In my view, knives are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. Professional chefs and home cooks save time and produce better-tasting food with high-quality knives.
If you’ve ever tried to slice a tomato with a dull knife, you know how important a sharp knife is.
That’s why I like the Wusthof Classic Ikon 16-piece set. Wusthof makes these knives with special attention to detail, resulting in exceptional quality. But not everyone can afford this top-of-the-line knife block set.
That’s why I’ve included single pieces, as well as alternative options, to help you make the best decision possible.
Which Wusthof knife is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Contents
Wusthof Knives Brand Guide
For over 200 years, Wusthof has been producing knives for professional chefs and home cooks alike. Wusthof’s reputation for excellence in design and quality has earned this company a spot among the world’s top-selling knife brands.
Going all the way back to 1814, Wusthof began in Solingen, Germany. This family-owned business is now in its seventh generation, with its headquarters still in Solingen.
Wusthof takes pride in its exceptional standards, focusing on precision and outstanding performance. This brand is present in over 80 countries worldwide.
Where are Wusthof Knives Made?
Each Wusthof knife is made in Solingen, Germany. Wüsthof knives are crafted from a single piece of carbon steel with a Rockwell hardness of 58.
Wusthof blades are laser-cut stamped or precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel for maximum strength, durability, and sharpness. The Classic series, Grand Prix II, Epicure and Classic Ikon series are precision-forged, but the Gourmet line is laser-cut stamped.
All Wusthof lines come with a lifetime warranty and feature the Wusthof logo, a trident in a circle.
Are Wusthof Knives Dishwasher Safe?
Are you going to ruin your knife with one cycle through the dishwasher? Probably not. Is putting your Wusthof knives in the dishwasher a good idea? Definitely not. Here’s why:
Prolonged exposure to heat can dull the knife. You’re paying good money for Wusthof’s knives, so you want them to last as long as possible. Why risk dulling them in the dishwasher?
Also, long-term exposure to water can damage the carbon steel. Dishwashers could damage the knives or vice versa. Knives are also known to damage other dishes in the dishwasher.
For these reasons, it’s best to hand wash your Wusthof knives.
Wusthof Knives Review – Classic Ikon Line
Wusthof Classic Ikon 16-Piece Knife Set
If you want an extensive set of high-quality knives, look no further. This Classic Ikon set includes the following 16 pieces:
- 3-inch (7.62 cm) paring knife
- Two utility knives, 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) & 6-inch (15.24 cm)
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) serrated utility knife
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) hollow edge Santoku knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) bread knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) Chef’s knife
- 9-inch (22.86 cm) hollow edge carving knife
- Four 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) steak knives
- 9-inch (22.86 cm) honing steel with brushed stainless steel
- Stainless steel come-apart kitchen shears
- 15-slot acacia knife block
These Classic Ikon knives feature Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) to maximize sharpness edge retention. They are precision-forged with full tang and high-carbon stainless steel blades for extra cutting power.
The black synthetic, 3-riveted handle is contoured for comfort and control. The stainless steel on the end provides improved balance and is stamped with the Wusthof logo.
Customers raved about these Wusthof knives. According to reviews, these knives are super sharp and easy to use. They last a long time and are well-balanced knives.
The only catch? Expect to pay for the higher quality. The exorbitant cost can be prohibitive. However, customers agreed that this set was worth the price.
Pros
- Complete set
- Durable
- Made in Germany
- Full tang
- Razor-sharp
- Ergonomic and balanced
Cons
- Expensive
Wusthof Ikon 7-Piece Slim Knife Set
This smaller Classic Ikon set has an efficient design and includes the following seven pieces:
- 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) paring knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) serrated utility knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) hollow edge Santoku knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) bread knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) Chef’s knife
- Come-apart kitchen shears
- 6-slot walnut slim knife block
The knives are all made with a full tang for increased durability and forged from high-carbon stainless steel. Like the 16-piece set, these knives feature Precision Edge Technology for extra sharpness and edge retention.
The slim block comes in walnut, acacia, or African blackwood. Its efficient design maximizes counter space. With a small 9.5 x 3.5-inch (24.13 x 8.89 cm) footprint, this block can fit on almost any counter.
The handles are made of a synthetic material known as Polyoxymethylene (POM), which features a tighter molecular structure to resist fading and discoloration. And the half bolster allows you to hone the knife the entire length of the blade.
Users loved the sharpness and performance of these knives. They also said the knives were well-balanced. This set is more affordable than the 16-piece set, but still expect to pay a premium for this Wusthof line.
