Have you been cutting your fingers with blunt knives? Are you tired of your knives constantly losing their edge? It’s time to change that!
Good knives can seriously reduce your chances of getting hurt. Plus, everything gets done much faster if your knives are sharp.
Lucky for you, Wüsthof has all you could ever need in your knife.
Established in 1814, Wüsthof has been in business for more than two hundred years. During this time, the German brand has become a household name because of its quality kitchen knives.
Top 5 Wüsthof Knife Lines
Given Wüsthof’s reputation, there is no doubt that all its knife collections are worthy of your kitchen. However, we still took it upon ourselves to select five of the best product lines.
1. Wüsthof Classic Ikon Series
The Classic Ikon series is the best in the Wüsthof product line-ups. They look a bit like the brand’s classic series, but there have been a few upgrades. Most noticeably, the addition of a second bolster.
The knives come with forged blades that are harder and last longer than knives with stamped blades.
Moreover, stainless steel made by this brand gives the blades a sharper and longer lifespan.
Wüsthof upgraded the knives in the Classic Ikon series with a double bolster. Admittedly, the bolster at the top of the handle is only a half-bolster.
However, this still makes the blade safer, and the half bolster makes it easier to sharpen the blades.
The second bolster is for aesthetic reasons but also helps balance the blade. Similar to the classic series, the polyoxymethylene handle is easy to handle and more durable.
Pros
- Well-balanced
- Extremely sharp
- Double bolster
Cons
- Expensive
- A little heavy
2. Wüsthof Classic Series
The Classic Series has the original Wüsthof knives. While it is challenging to improve on perfection, this brand has been doing just that with its state-of-the-art knives.
The brand uses carbon steel to make a hard, durable blade. Additionally, they use precision technology to ensure that all their blades are twenty percent harder.
These knives are durable, so they will not rust easily. Additionally, the blade remains sharper for longer than conventional blades.
The knife’s blade is a work of art itself. It features a full bolster between the handle and the blade.
Plus, the bolster reduces the chances of yourself cutting your fingers while improving the blade’s balance.
Furthermore, Wüsthof has added three steel rivets to the handle. Consequently, the handle is sturdier, which means it last longer. The series features ninety-one knives, each with distinct features.
Pros
- Lifetime-warranty
- Extremely sharp
- Durable
- Easy-to-handle
Cons
- Lacking block quality
3. Wüsthof Crafter Series
The Wüsthof Crafter Series features more heavy-duty knives, and they can do a lot of cutting before you have to sharpen them again.
If we take a close look at the knife’s design, the handle is what makes this series different from all the other series.
These knives have a wooden handle. Wüsthof used smoked oak and paired it with brass rivets to give the knives a more earthy look. So, these knives are aesthetically pleasing.
Furthermore, these knives come with a half bolster. This bolster makes the knives lighter and easier to sharpen. Plus, you will run less danger of cutting your own fingers with the in-built finger-guard.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- High carbon steel
- Half bolster in the handle
Cons
- Limited collection
4. Wüsthof Gourmet Line
If you’re a beginner, the Wüsthof Gourmet line is perfect for you. These laser-stamped knives are lightweight and easy to maneuver. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about damaging the products.
Additionally, the knives come with a durable synthetic handle. The handle is ergonomically designed making it easy to hold.
You also do not have to worry about discoloration. So your knives will look good as new for a long while.
The knives are sharpened using laser precision which means they will stay sharp for longer. No matter how long you have these knives, they’ll cut through everything like butter.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Great for everyday tasks
- Lightweight knives
- Durable polyoxymethylene handle
Cons
- Blade not as strong as forged blade
5. Wüsthof Epicure Series
If you are environmentally conscious, the Wüsthoff Epicure Series will make you happy. Wüsthof makes these knives with composite wood handles.
To be more specific, the brand uses Richlite, a material composed of recycled wood fibers.
These forged knives have sharp, long-lasting blades made of high carbon stainless steel. The blades do happen to be wider than other collections.
The blades are also full tang, extending through the handle. Additionally, the handles have two rivets to ensure their durability.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Sharp
- Full-bolster
- Rustic design
Cons
- Limited knives in the series
Buying Guide
We have rounded up the best knife collections for you. However, we wanna let you know how to spot a good knife by yourself. So, here are the things to check for:
Forged And Stamped Knives
Forged knives are harder because the process is kinda like old-fashioned forging. The steel is hammered under temperature to form the blade, making it stronger.
The process involves thirty steps, so the forged knives tend to fall on the more costly side.
On the other hand, the machine literally stamps the blades out of steel sheets. Stamped knives are not as sturdy.
So they can break when subjected to extreme pressures. These knives are lightweight and more affordable.
Bolster
Bolster refers to the area between the handle and the blade. Bolsters are great for balancing the knives and keeping them from breaking. There are two types of bolsters; full bolsters and half bolsters.
You can choose one depending on your preference. Full bolsters extend into the handle and give you some protection.
However, it’s harder to sharpen. On the other hand, half bolsters are easier to sharpen but don’t have a finger guard.
Blade Type
We recommend getting a full tang blade. Full tang blades extend into the handle making the knife sturdy.
If your knife isn’t full tang, it can fall off at the handle. You also need to pay attention to the steel in your knife.
High carbon steel is usually harder and sharper. However, these blades require maintenance; otherwise, they will rust.
Furthermore, they can be brittle. That means if you put too much pressure on them, they won’t bend but break. Stainless steel isn’t as sharp, but it doesn’t require as much care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put my Wüsthof knives in the dishwasher?
You can, but you shouldn’t. You are after all investing a hefty amount of money, and Wüsthof knives require care.
The dishwasher may dull the blade. Plus, the more you use the dishwasher, the more likely they are to rust.
2. How do I sharpen my Wüsthof knives?
You can use a handheld sharpener, whetstone, or an electric sharpener. We recommend using the sharpener from the collection you are using.
That’s because they are made with those knives in mind. So they’ll work best, but there is no harm in using other sharpeners.
3. What grade steel does Wüsthof use?
The company offers a variety of grades of steel, depending on the intended use of the knife. For example, their Classic line of knives is made from 7Cr17MoV steel, which has a relatively low carbon content and is designed for general purpose use.
For more specialized applications, such as filleting fish or boning meat, Wüsthof offers knives made from 14C28N steel, which has a higher carbon content and is therefore less prone to chipping or dulling.
Conclusion
That winds up our selection. However, we just need to say there aren’t any bad knife collections from Wüsthof.
It mostly depends on your preference and needs. That being said, the Classic Ikon series has the best knives. Thus, it will be our first choice.
However, you can choose another collection, and you won’t be disappointed. We recommend buying a collection with your cooking habits in mind.
One last thing, these are nice knives, and that means they require care. If you’re usually careless with your knives, we recommend changing before you buy these knives.