Wusthof vs. Henckels: Top 5 the Best German Knives for Your Kitchen 2020

Wusthof and Henckels are two popular knife manufacturers in the world. They are known for making premium quality kitchen knives that offer exceptional cutting experience. Most cooks and chefs have either a Wusthof knife or a Henckels knife in their kitchen.

If you don’t pay attention to details, you might mistake these two brands because the logo design of both brands has the same colors but different images. It is essential to know the difference and similarity between Wusthof and Henckels before buying.

Although these brands started almost within the same time frame, Henckels is older and has more experience. Over the years, both brands have been consistent and have improved in quality.

Before you decide which brand to buy, Here is an in-depth overview of Top 5 products of both Wusthof knives and Henckels knives.

Wusthof vs. Henckels

Wusthof and Henckels knives have been tested and trusted by both home cooks and professional chefs. These two brands are renowned for making high-quality kitchen knives in Germany for over 200 years. 

The history of Wusthof and Henckels are quite similar. They were founded before Germany was unified and are both located in Solingen, a home of artisans and expert craftsmen.

Knives made in Solingen have long been awarded for their outstanding quality and excellent craftsmanship.

Solingen has an ancient history of producing blades for knives, razors, swords, and scissors that are dated back to medieval times. The crafting of premium cutlery for centuries has earned Solingen the name city of blades.

Brief history of Wusthof and Henckels

Wusthof

Wusthof has been a family business for over seven generations and has remained for several years and still counting.

Wusthof started manufacturing knives in 1814. Some of the collections of Wusthof are classic series, classic Ikon, Gourmet, and more.

The Wusthof blade is a combination of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. They meet the standard specifications and standards for making knives. They now operate in other countries like Spain.

 Henckels

Henckels and Wusthof are competitors in the knife making industry; they started as a family business and have grown over the years. The rivalry between Wusthof and Henckels is as old as the brands. Henckels knives are designed with traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. They began production in 1731.

Some of Henckels’s collection of knives includes Professional “S,” Twin cuisine, four-star, and more. They have other branches in China, France, Spain, Denmark, and Brazil.

Henckels blades are made with a special proprietary formula that has been used for over 250 years. The steel undergoes an ice-hardening process known as Friodur, which enhances the blade cutting performance and ensures it is resistant to stain and discoloration.

We will be comparing and contrasting both knife brands.

Similarities

Wusthof and Henckels have been on the market for centuries because of their experts’ high-quality products. Both brands are similar, starting from the appearance, steels, performance, and even warranty are identical when compared. You can mistake a Wusthof knife for Henckels because of similar features and functions.

The steel in manufacturing their products is well balanced between toughness and hardness. They use high-carbon stain-resistant steel to construct their blades and offer lifetime limited warranty that covers any manufacturing defects.

Wusthof and Henckels have the stamped and forged version in their knife collection. Although some knives are safe for dishwashers, hand washing is highly recommended. Both brands design their blades with rivets, full tang, and bolster for durability.

Differences

The major difference between Wusthof and Henckels is the blade and handle.

Blade Angle

The blade edge of every brand varies; they are sharpened to a different angle. The difference between Wusthof and Henckels’ blade angle is about 2 to 5 degrees, depending on the model.

Wusthof brand hones their standard knives to 14 degrees on each side, and the Japanese blade styles are honed to 10 degrees per side. The edge retains its sharpness for long, but it is prone to chipping and is not durable because the steel is harder.

Most standard Henckels knives are sharpened to 15 degrees on each side, and the Santoku and Nakiri knives are sharpened to 10 degrees on each side. The blade is softer and requires frequent honing because it does not retain its sharpness for long. The steel is durable and is resistant to chips.

Handle

The handle of a knife is one of the imperative parts of a knife. A good knife should feature a handle that is comfortable to hold for long periods without causing strains.

Some cooks will choose a knife because of the aesthetic design, and others will select a knife because the handle is easy to grip. Both Wusthof and Henckels brands have a wide range of handles that are designed with the user’s comfort in mind.