Pros
- Space-saving block
- Made in Germany
- Full tang
- Razor-sharp
- Ergonomic and balanced
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Storage block is not as durable
- Expensive
If you are looking to shop around, you can also find this set on River Bend Home:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Cook’s Knife
Dubbed the kitchen workhorse, the Classic Ikon Cook’s Knife is an all-purpose tool used for slicing, chopping, mincing, and dicing.
This particular option is 8 inches (20.32 cm), but there is a 6-inch option (15.24 cm), a 9-inch option (22.86 cm), and an 8-inch hollow edge option.
The knife handle comes in a sleek black with a double bolster for impeccable balance and an attractive design.
This features the same high-quality steel as the Ikon sets, with the precision edge technology. Users were able to slice through vegetables like rutabaga, zucchini, and peppers with ease.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Utility Knife
This precision-forged Classic Ikon Utility Knife features high-carbon stainless steel and a triple-riveted black handle. It has a full tang and a double bolster for balance and comfort.
The utility’s blade is 6 inches (15.24 cm) long and has a straight edge. There is a serrated 5-inch (12.7 cm) version, as well.
This knife is great for shallots, small onions, tomatoes, herbs, or trimming smaller cuts of meat. (Although I would personally recommend a serrated blade for trimming meat.)
This knife has a full tang. The knife handles well and features the same steel as the other Classic Ikon knives.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
This Wusthof Ikon Paring Knife comes with a 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) blade. Wusthof also offers a 2.75-inch (6.99 cm) option and a 3-inch (7.62 cm) flat cut option.
This knife is designed for peeling, cutting, and trimming fruits and vegetables. From peeling apples to cutting strawberries, this knife can handle it.
The contoured knife handle offers maximum comfort and control. The sharp blade can easily glide through food.
Paring knives generally need replacing more often due to their small size and heavy use. But customers were pleased with this kitchen knife. They were able to peel lemons, apples, and cute fruit with no problems.
Some did say the knife was slippery when wet, so be careful. And something else? You must hand wash this knife.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Santoku Knife
The Classic Ikon series also offers this 7-inch (17.78 cm) Santoku. This knife is designed with a thinner blade than the traditional chef’s knife at a 10-degree cutting edge, making it extra sharp.
The blade gradually curves up at the very end, providing a straighter edge. The hollow edge is crafted with evenly spaced vertical indentations, which create small air pockets between the blade and the food, preventing food from sticking.
A popular knife for Asian cooking, the Santoku has become a common household item in Western kitchens. This knife is great for slicing thinner cuts of meat, seafood, and vegetables.
This premium knife has a beautiful and practical design. The high-carbon stainless steel blade offers durability, while the ergonomic handle offers a secure and comfortable grip. The precision edge technology gives this Santoku extra sharpness.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Bread Knife
This bread knife is from the Ikon series and has a length of 9 inches (23 cm). Bread knives are generally longer to accommodate large loaves.
Have you ever attempted to slice bread, only to end up with a smashed, crumby mess? We’ve all been there, thanks to inferior knives.
Not so with this Wusthof knife. The double-serrated blade is perfect for slicing bread or baguettes. It allows you to glide the knife through the crust without having to smash the loaf.
The high carbon stainless steel and half bolster give this knife durability. But be aware that you can’t sharpen this knife on a honing steel.
Customers praised this knife’s sharp blade and ease of use. One of the most common complaints was that the handle was on the thinner side. But overall, people were pleased with their Wusthof Ikon bread knife.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Ikon Chef’s Knife
The Wusthof Classic Ikon Chef Knife is 8 inches long (20 cm) with a sleek black handle. Chef knives are great for all kinds of kitchen tasks, making them one of the most versatile knives in the kitchen.
From slicing peppers to dicing potatoes, this knife is ready for the job. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and use. The precision-forged Chef’s knife is sharp and durable, making it a valuable piece in any kitchen.
Wusthof Gourmet Knives Review
Wusthof Gourmet 16-Piece Knife Set
The Gourmet series is a step-down in quality and price from the Classic Ikon knives, but this series still features exceptional performance. This Gourmet series knife block set comes with a substantial 16 pieces:
- 2.75-inch (6.99 cm) trimming knife
- 2.75-inch (6.99 cm) paring knife
- 3-inch (7.62 cm) spear point parer
- 2.25-inch (5.08 cm) peeling knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) serrated utility knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) spreader
- 6-inch (15.24 cm) Cook’s knife
- Six 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) Wusthof gourmet steak knives
- 9-inch (22.86 cm) honing steel
- Come-apart kitchen shears
- 17-slot knife block
This knife set has high carbon stainless steel blades that are laser-cut for sharpness and easy maintenance. The triple-riveted synthetic handles resist fading and discoloration.
