High-quality German kitchen knives can be game changers in the kitchen. From a weeknight family dinner to special occasions, a German knife take food prep to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for an entire set of German knives or simply a good Chef’s knife, I’ve got all the information you need.
Which German knives are right for you? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
At a Glance
All About German Kitchen Knives
Germany has a long history in knife making, producing some of the world’s finest cutlery. At the center of this legacy is Solingen, Germany. This town has been home to generations of craftsmen using time-tested techniques.
This commitment to quality is why German knives are prized among professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts.
What’s the Difference Between German Knives and Japanese Knives?
Both Japanese and German kitchen knives are popular among home cooks and professional chefs. But their style and functionality are markedly different.
For one, the composition of the blade is different. Japanese knives feature a thinner blade that contains more carbon than most German knives. The higher carbon content makes the blades harder but also more brittle.
German kitchen knives feature softer steel, which is easier to sharpen but requires more frequent sharpening. German knives have a thick blade that will stand up to heavy use.
Additionally, the shape of the blade differs between German and Japanese knives. German knives have a wider blade that’s suited for a rocking motion and scooping diced food to transfer it from the cutting board to the pan.
Another difference is the weight and balance of the knives. German knives are more evenly-balanced between the blade and the handle. Japanese knives, however, are heavier toward the blade. This is a purposeful design that allows for more controlled movements and precise cuts.
Finally, German and Japanese knives are different in their function. Japanese knives are primarily for slicing and precision cutting vegetables and fish. German knives, on the other hand, are more multi-purpose.
For the average home cook, German blades are more versatile, offering more bang for your buck.
What Are the Best German Knife Brands?
Wusthof, Zwilling, J.A. Henckels, Messermeister, and Mercer are some of the most well-known German knife brands.
I should note that Henckels and Zwilling knives are both part of the larger Zwilling J.A. Henckels group. Other kitchen brands that belong to this group are Staub, Demeyere, Ballarini, and Miyabi.
It’s also important to realize that not all German knife brands manufacture knives in Germany. For instance, Henckels manufactures its German-style knives in China. Other German knife brands, like Wusthof and Zwilling, manufacture their blades in Solingen, Germany.
What to Look for in a Traditional German-Style Knife
One of the most important features is a forged construction. Forged knives are made by heating and hammering out the knife from a single piece of steel. Knives that are precision-forged are of higher quality and more durable.
Stamped blades are cut (“stamped”) out of a sheet of metal. These blades are not as balanced or sturdy, but they are more flexible and offer precision.
Most German-style knives are full tang knives. The tang refers to how the blade is attached to the handle. A full-tang construction means the blade extends through the handle to the butt of the blade.
A partial-tang construction means the blade only extends part of the way through the handle. Full-tang knives are more durable and offer a better grip.
Another common feature in German knives is a high-carbon stainless steel blade. The carbon content provides a sharper edge and corrosion resistance. But there’s a balance. The higher the carbon content, the more brittle the blade becomes.
Most German knives have a full bolster, the part of the knife where the blade meets the handle.
A bolster can protect your fingers by preventing them from sliding onto the blade while cutting. Bolsters also strengthen knives and make them easier to sharpen.
German Knife Reviews
WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set: Best Overall Set of German Knives
Wusthof is one of the best German knife brands in terms of quality and craftsmanship. I recommended this Wusthof Classic Knife set in an earlier review. It comes with 15 pieces:
- 3.5-inch paring knife (8.9 cm)
- 4.5-inch utility knife (11.4 cm)
- 5-inch Santoku knife (12.7 cm)
- 6-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch cook’s knife (20 cm)
- Six steak knives
- Honing steel
- Kitchen shears
- Wood knife block
This set features precision-forged knives with high-carbon stainless steel blades that are tempered to 58 Rockwell hardness.
The precision edge technology yields a knife blade that is sharper and has twice the edge retention of previous models. The sharp blade is ground to a total edge angle of 29 degrees, and the final buffing is by hand.
The polypropylene handles are triple-riveted and non-porous, so they won’t fade or absorb odors. The handles are ergonomic for a comfortable grip.
The only drawback to the handles is the logo, which is a red stamp. Other Wusthof lines feature a stainless steel end cap with the logo etched into it. That would be more durable and visually appealing.
