Best Wusthof Knife Reviews 2024 – Top Rated of the Year

Expensive – this is perhaps one word that comes to mind when Wusthof knives are mentioned. However, this should not discourage you from buying one, especially if you love spending time in the kitchen!

Even if you go online and read the best Wusthof knife reviews, you will see that many of its users are happy with its quality. It is from a German company backed with over 200 years of experience. From Gordon Ramsay to Jamie Oliver, it is used by some of the best celebrity chefs. The quality is sure to be second to none.

If you are looking for the best Wusthof knives, we’ve got you covered. The options are plenty, and you may end up overwhelmed. Read on, and we’ll help you make the right decision.

What to Look for When Buying Wusthof Knives

As you try to narrow down the possibilities, here are some of the most important things to consider.

Construction

One of the first things that you need to do is to consider the construction of the Wusthof knives. This will have an impact on the overall quality of the knife, especially its durability. Their knives are divided into two main categories depending on their construction.

Stamped

As the name implies, it is stamped from a sheet of stainless steel. It is heated and treated after to make it more resistant to wear. It is not as involved as the second construction type, which is also the reason why it is generally more affordable.

Forged

It is made from individual steel pieces, which are then heated and hammered to form the blades of the knife. The heating process is an important step as this will alter the molecular composition of the knife, making it harder.

Product Line

As you try to differentiate the options, you should also know the different product lines available. The company has seven product lines. Five of these have forged construction, while five have stamped construction. Below, we’ll be talking more about the things that you can expect from each product line.

Classic

As the name implies, you can expect a classic and timeless design from these knives. They have a black triple-riveted handle made of synthetic material. They also come with a full bolster, which will protect your hand. It is the company’s most popular product line and also has the largest selection. There are more than 70 knives under this category.

Classic Ikon

This is a level up from the Classic product line. It also has synthetic handles, similar to the material you will find in the Classic knives. One of the main differences is that you will find double bolsters. This series is available in cream-colored handles. These knives are available in 28 styles and sizes.

Epicure

It has slightly rounded handles, which many of you will surely find appealing, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen. These handles are made using recycled wood fibers. They are rich, warm brown. The handle isn’t as thick to make it comfortable for people who have small hands. Its handles are also longer compared to others.

Grand Prix II

For those looking for dependable knives with modern designs, it is hard to go wrong with the Grand Prix II collection. It has a pebbled handle made of synthetic resin. There is also a partial tang and a full bolster. It has a slightly curved handle.

Ikon

Like the four product lines mentioned above, Ikon knives also have forged construction. It has a real wood handle, making it hard to match if you are looking at aesthetics. The handle is made of sustainable African blackwood. Other than the handle, it is almost similar to the Classic Ikon.

Gourmet

Part of the only two product lines with stamped construction, the Gourmet knives from Wusthof are best for home chefs who are building their cutlery collection. It comes with synthetic polypropylene handles. You will enjoy the variety of options available under this category.

Pro

If you are looking for affordable knives, then you should go for the Pro product line. It has an ergonomic and slip-resistant handle. This is perfect for those who are buying their first set of Wusthof knives because they are the most affordable.

Inclusions

You should also evaluate the options based on what is included in every purchase. For instance, some are sold as a single knife, while others come as a complete set. If it is a set, consider the knives that are included and what you will need. For beginners, you do not need a lot. Begin with six or seven pieces. Some options also come with a block, which is a great way to organize the knives. If you buy a set, it is also common that it will come with a honing rod for sharpening.

Handle

Earlier, we noted that the handles can be different depending on the material and the design. Most of the knives from Wusthof are made using polypropylene, which is a synthetic material. The Ikon line, which is the premium product line, has real wood. Epicure knives, on the other hand, have handles made of recycled wood fibers.

Bolster

The. Bolster refers to the chunky metal that you will often find above the handle and below the blade. It serves as a buffer, which will protect your hand from the sharp edge of the knife. If you are a newbie in the kitchen, it would be best to buy knives with a bolster to keep you safe and sound.

