Wusthof Knives Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide

Last Updated on November 11, 2021 by Boniface Muriuki

Wusthof has built a global reputation as one of the best knife makers in the world. This German company makes heavy-duty knives that are a desire for any enthusiastic chef.

However, Wusthof knives are not cheap! 

So, is buying a Wusthof knife worth it? This article offers a comprehensive Wusthof knives review to look into their functionality, durability, and reliability. 

Wusthof Knives – Best Pick

Wusthof Knives Manufacturers – A Brief Overview 

Before we delve into the Wusthof knives review, it would be best to get the manufacturer’s crucial details.

Wusthof knives are manufactured in Solingen, Germany. Wusthof knife manufacturers started their operations in 1814, making them some of the oldest knife makers globally. 

Their more than two centuries knife-making expertise enables them to make knives of unrivaled quality. It has dominated the market for many years, with a little competition from Henckels. 

The company uses high precision technology to manufacture thin & sharp blades that maintain sharpness for long. 

This article will find out how Wusthof has maintained their manufacturing excellence amid changes in technology and immense innovations.

Is it their marketing prowess, their high sense of style, or what exactly makes Wusthof knives outstanding? 

Forged and Stamped Wusthof Knives – What’s the Difference?

Wusthof makes both forged and stamped knives. So, what’s the difference between the two? Some of the critical differences include:

• Manufacturing Techniques. Forged knives are crafted using a single steel bar, which is heated and molded into a specific shape. On the contrary, a stamped knife has a sheet of steel stamped on the blade, then heated to achieve firmness. 
• Weight. Since forged knives are made entirely from metal, they are heavier than the stamped knives. 
• Price. Making forged knives requires more resources and time. As such, forged knives are more expensive than stamped knives.
• Durability. Forged knives are more durable than stamped knives. Additionally, they maintain blade sharpness longer than the blade knives.

Wusthof is well known for manufacturing high-quality forged knives.

Their heavy knives are molded using state-of-the-art technology to ensure top-notch functionality and unrivaled ease of use. 

Forged knives have thick blades that extend to the handle and a bolster that adds balance, thus preventing your hand from sliding towards the blade.

While these knives maintain sharpness for long, you should regularly sharpen them to maintain their efficiency. If you don’t have an easy-to-use knife sharpener, then read this comprehensive guide for buying tips. 

Types of Wusthof Knives 

Wusthof makes both forged and stamped knives. 

The forged knife lines include classic, classic ikon, Grand Prix II, classic ikon creme, ikon blackwood, xline, culinar, epicure, and cordon bleu. Most of these knives are curvy and exceptionally ergonomic. 

On the other hand, the Wusthof stamped knife lines include gourmet, pro, silverpoint II, and emeril. 

Which is the Best Wusthof Knife for You? A Well-Researched Guide 

Wusthof classic sets are the most popular. They have black POM handles that appear like wood. It also has full-size bolsters that offer optimum protection. 

Here are our top choices of the Wusthof knives:

1. WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife, Black,8-Inch

2. Wusthof CLASSIC Cook’s Knife, 6-Inch, Black

3. Wusthof 1120160601 CLASSIC Six Piece Steak Set 6, Black, Stainless Steel

4. Wusthof CLASSIC Boning Knife, 5″, Black/Silver

5. WÜSTHOF Classic Seven Piece Knife Block Set

6. WÜSTHOF CLASSIC IKON 8 Inch Chef’s Knife 

How Wusthof Knives are Made

Wusthof uses state-of-the-art precision technology that automates most of the Wusthof knife manufacturing processes.

The use of modern technology enables the manufacturer to achieve stylish knives with super-sharp blades. 

