying, gentle grinding – not a harsh, scary screech.
I pulled the knife out, wiped it down, and went back to another tomato. That factory-fresh, razor-sharp edge was back. In less than 30 seconds, I had restored the blade to its peak performance without any skill, guesswork, or special equipment.
That’s when I knew this system wasn’t just a set of knives; it was a solution to a permanent kitchen problem.
The Unmistakable Pros of The Ninja NeverDull Knives System
After spending considerable time putting this knife system through its paces, from delicate herbs to tough butternut squash, the advantages have become crystal clear.
It’s more than just a set of sharp knives; it’s about the confidence and consistency it brings to your cooking.
The most obvious and game-changing feature is, without a doubt, the built-in NeverDull sharpener.
This isn’t a gimmick. Ninja integrated a dynamic stone sharpening wheel set at the precise angle required for their blades.
This completely demystifies the process of knife sharpening, a task that intimidates most home cooks. You don’t need to learn how to hold a blade at a perfect 20-degree angle on a whetstone. You don’t need to guess if your honing steel is actually doing anything. You just slide the lever.
This foolproof mechanism means you can restore a razor-sharp edge in seconds, whenever you feel the need. It empowers you to maintain your own tools perfectly, ensuring every cut is as good as the first. This on-demand sharpness transforms your prep work from a chore into a pleasure.
Beyond the sharpener, the quality of the knives themselves is impressive for this market segment. Forged from German stainless steel, the blades are robust and designed to be workhorses. They have a satisfying weight and balance that feels good in the hand.
The handles are ergonomically designed with a full-tang construction on the larger knives, meaning the steel from the blade extends all the way through the handle. This provides superior strength and stability, preventing the handle from ever feeling loose or wobbly.
It’s a feature you typically find in much more expensive knife sets. The seamless design where the blade meets the handle not only looks sleek but is also highly hygienic, as there are no crevices for food particles to get trapped.
They feel like a premium tool, and that inspires confidence when you’re making difficult or precise cuts. The overall construction screams durability, giving you the sense that this is a long-term investment, not something you’ll need to replace in a couple of years.
A Few Caveats of Ninja NeverDull Knives
No product is without its trade-offs, and it’s only fair to point out the aspects of the Ninja NeverDull system that might give you pause. While I am overwhelmingly positive about my experience, you should be aware of a few things before you commit.
- The Sharpener is a Closed System
The genius of the NeverDull sharpener is also its primary limitation.
It’s engineered specifically for the knives that come in the set.
The angle and the sharpening mechanism are calibrated for Ninja’s blade geometry and steel hardness.
This means you cannot and should not attempt to sharpen any of your other existing knives with it.
If you have a favorite knife from another brand, you’ll still need a separate method to keep it sharp. This system is an all-in-one solution, not a universal one.
- It Commands Counter Real Estate
The knife block is handsome, but it is not small. The design, which incorporates the sharpening mechanism on the side, results in a wider and deeper footprint than a traditional knife block.
If you have limited counter space in your kitchen, you’ll want to measure carefully and ensure you have a dedicated spot where it can live. It’s too heavy and bulky to be something you’d want to put away in a cupboard after each use.
- “NeverDull” Requires Your Participation
The name “NeverDull” is fantastic marketing, but it could be slightly misleading if you take it literally. The knives don’t magically stay sharp forever on their own. They will lose their edge with use, just like any other knife.
The system’s promise is that you can make them sharp again easily. The “NeverDull” state is contingent on you taking 30 seconds to use the built-in sharpener when you notice the performance dipping. It’s incredibly easy, but it’s not an automatic process.
- Not a Tool for the Traditionalist
If you’re a culinary purist who enjoys the ritual of sharpening knives on a set of Japanese water stones, this system is not for you. It’s designed for convenience, speed, and foolproof results. It removes the art and skill from sharpening in favor of predictable efficiency.
For the vast majority of home cooks, this is a massive benefit, but for the hobbyist sharpener, it takes away the hands-on experience they might enjoy.
Maintenance and Care For Ninja NeverDull Knives
Owning a great set of knives is one thing; keeping them in pristine condition is another. The Ninja NeverDull system makes the sharpening part easy, but the overall longevity of your knives depends on proper care. Treating them right will ensure they serve you well for years, if not decades.
- The First Commandment: Hand Wash Only
I cannot stress this enough: do not put these knives in the dishwasher. It might seem tempting, but a dishwasher is the fastest way to ruin any good knife. The harsh detergents can be corrosive to the stainless steel and can dull the finish on the handles.
The high heat of the drying cycle can damage the temper of the steel, making it more brittle and less able to hold an edge. Finally, the jostling action of the water jets will cause the blades to bang against other utensils or the dishwasher rack, leading to nicks and chips in the fine edge.
The proper method is simple: after use, wash the knife with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
- Dry Immediately and Thoroughly
Once the knife is clean, don’t leave it in the dish rack to air dry. This can lead to water spots and, in some rare cases with certain minerals in your water, even minor rust spots. Use a soft, dry towel (microfiber is excellent for this) and wipe the knife completely dry from the handle to the tip of the blade.
Pay attention to the area where the blade meets the handle. This simple step takes only a few seconds and is crucial for maintaining the look and integrity of your knives.
- Sharpening the Right Way
The NeverDull sharpener is easy to use, but there’s a right way to do it. First, always ensure the knife is clean and completely dry before sharpening. Moisture and food debris can gum up the sharpening wheel. Insert the correct knife into the corresponding sharpening slot until you feel it stop.