Blade

This is perhaps the most important part of the Wusthof knife. This is the one-piece steel that defines the overall quality of the knife. It can be full tang, which means that it is connected directly to the handle. If not, then there is a connection between the handle and the blade. The good thing with Wusthof is that regardless of the knife that you choose, you can be confident that it will have a sharp blade and will stay that way for a long time.

What Makes Wusthof Different from Other Knife Brands?

If you want to know how Wusthof is different from the other knife brands you will find in the market, this section is for you!

Wusthof vs Henckels

Wusthof and Henckels are two premium brands that you will often hear about when talking about German knives. They both deliver exceptional quality. Henckels came first as it was established in 1731. Wusthof, on the other hand, started only in 1814.

They both use premium materials in their knives to guarantee durability and performance. The handles are made of several materials, including wood and synthetic materials. They also both use the same kind of stainless steel, which contains carbon and chromium. This type of material is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance.

While they use the same kind of steel, they differ in terms of hardness. The hardness rating of Wusthof is HRC 58, while it is usually HRC 57 for Henckels. Although it is a close fight, it shows that Wusthof’s knives are slightly harder.

The blade angle is another difference that you will find in these two brands. Wusthof blades are inclined at 14 degrees. In contrast, Henckels blades are inclined at 15 degrees. There is a one-degree difference, which, as many users would agree, does not make a significant difference in terms of sharpness.

You will also see that the handles are different, although this will vary from one model or product line to another. In the case of Wusthof handles, it is common to have a slight humpback shape without a significant backstop for your pinky finger. It also has a round contour. On the other hand, with Henckels, most knives have a straight handle with a full backstop.

The two are the same in terms of their warranty. They both offer a lifetime warranty on their knives, which is one thing that can provide you peace of mind.

Wusthof vs. Cutco

While Wusthof is from Germany, Cutco is an American brand. One of the main differences between the two is the number of years the company has been operating. Wusthof has been in the business for over 200 years. On the other hand, Cutco has been in the market only for over seven decades.

When comparing the two brands, we must look at the way they are constructed. Wusthof knives have been forged and stamped, depending on the model you choose. In contrast, Cutco knives have been stamped. The differences between stamped and forged construction have already been covered earlier in this article.

There are also differences in the handles of the two brands. Cutco knives only come with a single-handle design across all models. Meanwhile, you can expect variety in Wusthof knife handles, which can be made of wood or a synthetic material.

In terms of the warranty, it is good to know that both will have a lifetime warranty. However, Cutco has an edge over Wusthof because the warranty coverage applies even if you are not the original owner or buyer.

Wusthof vs Shun

As you would most probably know by now, Wusthof is a German brand. Shun, on the other hand, hails from Japan. Both brands are expensive and claim to have exceptional quality. Safe to say, they have reason to make such an assertion because their knives are indeed amongst the best you will find in the global market.

The two brands are significantly different in terms of their blades, which is probably because of the manufacturing process. Shun knives have thinner and lighter blades. Despite this, it has a harder material compared to what you will find in Wusthof knives.

Looking at the product lines of the two brands, you will see that Shun has more to offer. To be exact, they have eleven product lines. In contrast, Wusthof only offers seven product lines – five forged and two stamped.

You will also see differences in their material composition. Wusthof knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel. Shun knives are made of high-refined super steel. Despite these differences, you can expect that both knife brands will offer unmatched durability.

Reviews of the Best Wusthof Knife– Our Recommendations

Below are some of the products that should be on your radar, as well as the features that make them impressive.

Wusthof Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set (Acacia)

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If you have a small space to spare in the kitchen, but you want a basic set that contains knives, you will need most of the time; this is a great option. This set includes a paring knife, serrated utility knife, Kiritsuke prep knife, bread knife, chef’s knife, and kitchen shears. Plus, it comes with a beautiful wooden block to keep everything organized.