The manufacturing process uses X50CrMoV15 stainless steel. This heavy-duty material contains vanadium and molybdenum, which adds to its hardness, corrosion-resistance, and durability. Here are the steps that Wusthof use to manufacture the knives:

• Raw Material Processing. This is a highly automated process that involves cutting stainless steel into rectangular bars. The material is then heated to approximately 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Shaping the Knife. Once the molten stainless steel is ready, a machine-precision technique is used to forge the bolster. Each bar is laser-cut into the shape of the blade (curved or straight). The blade is then heated to 1,950 degrees and then cooled rapidly until it gets to a 58 hardened mark on the Rockwell Scale. 
• Grinding the Blades. After hardening, the knives are then heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before going through the grinding machine. After the process, the sharp blades are inspected and cleaned. 
• Branding. Once the knives are ready, an automated branding technique facilitates the Wusthof Knives logo’s placement at a strategic location.
• Handle Fixing. To complete the process, handles are attached to the knives. The company prides itself on having ergonomic handles that enable chefs to enjoy every minute in the kitchen.
• Quality Test. All the knives are tested for quality before packaging and dispersal for sale.

Even after the final stage, the knives are inspected to ensure that they meet the required standards. The handles and rivets are cleaned and polished. 

Additionally, the company uses PEtec sharpening technique to ensure that you get the sharpest blades. 

What is PEtec Sharpening Technique by Wusthof?

PEtec sharpening process uses a special whetstone, computers, and lasers to sharpen knives at optimal angles that are difficult to achieve using an ordinary knife sharpener. This sharpening technique results in sharp blades that maintain their sharpness for relatively long. 

Wusthof engineers invented the sharpening technique to enable them to achieve a thin cutting blade with superior sharpness. It follows the following simple steps:

• Measuring the blades using laser
• Computer calculations to ensure a pre-set sharpening angle is achieved
• Precision robots sharpen the knives using a whetstone

Even after the robots complete the sharpening process, the knives are further polished using a special disc.

This sophisticated sharpening technique ensures that all the knives that get to the market are sharp and effective.

Unique Features of Wusthof Knives 

Wusthof knives have become exceptionally popular due to their outstanding features. Here are a few of the features that make cooking lovers yearn to get hold of them!

1. Superior Quality  

Wusthof spends time and resources to research the needs of cooks. It has invested in superb manufacturing techniques that ensure that the end product is irresistible.

The knife manufacturing process involves more than 40 steps. Each of the steps has highly skilled quality control personnel and robots to ensure that no error passes to the consumers.

2. High-Quality Blades

A knife is only useful when it is sharp. If it loses this quality, it becomes hard work to implement simple recipes. Even worse, the risk of cuts is heightened by using blunt knives.

If you hate regular sharpening, then the Wusthof knives will sort you out! 

These knives have unique blades that are crafted from heavy-duty steel mixed with carbon, molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium (X50 Cr MoV 15).

X50 Cr MoV 15 is not unique to Wusthof. Other German competitors such as Zwilling use the material too.

This material is extraordinary since it ensures that you get a set of knives that can retain their sharpness for long. While the material is hard enough to maintain sharpness, it is not prone to chipping and breaking.

The balance of the materials to achieve a hardness of 58 on the Rockwell scale ensures that your knife will handle all activities without the risk of breaking. 

Most Japanese knife manufacturers use materials with a hardness of 60 on the Rockwell scale, making them prone to chipping. However, any knife between 55-60 should serve you well. The lower the score, the better. 

3. Unique Designs 

Wusthof has some of the unique knife designs you’ll ever find in the market. It offers ergonomic designs that ensure comfortability, safety, and top-notch functionality. 

If you love elegance and style, then you should not hesitate to buy the best Wusthof knife for your kitchen. 

In most of the Wusthof knives, the blade extends the handle to form a tang that prevents the hand from coming into contact with the blade.

The handles come with at most three rivets to connect the handle to the steel tang. They are contoured and have a curve at the end to allow you to get a firm grip, thus reducing any chance of an accident. 

The blades come in different shapes and forms, depending on the type of knife you choose. For example, the Chef knife has a thick blade with a sharp tip and unique curvature. 

