Wusthof knives review – Wusthof classic vs gourmet vs Ikon

Which knife should I buy with good quality, safe, and durable for long-term use? That is the question of many concerned housewives. Germany is famous for the home of high-end kitchenware brands for those who are connoisseurs of home appliances. Our editors will introduce to you one of the famous brands specializing in kitchen knives. It was none other than Wusthof.

German kitchen knife brand Wusthof

1. 200-year history of the German kitchen knife brand Wusthof

Wusthof kitchen high-quality knives are one of the oldest quality knife brands in German kitchen knives.

This brand started in 1814. Up to now, it has more than 200 years of operation. The brand’s trident logo represents the durability and quality of the knives at Wusthof.

Wusthof has set standards for the design and manufacture of its high-quality knives. Produced by a team of highly skilled workers, Wusthof’s products are both of the best quality and environmentally friendly. It receives a lot of love and choice in every family’s kitchen.

Typical products of Wusthof are knives, scissors, knife sharpeners. Wusthof style knives are usually made from high carbon stainless steel.

2. Features of Wusthof German kitchen knives

Wusthof German kitchen-style knives are popular with many outstanding advantages. It brings convenience and safety to users.

Typically, the smart handle design is capable of supporting the entire quality knife. It makes it easy for you to hold, without hand fatigue.

With more than 200 years of operation, the Wusthof brand has produced more than 350 different types of knives. Thus, users can easily choose the product that best suits their needs. In addition, artisan Wusthof often molds products into one block. It helps balance the force so it is very comfortable to hold.

3. Unique and environmentally friendly manufacturing standards of Wusthof knives.

Wusthof’s staff are all highly skilled. This brand must always set its design and production standards for its kitchen knives.

Wusthof German kitchen knives use high-carbon stainless steel. So the Wusthof blades are very sturdy and durable over time. Not only that, but it also ensures the safety of the user’s health.

The handle is usually wood or synthetic material. It is safe and environmentally protected. Wusthof’s products will be extremely diverse in knife products as well as handle materials. It makes it easy for buyers to choose the right products.

In particular, the knife also comes with a layer of anti-corrosion ceramic. Therefore, it is difficult to scratch when you use it.

The Wusthof brand has been manufacturing kitchen knives to a particular standard. Among them, the most prominent product standards are good quality and environmental friendliness.

Wusthof knives reviews

Currently, on the market, the German knife Wusthof is very popular. However, we will introduce to you the 5 most popular products.

Wusthof classic versus gourmet

1. Wusthof Classic 5″ Hollow 

Important specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Wüsthof
• Color: Black, Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Polypropylene
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 9.1 x 1.8 x 1 inches

Product’s highlight

For each housewife, in addition to cooking delicious dishes, it is equally important to bring aesthetics to the dishes. To meet that need of housewives, choosing a specialized knife is essential.

The Wusthof Classic 5″ Hollow Sharp Edge Nakiri Kitchen Knife belongs to the Classic line. It is a product with a completely classic design. The handiest tool in the kitchen, the cooking knife, is available in 5 inches sizes.

Knifemaker of Wusthof brand manufactured this classic full tang knife forged from a single. It is a special stainless steel carbon steel that is several times harder than ordinary steel.

Besides, the handle of the Wusthof Classic knife is neither wood nor plastic. People applied a new handle material to this delicate knife. Have you heard of Polyoxymethylene? Yes! Is it! 

The Polyoxymethylene handle get a tight molecular structure that makes it colorfast and durable.

The Wusthof Classic knife has a long straight blade design with a tilt of 10 degrees. It is thinner than a traditional knife. The cutting edge part comes with even loose spots. This makes the knife Wusthof classic easier to sharpen your meat or vegetables. 

You will no longer have food sticking to the knife when cutting. Knife Wusthof classic is very suitable for cutting potatoes, raw meat, and other starchy vegetables.

Pros

• High-quality stainless steel material
• Full tang knife
• PEtec technology (precision edge technology) makes the blade 20% sharper than normal knives
• Handle made of polyoxymethylene for durability
• Traditional classic look
• Indentation on a smart blade
• Good price
• Forged knives

Cons

• The knife is a bit light

Bottom line

The material that CLASSIC Nakiri Knife uses to produce the current forged knives is all high-quality materials. CLASSIC Nakiri Knife is made of stainless steel, so customers can be peaceful in mind of the quality of the product.

Not only is it durable as well as long-lasting, but thanks to the stainless steel material, it is safe and safe for the health of the user.