The knives have a traditional triple-riveted handle. We like how easy and comfortable it is to hold the handle. With its ergonomic design, you won’t easily complain of fatigue. However, if there is one common complaint about the handle, it would be that it is made using a synthetic material, which can raise questions about its durability.

It features the innovative Precision Edge Technology, which you can also find in the other models from the Classic line. It is 20% sharper compared to other blades. This means that it won’t require frequent honing or sharpening. Even after years of use, you can expect its performance to be exceptional.

Pros:

• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Perfect for small spaces
• Requires minimal care and maintenance

Cons:

• Comes with synthetic handles
• Almost the same price as other sets with more knives

Wusthof Classic Six-Piece Steak Set

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For those who love steak, this knife set from Wusthof is one of the best products to consider. It comes with six pieces in a single set, so this is perfect for the whole family.

As you would expect from any knife that Wusthof makes, the quality of the blade is hard to rival, making its steep price worth every dollar. It has a precision-forged full-tang, which will remain sharp even after years of use. With its high-carbon stainless steel construction, you can also be confident that it will stay razor-sharp.

All of the knives included in this set have a length of 4.5 inches. They have a straight and clean edge, making it effortless to glide through the meat. As a result, your meat will have a clean cut, making it more presentable.

The handles, meanwhile, are made from synthetic polypropylene. They are riveted, which will also make them ergonomic. They will resist fading and discoloration, among other possible problems in the physical appearance of the knives.

Like the other options included in this list, make sure that you clean the knives only through hand washing to preserve their superior quality.

Pros:

• Clean edges will not shred the steak
• Ergonomic handle
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Poor packaging
• Does not come with a knife block for storage

Wusthof Classic 26-piece Block Knife Set

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Seasoned chefs are head over heels with this knife set. It is easy to understand why. Aside from the fact that it is made by Wusthof, many people love this product because it comes with almost every knife that they will need in the kitchen. The set is inclusive of a bird’s beak paring knife, utility knife, bread knife, tomato knife, sandwich knife, and steak knife, among others. There’s also a honing rod to keep your knives sharp. Plus, there is a convenient knife block.

This is one of the most expensive of the products in this review. However, there’s a reason for that – it is also one of the most complete. Regardless of the knife that you need, this set has you covered!

The handles are made of tough polypropylene. Many may fret over how this is a synthetic material. However, that should not be too much of an issue. The handle is durable and comfortable. It has traditional rivets, which will make it easy to hold the knife.

Like other Wusthof knives, the edges have been laser-tested. This way, you can enjoy precision in every knife. This will also guarantee their sharpness.

Pros:

• Well-balanced knives
• Comes with almost every knife you will need
• Tough handles

Cons:

• Too many knives for a beginner in the kitchen
• It can be cramped on the block

Wusthof Classic Ikon 14-piece Knife Block Set

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With this set, you will have 14 essential knives that you will need in the kitchen. It is inclusive of a paring knife, serrated utility knife, carving knife, and steak knife, among others. You will also get a walnut wooden block to keep the knives organized. This will be a stylish addition that can complement your kitchen.

The precision-forged construction of these knives is impressive. This will guarantee its durability, which is one thing that you can expect in the case of many other products from Wusthof.

It also features PETec Edge, which is an innovation developed exclusively by the company. The latter is the one responsible for making its blade up to 20% sharper compared to what you can see from most of its competitors. The manufacturer also claims that these knives are twice as durable.

Another good thing about these knives is the contoured three-riveted handle. Like the other knives from the manufacturer, holding it will be comfortable. The handles are made of synthetic material, which can be an issue for those who prefer wood.

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle
• Full-tang construction
• Has a stylish knife block

Cons:

• Bulky on the countertop
• Synthetic handles

Wusthof Classic Ikon 22-piece Block Set

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This is from the Classic Ikon product line, so you can expect that it will have similar features to the product mentioned above. The main difference is that it has 22 pieces against 14 pieces. Plus, the 22-slot block that comes with this set is light-colored.