A full bolster offers excellent weight and balance, while the full tang construction offers a better grip and a more solid feel.
Users gave rave reviews to these Wusthof knives. They found the knives to be incredibly sharp and well-balanced.
The Wusthof Classic Knife Set has exceptional quality and performance, but it has one major drawback–the price. These are not bargain knives, but they are a solid investment if you want sharp and durable knives.
Pros
- Durable, forged knives
- Razor-sharp blades
- Ergonomic handles
- High-quality steel blades
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Expensive
Henckels Forged Premio 19-Piece Knife Block Set: Overall Runner-Up
Henckels is among the most popular German kitchen knife brands, which is why I found this set to have great value in my earlier review. The Henckels Premio 19-Piece Knife Set includes the following pieces:
- 3-inch paring knife (7.6 cm)
- 3-inch hollow-edge parer (7.6 cm)
- 5-inch serrated utility knife (12.7 cm)
- 5.5-inch boning knife (14 cm)
- 6-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 7-inch hollow edge Santoku knife (17.8 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- Eight steak knives
- Sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Wood knife block
These Henckels knives, with the exception of the steak knives, are forged from a single piece of steel. The full-tang construction, triple rivets, and stainless steel end cap ensure a sturdy handle that won’t loosen with intense use.
A full bolster offers exceptional balance and encourages proper grip when handling the knife. Plus, the ergonomic handle makes the knives comfortable to hold.
Henckels knives feature a German stainless steel blade with a 56-57 Rockwell hardness. This is a common hardness rating for a stainless steel knife. It’s slightly softer than other knives on the list, but it’s easy to sharpen the blade.
The stainless steel is rust-resistant and has good edge retention. Henckels sharpens its blades to 15 degrees on each side of the blade, which is within a standard range.
User reviews were glowing for this knife set. They said they were super sharp and easy to maintain. Even though the knives are marked as dishwasher-safe, I recommend hand washing them to preserve the edge.
Even though buyers loved the quality and feel of these knives, they weren’t super thrilled with the steak knife set. It had a lower-quality feel than the kitchen knives. Others were disappointed to learn that this set is manufactured in China.
In spite of those two drawbacks, users were happy with their purchase. I like that this set comes with a honing rod to keep your blades in tip-top shape. I like to run straight blades over the steel after each use.
The Henckels Premio set is a great value. With so many pieces at an affordable price, you won’t have to choose between your wallet and performance.
Pros
- Fully forged construction
- Triple-riveted, ergonomic handle
- Easy to sharpen
- Durable knives
- Extremely sharp blades
- Good value
Cons
- Steak knife set feels cheaply made
- Made in China
Wusthof Classic Ikon 16 Piece Knife Set: Best Splurge Knife Set
The Wusthof Classic Ikon is one of the brand’s most popular lines. The Wusthof Classic Ikon Knife Set was my top pick in this complete Wusthof review. It comes with the following 16 pieces:
- 3-inch paring knife (7.6 cm)
- 3.5-inch parer (8.9 cm)
- 4.5-inch utility knife (11.4 cm)
- 5-inch serrated utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 7-inch hollow edge Santoku knife (17.8 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- 9-inch hollow edge carving knife (20 cm)
- Six steak knives
- Honing steel
- Kitchen shears
- Wood knife block
The Wusthof Classic Ikon line features precision edge technology (PEtec), giving these blades a razor-sharp edge that stays sharp longer.
Each side of the blade is sharpened to an edge angle of 14 degrees for an extra sharp blade. Buyers roundly praised these German knives, saying that they cut through all types of food like butter.
The high-carbon stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, withstanding daily use. The forged knife blades extend through the handle for a full tang construction.
One difference between the Wusthof Classic and the Wusthof Classic Ikon is the handle. This knife set trades in the stamped red logo for an etched logo on a stainless steel end cap.
The contour shape of the handle is comfortable, while the triple rivets ensure stability. The double bolster offers security while encouraging the proper knife grip.
I prefer the aesthetic of the Classic Ikon German knives. This set has the quality of the Wusthof Classic set with a more elegant, finished appearance. Choose between four woodblock finishes to match your personal kitchen style.