In summary, the kitchen knife of the Wusthof brand from Germany is one of the few forged knives with high hardness. It has the ability to resist corrosion as well as rust.

Therefore, you can rank the durability of this brand’s forged knives among the top in the world.

View more: Global Knives Review

2. Wusthof Classic Flexible 

Important specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Wüsthof
• Color: Black/Silver
• Handle Material: Polypropylene
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13x 3 x 1 inches

Product’s highlight

The Wusthof Classic Flexible Boning knife product comes with stainless steel material. It offers outstanding durability. Because it does not rust, it creates safety for consumers’ health

Wusthof Classic Flexible Boning is a molded utility knife. The knife Wusthof classic can balance the force when cutting. You will feel comfortable in the handle.

Extremely sharp Wusthof blades are thanks to German standard sharpening technology. The surface of the Wusthof knife is shiny and does not cause food to stick when processing.

This Wusthof utility knife has a design with a fairly small size, very neat and the weight is also quite light. The length of the blade is shorter than other kitchen knives to ensure user safety.

Designed with a pointed tip, slightly curved nose to help you fillet more easily. The Wusthof blades are extremely sharp.

Blade construction is of stainless steel, durable. The utility knife handle is usually made of high-grade polypropylene for effective anti-slip.

Pros

• Stainless steel blade
• Trusted brand
• Lightweight, safe for users
• Flexible, sharp design
• Anti-slip knife handle

Cons

• It is not suitable to perform heavy tasks

Bottom line

Wusthof Classic Flexible Boning to ensure the most optimal safety for users. It also provides safe professional trimming operations. You can use the classic knife to peel vegetables, trim vegetables, or fillet fish very easily. 

The price offered by the company is certainly not cheap with famous utility knife lines like Wusthof. But it is a worthy investment.

3. Wusthof Gourmet Knife Block Set 

Important specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Wusthof
• Blade Edge: Serrated
• Color: Black and silver
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.4x 9.4 x 4.2 inches

Product’s highlight

The Wusthof Gourmet knives are a more advanced product line from Wusthof. It is laser-cut carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process.

The Wusthof Gourmet Knife Block knife looks similar to the Classic series. However, the difference of the Gourmet line is that these are stamped knives.

Wusthof Gourmet Knife Block range of kitchen knives with plastic and wood handles, black. Depending on the needs of use, buyers will choose different handles.

The Gourmet set of knives is a new standard for balance and maneuverability. The handle is of a highly durable material that resists fading, discoloration, heat, and impact. It has a design for optimal comfort and control. A full tang handle is available (for all blades with a length of more than 12 cm).

Pros

• Manufactured from stainless steel, blade hardness reaches 56 HRC
• Laser tested blade for even and precise cutting
• PEtec technology for a 20% sharper blade with twice the cutting edge retention
• 3 rivet handle
• Ergonomic design for comfort, strength, and balance
• High-quality POM plastic handle
• Made in Solingen – Germany
• Meets the most stringent quality standards

Cons

• The design of the knife holder doesn’t seem sturdy enough

Bottom line

The 16-piece Wusthof Gourmet knives are a lasting and meaningful gift for newlyweds. It is also suitable for chefs of all levels of the home and professional cooking.

The Wusthof Gourmet set of knives is ideal for cooking enthusiasts. They are all very neat and convenient. It is also very suitable for use in small kitchens.

The whole thing comes in a sturdy wooden stand. This precision forged knife set is comprehensive. A chef’s knife and serrated knife can help you with almost any kitchen chore or outing.

Wusthof classic vs classic ikon

4. Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set 

Important specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Brand: Wusthof
• Color: Black and silver
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15x 10 x 12 inches

Product’s highlight

Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set is a very popular product line of the Wusthof brand. The product is stainless steel with carbon content. It creates outstanding durability, sharpness. It gives you the feeling of always looking clean and bright, high-class.

Besides, it is completely harmless to the user’s health and hygienic.

The product has a simple and convenient design to help effectively support food processing.

The blade is laser cut from steel and made from stainless steel. It undergoes smelting using exclusive German manufacturing technology.

You know, Germany is home to the world’s leading metallurgical technology. Therefore, it creates a level of sharpness and durability that makes the knife never rust to infect the dish.

The blade section runs through the entire handle. So it looks very similar to the knives in the Wusthof Classic series.

