How many pieces does a knife set actually need?

Most experts cited across these reviews — including The Spruce Eats and the r/chefknives community — agree the core needs are a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Anything beyond that (santoku, utility, steak knives, shears) is convenience rather than necessity, and 15-to-17 piece sets are often padded with steak knives of mediocre quality.