Many people are surprised to learn that Wüsthof is still family-owned after more than 200 years. The seventh generation of the Wüsthof family is now at the helm, and their knives are still forged in Solingen, also known as the 'City of Blades'. This is where high precision meets traditional craftsmanship, and it shows in the quality of their knives. 🤝
About Wüsthof
It all started with a small house in the Weinsberg valley in Solingen. Johann Abraham Wüsthof founded his company independently in 1814. Now, more than 200 years later, Wüsthof is still a passionate family business. For over seven generations, the Wüsthof family has been dedicated to perfecting their knives. They combine tradition with innovation to deliver excellent products.
Precision and balance
Wüsthof is among the best knife manufacturers in Germany. One of the distinguishing features of Wüsthof knives is their unparalleled precision and balance. Each knife requires 54 steps to produce, with human labor being indispensable. All knives are forged from a single piece of steel. Special Wüsthof steel is heated to 1250 degrees Celsius and shaped in a drop forge. To achieve an ideal hardness of 58 Rockwell (HRC), a 3-step hardening process is applied. Thanks to the 58 HRC, the steel blades are hard, yet also flexible and robust. Additionally, this allows you to easily sharpen the knives yourself. Most Wüsthof knives are sharpened on both sides at a 14-degree angle.
The different series at a glance
Wüsthof offers an extensive range of knives, from chef's knives and carving knives to bread knives and vegetable knives. Whether you're looking for an all-rounder in the kitchen or a specialized knife for specific tasks, Wüsthof has it all. Below you'll find the four different series we offer.
- Classic Black: The Classic series has been Wüsthof's best-selling collection for generations. Knives from this series are precisely forged from a single piece of steel, feature stainless steel rivets for extra durability, and a full bolster for optimal balance and safety. Do you have large hands? Then the handle might feel a bit small; the Classic Ikon would be a better choice.
- Classic Ikon: This Wüsthof series is also very popular. The slightly curved handle fits comfortably in the hand and provides great control while cutting. The special shape of the bolster allows you to use and sharpen the entire blade length.
- Gourmet: The knives from the Gourmet series are made from stamped steel. This makes the knives thinner and lighter than forged knives. The knives are laser-cut from a single sheet instead of forged, making them more affordable than the other series. This makes them an ideal starter set.
- Performer: This series features a sleek and striking design due to its entirely black color. The matte black coating not only looks cool but also ensures the outer layer has a hardness of 106 HRC and protects the knife from scratches and acids.
A long knife life
To ensure your knives last as long as possible, Wüsthof also offers various storage options. These ensure that you can store your knives hygienically, safely, and well-protected. For example, hang your knives on a magnetic strip. This way, your knives are always within reach without taking up valuable counter space. Prefer to keep your knives out of sight? Then choose knife guards or a knife block for your kitchen drawer. Also, clean your knives immediately after use by hand. Use warm water, a soft cloth, and some dish soap. It is best not to put your Wüsthof knives in the dishwasher as they can be damaged.
We hope this article has made you a little wiser in the wonderful world of Wüsthof knives. View all Wüsthof products here or read our other knowledge base articles about knives. Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to send us a message, we are happy to help! 🙌