On the other hand, the Santoku Wusthof knife has a straight edge with unique gloves that reduce friction between your veggies and the knife, thus guaranteeing top-notch functionality.

Additionally, all Wusthof knives are finished with a unique logo that depicts excellence and elegance.  

4. Durability 

Wusthof knives are built to last. Like we’ve earlier discussed, the knives are crafted using a sturdy material and hardened using a unique technology to ensure that you enjoy unmatched longevity. 

Additionally, these knives come with a POM handle with strong rivets to ensure they remain in place for as long as the knife serves you. Even better, these knives carry a lifetime limited warranty against all manufacturing defects. 

5. Ergonomic Handles 

Wusthof primarily uses a synthetic material known as POM to manufacture its handles. The material has a unique molecular structure that ensures that it’s stiff yet comfortable. 

It is resistant to discoloration, which guarantees that you’ll continue enjoying the glister even when the knife is exposed to high moisture and heat. 

Additionally, the POM is designed in such a way that you’ll get comfortable. They offer a highly ergonomic grip that will make chopping and dicing a breeze. 

Unlike wood materials, this material is non-porous. This feature is crucial since it prevents germs from penetrating and hiding on the handle. As such, you’ll always be sure that your knife is safe for use after cleaning. 

6. Safety

While safety when using a knife is dependent mainly on your knife handling abilities, the Wusthof knives are designed with a unique design that enhances your safety. Some of the features that guarantee safety include:

• A Well-Designed Bolster. This refers to the thick part of a knife between the blade and the handle. This part is crucial since it adds weight to the knife, allowing you to achieve an incredible balance when cutting your meat and veggies. Additionally, it protects your hand from sliding to the edge of the blade, which would be risky. 
• A Tang. This is the part of the handle that protects the blade from detaching from the handle. In most cases, the tang is designed to offer a firm grip on the handle. 
• A Protruding Heel. The heel protects your hand from sliding onto the sharp edge of the blade. It also offers comfort when holding the knife.

These are only some of the security features. Specific types of knives are designed differently to offer optimum safety depending on the task. The shape of the blades also differs to ensure that you achieve optimum performance without compromising your safety. 

7. Ease of Cleaning

The Wusthof knives are easy to clean. All that you’ll need is a piece of soft cotton wool and warm water. Once you’re through with cleaning, ensure that you dry it and keep it in a safe place.

You should never clean your knife using a dishwasher. It is not only unsafe, but it also reduces your knife’s life span. 

Wusthof Knives Performance: Are They Worth It?

One thing you should understand is that Wusthof knives are not cheap! But it wouldn’t be an entirely bad idea to buy a knife that will serve you for long and effectively, regardless of the pricing.

In this section, we’ll evaluate Wusthof knives’ efficacy to determine whether they are worth the high price tag. 

>Sharpness 

Wusthof uses a unique sharpening technique to ensure that your knife will cut your veggies without a hassle. 

During the manufacturing process, these knives are sharpened at a 14-degree angle on both sides. This gives them an exceptionally thin and sharp edge that will slice your veggies to any size and shape you desire. 

If sharpness is a factor you value when selecting your best knife set, then you’ll not go wrong with the Wusthof knives. 

>Edge Retention

Sharpening your knife regularly can surely be boring! It may also expose you to the risks of cutting your skin. 

To avoid all the sharpening hassle, you should always ensure that you buy a knife with the best edge retention. This means that the knife can remain sharp for relatively long. 

The Wusthof knives use PEtech sharpening technology customized to ensure that you get the best edges and that they serve you for a long time. 

If you don’t use your Wusthof knife, you will only sharpen it once a year. If you frequently use it, then twice a year will be ideal. 

>A Highly Stable Knife 

Stability is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a knife. You should always ensure that you’re comfortable and you’re not struggling to maintain the knife at your desired angle.