Instead of an etched logo at the handle base, Wusthof Gourmet knives feature a red stamp of the logo on the handle side.
These knives are lighter weight than the Classic Ikon series, making them ideal for beginners.
Some customers had issues with rusting, but some of these resulted from using the dishwasher. Remember to hand wash your Wusthof knives.
Pros
- Made in Germany
- Ergonomic
- Laser-cut
- Lightweight
- More affordable
Cons
- Not as durable as forged knife
If you’re looking to shop around, a 12 piece version of this set is also available on RiverBendHome:
Gourmet Santoku Knife
This Gourmet Santoku is 7 inches (17.78 cm) and has evenly spaced indentations to prevent food from sticking to the blade. With a thinner blade than a Chef’s knife, this Santoku is equipped for precision cuts.
Its stamped design and lightweight handling make it easy to use and more affordable. Customers were impressed with the sharpness of this knife. But some did say it was too lightweight for them. If you want a heavy-duty knife, stick to the Classic or Ikon series.
If you want an affordable, lightweight Santoku, this is for you.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Gourmet Bread Knife
These Gourmet series bread knives are 9 inches (23 cm) long and have a double-serrated edge for better slicing. The triple-riveted handle is ergonomic in design and features the stamped Wusthof logo.
This knife features the same steel blade and stamped design as the 16-piece set. It is lightweight and well-balanced. Plus, it has a full bolster and finger protection for safe and easy use.
Customers like this knife and how cleanly it cuts through bread and other baked goods.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Gourmet Utility Knife
This 4-inch (10.16 cm) knife is great for a variety of kitchen tasks–Its size makes it suited for cutting shallots, small onions, smaller cuts of meat, and fruits.
This knife has a stamped design and stainless steel blades. The razor-sharp edge means this knife can easily cut through all types of food.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Knives Reviews
Wusthof Classic 15-Piece Knife Set
The Wusthof Classic series is the most iconic of Wusthof’s lines. These Wusthof Classic knives come in a large knife block set and include the following:
- 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) paring knife
- 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) utility knife
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) Santoku knife
- 6-inch (15.24 cm) utility knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) bread knife
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) Cook’s knife
- Six 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) steak knives
- 9-inch (22.86 cm) honing steel
- Come-apart kitchen shears
- 17-Slot Acacia Block
This set has the PEtec (precision edge technology) to maintain sharpness. The handles are resistant to fading and discoloration. These Wusthof classic knives feature full tang and a full bolster for safety. Although they are expensive, customers were pleased with their Wusthof Classic knives.
Pros
- Complete set
- Ergonomic
- High-quality steel
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re looking to shop around, a 26 piece version of this set is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Set
Similar to the Classic Ikon slim block set, these Wusthof Classic knives come in a slim knife block designed to save space. This knife block set includes the following pieces:
- 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) parer
- 5-inch (12.7 cm) serrated utility
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) Chef’s knife
- Kitchen shears
- Knife block
These Wusthof classic knives have high carbon stainless steel blades and a synthetic handle that resist fading and staining. These Classic knives are precision-forged and offer superb performance.
Pros
- Complete set
- Ergonomic
- Space-saving
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller set
Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife
For those interested in single pieces, there’s this Wusthof classic Chef’s knife. It has a length of 8 inches (20.32 cm), making it well-suited for a wide range of cutting tasks.
These Wüsthof knives are forged and have a balanced, ergonomic handle. The blade is straight and razor-sharp. This is also one of the more durable knife lines that Wusthof offers.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Utility Knife
This knife has a length of 6 inches (15.24 cm), so it’s medium size. The triple rivets and stainless steel blade make this knife sturdy. These classic knives are a good option for smaller vegetables and fruits, as well as smaller cuts of meat.
Of course, customers loved how sharp and versatile this knife is.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Santoku Knife
This 7-inch (17.78 cm) Santoku is forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. It has a finger guard for safety and a razor-sharp blade for cutting meats and vegetables.
The black handle is sleek and easy to hold, and the hollow blade edge creates air between the blade and the food. Customers raved about their Santoku.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Paring Knife
This knife has a length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), making it great for small fruits and vegetables. There are other sizes available, as well. The half bolster allows for easy sharpening, a must for a parer that will be used frequently in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Bread Knife
Like the other bread knives, this one is 9 inches (22.86 cm) and has a double-serrated edge for efficient slicing. The precision-forged design increases durability and sharpness. With a triple-riveted ergonomic handle, this knife is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
User reviews were glowing in regards to this knife’s performance. They used it for sourdough, angel food cake, and more. It’s a pricey but quality option.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Classic Steak Knives Set
This Wusthof steak knife set comes with four 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) steak knives. These go with the Wusthof Classic knives. They are forged from a single piece of steel and have precision technology for edge retention and sharpness.
