Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knives Set Of 8

Who Needs A Steak Knife Set

Even if you havent seen the movie, you probably know the line: First prize is a Cadillac … Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is youre fired. Alec Baldwins speech is cinema legend. Its also insightful. Glengarry Glen Ross premiered in 1984, when there was nothing more quintessentially American than big cars, lost jobsand steak for dinner. Of course second prize is a set of steak knives! Almost everyone would have appreciated themif not the circumstances they arrived under.

Today, second prize would be something else. Americans are eating less meat in general, and less beef in particular, so not everyone needs a set of steak knives these days. But if you eat meat regularly, you really should have one. Its amazing how much nicer it is to slice a tenderloin or chop with a well-made blade designed for that purpose. And that will hold true even if youre already using a cheapo set of serrated steak knives, let alone if youre hacking away with the dull table knives that came with your silverware.

A nice set of steak knives also dresses up a place-setting, so if you like to entertainor just like to make a fancy meal now and thenyou may appreciate owning a set, too. Finally, one thing that held true in 1984 still holds true in 2015: steak knives are a special gift for the right person. You can even spend Cadillac money, if youre feeling extra generous.

Wusthof Kitchen And Steak Knives

Knives that are sharp and balanced are intended to make prep work easier for both professional chefs and at-home beginners. Wusthof classic kitchen cutlery fills basic and specialty needs with quality, stylish options.

What are Wusthof knives made of?

Wusthof uses X50 Cr Mo 15 stainless steel. This is an alloy comprised of high-carbon stainless steel. It allows for hardness, stain resistance, and corrosion resistance. The knives are engineered to be both easy to sharpen and hard enough to stay sharp.

What is the difference between Wusthofs stamped and forged knives?

Forged knives are considered useful in a variety of kitchen settings. These products are heavier, full tang, and have a bolster for professional-quality heft and balance. The handle may be wood or synthetic. Wusthofs forged products are the EPICURE, IKON, GRAND PRIX II, and CLASSIC lines.

Stamped knives are cut with a laser and go through fewer manufacturing steps. They are lighter in weight and do not have a bolster. The handle on this type is synthetic. The stamped lines are PRO, GOURMET, and SILVERPOINT II.

What is the advantage of Precision Edge Technology ?

Wusthof pioneered this technology to give their knives sharper, more durable edges. The process uses a computer-controlled laser to produce more acute angles, straighter lines, and narrower points. PEtec is said to make the knives 20% sharper and allow them to retain their sharpness for up to twice as long.

What are some types of knives to consider?

Budget Pick: Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition Set

Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition steak knife set is the best low-cost set out there. The knives are not perfect by any metric: the blade-edges are coarse and uneven at 60 grams/2 ounces, theyre a bit lighter than wed like and the fit-and-finish is indifferent. In fact, they appear just to be industrial-grade boning knives with steak knife handles slapped on. Put it this way: if the Messermeisters give you more than you pay for aesthetically, these give you exactly what you pay for, and not a penny more.

They work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price.

But theyre built to last and they work perfectly welland, more importantly, they work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price. Theyre a great choice for outfitting a crowd, taking along on country picnics, or while car camping. Not fancy, perfectly functional, and if you lose one, youll shed no tears.

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Wusthof 9729 Gourmet 4

Posted on Written by John Rogers

Wusthof is a trusted and proven brand, but with so many lines, its hard to know which knife is the best. The most popular choices are the classic, the gourmet and the ikon. All are high quality lines but each is a little different.

This guide is made to point out the features, pros and cons of each, so youll have the information you need to decide which Wusthof knife set is the most suitable.

We also provided a thorough review of the three top block sets to show you whats available in these impressive collections.