Wusthof knives are well-balanced – no doubt about that. They feel heavy and solid on your hand, which eliminates the chance of sliding to unwanted areas. 

Additionally, the knives have well carved out heels, tangs, and bolsters. These features ensure that the top and the bottom of the knife are balanced. They also contribute to the safety of the knife as they offer a better grip. 

Wusthof vs. Zwilling J.A. Henckels

Are you wondering how to choose between the two renowned German brands – Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels? Well, here is a comparison of the two brands:

Similarities between Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels

These two brands are made in Germany using the same blade material. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects on their products. 

Additionally, the two knives have an almost similar design. The knives are characterized by unique bolsters and tangs, which boost comfortability during use. 

What are the Differences Between Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels

The key differences between the two brands include:

• Sharpness. Wusthof has sharper blades than Zwilling. This is due to differences in their sharpening angles – The Wusthof sharpening technique uses a 14-degree angle on both sides while Zwilling J.A Henckels uses a 15-degree angle on both sides.  
• Blade Hardness. Wusthof knives have harder blades than the Zwilling. As such, Wusthof maintains blade sharpness for longer but is more susceptible to breaking than the Zwilling brand. 
• Handles. While all Zwilling knives have a curved handle, some of the Wusthof knives have contoured handles. 

Overall, Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckel’s brands are of high-quality. As such, their pricing is relatively higher than other brands in the market. 

How to Take Care of Wusthof Knives 

To achieve longevity with your Wusthof knives, you should take optimum care when handling them. Here are a few tips you should never ignore:

• Avoid cutting on hard surfaces, such as glass, metallic tables, and stones. Instead, you should use over-the-sink cutting boards made of bamboo, soft plastics, and other friendly materials. 
• Use the knives for the right purpose. Using your Wusthof knives for their intended purpose will guarantee edge retention and longevity. For example, you cannot use a Wusthof serrated knife to cut bones!
• Clean Your Knives After Use. You should avoid soaking your knives or washing them using a dishwasher. Additionally, ensure that the blades are dry before storing them.
• Avoid Heating Your Knives Directly. Exposing your knives to extreme temperatures will reduce the sharpness of the edges. Additionally, such instances increase the chances that the knife will rust/ corrode.
• Hone and Sharpen Your Knife. While the knives retain the edge for up to one year, you should always ensure that you sharpen them when need be. Use cut-resistant gloves to avoid cuts.

Disadvantages of Wusthof Knives 

While Wusthof knives are known to be of top-notch quality, they have a few drawbacks, including:

• They are Expensive. These knives cost more than $100 for a single knife. If you want to purchase a set, then you’ll have to part with more than $250
• They are Heavy. The knives are made from heavy-duty forged materials, which makes them heavy compared to conventional knives. 
• The Wusthof Stickers Peel Off Quickly. The Wusthof red logo is a simple sticker that will peel off within a few weeks of use. If you like the prestige associated with the brand, then you’ll be disappointed. 

When to Buy Wusthof Knives 

Only buy these knives if you want a durable knife that can withstand harsh tasks, want a heavy knife that feels solid on your hands, and want a classy looking knife set.

When Not to Buy Wusthof Knives

Do not buy these knives if you’re on a limited budget, like light-weight knives, or a wooden handle.

Wusthof Knives Review- The Bottom Line

Wusthof knives are sophisticated and designed to offer top-notch cooking services regardless of the environment. They have an ergonomic handle that provides a firm grip, thus eliminating any chance of accidental cuts.

Additionally, Wusthof knives are best known for their ability to maintain a sharp blade for long. If you buy the knife, you’ll only be required to sharpen it once or twice a year.

On the downside, these knives are relatively expensive compared to ordinary Japanese knives. As such, you should be ready to part with more than $100 to enjoy the benefits of using Wusthof knives. Herein is a Wusthof knives review that will offer you more insights. 

Wusthof Knives Review – Frequently Asked Questions