Users said these Wüsthof knives cut through steak like butter. They were pleased with these knives. Just be sure to hand wash them to avoid rust or other types of damage.
Pros
- Cut through steak easily
- Ergonomic and well-balanced
Cons
- Expensive
- Only includes 4 knives
If you’re looking to shop around, a version of this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Epicure Knife Line Reviews
Wusthof Epicure 6-Piece Knife Set
For a more environmentally-conscious option, the Epicure series comes with the following 6 pieces:
- 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) utility knife
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) hollow edge Santoku knife
- 9-inch (22.86 cm) Cook’s knife
- Black handle honing steel
- Come-apart shears
- 13-slot natural woodblock
The ergonomic handle is crafted from recycled materials, but these knives offer all the performance and beauty of the Wusthof Classic knives.
Pros
- Made from recycled materials
- High-quality performance
Cons
- Empty slots on the block
- Expensive
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Epicure Utility Knife
This 4-inch (10.16 cm) knife has a translucent ceramic coating on the blade to increase hardness. The handle is made from wooden materials found in the cutting boards. People enjoyed using their knives for slicing through all sorts of veggies.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Epicure Santoku Knife
This knife’s hollow blade edge and translucent ceramic coating on the blade mean this Santoku is sharp and effective. The handle features the same recycled wood as the other Epicure knives. In fact, this series has some of the best customer reviews.
If you’re looking to shop around, this knife is also available on RiverBendHome:
Wusthof Epicure Cook’s Knife
The dark brown handle of this knife looks beautiful in any kitchen. This knife is versatile and easy to grip and use. Users loved the weight of this particular piece. This would be a good option for cutting smaller vegetables and cuts of meat.
Wusthof Grand Prix II 7-Piece Knife Set Review
From Wusthof comes this Grand Prix II 7-piece knife set and block. The Grand Prix II set comes with a 3.5-inch (8.89 cm) knife, a 4.5-inch (11.43 cm) knife, two 8-inch (20.32 cm) knives, shears, a block, and a knife sharpener.
Just like the other sets, this one is made in Solingen, Germany. It has a quality handle design and stainless steel knife blades that are extra sharp.
Alternative Brands
Zwilling Twin Signature 19-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Zwilling J.A. Henckels is another well-known brand that manufactures several knife lines. This Signature 19-piece Kitchen Knife Set is substantial and includes 8 steak knives, knives for bread, paring, and a utility, a Santoku, Chef’s knife, knife sharpener, shears, and block.
This set is stamped, so it’s not as durable as the Wusthof Classic or Classic Ikon knives. They are dishwasher-safe, however.
They are lighter weight, but they have triple-riveted synthetic handles. Users were generally pleased with these Zwilling knives, but they do not seem to match the quality of the Wusthof knives.
Zwilling Twin Signature Chef Knife
For a single piece, the Zwilling Twin Signature Chef’s Knife is a great option. It has a high carbon stainless blade, a stamped design, and a triple-riveted handle. It’s made in Germany and features a Rockwell hardness of 57. Customers successfully used this knife for meat, cheese, and vegetables.
I’ve compared Zwilling Henckels knives and Wusthof in more detail in my Henckels vs Wusthof guide.
Dalstrong Gladiator 18-Piece Knife Set
Dalstrong is a newer knife company, but it has gained in popularity since its inception in 2014. This 18-piece knife set comes with all the basic pieces, as well as 5 steak knives, a boning knife, a Nakiri knife, and a Kiritsuke knife.
It comes in three color options: black, steel, and bright red. The blade is made from German steel. The handle is ergonomic and riveted. The reviews were mostly positive. This set would be a good budget alternative. It could also be good for those who want one of the specialty knives included in the set.
Dalstrong Gladiator Chef Knife
The Dalstrong Gladiator Chef Knife is 8 inches (20 cm) long and is ideal for a variety of uses. It can slice, dice, chop, and trim, making it versatile. The handle has three rivets and comes in a variety of color options.
It won’t give you quite the same quality as a Wusthof, but users said they got good value from this knife.
Shun Knives
There are other quality knife brands out there. If you are interested check my Wusthof vs Shun Knives Review, for example. (Shun are a Japanese brand vs Wusthof’s German origins.)