Contents

Wusthof Stainless Steak Knife Set In Olivewood Chest

• Compound tapered blades are laser tested for sharpness and the correct cutting angle
• These knives are laser cut instead of stamped for higher precision
• The subtle features of these stainless handled steak knives look good in any kitchen

• Knives: 7″ L x 1″ W x 1″ H
• Box: 9.5″ L x 2.25″ W x 10.5″ H
• Knives: 7″ L x 1″ W x 1″ H
• Box: 9.5″ L x 2″ W x 13″ H

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Upgrade Pick: Wsthof Classic Ikon Set

*At the time of publishing, the price was $300.

Our testers all favored the Ikon’s classic understated elegance.

The Wüsthof Classic Ikon steak knives arent cheap, but they are the cheapest of the three high-end sets that we tested. With little to distinguish between the high-end sets on performancewhich was universally exceptionalaesthetics played the largest role in this pick, and our testers all favored the Ikon’s classic, understated elegance. Their razor-sharp blades have the ideal upswept shape. The unique double-concave curves of their satiny black POM handles fit the hand wonderfully both our smallest and our largest tester found them the most comfortable to hold of all the knives we tested. Their full-tang construction adds strength and, at 77 grams/2.6 ounces, pleasing heft. Lastly, their construction is flawlessas it should be for the price. Because in truth, its the flawless fit-and-finish, more than anything else, that separates an exceptional luxury steak knife from a really great mid-priced oneand that you pay for.

One criticism: the Ikons come in a simple, clear plastic box. Its sturdy enough to use for knife storage but left us wishing for something more distinguished-looking, particularly if the knives are intended to be a gift. For about $100 more, the blackwood-handled Ikon steak knives come in a walnut case its unfortunate that this is not an option for the standard model.

Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet

The Classic:We begin with the classic, which is the brands best selling line. The Wusthof classic knives are forged through a unique process that makes them extremely durable and reliable. This makes them popular with consumers.

The knives in the classic line have something that the gourmet knives do not. They have an exposed tang with a bolster and a hand guard. The classics are forged with a full length tang.

Pros

• The full tang design makes the classic stronger and more durable than stamped knives.
• The exposed tang gives them more versatility because it works well for crushing.
• The PEtec edge with the 14 inch angle on each side gives them razor sharpness.

Cons

• The only drawback when comparing the classic to the gourmet is that the classic is more expensive.
• The hand guard and bolster are additional safety precautions that are a bonus and the exposed tang is useful as a tool, but some users dont like these features.

The Gourmet: The gourmet line is a stamped knife that is less expensive, but its still a high quality knife that holds up well enough under frequent use, but there are differences that set it apart from the classic.

It doesnt have a full tang design and it isnt as strong as the classic. This means that the knife is more vulnerable to damage when cutting near a bone or other hard material. There is a higher potential for the blade to break off the handle or to separate.

Pros

Cons

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Wusthof 8 Pc Gourmet Steak Knife Set

• Wusthof 8 PC Gourmet Steak Knife Set
• Precision stamped, high carbon-stainless steel blade that sharpens easily and stays sharp
• ABS polymer handle is resistant to high heat and high impact for the ultimate in durability
• Triple riveted handle to the stainless steel tang for excellent balance and maneuverability
• Made in Solingen, Germany lifetime warranty

Similar item to consider

Wusthof Classic Knives Have A Bolster Gourmet Knives Do Not

Another critical difference between the Classic and Gourmet lines is that the Classic line features a bolster, and the Gourmet line does not.

A bolster is the thick part of the knife located between the handle and the blade.

The bolster adds weight and balance to the knife, but most importantly, it prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade. With the Gourmet line, you have to be extremely careful that your hand doesnt slip while chopping.

Heres a look at a Wusthof Classic chefs knife with a bolster and a Wusthof Gourmet knife without a bolster :

Also Check: Wüsthof Gourmet Steak Knives Set Of 4

All About Wusthof Steak Knives

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• RAZOR SHARP High Carbon Stainless Steel Blades, precisely cut with the latest state of the art technology for…
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The Wusthof brand goes all the way back to 1814. After the defeat of Napolean and the end of thirty years of war in Europe, two brothers returned to Germany from the army and began making knives. There, they set up shop in Solingen, known then, as it still is today, as the “City of Blades.” From the start, Wusthof took the symbol of a white trident on a red background as their logo. The Wusthof brothers created an enduring brand. Today, Wusthof still creates knives in Solingen. Seven generation of Wusthofs put their hearts and souls into their family product.

