Wusthof knives are famous for making from stainless steel with vanadium and molybdenum which enhance their durability, hardness, and resistance. That is one of the reasons why Wusthof is trusted brand for users, even its price is not cheap at all. In my article, I also want to show you some differences between Wusthof and Henckels, two of German famous knife brands. Importantly, the top 10 best Wusthof knife set for your kitchen from my experience.
Wusthof vs Henckels: Which is better?
Which knife should you choose between Wusthof and Henckels? It might be the most considerable question for those who are looking for a high-quality knife from Germany. Actually, they are both trusted and great knife manufacturer in the word. There is not a lot of differences between 2 of these knife producers. Both of these brands have made high-quality knife blade from good quality steel with high carbon stainless steel.
Similarities:
Both of these knives come with the lifetime warranty, so you do not need to worry about any problem from production. Besides, they are forged from rust-resistant high carbon steel which ensures the strength and durability. Its handles are designed for great balance, perfect control, and effortless chopping. Especially, the handles materials are very sturdy and durable.
Differences
Rockwell scale: We are going to know about the first difference of these brands, Henckels knives are easier to sharpen. Wusthof knives hold an edge which is better than Henckel because Henckels knives tend to be from 56 to 57 while Wusthofs tend to be 58 on the Rockwell scale. The Wusthof knives are made of harder steel.
Structure of knife: Henkels knives (except for Twin Signature which is stamped) are forged while Wusthof knives (except for Gourmet line which is stamped) are forged. They are both full tang & triple riveted.
Edge angle: as you know that the smaller edge angle of the blade, the sharper the knife is. Normally, Wusthof is 14 while Henkel is 15. That is the reason why the Wusthof is sharper than Henkel.
Henckels knife set comes with the hollow edged Santoku knife so you can have two different Japanese and German style in on knife set. One minor drawback from Henckel knife is that it is easy to be dull, but it is also easy to sharpen.
Wusthof knife set is from the premium classic line. This set does not have many knives but each knife works most efficiently with comfortable handles which reduce maximum fatigue and increase comfort.
Actually, finding the right knife set that you prefer and appropriate with your cooking style is more important than choosing the brand. Wusthof and Henckel are both famous high-end knife manufacturers, so you can totally believe in their products.
1. Wusthof Gourmet High Carbon Stainless Steel 7 Piece Traveler Knife Set
Wusthof Gourmet High Carbon Stainless Steel 7 Piece Traveler Knife Set is the best Wusthof knife set with bag for not only travelers but also cooks. There is a 3-inch spear point paring knife, a 6- inch cook’s knife, a 5- inch water’s corkscrew, 8-inch kitchen shear, and the picnic sharpener. All of these tools are very important for preparing a meal in your kitchen or your campsite. Especially, all of these tools fit in a travel case for travel convenience.
Wusthof gourmet knife set is the most perfect travel knife set in the market now. It made of high carbon stainless steel and polypropylene which are premium quality materials for easy cleaning by hand washing and being strong tools. I think the gourmet 7 piece set is such a lifesaver because everything was well stored and it is all about what we need for every situation.
The Wusthof shear are very sharp, that can cut cleanly and quickly every kind of foods, even rope. The knives in this set are very sharp and do not need to use sharpener but they also offer one sharpener in the set. Sometimes, I need to sharpen my scissors.
This set is also compact because its dimension is just 15.9 x 8.1 x 3.7 inches and also lightweight about 2.4 pounds. Besides, this tool set has a good price compared to the other products with the same function from other manufacturers. I highly recommend this set for those who love picnic, travel, and camping.
2. Wusthof Gourmet Eighteen Piece Block Set, Acacia
Wusthof Gourmet Eighteen Piece Block Set, Acacia is also Gourmet including 18 knives. In the first time, I took a look at this set, I was so surprised because of its quantity of knife. Actually, before that, I had never seen the set with more than 10 tools. There is a peeling knife, trimming knife, paring knife, utility knife, pear point paring, Santoku, spreader, bread, 6 steaks, cook’s, sharpening steel and the kitchen shears. Besides, it is equipped with 17 acacia slot block for storage.
I also notice the material to make the blade of knives. This Wusthof knife set made from carbon stainless steel which is hard and strong enough for cutting, chopping, and slicing. Besides, the handle of it is made from the black polypropylene which is sturdy. The handle design also makes it more comfortable for holding and reduces the rust and fatigue.
Moreover, you might like the block storage which made from acacia wood. That looks really clean, special and beautiful for your kitchen. Because it is stamped construction so the price is quite affordable for different users from professional to amateurs.
I really like its carbon steel blades because it is durable and the V ground edge which is easy to sharpen. This Wusthof 18 piece knife set is about 9.2 pounds in weight and 15.5 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches in dimension for a set. However, because these knives are quite sharp so you have to be careful when using and put it far away from children for safety.
