As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you.
Most people that have anything to do with knives have heard of the Wusthof brand and are aware that this brand represents quality knives. What is it about Wusthof knives that make them quality knives and a trusted brand?
Wusthof knives are good quality because of the knowledge of generations of knife making, the quality of materials, and the attention to detail that goes into each knife. All Wusthof knives are made in Solingen, Germany, and are not outsourced to countries with cheaper manufacturing and labor costs.
Wusthof knives have been around for a long time and have been preferred by professionals and amateurs in the kitchen for many years. Why are Wusthof knives good quality, and should you consider this brand for your next knife purchase?
If you want to check out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wüsthof company. You can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Makes Wusthof Knives Good Quality?
Most people looking for a quality knife will begin by investigating name brands that have become household names. These are trusted brands that have been around for many years, and most people have heard of them even if they are not knife connoisseurs.
Wusthof is one such brand that people have heard of, seen the logo, or seen other chefs, sometimes influential chefs, using in their own kitchens.
Wusthof is a family company with a long history of making knives and edged tools, which gives the company an edge due to its experience and history, allowing top-quality blades to come out of the factory.
As we look at how these knives are made and the commitment to quality by the company, you may find that these knives are an option you may want to try for yourself.
Where Are Wusthof Knives Made?
The Wusthof knife company is located in Solingen, Germany, nicknamed the City Of Blades. Historically, most of Germany’s knife and sword manufacturers were located in this region because of the abundant iron ore and accessibility to water for power and coal to fire the forges.
Wusthof was established in 1814 by Johann Wusthof and initially made shears and scissors. A range of 1200 knives was introduced into the company’s production line by one of Johann Wusthof’s three sons, Eduard, who created the Classic range, which is still in production today. All of Johann Wusthof’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps and worked for the company.
In 1881, Robert Wusthof made the 12-day steamboat crossing from Europe to the USA to introduce their knives to the booming community in North America. His efforts were thwarted by an agent who did not deliver on promises. Another businessman liked the quality of the Wusthof family knives and ordered q large quantity, which was the beginning of the company’s presence in the USA.
Even after the long history of the company and the trend of other manufacturers to outsource production to other countries, Wusthof knives are all still made in Solingen, Germany.
Seven generations later, the Wusthof company is still run by the Wusthof family, and their focus is on creating top-quality kitchen knives, which have become the company’s flagship products.
What Types Of Knives Does Wusthof Make?
Wusthof may have started out making shears and scissors, but the market for high-quality kitchen knives caused them to shift focus and concentrate on fine-tuning their skills and processes to produce quality knives for this market.
Wusthof makes several ranges of kitchen knives, from mid-level knives to high-end knives, designed specifically for use in the kitchen. Wusthof is most famous for its chef’s knives, which have won many awards for their design and quality.
How Are Wusthof Knives Made?
Wusthof produces knives of several different ranges. The same quality steel is used in every knife, but the manufacturing process differs between the ranges, as does the handle type and material.
The mid-level knife ranges, such as the Pro and Gourmet ranges, are made from stamped or laser-cut sheets of stainless steel. The stamping out of the knife templates from the steel sheets speeds up production and creates a lighter, more flexible knife.
The stamped knife ranges generally do not have full tangs and are made from thinner steel. They do not have integrated steel bolsters in the knife
What Materials Are Used To Make Wusthof Knives
The steel used in a knife’s manufacture is the most important component that will give the knife its characteristics, durability, and edge-holding capacity.
Wusthof uses high-quality German stainless steel consisting of a mixture of ingredients designed by Wusthof.
The structure of the steel is as follows.
- Stainless steel. The foundation of all steel used in all Wusthof knives.
- 0.5% Carbon content. The carbon content contributes to the blade’s hardness, durability, sharpness, and edge-holding capacity.
- Chrome. The 15% chromium content adds a high level of rust and stain resistance to the steel.
- Molybdenum. This metal adds to the strength and corrosion resistance of the knives.
- Vanadium. Vanadium serves to increase the steel’s toughness and strength, reducing wear on the blade.
All Wusthof knives use the same steel for the blade, with the main difference between the knife ranges being the production method and the thickness of the steel used.
The handle material differs between the different Wusthof knife ranges. The Ikon range uses a polyoxymethylene handle, sometimes abbreviated to poly, which resists fading and discoloration. Ikon knives can also have a handle made from hardwoods.
The Classic range generally has handles made from poly, while the mid-level Gourmet range has a plastic handle. Each range has its own handle design and material that affects the overall cost of the knives.
TIP: If you are uncertain how to choose the right kitchen knife for your use, take a look at our tips to make the right choice for your needs.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Kitchen Knife For You
Are Wusthof Knives Any Good?
Wusthof knives are better than good and fall into the excellent category of kitchen knives. Wusthof knives are not Japanese kitchen knives but Western kitchen knives, which have very different characteristics from their Japanese counterparts.
Western knives have different steel compositions and are generally more affordable than Japanese kitchen knives. Western knives are generally more versatile in the kitchen because the steel is less brittle, allowing the knife to be used for a wider range of tasks.
Wusthof knives are long-lasting and are equal to any kitchen task. The steel holds an edge well, and with the advanced PEtec high-precision laser sharpening method used by Wusthof, the knives stay sharp up to 20% longer than other comparable blades.
The stainless steel blades are resistant to staining and corrosion, making cleaning and maintaining these knives easier.
How Long Will A Wusthof Knife Last?
No kitchen knife will last very long if it is not given the correct care and attention. Wusthof kitchen knives are more robust than many other knives due to the quality of materials used in their construction and the attention to detail in the craftsmanship.
A properly cared for Wusthof knife will easily last 10 years or more in your kitchen, even with regular, heavy use.
