Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Can we talk knives?
I want to get DH a new block of knives.
I was thinking either Wusthof or Henckels. I know there is a line that is made in Germany and a lower consumer end line that was not.
Short of going down to Chef Central tomorrow, my only day I can, and getting the whole lo down....maybe someone has input.

I want to get the best I can for around $300-400.


I saw the Henckels Pro "S" also in Linens and things for the same price $299, but is this the "better" line? There are so many!

Henckels

Wusthof


Help!!!!

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

knives are so tricky- I sort of like open stock as opposed to block sets- oftentimes you don't use all the knives in the block- better off to spend the $$$ and get 3 or 4 excellent knives you'll use constantly.

RE: brand- both of those are excellent. Make sure you are getting forged knives instead of stamped knives.

See this description:
Forged:
Forged knives undergo a treatment process to enhance the flexibility, density, and hardness of the knife. Forged knives tend to be heavier than stamped knives but are much better balanced. Forged knives are hand made through a process of extreme heat and hand moulding. Each knife is carefully and hand crafted with extreme detail. The tang of the knife merges into the handle and is typically secured by three rivets.

Forged knives have a bolster. The bolster is a collar between the blade and the handle. Bolsters are characteristic of forged knives, lending grace and gravity. In fact, bolsters are the fastest way to tell a forged knife from a stamped one.

Stamped:
Stamped knives are made from templated cutters that cut the shape of the knives into flat metal. Stamped knives are lighter but don't have the same quality and balance as the forged knives do. Due to the lack of density, the stamped knives don't hold edges as well as the forged knives. Stamped knives are usually less expensive.

Regarding brand- it really depends- i have one each of the three top brands- Wusthof, Henckel and Sabatier. I LOVE my Wusthof japanese chef knife and my Sabatier standard chef knife..I Picked the Sabatier b/c of its weight and how it feels in my hand... that is the most important part of purchasing a knife- what I like and what feels good in My hand might not feel the same to you....

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

They both make good knives - with different price ranges of each. In my opinion, knives happen to be one of those things that the more expensive, the better they tend to to be. Less expensive ones are made of different material, several different pieces instead of one solid piece, different weights, etc.

I like Wusthof better, but unfortunately I figured that out AFTER I bought my Henckels. They all feel differently in your hand, and a lot of it will come down to what you and your DH are most comfortable using. Don't just look when you go....definately ask to handle them.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I love my Classic Wustof knives. I will never buy cheap knives ever again.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I love my Henckels Pro S knives. I get them sharpened professionally and they are super sharp! Very comfortable in the hand too. My favorite is the santoku. I get a lot of use out of it.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

thank you all so much....

I just called BBB and they have the Wusthof Classic 8pc in stock and will take my expired coupon AND despite the "small print" about exclusions!

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I like my Henkels but love the few Wustofs that I own. If I had to buy another set I would buy the Wustofs.

I also like the Sabatier line.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I have Henkels and love them.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Not crazy about my Henckels. Three of them have broken/split at the base. (The plastic material or whatever it is has cracked when dropped.) The knives themselves are great, but they are not holding up well and it hasn't even been a year.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I have Henckels and they're not bad at all, but if I had extra $$ to spend then I would definitely go for the Wusthof...definitely a lot more durable.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I have Wustofs and love them

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Message edited 6/8/2009 3:16:00 PM.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

My DH manufactures cutlery (he used to manufacture Sabatier) and he'll tell you Wusthof is superior to Henckels.

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I have a set of Wusthuf Tridents and they are fabby!!!

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

I've had the same Henckels knife block for 10 years -- NEVER had to sharpen them....I think they are fantastic....

Re: Knife Sets - Wusthof or Henckels?

Posted by majen

Posted by Diane

Posted by BlessedBMommi

I have Wustofs and love them

same here

me three! They're fantastic..