Wusthof knives are some of the most prestigious and best-made knives in the world. Crafted with exact precision in Solingen, Germany, their extensive knife range is a worldwide phenomenon garnishing them attention from professional and amateur cooks looking for a modern knife with a classic look. Wusthof knives have won a ton of awards and accolades for their work including A top rating from Consumer Reports, a variety of Housewares Design awards as well as Best Chef’s Knife award from the ideal magazine in 2019.
Beginning their journey in 1814 as a general forge, Johann Abraham Wusthof’s descendants began concentrating solely on the production of fine knives for kitchen use by the beginning of the 20th Century. This company survived two world wars, the adoption of stainless steel in its knife production, and the introduction of highly accurate automation to bring the world the fantastic quality knives that we enjoy today. Two hundred years of customers have enjoyed the fine craftsmanship of Wusthof knives, and we think you will too, so here is our list of fantastic Wusthof Knives.
View The Best Wusthof knives Below
1. Wüsthof 8944-1 CLASSIC Two Piece Prep Set
The Classic Series Wusthof knife is ubiquitous. They are so popular Martha Stewart collaborates and works with this line of the world-famous german knives. This set includes two knives: a 6″ chef’s knife and a 3 1/2″ paring knife. These full tang (The unsharpened part of the blade extends for the entire length of the handle), high carbon stainless steel knives sport a classic look. These knives have a three rivet, highly durable polypropylene handle that fits your hand perfectly.
They have a blade forged with precision edge technology to a 58 degree HRC (Hardness Rockwell C is the measurement of hardness for knives), which is perfect for home and professional use. There is a lot to love about these fantastic knives. An upgrade on its former models, the Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife and Paring Knife combination are 20% sharper with higher sharpness retention.
Whether you are a professional chef looking for a chef’s knife with the bonus of a paring knife you can rely upon, need to upgrade or replace parts of your existing knife set – these knives will be great for you. Or, perhaps, you are an amateur buying his first professional-grade knives, the Wusthof classic two-piece prep set is perfect in your home or your knife bag.
Pros:
+Wusthof Classic full tang pairing knife and cook’s knife sets provide the essentials for home and professional use
+Wustoff Classic series knives are now 20% sharper than older Classic series knives
+forged with precision edge process making them some of the best quality knives.
Why We Like It – Though this duo is a spartan collection, you can do a lot with just a cook’s knife and a pairing knife—classic series quality at an affordable price.
2. Wüsthof 8944-1 Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set
If you loved the Wusthof Classic series pairing and cook’s knife for their quality, upgrading to the 7-piece knife block set is a great way to fill out your kitchen with a ton of options for preparing your favorite meal. Adding a serrated bread knife, an upgraded 8-inch Cook’s knife, a 6-inch Kiritsuke knife, a 5-inch serrated knife, a pair of kitchen shears, and the 3.5 -inch paring knife.
This beautiful, full tang, stainless steel blade knife set is contained in a beautiful space-saving knife block that comes in fashionable, sleek wood and stain varieties to match the feel and vibe of your kitchen. The only thing we find is truly missing in this collection is sharpening steel.
The knife block can come in acacia, bamboo, and natural finishes for light finishes and a very lovely walnut for those looking for a darker stain. The Wusthof classic series slim knife block set is undoubtedly impressive and exciting for the kitchen minimalist looking to save counter space but also requiring a knife for a variety of occasions.
Pros:
+Slim profile and design
+Choice of color for the knife block
+ Full tang stainless steel knives worthy of Solingen Germany’s famous Wusthof knives
Why We Like It – This knife set covers the entirety of the essential knives required to cook almost any meal in your home and packages them in a beautiful wooden knife block that will match your kitchen’s decor.
3. WÜSTHOF Model 4143-7, Gourmet 8 Inch Bread Knife, Serrated Edge
The Wusthof Classic Series is a truly amazing series of knives, but for some us, finding a more economical route to quality is a priority. The Wusthof Gourmet 8-inch Bread knife and its counterparts in the Wusthof Gourmet series up-the-ante for affordable knives with these iconic German-made knives.
With some of the same classic looks as the Wusthof Classic series, the Wusthof gourmet bread knife has one outstanding feature: A Laser-cut stamped blade. Now, it used to be that stamped knives had a poor reputation for quality and were often cheaper because of the reputation of forged blades taking more time and care. With the introduction of Wusthof’s laser cutting technology, you can have great knives with a blade that does not dull for a price that anyone can afford.
This particular bread knife is well designed with a serrated edge that is able to cut through even the lightest bread without compressing it and ruing its form. It would be a great addition to any home kitchen.
