When it comes to high-quality knives, two brands that often come up in conversations are Henckels and Wusthof. Both of these German brands are known for producing top-of-the-line knives that are designed to last a lifetime.
But which one is the better choice?
In this blog post, we’ll compare Henckels knives vs Wusthof knives to help you make an informed decision on which brand to choose for your kitchen.
When it comes to knives, two of the most well-known brands are Wusthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Both are high-quality and reliable. Compared to Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives, Wusthof knives feature a somewhat sharper edge with a 14-degree edge on each side.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, choosing the right knife is essential for achieving the best results in your cooking. So let’s dive in and explore the differences between these two popular knife brands.
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A Brief History
Wusthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels are two of the oldest and most popular knife companies in the world. Wusthof was founded in 1814 by Johann Abraham Wusthof in Solingen, Germany. The company is renowned for its high-quality and well-crafted kitchen knives.
In contrast, Zwilling J.A. Henckels was established in 1731 by Peter Henckels in Solingen, Germany. The company is known for its innovation and precision in producing professional-grade cutlery.
Both companies have been producing some of the finest kitchen knives available for over 200 years. This makes both of them a perfect choice for any aspiring chef or home cook looking to upgrade their cutlery collection.
Why Should You Use a German Brand Knife?
When it comes to chef’s knives, there are mainly two varieties that you may come across in the marketplace: German and Japanese styles. German knives generally have thicker blades with more “normal” double bevels. They are designed for all types of chopping.
On the other hand, Japanese-style knives are often lighter, thinner, and have a flatter grind.
In addition, some of the Japanese-style knives are sharpened on one edge only. It means, they can only be used left or right. However, German knives are usually around 56-58 Rockwell, whereas Japanese knives are usually around 60-61 Rockwell.
Therefore, many chefs like to use German knives more than Japanese knives. If you are looking for quality kitchen knives, it is worth considering a brand like Wusthof or Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Both are renowned German brands known for their precise craftsmanship.
Henckels knives vs Wusthof: Side-By-Side Comparison
In terms of Wusthof knives vs Henckels, both companies offer a wide variety of blades, ranging from steak knives to Santoku knives. However, there are some key differences between the two brands that set them apart. With all this in mind, let’s take a look at how Wusthof vs Henckels knives compare side by side to help you make an informed decision.
- One major difference between the two is that most Wusthof knives are forged and Henckels are stamped.
- Wusthof knives have a 14-degree edge angle per side, while Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives have a 15-degree edge angle.
- Compared to Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives, Wusthof blades are slightly harder. However, it increases the chances of edge chipping.
- Wusthof knives feature a full bolster and a contoured handle, while Henckels knives are lightweight with a half bolster and a sleek handle.
- As for prices, an 8-inch chef’s knife from Wusthof can be found somewhere between $200-$250, while the same knife from Zwilling J.A. Henckels can be found for around $140-$180.
For a better comparison, we have compiled the following table demonstrating Henckels knives vs Wusthof:
| Fact | Wusthof | Henckels |
| Material of the blade | High Carbon | High Carbon |
| Edge Angle | 14-degree | 15-degree |
| Blade Hardness | Rockwell Hardness of 58 | Rockwell Hardness of 57 |
| Price | Expensive | Cheaper |
| Global recognition | Globally recognized | Locally recognized |
No matter, which one you are using, make sure that you regular cleaned your knives to get rust off kitchen knives.
Wusthof knives vs Henckels: Similarities
There are certain similarities between the knives made by Zwilling J.A. Henckel and Wusthof that are noteworthy. These include:
- First, both companies are based in Solingen, Germany, and specialize in high-quality kitchen cutlery.
- The blades on both knives are made from high-carbon, rust-resistant steel. This is excellent for keeping the knife sharp and in good condition over time.
- It is worth noting that both manufacturers recommend hand-washing their knives to ensure the longevity of the blade.
- Both brands have similar-looking logos that are red and white, making them easily recognizable amongst other kitchen items.
- Additionally, all forged lines from both companies include a bolster. They also come with a full tang for optimal balance and control when cutting.
- With that said, the total number of knives from the forged line is the same, which is 6.
- Furthermore, both Wusthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels offer a limited lifetime warranty on their knives and other cutlery products.
Forged vs. Stamped Knives
Whether you are into cooking or not, it is not bad to know the difference between a forged and stamped knife. Forged knives tend to last longer than stamped knives. However, the quality of either type of knife largely depends on the blade’s steel composition, construction, and the angle of the blade edge.
When comparing Forged with Stamped Knives, here are some key takeaways. Let’s get to know them:
- Forged knives are made from a single piece of steel that is heated and then pounded into shape. In contrast, stamped knives are created by cutting from a sheet of steel.
- Stamped knives are usually lighter in weight, as well as thinner and more flexible than forged knives.
- Forged knives tend to be more durable and heavier, while stamped knives are often lighter and more flexible.
- Forged knives are more expensive than stamped knives.
FAQs on Henckels Knives vs Wusthof Knives
When it is to knives, there are a lot of questions. Among many questions, the followings are very much related to Zwilling and Henckels knives,
Which knife is often used by Gordon Ramsay?
Gordon Ramsay is known to use both Wusthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives. He is especially fond of the Zwilling Twin Gourmet knife line from Henckels.
Exactly how similar are Zwilling and Henckels?
Both Henckels and Zwilling are owned by the same parent company, J.A. Henckels. Zwilling is more widely available internationally and offers a greater selection of high-end knives. Yet, you can consider Henckels an entry-level brand. For the most part, there is little difference between the two when it comes to quality and construction.
Where are Henckels knives made?
Henckels knives are manufactured in Germany, where they have been made since the 18th century. Their classic lines, such as the Ikon, Grand Prix II, and Pro series, are all crafted in their factory in Solingen, Germany.
Bottom Line: Which One Should You Buy?
Both Wusthof and Zwilling J.A. Henckels have been in business for over 200 years. They both offer high-quality, razor-sharp, and elegantly designed knives. While each brand has its pros and cons, it is clear that both are good options when it comes to knives.
However, if you are looking for a slightly sharper blade, then Wusthof is the way to go. The downside is that their blades are harder and more prone to chipping. If you want something a bit softer, then Henckels is the way to go. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when it comes to deciding between knives Wusthof vs Henckels.