Like all Wusthof knife sets, the Classic Ikon set is quite expensive. It’s an investment in high-quality knives. If you’re looking for your last set of knives, this one has that level of quality and staying power.
Pros
- High-end appearance
- Razor-sharp blade
- Double bolster
- Precision-edge tech for durability
- Contoured synthetic handle
- Comfortable grip, good balance
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Cons
- Very expensive
Wusthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Set: Best Space-Saving Set
The Wusthof Classic Slim Knife Set is a fantastic starter set and my top choice in this comparison review. This 7-Piece is designed to save space on the kitchen counter. It comes with the following pieces:
- 3.5-inch paring knife (8.9 cm)
- 5-inch serrated utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch prep knife (15.2 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- Kitchen shears
- Slim wood block
This set has all the essentials. I like that this set includes all the knives that I use on a daily basis. While specialty knives are fun to have, at the end of the day, they’re not the ones I grab to dice a tomato for weeknight dinners.
The slim knife block has a small footprint, measuring just 9.5 x 3.5 inches (24 x 8.9 cm). You can choose between an acacia, walnut, or black storage block.
Even though I like the slim design of the knife block, it is more susceptible to cracking and chipping than other Wusthof blocks.
Each blade is made with high-quality stainless steel that’s rust-resistant and holds the edge for a long time. The blade is fully forged and full tang for superb durability and balance.
You will have to sharpen the straight blades regularly. Only three of the knives in this set have a straight blade. The other two are serrated, so you can’t sharpen them with a regular sharpener made for kitchen knives.
Every knife features a triple-riveted synthetic handle that resists fading and discoloration. The red stamped logo is on the side of the handle and won’t come off with washing.
If you’re willing to sharpen your knives regularly, I highly recommend this Wusthof set. If you prefer to have extra knives or knife sharpener included, you’ll want a larger set.
Pros
- Slim design to save space
- Fully forged, full-tang
- Comfortable synthetic handle
- Excellent edge retention
- Choice of three wood finishes
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Cons
- Requires frequent sharpening
- Block isn’t as high-quality
Mercer Culinary 6-Piece Renaissance Knife Block Set: Best Value Set
If you want quality German knives on a smaller budget, this Mercer Renaissance 6-Piece Set is perfect for you. It was my favorite set in my complete Mercer knives review. It comes with the following:
- 3.5-inch paring knife (8.9 cm)
- 5-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch flexible boning knife (15.2 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- Wood and tempered glass block
These kitchen knives are precision-forged with high-carbon German steel blades. Each side of the blade has an edge angle of 15 degrees, making for a sharp knife.
This set is manufactured in Taiwan, not Germany. But don’t let that give you any reservations about the quality of the knives. Buyers were impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The triple-riveted handle is ergonomic for a comfy grip. The synthetic material won’t absorb odors and resists fading.
The wood and tempered glass block has a sleek, modern look. But it’s not designed well. It’s wobbly, and the knives fall out too easily.
Users praised the sharpness of the blades, saying that these knives cut through raw meat like butter. But I found them to dull quickly. Since the set doesn’t come with a knife sharpener, you’ll have to purchase your own.
This Mercer set is more affordable than other German knife brands. You’ll sacrifice quantity of knives and a few extra features for that price. You’ll also have to risk a wobbly storage block.
If you’re comfortable with that trade-off, then the Mercer Renaissance Set is a fantastic set of German knives.
Pros
- Sleek, modern look
- Includes the essentials
- Comfortable handle
- Fully forged, full-tang
- Razor-sharp edge
- Affordable
Cons
- Knife block is poorly designed
- Needs frequent sharpening
Imarku 15-Piece High Carbon German Steel Kitchen Knife Set: Best Budget Set
If you’re looking for a comprehensive set of German kitchen knives on a tight budget, the Imarku 15-Piece Knife Set will fit the bill. Here is what you get:
- 3.5-inch paring knife (8.9 cm)
- 5-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch boning knife (15.2 cm)
- 7-inch Santoku knife (17.8 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch slicing knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- (6) 4.7-inch serrated steak knives (11.9 cm)
The knife block has a built-in sharpener to make sharpening convenient. Other models require you to insert the blade vertically to sharpen, but this one is at an incline, so you don’t have to drag the block from under the cabinet to sharpen the blade.
