Both Zwilling and Wusthof are German companies that have been making knives for centuries. Both brands are known for their quality and craftsmanship. And because of their high-quality nature, choosing Zwilling vs Wusthof knives is not easy. But we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Over time, Wusthof and Zwilling kitchen knives have been tried and tested by many professional chefs and home cooks. And while they both offer incredible features and remarkable performance, they are not the same in every aspect.
Zwilling J.A Henckels
Zwilling J. A Henckels is one of the oldest knife companies in the world. They started making knives in 1731 in Solingen, Germany. Zwilling was started when Peter Henckels registered the Zwilling trademark with the local Cutler’s Guild in 1731. Zwilling J. A Henckels also operates several other kitchen brands, including Staub, Ballarini, Miyabi, and Demeyere.
Zwilling J. A Henckels knives are known for their lightweight blades and Western-style design. Henckels knives are designed for home cooks who want quality at an affordable price. Zwilling uses high carbon and rust-resistant steel for all of their knife blades, and the blades are covered with a limited lifetime warranty.
However, if you’re looking for the best German knives, Zwilling can’t beat the craftsmanship of a Wusthof knife. But Zwilling J. A Henckels knives are also of great quality but with a more palatable price tag. Zwilling has six different product lines that include forged knives. These lines include:
- Zwilling Pro: This line is designed for professional chefs and home cooks who want the best quality knives. The blades are forged from a single piece of steel and have a full tang for strength and balance. The knives are also ice-hardened to make them more durable.
- Zwilling Pro Holm Oak: This line is similar to the Pro line, but the knives are made with Holm oak wood (a type of evergreen) handles.
- Zwilling Four Star: This is Zwilling’s flagship line of knives and is designed for professional chefs. The knives have a full tang and are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. The blades are also ice-hardened for durability.
- Zwilling Twin 1731: This is Zwilling’s luxury line of knives. The knives are made with ebony wood handles and have a full tang. The blades are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel and are ice-hardened for durability.
- Zwilling Four Star II: this line is similar to the Four Star, but with a few upgrades. The knives have a full tang and are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. The blades are also ice-hardened for durability. The handles are made from a synthetic material that is resistant to water and heat.
- Zwilling Professional S: this is Zwilling’s professional line of knives. The knives are made with a full tang and are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. The blades are ice-hardened for durability. The handles are made from a synthetic material that is resistant to water and heat.
Additionally, the blades possess a full tang that can increase the balance and durability of every blade they produce. Zwilling knives cut their knife edges at a 15 degrees angle. Zwilling’s broad range of knives includes:
- Deboning knives
- Fillet knives
- Paring and peeling knives
- Choppers and cleavers
- Cheese knives
- Utility knives
- Steak knives
- Bread knives
- Starter sets
Wusthof Knives
Wusthof is another German knife company with a long history. They have been making knives since 1814 in Solingen, Germany. Wusthof is known for its precision and attention to detail. Their knives are used by professional chefs all over the world. Today, Wusthof knives have a global presence in over 80 countries.
Wusthof knives consist of several collections. The two most popular lines are the Wusthof Classic and the Wusthof Ikon or Wusthof Classic Ikon. Other collections include:
- Wusthof Epicure: This Wusthof line features sustainable luxury as the handles have a woody look made from composites of recycled wood called Richelite.
- Wusthof Pro: The pro line of Wusthof knives has a uniquely shaped hygienic and ergonomic handle which is ideal for a professional chef.
- Wusthof Gourmet: The laser cut manufacturing style used on the gourmet line of Wusthof knives ensures distinct sharp edges.
- Wusthof Grand Prix II: This line of Wusthof knives is built for comfort and durability with a full bolster and finger guard. The blades have been forged from high carbon stainless steel.
- Wusthof Classic: Wusthof classic line is their most popular and offers a broad selection of sizes and styles. The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel and feature a full bolster and triple riveted handle.
- Wusthof Classic Ikon: The classic Ikon line offers a well-balanced blade forged from stainless steel.
- Wusthof Ikon: Ikon line comes with a sassy Grenadil wood handle. The blade is forged from high carbon stainless steel, making it quite easy to keep the edge sharp.
- Wusthof Crafter: Wusthof crafter line is designed for the culinary enthusiast. The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel and feature a full bolster and comfortable handle.
- Wusthof Culinar: Culinar line is designed for the home chef. The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel and feature a comfortable handle.
The knife types you can find within these Wusthof’s kitchen knives series include:
- Cook’s knives
- Utility knives
- Paring knives
- Carving and slicing knives
- Bread knives
- Steak knives
- Specialty knives
- Cleavers and boning knives
- Fish and fillet knives
- Santoku and Asian-style knives
Key Features of Wusthof and Zwilling Kitchen Knives
Both Wusthof and Zwilling kitchen knives are made of high-quality materials. These are one of the best kitchen knife brands that you can come across in the market. They’ve been tried and tested by many professional chefs. However, there are some key differences between the two brands that you should be aware of before making a purchase.