Pros:
+ Laser cut edge makes these affordable knives of excellent quality
+Great look and feel reminiscent of the Wusthof classic series
+ Great design for a bread knife that cuts cleanly without compression
Why We Like It – Wusthof knives have knocked it out of the park with this fantastic Gourmet series 8-inch bread knife at an affordable price. This blade is quite a find.
4. Wusthof 4109-7 CLASSIC Tomato Knife
Solingen, Germany just got a little closer to Italy! For those unsatisfied to stick to the standard offerings of the 7-piece knife block set, there are lots of ways to expand your Wusthof knife collection, and this tomato knife is an excellent place to start. This Wusthof knife is made with the same care and attention to detail as the rest of the classic knives. With a full tang, beautiful composite handle, and precision edge technology forged blade, this tomato knife will quickly become a best friend and a favorite find for your kitchen.
If you have been driven crazy-making Caprese salads with uneven, squished tomatoes? A Wusthof tomato knife the secret weapon you’ve been waiting for. Using a similar idea to a bread knife, the serrated blade of a tomato knife guides the knife and keeps you from compressing the tomato while piercing the skin. With this knife, you get an even tomato slice that doesn’t lose all of its juice. The handy forked tip is also perfect for picking up and stacking your tomato slices when you are done!
Pros:
+Forked tip is convenient for moving around your tomato slices
+Serrated blade easily pierces the tomato without compressing it
+ The excellent Classic Series Wusthof knife quality in a useful specialty knife
Why We Like It – Not all of us need a tomato knife, but if you do, get one with that classic Wusthof look and feel.
5. Wusthof Grand Prix II 7-Piece Cutlery Set
The Grand Prix II is a worthy in-between for someone looking for a block set some of the better performance features of the Wusthof Classic series with some of the affordability of the Wusthof Gourmet series. This block set includes an 8-inch cook’s knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 4.5-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife, 9-inch sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and acacia knife block.
If you find you wary of the laser-cut, stamped knives of the Wustof Gourmet series despite our excitement about their quality, the Wusthof Grand Prix knife sets use the same precision edge steel forging that the Wusthof Classic series uses. While not full tang nor possessing the attractive handles of the Classic Series, these knives are more concerned with function than form. The sharpening steel also is a welcome appearance and is a necessary item for keeping that carving knife in great condition. If you are looking for knives that are tough, rugged workhorses, the Wusthof Grand Prix II 7-Piece Cutlery Knife Sets will be a great addition to your kitchen.
Pros:
+ Precision edge steel
+ The sharpening steel is a great touch
+ The Grand Prix II is a complete knife set with everything you need for a starter kitchen
Why We Like It – This is a perfect knife set for someone looking for some of the classic series features with a cheaper price tag.
6. Wusthof 4183-7/20 CLASSIC Santoku Knife
This specialty knife from the Wusthof Classic series is not included in the knife sets above, but we think its genuinely essential. Though made in Solingen Germany like all knives on this list, the santoku knife originates in Japan. This Japanese Cook’s knife has many of the same features as a western cook’s knife and could easily be confused for one. It has many of the other elements from the Classic Series, precision edge technology forged blade, full tang handle, and a stylish look at home in any serious kitchen.
What sets this Santoku knife apart and why we think you should get it to compliment the rest of your Wusthof knives is its unique applications. A Chef’s knife excels at cutting things like onions, with its rocking motion it can do this with extraordinary efficiency.
The Santoku knife has an incredibly this stainless steel blade marked with scallops that keep food from sticking to the blade once chopped. The lack of European style tip means that this knife excels at straight downward cuts, which make it the ideal knife for scooping up ingredients with the flat of the blade, mincing and chopping raw and cooked meats.
Pros:
+Scalloped sides keep food from sticking to the blade
+ A thin profile stainless steel blade
+ Perfect for mincing herbs and garlic
Why We Like It – Solingen Germany does Japanese knives right.
7. Wusthof 7/23/22 CLASSIC Carving Knife, One Size
For those of us who like to entertain, cooking a beef roast, turkey, chicken, ham, or duck can be a rewarding endeavor during the holidays or on a Sunday afternoon of your choice. If you are going to be spending all that time and energy preparing your favorite meat, why risk having dinner spoiled by not being able to carve your dinner with an even accuracy?
The Wusthof Classic Carving Knife is the pride of Solingen Germany. With its 10″, full tang handle and stainless steel edge, the most difficult part of preparing a turkey or roast beef just got a lot easier thanks to Wusthof knives. Simply cut right down to the bone with this thin knife’s precise edge that is long enough to slice even the biggest turkey’s breast.