All the blades are fully forged from German stainless steel with full tang for extra control and durability.
The contoured stainless steel handles are comfortable to hold and look professional. That being said, I am not a fan of the steak knife handles. They have the feel of a cheap butter knife, and the blades aren’t as sharp as the other knives in the set.
The cutting performance on the kitchen knives is excellent. Users were pleased with the cutting ability of these blades.
Don’t expect these German knives to last as long as other brands, but you can certainly expect to get good value out of this reasonably-priced set of Imarku knives.
Pros
- Fully forged, full tang
- German steel blades
- Super sharp edges
- Sleek look
- Stainless steel handles are ergonomic
- Built-in block sharpener
Cons
- Steak knife handles are thin, uncomfortable
- Not as durable
Henckels CLASSIC 3-pc Starter Knife Set: Best Starter Set
Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop your knife skills or a part-time cook who just wants the bare essentials, this Henckels Classic 3-Piece Starter Set is perfect for you. It comes with:
- 4-inch paring knife (10.2 cm)
- 6-inch sandwich & utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
This set is made in Spain using high-quality German steel. The fully-forged construction offers good balance, while the full bolster provides a solid grip.
These knives feature ergonomic, triple-riveted handles and a full bolster for comfort and control.
Users were happy with the cutting performance of the knives. They found the blades to be super sharp, easy to use, and easy to clean.
Some of the blades have sharp spines, and others had problems with burrs on the edges. That’s annoying, but it’s nothing that you can’t fix by filing down the uneven spots.
I recommend getting sheaths or a magnetic strip to store the blades. There is no storage included with this set, and you won’t want to risk your investment by storing these knives uncovered.
If you like the idea of owning quality knives in a small set, this Henckels starter set is it.
Pros
- Great starter set
- Forged construction
- Comfortable handles
- Dishwasher-safe
- Affordable price
Cons
- No storage included
- Edges of spine are sharp
ZWILLING Twin Signature 19-Piece German Knife Set with Block: Best Large Set
This Zwilling Twin Signature set is the largest knife set on my list. It comes with a whopping 19 pieces, including:
- 2.75-inch bird’s beak peeling knife (7 cm)
- 4-inch paring knife (10.2 cm)
- 4.5-inch utility knife (11.4 cm)
- 5-inch serrated utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 7-inch hollow edge Santoku knife (17.8 cm)
- 8-inch bread knife (20 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- (8) 4.5-inch serrated steak knives (11.4 cm)
- Kitchen shears
- Sharpening steel
- Wood knife block
Each blade has an edge angle of 15 degrees on either side, making the knives super sharp. With a 57 Rockwell hardness, they’re ice-hardened for extra durability and stain resistance.
The blade is made of high-quality German steel. And like many other Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives, this one is made in Germany.
The knife handle is fully ergonomic for a comfortable and secure grip. The full-tang blade runs through the length of the handle for more stability and control.
While other knife sets feature forged blades, these knives are stamped. That means they’re thinner and less durable than forged sets. However, they’re lighter weight and more flexible.
These knives are easy to clean, as well. They’re dishwasher-safe, although Zwilling J.A. Henckels recommends hand washing them for better long-term performance.
If you think more is better, you’ll enjoy this Zwilling Twin Signature set of German kitchen knives.
Pros
- High-quality steel blades
- Ice-hardened, durable
- Ergonomic handles
- Dishwasher-safe (hand wash preferred)
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Cons
- Stamped blades (not forged)
DALSTRONG Gladiator 18-Piece Knife Set: Best Value Large Set
Dalstrong is one of the newer knife makers in the industry, but this brand already has a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. This substantial Dalstrong Gladiator Knife Set comes with 18 pieces:
- 2.75-inch bird’s beak paring knife (7 cm)
- 3.75-inch paring knife (9.5 cm)
- 5.5-inch serrated utility knife (14 cm)
- 6-inch boning knife (15.2 cm)
- 6-inch utility knife (15.2 cm)
- 7-inch Nakiri knife (17.8 cm)
- 7-inch Santoku knife (17.8 cm)
- 8-inch Chef’s knife (20 cm)
- 9-inch bread knife (23 cm)
- 9-inch slicer knife (23 cm)
- (6) 5-inch steak knives (12.7 cm)
- Honing steel
- Wooden storage block
With two paring knives, a Nakiri knife, and a boning knife, this set has plenty of specialty knives in addition to the everyday basics.