These knives are a good investment for any kitchen and provide excellent long-lasting, versatile service.
Recommended Wusthof Knives
If you would like to try Wusthof knives but are not sure where to start, we have a few recommendations you can check out.
We have selected 2 options from the classic range, which is a good place to start with Wusthof knives since this is a longstanding range that utilizes many of the original design concepts from the company’s early days.
Our final selection is a budget version for you to try out if you do not want to spend a lot to test out a knife.
Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife
If you are looking for a single Wusthof knife to try out, we can recommend the Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s knife as an ideal choice.
This knife is a top-notch kitchen tool designed to make chopping, slicing, and dicing effortless. It is an all-purpose knife that is perfect for any home cook or professional chef looking for a reliable and versatile kitchen knife.
The Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife (Amazon link) is made from high-carbon stainless steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
The blade has a hollow edge or scallops ground into the flat of the blade near the cutting edge. This is sometimes called Granton edge, and it reduces friction and breaks the surface tension between the food and the blade, preventing food from sticking to the knife.
The handle is made from a durable synthetic material designed to provide a comfortable grip even when used for extended periods. The handle is also triple-riveted to the blade, ensuring that the knife will last many years of use.
Other features of the Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife include a full tang, which provides excellent balance and control, and a precision edge that ensures the blade is always sharp and ready to use.
Overall, the Wusthof Classic 6-Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality kitchen knife that is easy to use and versatile. Its durability, precision edge, and comfortable handle make it a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs.
Here is a summary of the main features of the Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife.
- Quality stainless steel. High-carbon stainless steel blade for durability and longevity.
- Agile blade. 6-inch blade length for precision cutting of small to medium-sized ingredients.
- Granton edge. Hollow edge to reduce drag and prevent food from sticking to the blade.
- Comfortable handle. Ergonomic synthetic handle for a comfortable grip.
- Durable handle design. Triple-riveted handle for added durability and strength.
- Full tang blade. Full tang for optimal balance and control.
- High-quality sharp edge. Precision edge for consistent sharpness.
- Versatility. Versatile all-purpose design for a variety of kitchen tasks.
The Wusthof Classic 6 Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife is an excellent selection for anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable kitchen knife that can easily handle a wide range of cutting tasks. This knife is easy to use and will give you years of reliable service in the kitchen.
Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set
If you would prefer a set of knives to get a more rounded experience of what Wusthof knives have to offer, then the Classic 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set is a good candidate for your next knife purchase.
The Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set (Amazon link) includes three knives, each with its own unique features and uses. Here’s a breakdown of each knife and what makes it special.
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife. This knife is the workhorse of the set, perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing all kinds of ingredients. It features a full-tang, high-carbon stainless steel blade that is precision-forged and hand-honed to ensure optimal sharpness and edge retention. The blade is also curved to allow for a smooth rocking motion during chopping, while the handle is made of durable synthetic material that offers a comfortable grip.
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife. This small but mighty knife is ideal for peeling, trimming, and shaping fruits and vegetables. It also features a high-carbon stainless steel blade that is precision-forged, hand-honed, and has a synthetic handle for a comfortable grip.
- 6-inch Utility Knife. This versatile knife is perfect for slicing, trimming, and cutting smaller items like sandwiches, cheese, and sausages. Its blade is made from the same high-carbon stainless steel as the other two knives and features a serrated edge to easily cut through tough skins and crusts. The handle is also made from synthetic material for a comfortable grip.
TIP: If you are new to sharpening stainless steel knives, we have some top tips to get you started and build confidence in getting a professional edge on your stainless steel knives.
DIY Guide: Best Way To Sharpen A Stainless Steel Knife
Wusthof Gourmet 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set
The Wusthof Gourmet 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set is an excellent investment for anyone who takes their cooking seriously. This set costs less than other knives Wusthof offers, but this does not mean the knives are of lower quality.
The blades in the Wusthof Gourmet 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set (Amazon link) are made out of the same high-quality German stainless steel as other knives, but changes in the tang, the thickness of the steel, the handle material, and manufacturing processes allow them to have a lower retail cost.
The high-quality stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and sharpness. The ergonomic handle is made from a durable synthetic material that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when your hands are slippery or wet.
These knives are examples of the stamped steel manufacturing range, and as a result, they do not have an integrated bolster in the knife design. A tapering bolster has been incorporated into the handle design to provide a functional bolster for better knife control.
These stamped blades are also lightweight, making them ideal for long work periods in the kitchen and preventing hand fatigue.
One of the standout features of these knives is their precision edge technology. This advanced technology ensures that each blade is precisely cut, honed, and sharpened to an exact angle, resulting in an exceptionally sharp and durable blade that holds its edge well. This means that you can slice, dice, and chop with ease, making short work of food prep.
The Wusthof Gourmet 3-Piece Chef’s Knife Set includes three knives of varying sizes that should cover most kitchen cutting tasks. Each knife is designed with high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, for which Wusthof knives are well known.
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife. This knife is the workhorse of the kitchen and is perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- 4.5-inch Utility Knife. This knife is slightly smaller than the chef’s knife and is great for slicing and cutting smaller items.
- 3-inch Paring Knife. This knife is the smallest of the three and is perfect for peeling, trimming, and other small tasks.
Conclusion
Wusthof Knives have gained a reputation for being some of the best kitchen knives to come out of Solingen, Germany, and are sought-after knives for both professional and home cooks.
The quality of materials used in their construction makes them durable and robust while offering excellent performance due to their superior cutting edge. Wusthof kitchen knives’ reputation is well earned and not only the result of a good marketing campaign.
TIP: A quality cutting board is an important kitchen accessory that can help to protect and preserve the cutting edge of your kitchen knives. Take a look at our recommendations.
3 Best Cutting Boards For Your Knives (Materials Compared)