You’ll notice the lever on the side is locked. Gently but firmly, slide the lever all the way down and all the way back up. Repeat this about 10 times for routine sharpening. There’s no need to apply excessive force; let the stone do the work.
Don’t rapidly pump the lever like a maniac. A smooth, consistent motion is key. After sharpening, there will be tiny metal filings on the blade, so always wipe it carefully with a cloth before you use it to cut food.
- Storing with Care
The knife block is the home for your knives. Always place them back in their designated slots. This protects the blades from getting nicked or damaged in a drawer and protects you from accidentally cutting yourself.
Make sure the knives are inserted correctly and aren’t being forced into the slots. Periodically, you can use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that might have settled inside the knife block’s slots or the sharpener itself.
Also Read: Is Shun Premier Bread Knife Worth It?
How Ninja Stacks Up In The Kitchen Arena?
When you’re investing in a knife set, it’s natural to wonder how it compares to the established players. The Ninja NeverDull system carves out a unique space for itself by prioritizing ease of maintenance alongside solid performance.
- Against Wüsthof Classic
Wüsthof is a legendary German brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship and traditional, heirloom-quality knives. A Wüsthof Classic chef’s knife is forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel and is known for its durability and ability to hold an edge for a long time.
When comparing the two, you’re looking at a difference in philosophy.
Wüsthof provides you with a superior, professional-grade tool but assumes you have the knowledge and willingness to maintain its edge with a honing steel and whetstones. Ninja provides you with a very good tool and an integrated, foolproof system to maintain it.
The Ninja set is for the home cook who wants premium results without the traditional maintenance routine.
- Against Shun Classic
Shun represents the pinnacle of Japanese knife-making artistry, famous for its incredibly sharp, thin blades, often with beautiful Damascus steel patterns. Shun knives typically use harder steel, allowing for a more acute edge angle (around 16 degrees) compared to the more robust German style (around 20 degrees). This makes a Shun feel like a scalpel, perfect for precise, delicate tasks. However, this harder, thinner blade can be more prone to chipping if misused.
The Ninja NeverDull system, with its German steel, offers more durability and is more forgiving. It’s the dependable family sedan to Shun’s high-performance sports car. You get a fantastic, sharp edge from Ninja, but it’s built for the rigors of a busy family kitchen rather than the delicate precision of a sushi chef.
- Against J.A. Henckels International
This is a more direct comparison, as Henckels also offers knife blocks with self-sharpening technology.
The key difference lies in the mechanism.
Many Henckels self-sharpening blocks have sharpeners built into the individual slots, meaning the blade is passed over a sharpening element every single time you remove or insert it.
The Ninja system gives you more control. You sharpen the knife only when you feel it’s necessary. This is arguably better for the long-term health of the knife, as the Henckels method could potentially wear down the blade faster over many years due to the constant, albeit minor, sharpening action.
Ninja’s approach is active maintenance, while the Henckels one is passive.
- Against Cuisinart
Cuisinart offers a wide range of knife sets that are very popular and often sit in a similar price bracket to Ninja. While some Cuisinart sets are excellent for the money, the Ninja NeverDull system generally feels like a step up in build quality and materials.
The German stainless steel used by Ninja is typically a higher grade than the steel found in many entry-level Cuisinart sets. More importantly, no Cuisinart set offers an integrated sharpening solution as sophisticated and effective as the NeverDull system.
With Cuisinart, you’re buying a set of knives; with Ninja, you’re buying a complete system for perpetual sharpness.
Also Read: Comparison of Victorinox And Zwilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. They are fantastic for their intended audience: the home cook who values convenience, consistency, and a reliably sharp edge without the hassle of traditional sharpening methods. The knives are well-built from quality German stainless steel, feel balanced in the hand, and perform excellently for all everyday kitchen tasks. They bridge the gap between entry-level sets and high-end, maintenance-intensive brands.
The system will not ruin the knives if used correctly. It is specifically designed and calibrated for the angle and steel of the Ninja knives included in the set. However, misuse could potentially cause damage. If you apply extreme force, sharpen excessively when it’s not needed, or try to sharpen a dirty or wet knife, you could cause unnecessary wear. The key is to follow the simple instructions: use smooth, even strokes, and only sharpen when you feel the performance start to fade.
Yes, they are of very good quality for their price point. The use of forged German stainless steel, the full-tang construction in the main knives, and the comfortable, ergonomic handles are all features of a high-quality product. While they might not be on the same level as handcrafted, multi-thousand-dollar Japanese knives, they far surpass the quality of most generic, stamped-blade knife sets you’d find in a big-box store. They are durable, reliable, and designed for years of heavy use.
With proper care, the knives themselves should last a lifetime. The German stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant. The critical factor is maintenance. By hand-washing them, drying them immediately, and using them properly (e.g., not trying to cut through bones or frozen food), the blades will remain in excellent condition. The sharpening stone within the block will eventually wear down, but for the average home user, this would likely take many, many years, if not decades, of regular use.
Wrapping Up
I came into this experience hoping for a decent set of knives and what I found was a complete solution. The Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System isn’t just about giving you sharp knives; it’s about giving you the power to keep them that way, effortlessly.
It removes the anxiety of maintenance and replaces it with the confidence to tackle any recipe. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen experience and want a sharp, reliable blade every single time you cook, you should absolutely buy this set.
It’s a worthwhile investment in your daily cooking joy.