Wusthof handles offer a non-slip grip and fit the contour of your hand for easy hold. The non-slip feel allows you to hold even when your hand is wet.

All Henckels knives are slightly curved at the heel of the knife. The curved handle prevents your hands from slipping off the knife.

Blades

Although most of the blades are made from steel, the Rockwell hardness differs. The harder the steel, the higher the degree.

The Wusthof blade is narrower than Henckels because it is sharpened with the precision edge technology and is more effective in offering a smooth, clean cut. Ptec helps in retaining its edge and staying sharp. Wusthof blade comes with 58-degree hardness.

Henckels is tempered to a Rockwell hardness that ranges between 56 to 61 degrees. This makes the blade easy to hone.

Wusthof vs. Henckels – Top 5 the Best German Knives for Your Kitchen 2020

#1. Wusthof Classic 10″ Cook’s Knife

This 10-piece Classic knife from Wusthof is uniquely designed with a mix of high and low-frequency indentations that provides superior performance. The blade has a magnetic element that allows you to attach the knife to your wall for storage; this helps to save countertop space.

The knife is full tang with three rivets to the handle for durability and stability. This product is constructed from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel with no joints. The full bolster offers the hand safety and ensures the knife is well balanced. The entire length of the blade offers an excellent cutting experience.

The precision edge technology used in constructing the blade enhances edge retention and sharpness. The blade is stamped with the brand logo. The black handle is made from a polymer material that is easy to hold and ideal for various food prep tasks. The perfect balance and contoured shape provide comfort even after long use.

This product is engineered to 58 degrees Rockwell. The bolster protects the fingers from sliding to the blade. The handle is stickered with a Wusthof logo, and the blade is 20% sharper than other knife blades. It perfectly suits any kitchen decoration. You need honing steel to keep the cutting edge. It comes extremely sharp from the pack.

Pros

Limited lifetime warranty.

Extremely sharp

Well balanced

Precision-forged

Triple-riveted handle

Cons

Costly

#2. WÜSTHOF Gourmet 12-Piece German Knife Set

The next in line is a 12-piece knife set from Wusthof. The blades are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel that is resistant to dulling, rusting, and corrosion. This product comes in a nice pack and has a limited lifetime warranty. It is a perfect gift item for any occasion.

The set includes an 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch cook knife, 2.5-inch paring knife, a 3-inch spear-point paring knife, a 4.5-inch utility knife, four 4.5-inch steak knives and kitchen shears, 9-inch steel rod, and a knife stand.

The knife stand has 13 slots for storing the knives, and the shears come apart when required. The steel rod makes it easy for you to hone your knife set. The handles are made from a synthetic polypropylene material that is resistant to heat, fading, and discoloration. It is triple-riveted for durability and longevity.

This German-made knife set is not suited for dishwashers, and it requires hand washing for proper maintenance and care. Precisely laser cut for easy cleanup, maintenance, and sharpness. The synthetic handle is full tang and is designed to offer optimum comfort, confidence, and control.

This product is a complete knife set that meets every kitchen needs from food prep to dinning. A must-have for every professional chef and home cook. The razor-sharp blades glide through your ingredients.

Pros

Versatility

Easy to maintain

Corrosion-resistant

A knife block included

Cons

Not dishwasher safe

#3. WÜSTHOF Seven Acacia Block 7-Piece German Set

This knife is one of the Wusthof Classic Ikon Series. It has double bolsters that provide you with exceptional cutting experience, balance, and safety. The end cap provides extra balance and stability. The half bolster allows you to easily hone and sharpen the entire blade for optimum cutting performance. The blade is tempered to 58 degrees Rockwell. The precision edge technology enhances the sharpness of the blade and retains the edge longer.

This 7-piece knife set includes a 9-inch honing rod, 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch bread knife, 6-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, come apart kitchen shears, and a 15-slot knife block. The knife block has 15 slots and is made of durable natural wood that does not harbor bacteria. It provides safety and keeps the blade from rusting. The honing rod ensures easy maintenance of the blades.

