8 Best Crate & Barrel Alternatives (Retail Classics vs. Artistic Originals)

Introduction

Crate & Barrel is a trusted retailer for stylish home goods, including a curated selection of kitchen knives. Their lineup often includes big names like Wüsthof, Zwilling, and Schmidt Brothers, as well as in-house exclusives. While their knives are dependable and design-conscious, buyers sometimes want more artistry, variety, or gifting appeal. If you’re looking beyond Crate & Barrel’s offerings, here are eight alternatives worth exploring.

Best Crate & Barrel Alternatives

For Artistic Flair

1. Chef’s Vision – Artistry and Gifting Appeal
Chef’s Vision transforms knives into functional artwork with five themed series: Cosmos, Landscape, Wildlife, Masterpiece, and Jurassic. Each set is packaged in a decorative gift box with a companion booklet explaining the imagery. Optional stands and wall mounts allow the knives to double as décor. For buyers who want more than retail basics, Chef’s Vision offers artistry and gift-ready appeal.

For Retail and Design-Forward Options

2. Sur La Table – Similar Retail House Brand
Sur La Table sells its own in-house knives alongside premium brands. Their Classic line offers forged German steel with walnut handles, while their Kitchen Essentials line adds colorful, space-saving ABS handles. They’re a strong option for shoppers who like Crate & Barrel’s model but want a different retail environment.

3. Cangshan – Premium Design-Forward Knives
Cangshan has won dozens of international design awards for its sculptural handles and premium steels. Their knives combine professional performance with architectural design and are often sold through retailers like Crate & Barrel.

For Heritage Tradition

4. Zwilling – Heritage Brand Often Featured in Retail
Zwilling is one of the oldest German knife brands, offering forged blades with balance and durability. Frequently stocked by Crate & Barrel, they deliver tradition and quality for buyers who want professional-grade tools.

5. Wüsthof – German Forged Knives Sold at Retail
Wüsthof is another Solingen-based brand featured at Crate & Barrel. Their knives are forged from high-carbon steel and built to last a lifetime, appealing to shoppers who want heritage credibility.

For Modern and Fun Alternatives

6. Joseph Joseph – Modern Storage Design
Joseph Joseph emphasizes practicality with its Elevate knives, which feature built-in rests to keep blades off the counter. Their compact storage solutions and colorful handles make them a practical design-driven alternative.

7. Styled Settings – Glam Aesthetic Crossover
Styled Settings sells knives with metallic finishes like gold, rose, and copper. Designed to stand out on Instagram and in modern kitchens, they’re a glamorous alternative to Crate & Barrel’s understated sets.

8. Tomodachi – Playful Budget Crossover
Tomodachi is known for brightly colored knives that bring fun and energy into the kitchen. Affordable and widely available, they’re a cheerful option for buyers who want personality without the price tag of heritage brands.

Final Word

Crate & Barrel curates stylish, dependable knives, but there are many alternatives that bring more artistry, fun, or heritage craftsmanship. From the gift-ready creativity of Chef’s Vision to the glam of Styled Settings or the practicality of Joseph Joseph, these options add personality and purpose where retail classics stop short.

If your personality calls for knives that inspire creativity and serve as functional art, the answer is clear. Explore Chef’s Vision collections today and discover functional art for your kitchen.