Kitchen Knife Buying Guide
Which kitchen knives do I need?
This will largely depend on your cooking habits and personal preferences. Most basic knife sets include a paring knife, an all-purpose cook’s knife or chef’s knife, a utility knife, and a bread knife. Some sets include more types, but the aforementioned knives will cover most basic cooking needs.
What features should I look for in kitchen knives?
Forged Knives Versus Stamped Knives
Forged knives are heated and hammered out of a single steel rod, offering better balance. They also have better strength and keep a sharp edge for a longer time.
However, these knives are more rigid. A forged knife is a poor choice for fileting or other means of delicate cutting.
On the other hand, Stamped knives are cut out from a flat piece of steel. A stamped knife will not offer the same durability or sharpness as forged knives.
But stamped knives do tend to be lighter and more flexible, making them suited for filleting or other delicate cutting tasks.
Tang
Tang refers to the way the knife’s blade is fastened to the handle. Full tang means that the blade extends the full length of the handle. In this case, the blade and the handle are welded together. This design creates a more durable knife as the blade is less likely to loosen from the handle.
A second option is part tang where the blade extends part of the way into the handle. Part tang means the blade runs part of the length of the handle. Clearly this is less robust than full tang, but usually cheaper.
A part tang type is push tang. This means that the blade is pushed into the handle and glued together. Push tang knives are cheaper but lack the durability of a full-tang knife.
Sharpness
Knives can cut through almost anything with a cutting angle between 9.5-16 degrees. Wusthof knives have a blade edge angle of 14 degrees on each side, making them extremely sharp.
Straight Versus Serrated Edge
A straight-edged knife has a single edge on the blade. Straight-edged knives are better for push cuts and simple chopping. Peeling apples, potatoes, or chopping vegetables are all examples of cuts well-suited for straight-edge knives.
Serrated blades feature tiny protruding teeth. These teeth are not as clean or precise as straight edges, but they’re great for slicing back and forth. Serrated knives are best for slicing bread and tomatoes or trimming meat.
Length
Knife sets will include a variety of knife styles with different lengths. Most chef’s knives have a length between 8-9 inches (20.32-22.86 cm), and a paring knife is typically 2-4 inches (5.08-10.16 cm).
Handle
Having an ergonomic handle design is essential to comfortably cutting foods in the kitchen. Japanese-style knives are more blade-heavy and have a light handle, whereas Western-style knives are thicker and more balanced.
What brands are popular for kitchen knives?
There are several brands that have a great reputation in the knife industry. Wusthof knives are quite popular, as well as Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Sabatier.
American-made brands include Dalstrong, All-Clad, Cutco, and Chicago Cutlery. For Japanese knives, Shun Knives and Kamikoto are some of the more popular brands, among others.
How do I keep my kitchen knives sharp?
Kitchen knives will naturally dull over time. Since a knife is only as good as its cutting ability, it’s vital to periodically sharpen your kitchen knives.
Several knife sets come with a honing steel or knife sharpener. To sharpen straight-edge knives with a honing steel, follow this simple process:
- Hold the honing steel with your non-dominant hand. Press the opposite end vertically into a towel or your working surface to keep it stable.
- Hold the knife firmly in your dominant hand, with all your fingers wrapped around the handle.
- Keep the honing steel firmly in place. The best angle to hone a knife is 15-degrees. Position the knife at this angle, with one side of the knife lightly touching the top of the steel sharpener.
- Gently slide the blade down the length of the steel in a sweeping motion, pulling the knife toward your body. To know if you are applying the correct, featherlike stroke, listen to the sound being made. Aim for a quiet ring rather than a harsh rasping noise.
- Continue sweeping and alternating back and forth so that both sides of the knife are even. It should take approximately five to ten strokes on each side to realign the blade’s edge. Once you have achieved the desired result, rinse the knife and dry with a towel to prevent any shavings from making their way into food.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Wusthof Knife?
My recommendation? If you want the best of Wusthof, go with the Classic Ikon series knives.
Not only are they beautiful knives, but they offer unparalleled performance and durability. The 16-piece set is the most complete set, but if I had to choose one knife, it would be the Chef’s Knife.
If you can’t swallow the price tag of the Classic Ikon series, I would go with the Classic Slim 7-Piece set. It’s still pricey, but it’s more affordable than the more extensive set and has excellent quality. It’s also available on RiverBend Home if you are looking to shop around.
For those on a budget, I’d get the Gourmet series Santoku. It’s versatile and gives a lot of value.