Wusthof Kitchen Knives Key Features
- Design: Wusthof knives are designed with a triple-riveted handle that is ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable grip. The blade of each knife is precision forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel.
- Material: Wusthof knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon. This type of steel is less likely to corrode or stain than other types of steel.
- Hardness: Wusthof knives are hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58. This means that the blades are extremely hard and will retain their sharpness longer than knives made of softer steel. Harder steel keeps its edge longer but is less durable than softer steel.
- Manufacturing Process: Wusthof knives are forged, not stamped. Forging is a process in which the steel is heated and then hammered into shape. This gives the knives greater strength and durability than those made with a stamping process. These sets are among the best Wusthof knives
- Sharpness: Wusthof knives are extremely sharp. They are also easy to sharpen and keep sharp.
- Edge Retention: The hard steel of Wusthof knives means that they will retain their edge longer than other types of knives.
- Handle Material: The handles on Wusthof knives are made of a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and composite materials.
Zwilling J.A Henckels Kitchen Knives Key Features
- Design: Zwilling J. A Henckels kitchen knives have a more classic look to them. The blades are often stamped, and the handles are usually made of wood or composite materials.
- Edge Angle: Zwilling JA Henckels sharpens their knives at 15 degrees per side. This makes Henckels knives some of the sharpest on the market.
- Blade Length: The blades on Zwilling J. A Henckels kitchen knives range in length from 4 inches to 8 inches. This makes them versatile enough for a variety of tasks.
- Handle Material: The handles on Zwilling J. A Henckels knives are usually made of wood or composite materials. This gives them a classic look and feel.
- Manufacturing Process: Zwilling J. A Henckels knives are made with high-quality steel that is heat treated for durability. The blades are then stamped, which makes for a more budget-friendly knife.
- Warranty: Zwilling J. A Henckels offers a limited lifetime warranty on their knives. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Sharpness: These knives come with a factory edge that is quite sharp. However, it is always a good idea to honed and sharpen your knives regularly.
Differences Between Zwilling J.A Henckels and Wusthof
Both Zwilling J.A Henckels and Wusthof knives offer a wide variety of styles and designs that are perfect for any kitchen. Read this comparison and choose your best knife between these two reliable kitchen knife brands.
However, there are some key differences between these two brands that you should be aware of before making your final decision.
Edge Angle
The lower the edge, the sharper the edge. Wusthof sharpens their knives at a 14-degree angle per side, while Zwilling JA Henckels sharpens their knives at 15 degrees per side. This is a slight difference, but it’s important to note that Wusthof knives are slightly sharper.
Blade Hardness
While researching kitchen knives, you’ll come across a reference to Rockwell Hardness. Knife manufacturers use the Rockwell Scale to measure the hardness of a blade. All Wusthof forged knives have a Rockwell Hardness of 58, while Zwilling J.A Henckels has a Rockwell Hardness of 57.
Handle Design and Material
Each knife has a different design and materials used in the handles. Wusthof uses a full tang design (the steel extends through the entire length of the handle) with a synthetic polymer material. The full tang provides extra strength and balance to the knife. Zwilling J.A Henckels Pro Holm Oak and Twin 1731 lines feature wood handles, while the others are made from synthetic materials. The best material depends on your personal preference.
Sharpness
Another significant difference is the angle at which the blade is sharpened. Henckels sharpen their knives at 15 degrees per side on standard blades and 10 degrees on santoku knives. Wusthof has a narrow blade and sharpens its blades at 14 degrees per side on most standard blades and 10 degrees per side on Japanese-style knives like the santoku knife and nakiri knife.
This makes Henckels blades more durable, while Wusthof’s knives are better at precision cutting.
Price
Wusthof and Zwilling JA Henckels are both high-end knife brands. As such, their prices are comparable. Wusthof kitchen knives are significantly pricier Henckels knives. But if you want a durable German-style knife without breaking the bank, then Henckels knife is your best bet.
Similarities Between Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels Knives
Now that you understand the difference let’s look at the similarities between Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels knives.
History
Both companies have been in business since the early 1800s. Both started and continue to operate out of the City of Blades, Solingen, Germany.
Blade Material
Both companies use a high-carbon stainless steel alloy for their blades. When it comes to knives, it all begins with materials, and high carbon, rust resistant steel is the best option for a quality, durable blade.
Lifetime Warranty
Both companies offer a lifetime warranty on their knives. This is a huge selling point for these brands because it shows they are confident in the quality of their knives.
