Wusthof kitchen knives, or something else?

[SkinnyPete]

I'm looking to invest in a decent set of knives that will quite literally last a lifetime, in the same way my Le Cruset cast iron will.

I don't need anything too specialist, just your usual six knives or so and a nice block to keep them. Ideally costing no more than £500.

I've done some research and Wusthof seems to keep coming up on top, in particular this 9 piece "Classic" set for £386:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/W%C3%BCsthof-CLASSIC-Knif...

or the "Classic Ikon" for £529 which to my eyes is very similar except the blade goes all the way to the end.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wusthof-Classic-Piece-Kni...

Interested to hear the PH recommendations

[21TonyK]

I'd try to physically handle them before committing. Both will be equally good for domestic use but how it feels to you when you use it would be my deciding factor.

[nikaiyo2]

Personally I think Zwilling are nicer knives, mainly because they do a more tactile handle, the 4 Star range are lovely to use. I have had the "previous" version for 7 or 8 years and they are like new.

I always think pre assembled blocks are a bit meh as likely 1/2 of it would never get used!

I would go for :
https://www.zwilling.com/uk/zwilling-5-slot-bamboo...

https://www.zwilling.com/uk/zwilling-four-star-3-p...

Then add whatever other knives you like to use, for me cleaver & utility knife.

[LordHaveMurci]

I bought Classic Ikon, partly because I prefer the look, partly due to the half bolster.

I have a paring knife (rarely used), chefs & santoku but I don’t chop or fillet or anything & have some old carving & bread knives I still use.

Mine are kept on a magnetic wall holder, not a block.

[SkinnyPete]

21TonyK said:

I'd try to physically handle them before committing. Both will be equally good for domestic use but how it feels to you when you use it would be my deciding factor.

Wise advice but this may be a little difficult, as most shops that sell them have them locked away/packaged securely.

nikaiyo2 said:

Personally I think Zwilling are nicer knives, mainly because they do a more tactile handle, the 4 Star range are lovely to use. I have had the "previous" version for 7 or 8 years and they are like new.

I always think pre assembled blocks are a bit meh as likely 1/2 of it would never get used!

I would go for :
https://www.zwilling.com/uk/zwilling-5-slot-bamboo...

https://www.zwilling.com/uk/zwilling-four-star-3-p...

Then add whatever other knives you like to use, for me cleaver & utility knife.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm inclined to agree about the blocks, but I don't quite have the space for anything bigger (like the one referenced in your link).

[21TonyK]

Try John Lewis my nearest is more than happy to let you try knives, even provide a chopping board and some carrots.

ETA: see if you have a Nisbets shop near you?

[21TonyK]

As an alternative thats not a mainstream knife I really like the Porsche Chroma knives. I have a P18 301 hammered which I don't think you can get any more, it gets a fair bit of use and although maintained on a diamond and ceramic steel its not needed resharpening in 5 maybe 6 years which is amazing as all my globals have needed resharpening at least one in the same time. They really are a try before you buy though as the handle doesn't suit all.

https://www.porsche-design.com/de/en/porsche-desig...

[Aunty Pasty]

I use Ikon Classic. I bought a chefs, carving and paring as a set then added a double serrated bread knife which I think is great. The only other knife I need in the kitchen is a cleaver (not Wusthof) to hack through the bones of a whole chicken.
I also use a magnetic wall holder rather than a knife block.

Edited by Aunty Pasty on Tuesday 20th September 12:43

[Lotus Notes]

I've had a Wüsthof 8 inch Classic knife for 5 years and it's been excellent.
I sharpen it briefly before every use and it's shown no signs of wearing apart from the logo fading..

I find it nicely weighted and it can handle most tasks - I recommend it.

[Lotobear]

Something British?:

https://www.davidmellordesign.com/kitchen-knives-a...

[Greenmantle]

I would purchase only the knives you require. Obviously a large cooks and then one of the smaller ones.
I also went for a pairing and a santoku. Does everything I need to do.

[craig1912]

You don’t need six knives, I’d say four at most.

I have these (and have had for 12 years) but may not suit everyone as they are lighter than a lot of the European knives.

https://www.kai-europe.com/kitchen/shunclassic.php...

[SkinnyPete]

I think you're right.

I've ordered a magnetic bar, and I'll order the knives individually. There's not a huge cost saving, but it saves on clutter.

[7184c]

Got that wusthof set pre brexit and recall it being just over 200 around Black Friday. I wouldn’t pay that much for it.

Spend the money on 2 knives you use the most.

[21TonyK]

SkinnyPete said:

I think you're right.

I've ordered a magnetic bar, and I'll order the knives individually. There's not a huge cost saving, but it saves on clutter.

Whole new can of worms!

3-4 knives and something to keep them sharp.

[LordHaveMurci]

If you get a santoku the angle of the blade is different so bear that in mind Re: honing/sharpening!

[M5-911]

21TonyK said:

SkinnyPete said:

I think you're right.

I've ordered a magnetic bar, and I'll order the knives individually. There's not a huge cost saving, but it saves on clutter.

Whole new can of worms!

3-4 knives and something to keep them sharp.

+1

You don't need many knives for home cooking.

Have a look at Arco's knives (french forge) very well made and very reasonably priced. I use a lot of their knives as I travel a lot and don't want to worry about pricey knives in my suitcases.

My favourites are Sabatier Diamant, no messing about and not that expensive.

You need to handle the knives before buying. Lots of very "cool" knives out there, but a lot of terrible blades as well.

Have fun!

[SkinnyPete]

In which case I'm thinking: a chef's knife, a bread knife, a pairing knife, a tomato knife and maybe a santoku if my style suits (plus a sharpening tool).

[21TonyK]

SkinnyPete said:

In which case I'm thinking: a chef's knife, a bread knife, a pairing knife, a tomato knife and maybe a santoku if my style suits (plus a sharpening tool).

Pastry knife instead of a bread knife (smaller serrations) good for bread, pastry, carving meats and soft veg/fruits etc (tomato). Chefs knife, paring knife and a flexible knife if you see yourself filleting fish etc Those are my essentials.

[SkinnyPete]

So after careful consideration, I settled on some Wusthof Classic Ikons and I've fell in love with them

They definitely feel like they are worth the money, I certainly don't feel short-changed.

Might even buy a Santoku now just because!!