Like many of the collections from Wusthof, it also comes with a tough polyethylene handle. It has three rivets. While it is a durable material, many people noted that they would have been happier if it was made of wood instead.

The edge has been laser-tested to ensure consistent quality. This can also make you confident about its performance, guaranteeing its sharpness. Since it is from Wusthof, you will be happy to know that the knives will remain sharp for a long time.

It also has Precision Edge Technology, a common feature you will find in Wusthof knives. The company uses precision robots to sharpen the blades using a whetstone. The knives were also polished using a special disc to make them sharper than your traditional kitchen knives.

Pros:

• Tough full-tang handle
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Not for small kitchens
• Synthetic handle

Wusthof Classic 36-piece Cherry Wood Block Set

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If you are serious about your knives, then you will hardly go wrong with this set. Even if you read the best Wusthof knife reviews online, you will see that this is favored by many users, including seasoned chefs.

The best thing about this product is that it is a complete set. It has almost every knife that you will need in the kitchen. From peeling vegetables to slicing steak, it is a complete set of knives, even for the most discerning users. It also has a honing rod, which will make it easy to keep your knives at their peak performance.

You will also love the cherry block that comes with this knife set. You won’t be compelled to keep the knife in the cabinet. Keep it out in the open, and it will make a stylish statement on the countertop.

As is common with many other knives from the manufacturer, it also has Precision Edge Technology. This is an innovation that makes sure that the blades stay razor-sharp even after years of use.

Lastly, with the synthetic riveted handles, holding the knives will be comfortable. Not to mention, every knife is also lightweight.

Pros:

• Has a stylish block
• Easy to hold
• Ergonomic handles

Cons:

• No extra slots
• Expensive

Wusthof IKON Cook’s Knife

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If you prefer to buy a single knife than a set of knives that you do not need, then this is one option that should be on your radar. Like all others mentioned above, its quality will also be hard to match.

This 9-inch chef’s knife has an African blackwood handle that perfectly contrasts the steel blade. The handle comes with an ergonomic design, so it will be effortless to hold. It is also worth noting that it is one of the hardest types of wood in the world, so its durability will be unquestionable.

There is no bolster. This mean means that there is no thick part that you will find on the part of the knife that leads to the handle. The entire blade length can be used for cutting. It will also make sharpening the knife a breeze.

While the wooden handle is praised for its durability, some people were unhappy over how it can be slippery. Observe extra caution when your hands are wet.

Pros:

• Sleek and contoured handle
• Extremely sharp
• Durable

Cons:

• Handle can be slippery
• Balance can be better

FAQs About Wusthof Knives

Do you have questions about Wusthof knives? We’ll try to answer some of them below.

Why are Wusthof knives expensive?

Wusthof knives are expensive because of their quality. Plus, it is from a reputable brand with hundreds of years of experience making top-notch knives. They are also known for their durability.

How do you clean Wusthof knives?

To clean your Wusthof knives, hand-wash them using warm and sudsy water. Use a sponge to clean the surface. You should not put the knives in a dishwasher. Dry the knife thoroughly before storage.

What is the best way to sharpen Wusthof knives?

The best way to sharpen your Wusthof knives is to send them to the company. They will sharpen the knife and restore the blade’s peak performance for a minimal fee. Otherwise, you can use the Wusthof honing rod or their sharpener.

What knife does Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay uses both Wusthof and Henckel’s knives. These are two of the most popular and reputable brands in the global market, so it is no longer surprising that they are used by a legend in the kitchen.

What steel is used in Wusthof knives?

Wusthof knives use X50CrMoV15 stainless steel. It also contains molybdenum and vanadium, two materials that improve the durability of the knives. Aside from being exceptionally tough, these materials are also known for being rust-resistant.

Conclusion

As noted in the best Wusthof knife reviews above, this is one brand that can deliver exceptional quality. Every dollar will be worth it! Wusthof is the ideal kitchen companion, even if you are not an expert chef!