3. Wusthof Classic 2 Piece Santoku Asian Chef’s Knife Set
Wusthof Classic 2 Piece Santoku Asian Chef’s Knife Set is forged from a piece of tempered high carbon steel to make it outstanding strength and sharpness. This set includes just 2 items, 5 – inch Santoku Hollow Edge and 3- inch straight Edge paring knives. These 2 classic knives feature Wusthof PEtec (Precision Edge Tech) which is great for easily maintaining the razor-sharp edge which can retain it working performance as long as the other knives.
This Wusthof steak knife set is the traditional knife set which is the best selling Wusthof collection. This is really cheap compared with the classic IKON version. The Santoku knife has the sharper edge angle. While the paring knife with the scalloped or hollow edge is great for cutting thin and small vegetables and fruits to decrease stick and reduce. If you need thin slices of ingredients, you might find it really useful.
The blade of 5-inch knife is perfect for small vegetable and fruits such as broccoli, skinny carrots and apples. You have to notice that these 2 knives is not for cutting large vegetables such as potatoes, melons, squash so you should find another longer and larger Santoku knife for big ingredients.
I am very satisfied with the ergonomic and beautiful black handle which is designed for balance, control, and comfort. That is made of seamless, material for the hygienic grip. Besides, its handle is also triple riveted for durability and it comes with the bolster protecting your fingers from slipping.
4. Wusthof Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set (Walnut)
Wusthof Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set (Walnut) includes 7 items: 3.5-inch paring knife, inch Kiritsuke, 5-inch utility, 8- inch bread, 8- inch chef’s kitchen shears and 6 slots slim, wood knife block. The price is quite higher than some other sets. It is quite lightweight just about 6.75 pounds and 17 x 12.4 x 4.2 inches in dimensions for the whole set.
Wusthof 7 piece knife set is made in Solingen, Germany. It is forged and features full tang with high carbon steel which maintains its durability and strength. It is also designed with the bolster to add more balance and weight. Especially, its PEtec can help to enhance the sharpness of the blade about more than 20% and can last longer than blade’s knife of other Wusthof knife set.
Wusthof offer 14-degree cutting edge on each side. This angle with the more tapered cutting edge can decrease the drag when you slice through the food and allowing the effortless cutting. You should use the sharpener to maintain the knife’s performance, although these good quality knives can stay sharp longer than others.
Besides, it is considered that its traditional triple riveted handles made from good quality polyoxymethylene which has a tighter molecular structure. Hence, it can resist fading and the discoloration. Its ultra-slim block is designed for maximizing counter space just about 9.5x 3.5 inch footprint.
5. Wusthof Gourmet 6-Piece Steak-Knife Set
Wusthof Gourmet 6-Piece Steak-Knife Set is a perfect Wusthof steak knife set. Especially, you might find it a super incredible price for the whole set. I could not wait to buy this because its price is so good now just under 100 dollars. This set includes six 4.5 inch knives. They are all designed for steak.
Steak-Knife Set is stamped from the high carbon steel with the stain resistant alloy which improves its sharpness for the blades. I slide steak easily with no effort because it is sharp and light. Besides, it also maintains the taste, smell of steak after cutting.
Like other Wusthof knives, Wusthof gourmet knife set also has the synthetic polypropylenes handles which are triple riveted for long life lasting. Besides, its black handles are designed sturdily and comfortable for handling and cutting foods. Actually, this knife fits totally my hand and easy to clean.
However, it has no bolsters but it precisely tapered from the base to tip. It does not have the serrated edges so you cannot mess up paper for wooden plates. To make it better, you should sharpen it regularly and wash it by hand, no dishwasher. Sometimes, you might find it difficult when cutting with the slope to point or taper without starting with the point first.
6. Wusthof Classic 16-piece Acacia Knife Block Set
Wusthof Classic 16-piece Acacia Knife Block Set, this wonderful knife set comes with the wooden block (6 different colors) which includes 16 items at once. I consider it as the best Wusthof knife set with block. All of these knife in this set fully forged with the full tang, high carbon stainless steel construction with the bolster. It also is designed with the tech edge which can improve the sharpness, 58 Rockwell hardness. Moreover, its handle made from durable polyoxymethylene which is similar to some other knife model from Wusthof.
In this set, there are a couple of 4.5 and 6-inch knives which are able to do multipurpose, so it can be used in any capacity. 8- inch hollow edge wonder knife is also one of the multitask knives which works great with chopping, slicing, and carving. To keep your knife blades stay sharp for long, this set also offers you 9- inch piece of sharpening steel. Additionally, you also have a couple of tough kitchen shears and six 4.5 classic steak knives.
My friends bought this set for a couple of months, it still stays very sharp even out of the box. The wood block has 2 additional slots (large and medium) for some other knives that you buy individually. However, the thing is that its price of this Wusthof knife set is quite high, the quality is undeniable. If you buy this set with the high price, you can use for a long time and for different tasks.
7. Wusthof Classic Chef’s 2 Piece Starter Knife Set
Sometimes, I just need only 2 knives on my kitchen, it makes me feel neat and clean because less stuff goes along with better thinking. Wusthof Classic Chef’s 2 Piece Starter Knife Set is a good choice for those who love the simple and neat, just with these 2 knives, all of your kitchen cutting task can be accomplished (chopping, dicing, micing, even slicing the thin foods).