The handle is ergonomically designed to perfectly fit your palm’s contour and offer comfort, even with wet and oily hands. The triple-riveted handle is full tang for precise control and balance.

The blade is precision forged for a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The synthetic black handle gives it a unique appearance and is resistant to impact, fading, heat, and discoloration. The come apart shears are perfect for multiple cutting jobs such as shaping parchment, chopping dried fruits, and snipping herbs.

Pros

Precision edge technology

Double bolster

Excellent edge retention

Lightweight

Cons

Flimsy bread knife

#4. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 30768-000 Twin Signature Knife Block Set

This product is made in Germany by skilled artisans. It is precision stamped from a piece of high-quality German steel that is stain-resistant, chip-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. The Friodur blades are ice-hardened to retain its sharpness for longer and provide you with an ideal chopping angle.

This set contains 2.75-inch Bird’s beak peeling knife, 4-inch parer, 4.5-inch vegetable utility knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 6-inch utility knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch bread knife, kitchen shears, 9-inch sharpening steel, and a knife stand. The knife block helps you save ample countertop space and keep the knives within your reach. It also prevents you from accidentally cutting yourself and keeps the blades from rusting.

This knife is hand-polished and hands finished with durable, high-quality steel. The blades are safe for the dishwasher. It is easy to clean, use, and maintain. The handle is triple-riveted with an embossed Zwilling J.A. Henckels, which creates a sleek appearance on your kitchen top. The blade is sharper, harder, and thinner.

The sharpening steel allows you to hone before use or after use for longer edge retention. This knife set is suitable for all kinds of kitchen jobs, such as cutting, chopping, peeling, slicing, and more. This polymer handle is comfortable to grip for hours without straining your wrists and is suitable for daily use.

Pros

Razor-sharp blades

Stain-resistant

Safe for dishwasher

Premium steel

Versatile

Cons

Requires extra maintenance

#5. J.A. Henckels International 35309-000 Statement Knife Block Set

Crafted from high-carbon stainless steel for excellent cutting performance and durability. This 12-piece knife set includes a natural hardwood knife block, 9-inch sharpening steel, six 4.5-inch steak knives, an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch bread knife, 7-inch serrated edge santoku knife, and 3-inch paring knife.

The knife block allows you to easily store your knives within your reach and keep them away from your children’s reach. The knife stand offers safety and prevents the blades from getting rust. The manufacturers offer a lifetime limited warranty. This product is durable and can be passed down to generations.

The longer knives feature bolster at the heel of the knife for a well-balanced weight. The knife is fully tanged to the handle with three rivets, the entire length of the blade runs down into the handle for precise control and durability. Although this set of knives is dishwasher safe, hand washing is required to prevent chipping and pitting.

This knife set has all the knives you need to tackle any kitchen task with ease. The razor-sharp blade offers precision cutting. The blade has a satin finish that ensures long-lasting sharpness. The sharpening steel allows you to maintain the sharp edge of the knife’s blade.

Pros

Dishwasher safe

Versatile

Durability

Precision stamped blade construction

Elegant design

Cons

Require extra care to avoid pitting

No kitchen shears

FAQs About Wusthof vs. Henckels

Is Wusthof or Henckels dishwasher safe?

Some models are dishwasher safe

Washing your knives in a dishwasher is convenient but not advisable.

Your knives are prone to cracking, chipping, rusting, and pitting. It lessens the shelf life of your knife.

How do I store my German-made knife?

To avoid scratching the knife’s blade or accidentally injuring yourself it is best to cover the blade with a sheath, or store them in a knife block, rather than mixing the knives with other kitchenware.

Conclusion

If you purchase any of Wusthof or Henckels knives, you are guaranteed a high-quality knife that will stay sharp and last a lifetime. These German-made knives will meet all your cooking needs.