Pros

• High-quality forged knife
• High-quality stainless steel material
• Precision edge technology for sharper blades
• The handle comes with polyoxymethylene material for comfort and durability
• Beautiful 12-piece knife set
• The most prestigious brand in the market

Cons

• The price is a bit expensive

Bottom line

Produced in factories located in Solingen – the knife capital of Germany, the Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set is a great choice for you. The production process is automatic with hundreds of Robots. They perform multiple steps in the knife-making process. 

Meanwhile, humans still perform purely manual tasks such as finishing edges and surfaces, honing in the end.

Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set all meet the most stringent quality standards. Made in Germany, Wusthof knives are fully guaranteed to be free from defects in material and/or workmanship.

With a history of 200 years of formation and development, Wusthof truly has created the world’s best knives in both design and quality. It’s become the tool of choice in the hands of top chefs at the best restaurants around the world.

5. WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON Set – Wusthof ikon reviews

Important specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless steel
• Brand: WUSTHOF
• Color: Black, stainless
• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10x 8 x 12 inches

Product’s highlight

WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON is an indispensable name in the list of the most loved knives of the WUSTHOF brand.

The handle is of polyoxymethylene plastic, although it looks smooth, it is extremely grippy and has a high impact. The handle incorporates a trio of studs for a secure fit. 

The shape of the handle is ergonomic. It has a design in consultation with professional chefs. It, therefore, offers maximum comfort and finishes to a high standard.

The blade is of high carbon steel with a stain-resistant alloy. So it is very easy to clean and clean after use without spending much time. WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON offers an impressively sharp blade. It ensures the product is hard to chip, highly resistant to wear when used.

The neck of the knife is tightly wrapped around the handle like a belt, forming a strong mass. The neck is the bearing point between the handle and the cutting edge.

Pros

• Triple riveted full tang knife 
• The contoured handle is available 
• Super durable carbon stainless steel
• Multi-function knife set
• The blade is sharp and easier to sharpen than normal sets

Cons

• One common concern about these knives is that they are quite expensive. However, for customers who can ignore this problem, it is still a good choice.

Bottom line

WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON’s knife design process has always been rigorous. Therefore, the company has accurately calculated the match between the knife body and the handle. It meets the needs of each guest when using the knife for any task.

The handle is always proportional to the blade to optimize the user’s grip. The tail end of the handle has a raised edge design. It provides firmness to the handle and is anti-slip. The handle is long enough for any user’s hand to grip comfortably when tight.

Overall, the WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON series is a good buy and value for a money knife set.

WUSTHOF CLASSIC IKON Twelve Piece Knife Block Set | 12-Piece German Knife Set

Wusthof Grand Prix II German Kitchen Knife

The Wusthof Grand Prix II German kitchen knife has the same blade width and full-size spacer of the Classic series. But this product’s synthetic handle feels like a synthetic handle instead of a wood-like handle.

The Wusthof Grand Prix kitchen knife has a slight curvature in the handle. This design goes along with the desire to bring more comfort and control to those who use this product. The different material in the handle makes for a new product, lighter and more wonderful to use.

If you are seeking an affordable product, the Wusthof Grand Prix II is a great choice.

Related: Kitchen Knives Made in USA

Wusthof Epicure kitchen knife set

The Wusthof Epicure kitchen knife set has a Richlite handle. This is a composite material made from recycled wood fibers. This type of handle is extremely eco-friendly and is usually brown.

The Wusthof Epicure kitchen knife with a handle shape is also different from other knives. It’s not too thick and the slightly rounded shape makes for a comfortable grip. 

Moreover, the handle of this series is a bit longer than other handles. So larger hands will find it comfortable to use this product.

The blade of this precision forged knife is also slightly different from other knife lines. Instead of having a straight knife back, the back of the Wusthof Epicure series has a very subtle outer curve.

Wusthof Professional German knives Series

The Wusthof Professional range of kitchen knives is one of the cheapest Wusthof lines that Wusthof offers.

The handle of this Wusthof Professional product has a very special design. It helps users to prevent slipping and create exceptional comfort when using.

Are you a lover of a Wusthof knife set and want to find knife lines at a lower price? Wusthof Professional is a good choice for you.

The Wusthof Professional kitchen knife is a more condensed version of the Gourmet series in the stamped knives. 

This product line will normally have a length of about 20 – 30 cm. This precision forged knife line also offers a collection of various knife products. It is very suitable for use in every family’s kitchen.

German knives Wusthof Crafter

The Wusthof Crafter German kitchen knife sets come with 6 specialized kitchen knives. Each design is about 15cm in length. It is relatively compact and lightweight.