Pros:
+ Wusthof Classic series quality
+ An excellent addition to the standard 7-piece Wusthoff knife set
+ Long blade means you can slice wide, thin and accurate cuts
Why We Like It – Coming together on a Sunday for a family or friend gathering around a traditional meal can be a magical thing. This Wusthof knife will help ensure it.
8. Wüsthof Classic Steak Knife Set
For some, the process of cooking and eating a steak is sacred, and the tools required must be of the highest quality. A cast-iron pan, and even temperature stove, a room temperature steak, lightly seasoned, these tools and rituals make the experience of cooking and eating a steak vibrant and exciting. The last thing we want to break that illusion is trying to cut your perfectly cooked steak with dull steak knives. You can avoid that with this Wusthof knife set.
These steak knives have a look and feel that will match the rest of your Wusthof knife set perfectly. These four 1/2-inch, well-balanced, straight-edged, and well-tempered blades will cut through your perfectly cooked and manicured medium-rare steak with the precision and ease you expect from Wusthof knives. This four-piece Wusthof knife set will mean you can impress three of your friends with your culinary skills and your excellent taste in cutlery.
Pros:
+ Wusthof look and feel
+ 4 knives in a set is a steal
+A Stainless steel, German-made steak knife set is sure to impress your hungry friends
Why We Like It – If you care about your steak and want the best experience possible, use the Wusthoff edge that will give you an edge over the rest for when entertaining guests.
9. Wusthof Gourmet 8″ Vegetable Knife
Another excellent specialty knife to augment your Wusthof knife set, the Wusthof Gourmet Vegetable knife, is a perfect addition for those who need more options for cutting vegetables. Like the rest of the Gourmet Wusthof knife set, the vegetable knife is a partial tang (as opposed to full tang), laser-cut stamped knife with the quality and affordability that you know and love from the Gourmet series.
About the same size at the chef’s knife in the series, it distinguishes itself by borrowing elements of the santoku knife by adding air pockets to the side of the blade that helps prevent food from sticking to the side of it. If you are an expert who can chop an onion without looking in a few seconds flat, this will help you keep your prep time minimal and ensure that food stays out of the way of your speed demon cutting skills. A ridge about the air pockets has also been added to help push and deflect large food objects, and this is perfect for cutting things like potatoes and other root vegetables.
Pros:
+ Air pockets for food deflection
+Ridge helps push large food pieces away from the blade
+ Great size and weight
Why We Like It – If you are a well-known-gun in the kitchen and love chopping vegetables with lightning speed – put this knife in your holster.
10. WÜSTHOF Gourmet Four Piece Cheese Knife and Board Set
Ok, so real talk: We are passionate about cheese. From the hardest of aged cheddars to the softest, creamiest blue and the most delicate brie, we believe the world needs cheese. If we are going to serve cheese to guests, we have to have the tools required for the job. Putting out your best cheeses to be cut with a steak or paring knife, might take a fantastic gesture like sharing your grand cheese reserves and make it seem just a little less unique. Let these Gourmet Wusthoff knife sets put your worries at ease and give you the tools to match your deep love of cheese.
This four-piece cheese board and Wusthof knife set contain two cheese knives ( a 4 and 1/2 inch a 5-inch knife), cheese plane, and bamboo cheese board. The four 1/2-inch knife is a European design meant for cutting alpine and semi-hard cheeses. The etching on the side helps prevent the cheese from sticking to the side of the knife. The second knife is a long, 5-inch edge meant for softer cheeses with a very thin edge on its blade. The cheese plane is perfect for shaving large swathes of cheese on a meal you love or getting fancy with your cheese board presentation.
Pros:
+Three highly useful tools in one package
+ The plane is perfect for working on cheeseboard presentation
+ Great Wusthof look.
Why We Like It – You’d be hard-pressed to find a better looking modern knife set.
11. Wusthof Classic Ikon 7 Inch Santoku
If the Classic series Wusthof knife is where your journey begins in the world of professional quality knives, you will find the Wusthof Classic Ikon knives are your next step along the path. These knives have the edge over the fiercest competitors in their class, as they are forged from a single piece of stainless steel and hand buffed. The Wusthof Classic Ikon knives also feature a very attractive double bolster, a full tang handle, and the bright and beautiful color logo imprinted on the side of the knife. This particular one comes with a handy and attractive blade guard for storing your Wusthof Classic Ikon if your knife block is full.
If you were excited about the Wusthof Classic Series Santoku and are looking for a hollow edge and want to up your knife game, this is a great option. If you already own a Classic Series set, consider this as your one Classic Ikon purchase to test out whether the world of professional cooking knives is right for you.