This classic Wusthof knife set provides you 2 knives. A 3.5-inch paring knife which takes up the slack in some smaller task such as peeling fruits, coring tomatoes, garnishing fruits or de-stemming strawberry. This paring knife has nimble size and the practical shape which flow effortlessly. A 6- inch chef’s knife is sharp, that can even carve the roast or slice the loaf of bread.
Two of these knives are forged with high tempered and hardened carbon stainless steel blade for durability and sharpness. Besides, it also features V-ground edge which is easy to sharpen. Each cutting edge is the hand ground. Its triple riveted handles make perfect balance and comfort for users. It also offers the full tang construction for strength and balance with full bolsters and finger guards for more safety. You have to remember washing it immediately after using.
8. Wusthof Classic 10 Piece Knife and Walnut Block Set – BigKitchen Exclusive
Wusthof Classic 10 Piece Knife and Walnut Block Set are one of the best Wusthof knife set for any cook. For me, 10 pieces is a great deal. This set includes 8- inch cook’ – inch hollow edge Santoku, 4 – inch wide paring, 5- inch serrated utility, 8- inch bread, 8-inch carving, 6- inch boning knife and 17 slot walnut knife block which is so beautiful.
Wusthof walnut knife set also has 9- inch diamond honing steel and kitchen shears. It’s blades made from high carbon stain-free steel with the precision edge tech which makes it sharper and lighter. With this set, you can chop, slice, dice many different foods such as steak, bread, meat, fruits, and vegetables.
It is noticeable that the 7 in Santoku knife is the combination of the chef’s knife and great cleaver. 8- inch carving knife make some short work such as turkey and ham because it has a hollow edge which improves the slicing while being nonstick. 6 – inch curved boning can take meat off the poultry, fish and others meats easily with the simple maneuver.
I really like the 9- inch diamond honing steel which keeps my knives stay sharp every day. The handle of the knife in this set has 3 rivets for peace of mind. Its handle is designed ergonomically. These knives are also very lightweight which is better for control and balance. Its price is not too high so you can buy it with your tight budget.
9. Wusthof Gourmet 4-Piece Cheese Set
Wusthof Gourmet 4-Piece Cheese Set is a special set which provides the necessary tools for well rounded and exquisite cheese plate. This set includes a 4.5- inch cheese knife which is ideal for cutting and serving sturdy cheeses. A 5- inch soft cheese knife with holes is good for slicing semisoft cheese with no sticking. A 4.75- inch cheese plane is used for shaving thin slices from the medium to hard cheese. Besides, it has the bamboo cutting board for serving.
Its blades are stamped, made of high carbon stainless steel for great performance and durability. Especially, the handles are triple riveted which provide a secure and comfortable grip. It also has a good cutting angle which verified by the laser testing, so it offers easy maintenance. Wusthof Gourmet knives are totally safe with dishwasher and hand washing can allow longer edge retention.
Its price is really reasonable and its quality absolutely satisfies your requirements. When using it you have to careful when handling. You also have to avoid cutting the hard surface such as metal, glass or stone. These tools are not recommended for cutting the bone because it can be easily damaged.
I usually wash it by hand with warm water and a mild detergent after that rinse and dry it well to avoid damage. You can use serrated blade sharpener for sharpening it at your home. Don’t forget storing it in the safe place with edge protection and prevent from injury.
10. Wusthof Classic Ikon Hollow Edge Carving Set with Walnut Case
Wusthof Classic Ikon Hollow Edge Carving Set with Walnut Case is 16 x 6 x 3.5 inches in dimensions and 2.29 pounds in weight. This set has an 8-inch hollow edge carving knife and 6-inch curved carving for and the walnut case. Especially, it is forged from a piece of tempered high carbon stainless steel which can make sure the outstanding strength.
Ikon wusthof knife set has a full tang to plus weight and balance, its PEtec features the great cutting performance and the long-lasting sharpness. Each item has the controlled cutting edge which makes the blade precise from the tip to the heel of your knives. Do not forget mentioning the 14 degrees tapered cutting edge from each side that decreases the drag when you slice through foods. The blade’s knife is buffed and polish by hand.
This knife set has the triple riveted handle like the other Wusthof knives which offer the double bolster and produce the good balance and comfortable feel for your hands. I am really surprised because just a light and small knife can cut right through meat with ease, although its price can be a bit high for someone with a tight budget. The manufacturer offers one beautiful walnut box, it is really fancy and suitable for giving your friends, your wife or your mom as a gift.
In conclusion, Wusthof knives are almost high quality without any doubt. It designed for those who are really serious about foods and cooking. For my personal view, I am willing to pay more money for an excellent quality knife, because it lasts the longest time, so I can save my money instead of spending a lot for trying the cheap knife many times. Especially, I won’t worry about my foods because it always maintain the original taste with the best Wusthof knife set.
