When it gets down to it, the most important tool in your kitchen is the knife. From cutting fruits, veggies, and meats to defending yourself from angry sous chefs, the knife is a key component of anyone's culinary arsenal. R Murphy Knives has been making some of the best blades around for longer than you've been able to chew, and the quality is readily apparent.

The R. Murphy Knives Everyday Steak Knife Set, developed exclusively by the brand, was designed to handle all kinds of cuts, from ribeyes to T-bones to tender fillets. The knives feature smooth walnut handles that are contoured for comfort, and the razor-sharp blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel. And to finish it off, the knives ship in a handmade wood box with a magnetic closure from socially-aware organization Boston Handyworks, an institution striving to empower the homeless.

• Contoured walnut handle
• Full tang construction
• High-carbon stainless steel blade
• Made in Ayer, MA using US-sourced steel