Jennifer Garner's knife block is a stylish workhorse for under $50 – it's an essential for any casual cook

All chefs (yes, even us amateurs) need adequate knives, and having an assortment on hand in a knife block is a tried-and-true way to keep knives safely stored and accessible.

It turns out Jennifer Garner's pick for a wood block comes from none other than the Amazon Basics line, as seen in a video recently shared to her Instagram page. Needless to say, at under $50, it's our current kitchen essential.

The compact block features 18 pieces, including 7 kitchen knives, 8 steak knives, a pair of kitchen scissors/shears, and a knife sharpener.

When considering kitchen counter storage, knife blocks make excellent investments, as they securely store a range of knives without taking up drawer space. They also protect blades from potential scratches, preserving them more effectively than those stored freely.

We love that the Amazon one features ergonomic handles on all the pieces, as well as stainless steel blades for highly precise cutting. The wood is also aesthetically versatile, fitting into every kind of space, from modern, contemporary, and traditional kitchens, seamlessly.

Additionally, the inclusion of a knife sharpener is fantastic, so you can keep knives at their best without having to take them to a professional.

While these block sets are great foundational kits for those looking for a variety of basic knives, if you're seeking specific knives, like a bread or utility knife, we have rounded up some individual pieces to suit your needs below. Happy shopping!

Shop our top knife picks on Amazon