This product line is suitable for those who love Wusthof products. It is suitable for home kitchens instead of famous restaurants and hotels.

The Wusthof Crafter range of German kitchen knives is relatively light. It is suitable for everyone to use. Besides, it also feels easy to control and convenient to use in the kitchen.

The blades of the Wusthof Crafter are perfectly sharpened and polished by forging. As a result, it is usually perfectly tapered from start to finish. Wusthof Crafter offers a beautiful, luxurious design.

Wusthof Crafter gives users many reasons to choose. It is a solid handle, beautiful design, and usability. All give users the certainty, comfort, and ease of cooking with this Wusthof Crafter product.

Compare Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Gourmet lines

Items	Wusthof Classic	Wusthof Gourmet
Blade	The blade is high-grade stainless steel, anti-corrosion.	Laser cutting blade from high-grade carbon stainless steel Has the same appearance as the Wusthof Classic.
Type	Forged knife	Stamped knife
Handle	Black eyebrow knife handle Triple-riveted polyoxymethylene material has the look and texture of real wood. These knives also have full-size pads for protection.	There are different types of handles including plastic and wood. Depending on the needs of each user to choose.
Overall	It is a full tang full three-rivet knife, made of German Steel. The weight and balance of this heavy German knife feel great in your hand. The Classic line is available in about 70 different knives of all sizes.	The Wusthof Gourmet knife comes in the form of a piece. The synthetic handle has an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable and easy to sharpen. Optional length, from 12 cm – 25 cm. Wusthof has a wide selection of knives available inside, depending on the set. There are sets of 7, 10, 12 up to 36 pieces.

Comparison table of Wusthof gourmet versus classic.

What types of knife materials are there?

The quality and price of the knife will depend on the material and technique of making it. So, you need to pay attention to the 4 main types of knife materials as follows:

• Forged Steel Knife

This knife is made of steel. That means the blade and hilt are in one piece, so you don’t have to worry about slipping out of the handle.

However, the disadvantage is that the grip is not sure. This affects the fast-slow operation when processing.

• Steel knife cutting

The advantage is that it is pocket-friendly. Knifemakers cut this knife from a stainless steel strip. It is not as strong as a forged steel knife. But the quality is suitable for everyone’s pocket.

• Carbon Steel Knife

Very good sharpness. The blade is quite smooth, sharp, and powerful. You also do not need to sharpen as often but still keep the sharpness of the knife. Due to the good materials, it is definitely worth your money.

• Stainless steel knife

These knives are usually light and shiny. Knives made from stainless steel are quite popular. It gives good shine and high durability. However, this material quickly wears out. So you need to sharpen regularly for better use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many collections does Wusthof have?

Wusthof has 8 main knife collections. These 8 collections are all stamping and forging knives that are popular with many people.

• The Wusthof Classic kitchen knife is a classic model that many people love and choose with more than 80 different models.
• The Wusthof Classic Ikon kitchen knife is a new step forward in the Classic line.
• The only Wusthof Ikon kitchen knife with a real, pure wood handle.
• Wusthof Epicure kitchen knife with Richlite handle. This is a composite material made from recycled and sustainable wood fibers. This type of handle is extremely eco-friendly and is usually brown.
• The Wusthof Grand Prix II kitchen knife has the same blade width and full-size spacer of the Classic series.
• The Wusthof Crafter kitchen knife with a length of about 15 cm is relatively compact and lightweight.
• The Wusthof Gourmet kitchen knife is Wusthof’s only stamping knife product.

2. What are the advantages of the PETec process?

The PETec is a new step in knife sharpening technology. It offers the following advantages.

• Extremely sharp blade
• The cutting edge of the knife has extremely good durability
• Optimum shape throughout blade length
• Maintains high sharpness with constant quality during use and even after re-sharpening

3. Should I buy a Japanese knife or a German knife?

The price depends upon the brand you buy. Japanese knives tend to be more expensive than German knives. Because the blade is made in layers. It needs more manual techniques in the process.

Japanese knives and German knives have notable differences. So choosing the best one is entirely up to your cooking style and design preferences.

Overall, I recommend Japanese knives if you cook with a lot of seafood or vegetables. If you eat a lot of meat and hard foods, a German knife might be the best choice for you.

Final Words

Of the 5 German kitchen knife products mentioned above, they are all outstanding products. Each product has its own advantages to suit the needs of each family. 

However, for Battersby, we think that every family will have different needs for different knife products. The reason is that you need to use it for many different purposes. Therefore, you should buy more than 2 knife products to use in the right case.