The blades feature high-carbon German steel and hand-polished edges with an edge angle of 16-18 degrees per side. This isn’t as sharp as the Wusthof knives but still sharp enough to handle most cutting tasks.
The polymer handles have triple rivets and a comfortable design for easy cutting. The knives are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for a sanitary kitchen.
With a 56 Rockwell hardness, these knives are slightly softer than other blades on the list. That means you’ll have to sharpen them regularly, but it also means they’re less likely to chip or break.
These knives feature forged construction and full tang for good weight and balance. Users were happy with the feel of the knives, and they confirmed that these knives are super sharp.
You might notice a few small imperfections, like a tiny crack in the handle or a small nick on the bolster. These imperfections won’t affect the knife’s performance, but it explains why these might be more affordable than other German knife sets.
If you want a large set of the best German kitchen knives with the most bang for your buck, the Dalstrong Gladiator Series can deliver.
Pros
- Great value
- Comprehensive set
- Solid, comfy grip
- Forged construction
- Good customer service
Cons
- Reports of cracked handles
J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio 8-Inch Chef Knife: Best Chef’s Knife
If I could only get a single blade, I’d go with a German Chef’s knife. This J.A. Henckels Premio Chef Knife has a blade length of 8 inches (20 cm), a standard size for Chef’s knives.
It has the same forged construction and full-tang as the complete set. The blade is made of high-quality German stainless steel with a full bolster for safety and control.
The stylish handle is comfortable and features a stainless steel end cap with the logo stamped on it.
This Henckels Chef knife has excellent performance, and it’s easy to clean. You can put it in the dishwasher, although the edge will last longer if you wash it by hand.
The easy use, affordability, and quality are reasons I liked this knife in my earlier review of Henckels vs. Wusthof.
Pros
- Super sharp
- Solid construction, durable
- Comfortable grip
- Dishwasher-safe (hand wash recommended)
- Affordable
Cons
- Made in China
WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: Best Splurge Chef’s Knife
This Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife is also 8 inches long (20 cm), with a full bolster and finger guard. It has full tang, triple rivets, and an ergonomic design. I had high praise for this knife in my comparison review of Wusthof and Henckels.
The blade is forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. It’s crafted in Germany by the best knife makers in the industry.
The ground edge has a total angle of 29 degree, with the final buffing done by hand. This knife is well-balanced and easy to use.
Even though the Wusthof Classic Chef’s knife is expensive, it’s unmatched in quality and performance. You don’t have to be a professional chef to appreciate this knife.
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Super sharp cutting edge
- Good weight, balance
- Forged, full-tang, sturdy
- Durable, holds an edge
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Cons
- Expensive
Mercer Culinary MX3 Gyuto Chef Knife: Best Gyuto Chef’s Knife
A Gyuto is essentially a Japanese Chef’s knife. This Mercer Culinary Gyuto Chef Knife has a VG-10 super stainless steel core laminated with two layers of high-carbon steel.
With a Rockwell hardness of 60-62, this is the hardest blade on the list. It will hold an edge for an exceptionally long time, meaning you don’t have to sharpen the blade as often. However, this knife is more brittle, so you’ll have to use caution to avoid chips or breaks.
This Mercer Gyuto knife is perfect for mincing, chopping, slicing, and more. It has a full tang and a triple-riveted, ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
While this isn’t a traditional German knife, it does share a lot of the same functionality and features. The main difference is in the steel.
The Mercer Chef’s knife is pricey, but if you want a blade with a scary sharp edge that you don’t have to sharpen as often, this blade is for you.
Pros
- Incredibly sharp
- Tough, durable blade
- Superb edge retention
- Comfortable, secure grip
- Full tang for good balance
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Pricey
Best German Knives: Final Verdict
Looking for the best German kitchen knives? I recommend the Wusthof Classic 15-Piece Knife Set. It has some of the best German kitchen knives included in a comprehensive set that will fill practically all of your cooking needs.
If you don’t need or can’t afford an entire knife set, I’d go with the Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife. It’s one of the best German Chef knives in quality and performance. It’s a fantastic kitchen knife.