Pros:
+Laser printed color logo
+ Hand-Buffed Stainless Steel
+ Hollowed edge, Santoku design for delicate procedures
Why We Like It – The Classic Ikon knives are an incredible example of a professional knife done right. We find this knife perfect; if you are going to dip your toe into this series, the Santoku knife is a perfect place to start.
Wusthof Knives Buyer’s Guide
There is no question that you will be happy with any of the knives you pick from Wusthof’s diverse series. From the affordable Gourmet and Grand Prix II lines to the more expensive Classic series and Classic Ikon series, there is a Wusthof knife that suits your needs and your budget.
Here are a few things we think you should keep in mind when picking out your new Wusthof knives or Wusthof knife. Whether you are looking for affordability, quality, or features, we can help you choose a knife that feels right for you.
Tang
One of the most important features in a knife’s general durability is its tang. The tang refers to the length of steel that extends past the blade and into the handle. There are benefits to a variety of tang manufacturing techniques, so let’s talk about them.
Partial Tang
Most common amongst more affordable knives, the steel in these knives extends past the edge into the handle, but not all the way. This makes the knives lighter and more affordable but compromises their structural integrity during big jobs that require putting a lot of pressure on the knife. The Wusthof Grand Prix II models, as well as the Wusthof Gourmet models, both posses partial tangs.
Full Tang
Often revered as the most sought after type of knife, a full tang knife’s steel extends into the handle for its entirety. This makes the blade much more sturdy and able to withstand much greater pressure from the wielder, but it also makes them considerably heavier. A Wusthof knife from the Classic series, or the Wusthof Classic Ikon II series will have a full tang compliment.
Bolster
An often over-looked feature of a knife is its bolster. At the point at which the handle and blade meet, there is a ridge known as the bolster. Some knives have a full bolster that adds weight to a knife and reveals the thickness of the original piece of steel that the blade was cut from. A thick bolster adds counterbalance to a forged knife that can be comfortable for some cooks. However, some still prefer a semi-bolster which allows the user to chop with the entire length of the blade.
Scalloped and Air pocket knives
Scalloped or hollowed-out blades are a highly important feature of some knives, and Wusthof knives deliver a model with this design feature in every series of knives they make. These knives help to ensure that you make accurate cuts by keeping food off of your blade. Vegetable specific and Santoku knives are the most common Wustof knives with this feature.
Forged or Laser Cut?
Laser-cut
While it’s tempting to write off Laser cut and stamped steel knives as obviously inferior to forged options, a laser-cut Wusthof knife is nothing scoff at. These manufacturing techniques have improved considerably in the past decades, making these stamped steel knives more reliable than ever. Choose this option when seeking affordability.
Forged
If quality is your aim, then look no further than forged Wusthof knives. With greater edge retention and higher quality steel helping to make this a durable, long-lasting knife that you can enjoy for decades. For forged knives, consider the Wusthof Classic Ikon series or Classic Series. If you are looking for a block set of knives, a forged set is best. That extra investment can go a long way.
Wusthoff Knife series breakdown
Gourmet
The introductory line of Wusthof knives is quite impressive. They are strong, well-made knives for the price, and though they all support partial tangs hold up really well under considerable pressure. Their laser-cut and stamped steel blades help make them affordable, but the quality doesn’t suffer. With a wide range of knife types and a great block set, the gourmet line is for everyone, but especially those with price in mind.
Grand Prix II
Next up is the Grand Prix II line, which sits between the introductory series and the flagship series. Still partial tang, but fully forged with fiberglass handles, these knives are for the budget-minded that still want a fully forged blade. While they don’t have the sleek look of the classic series or the durability, the upgrade to fully-forged blades might mean that these knives last considerably longer.
Classic
Probably the most popular series on this list, this is Wusthof, with its finest materials and processes. Full tang knives with fully forged blades, beautiful composite handles. We suggest these to anyone looking for a quality set of knives they want to keep for a long time. Buying the seven knife block set is a great jumping-off point for any serious amateur or professional with so many options to expand your collection of specialty knives and steak knives.
Classic Ikon
For those not content with mere greatness, this is the best that Wusthof has to offer. Hand Buffed, single pieces of steel forged to perfection and laser printed a bight color trident insignia and sleek handle. Buying the full Ikon Wusthof knife set might put you back a pretty penny, but it’s worth it if you want all the frills and the best quality.
Whether you came here for a full block set for your kitchen, a set of steak knives, or the bare bones to get your professional kitchen going, I’m sure you were able to find a knife that works for you. We believe that these incredible german knives will impress you deeply with their superb quality, affordability, and their fantastic longevity.