Bolster and Tang
The bolster and tang are two important aspects of a knife that contribute to its overall quality. The bolster adds weight and balance to the knife, while the tang extends the length of the blade for added strength.
Pros and Cons of Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels
While both Wusthof and Zwilling offer reliable types of kitchen knives. You still have to be careful when making your choice. Here are some pros and cons you should consider for both brands.
Wusthof:
Pros:
- Wusthof knives are quite affordable
- Wusthof knives are also sharper than Zwilling J.A Henckels knife and hold its edge for a longer period of time
- Wusthof knives are also more comfortable to grip, thanks to their ergonomic design
- Wusthof knives have quality construction
Cons:
- Some people find that Wusthof knives are too heavy
- Wusthof knives are not dishwasher safe
Zwilling JA Henckels
Pros:
- Great edge retention
- Ease of re-sharpening
- Very sharp
- High carbon stainless steel
- Lightweight blades
- Western style design
Cons:
- Very expensive
- It needs sharpening, unlike Wusthof knives
Value for Money: Are They Worth?
Wusthof knives are definitely worth the investment, thanks to their superior craftsmanship and durability. Zwilling J.A Henckels knives, on the other hand, are a bit more expensive, but they offer great value for money in terms of their edge retention and sharpness.
If you’re considering investing in these types of knives, then it’s definitely worth doing your research and reading up on some reviews to get a better idea of which ones will suit your needs the best.
However, both brands offer high-quality products that will make your cooking experience much easier and more enjoyable. These brands have been tried and tested by many professionals and home cooks alike, so you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Why kitchen knives are important
When it comes to preparing meals, the right kitchen knife can make all the difference. Good quality knives should be sharp and able to handle what you throw at them. They should also last a long time so that you don’t have to replace them frequently.
Where to buy quality Zwilling and Wusthof kitchen knives
Zwilling and Wusthof are two well-known brands for kitchen knives. You can find their products in many stores including department stores, specialty cooking stores, online retailers and even directly from the manufacturer websites. Prices will vary depending on where you shop.
Top users of the two brands
Professional chefs often rely on Zwilling or Wusthof kitchen knives because they know they won’t let them down. Home cooks who want the best equipment also often choose these brands. I’ve personally tested both Zwilling and Wusthof kitchen knives and can attest to their quality and sharpness. If you’re looking for a top-notch knife, be sure to check out these two brands!
FAQs on Wusthof vs Zwilling JA Henckels Kitchen Knives
Why should you choose German knives?
Well, Wusthof and Zwilling are two of the oldest and most well-renowned knife brands in the world. They have been around for centuries and have gained a reputation for making high-quality knives that can last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a set of knives that will see you through all sorts of cooking tasks, then these are definitely worth considering. Unlike Japanese-style knives, these knives comprise thicker blades and more double bevels.
What’s the difference between Wusthof and Zwilling knives?
The main difference between these two brands is that the Wusthof edges are slightly sharper with a 14-degree angle per side compared to Zwilling at 15 degrees per side. Wusthof blades are slightly harder, resulting in longer-lasting sharpness, but they’re also more difficult to sharpen. Zwilling blades, on the other hand, are a bit easier to sharpen but won’t retain their edge for as long.
Which is a better option for home cooks, Zwilling or Wusthof knives?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively, as it depends largely on personal preference. I’ve personally tested both Zwilling and Wusthof knives in my own kitchen, and I found that the Zwilling knife was much sharper out of the box than the Wusthof one. However, I also found that the more expensive Wusthof knife was easier to maintain its sharpness over time with regular honing and sharpening.
Previously, we have talked about Dalstrong oyster knife in the market.
Are there any factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing between Zwilling and Wusthof kitchen knives?
Yes, there are several important factors that should be considered when making a choice between these two brands of kitchen knives. For example, you may want to consider the type of knife you are looking for, as Zwilling and Wusthof offer both western-style knives with a curved bolster or traditional Japanese-style blades. You should also consider the material used in each brand’s knives—for example, Zwilling uses a proprietary steel blend while Wusthof uses a harder stainless steel alloy. Additionally, the price point of each knife may be important to take into consideration when making your decision. Ultimately, it’s best to research both brands thoroughly and read online reviews before investing in any kitchen knives.
The Winner
If you want to buy the best German knives, Wusthof knives are the way to go. These knives are made of high-quality materials and can withstand years of use. They’re also a bit more expensive than Zwilling knives, but they’re worth the investment if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line knife.
Wusthof Knives Top Three Picks
Here are our top three picks for Wusthof knives:
- Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
- Wusthof Ikon Pro 7-Inch Santoku Knife
- Wusthof Gourmet 12-Piece Knife Set
