Are Wusthof Classic Knives Worth the Money?

If you enjoy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you’ll know that it’s essential to have the right tools. Whether you’re an aspiring chef or just like to wow your family with new dishes, you’ll have your work cut out for you without the right set of knives.

My Top 3 Wusthof Classic Knives

The German brand, Wusthoff, has been making high-quality knives for close to 200 years and is a favorite with a number of high profile chefs, including Chef Gordon Ramsay. While not cheap, these knives have a solid reputation for long-lasting quality.

Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look with our Wusthof Classic review.

Wusthof Classic Review of 6 High-Grade Knives

While we’ve established that the Wusthof Classic is, without a doubt, a superior knife, not all Classics are created equal. The following will help you to find the right knife for your needs.


1. Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set with Storage Block, 12 Piece

Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set with Storage Block, 12 Piece

With a full tang and triple riveted handle, these knives are constructed from high quality steel. The set consists of 12 different Wusthof knives and a wooden storage block.

Pros: 

  • Great value
  • Great variety of knives
  • Blades are razor-sharp

Cons:

  • Block is prone to cracking
from Amazon

2. Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife

Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife

With an eight-inch blade and 4.5 inch handle, the Classic 8 Inch Knife features a full bolster and finger guard and an ergonomic handle for easy handling. The synthetic handle is easy to clean and resists discoloration.

Pros: 

  • Very durable and long lasting
  • Super sharp
  • Has a great grip

Cons:

  • Tends to dull quite quickly
  • Blade point is a little too sharp making it easy to catch your skin and clothes
$200.00 from Amazon

3. Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife 7, 7", Black

Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife 7, 7', Black

Designed specifically to minimize corrosion and dullness, the Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife features high carbon stainless steel blades and dual riveted synthetic handles. This set contains three knives.

Pros: 

  • Allows for a firm hold
  • Easy to control
  • Easy to sharpen

Cons: 

  • Tends to dull quite quickly
$170.00 from Amazon

4. Wusthof CLASSIC Two Piece Prep Set, One Size, Black, Stainless Steel

Wusthof CLASSIC Two Piece Prep Set, One Size, Black, Stainless Steel

This precision forged knife set includes a 3.5 inch paring knife and 6 inch cook’s knife. Precise and durable, these two knives are forged from high carbon stainless steel and come with a lifetime guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fast shipping
  • Allows for fast work
  • Extremely precise cutting

Cons: 

  • Blade dulls quickly
  • Quite expensive
$175.00 from Amazon

5. Wusthof Classic 4110 Serrated Utility Knife, 5 Inch

Wusthof Classic 4110 Serrated Utility Knife, 5 Inch

The Wusthof Classic Serrated Utility Knife is forged from a single sheet of high carbon stainless steel and features a full tang which is triple riveted to the handle for precise control.

Pros: 

  • Lightweight
  • Cuts cleanly
  • Super sharp

Cons:

  • Handle is a little small for comfort
$115.00 from Amazon

6. Wusthof CLASSIC Cook's Knife, 6-in, Black

Wusthof CLASSIC Cook's Knife, 6-Inch, Black

This chef’s knife features a six inch blade, full bolster and finger guard. The handle is ergonomically designed and created from a long lasting synthetic material resistant to fading and discoloration.

Pros: 

  • Extremely sharp
  • Incredibly well balanced
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Looks great

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Can only be washed by hand
$124.70 from Amazon

Wusthof Classic Review: Are these knives good?

Wusthof knives are the Rolls Royce of kitchen utensils. These knives are crafted from chromium-molybdenum-vanadium steel and gain their super-sharp blades through a laser controlled process called PEtec. So, yes, Wusthof knives are good!

Wusthof Forged Knives vs Stamped Knives

There are two kinds of Wusthof knives – forged and stamped.

Wusthof forged knives are created from a single sheet of high carbon steel for superior sharpness and balance.

Wusthof stamped knives use a simpler process whereby they are ‘stamped’ out of a sheet of stainless steel.

Forged knives are generally considered to be superior to stamped due to the fact that they are harder, have better blade retention, and will usually hold an edge more effectively than stamped knives. The main benefit to stamped knives is that they tend to be less expensive than their forged counterparts.

Which is better, Wusthof Classic or Ikon?

There are two main differences between the Classic and Ikon – the handle and the price. The handle of the Classic knife is made from a durable synthetic material with a distinct curve on the butt end.

Ikon’s handle, on the other hand, is crafted from African Blackwood, an attractive and hard wearing wood, and has a smoother design.

Wusthof Classic Knife
Wusthof Classic Knife

Classic knife blades have a full bolster, which is the wedge-like part close to the handle. This adds weight and balance to the knife.

Wusthof Ikon Knife
Wusthof Ikon Knife

Ikon knives, however, have a half bolster which takes away some of the weight without compromising on control and balance. This which allows the knife to be sharpened from the heel to the tip of the blade. On average, Wusthof Ikon knives tend to cost around 40% more than the classic.

So, the burning question is which is best? While the Ikon is undoubtedly more attractive and offers a little more control, there’s really not enough of a difference between the two to justify the large hike in price.

What’s the difference between Wusthof Gourmet and Wusthof Classic?

This one is pretty much cut and dried. There are a few differences between the two; all of which add up to the fact that the Classic is very much the superior option

What's the difference between Wusthof Gourmet and Wusthof Classic?
Wusthof Gourmet Knife

Firstly, the Classic is forged, whereas the Gourmet is stamped (if you were paying attention earlier, you’ll remember that forged is best).  Secondly, Classic knives feature a full tang which extends the full length of the grip portion of the handle. The Gourmet, on the other hand, has only a part tang.

The Classic’s full tang makes it a higher quality and longer lasting option. Finally, the Classic has a bolster which protects your hand from slipping while using. All in all, the Wusthof Classic offers superior quality, balance, and durability – so, more bang for your buck.

Are Wusthof knives worth the money?

This very much depends on how much you’ll be using your knife and what you’ll be using it for. If you’re pursuing a career in the kitchen or you spend a considerable amount of time whipping up delicacies for friends and family, then a Wusthof is most definitely an investment that you’ll never regret.

If, however, you’re looking for a knife for cutting sandwiches and random tasks then you are much better off going for a cheaper version.

Conclusion

While the Wusthof Classic is by no means the cheapest knife that you can buy for your kitchen, the quality, durability and lifetime guarantee make this a great choice for the serious cook.

A great knife is one of the most important tools that a chef can have, and the Wusthof Classic allows for a high level of precision and control combined with blades that make short work of vegetables, meat and fish. Wusthof knives do require a commitment in terms of care and maintenance, but this is well worth it for a knife that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Last update on 2024-09-11 at 18:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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