That’s part of the reason Wusthof is synonymous with “quality.” Professionals use Wusthof knives every day to chop, dice, and julienne.

Wusthof Steak Knives To Enhance Your Dining Experience

Next time you cook a filet mignon or sirloin, set the table with Wusthof steak knives to slice through the meat. Featuring thin blades in a curved shape, they effortlessly glide through different cuts. Not just for beef, Wusthof steak knives also cut through poultry and fish. Plus, the ergonomic handle is comfortable as you grip it. For a modern look, opt for cutlery with stainless steel handles, and pair it with that accentuates the sleek design. Prefer a rustic take? Consider wood steak knives instead, or go with black for a timeless approach. When youre done using and washing the cutlery, store the set in a presentation box. Not only does the box keep your own knives organized, it makes a set of knives an attractive gift for weddings, anniversaries or birthdays.

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Are Wusthof Knives Good

The company is family-owned for 7 generations now and are experts in making top-quality knives. They manufacture all their top-class products in Solingen, Germany. From mid-prices to expensive, all their German-style knives are sharpened to an angle of 14 degrees per side. Such a beveled angle helps to cut food smoothly.

Wusthof offers several different series to choose a perfect set from. This includes Classic, Classic Ikon, Grand Prix II, Epicure, Crafter, Silverpoint, etc. Among them, Classic and Grand Prix lines are the best-rated knives for both domestic and professional use. So a short and simple answer is, yes, Wusthof knives are all good to use.

Wusthof Classic Blades Are Harder Than Gourmet Blades

Since the purpose of a kitchen knife is to cut, slice, and chop food, the durability/hardness of the blade and its ability to sustain a sharp edge are two of the most important performance factors.

The hardness of kitchen knife blades is measured on what is called theRockwell scale. Hardness typically ranges from low 50s to high 60s on the Rockwell scale but varies by brand and product line. The higher on the Rockwell Scale, the harder the steel.

The important thing to understand is that harder blades can tolerate a sharper edge however, contrary to most peoples intuition, when blades are too hard, they are less durable and more likely to chip.

Most Wusthof knives are made within the ideal range of 55-60 on the Rockwell scale. The Classic line is slightly harder with a score of 58 compared to the Gourmet line at 56.

Although the Classic line has a slightly harder blade than the Gourmet line, all Wusthof knives are made with the optimal blend of stainless steel. Each Wusthof blade contains the same blend of carbon , chromium , molybdenum , and vanadium .

You can learn more about this unique formula on Wusthof.com.

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Notes On Materials And Construction

If youve spent more than a few minutes researching knives, youve likely run into a bewildering fog of jargon and technical specifications. Heres a quick guide, which applies to steak knives, chefs knives, and everything in between:

The phrase high-carbon steel is basically marketing hype: every steel alloy used to make knives is high-carbon. You can ignore the phrase it if its used, and you neednt worry if its not. Do note, however, that if a knife is listed only as high-carbon or carbon steel, it will easily rust. To be sure your knife is rust-resistant, make sure it is also listed as stainless.

Stainless steel is steel alloyed with at least 12 percent, and usually 14 to 18 percent, chromium. The chromium forms a dense layer on any exposed surface which rapidly oxidizes, preventing oxidation of the steel underneath. There are multiple types of stainless steel, some more corrosion-resistant than others all those used on our recommended knives are high-performing: extremely corrosion-resistant, capable of taking and holding a sharp edge and easy to re-sharpen.

There are thousands of different steel alloysmixtures of iron, carbon, and any of 20 or more other elementseach designed for a different purpose. Knife alloys alone run into the dozens, and the names are alphabet soup: AEB-L, VG-10, 19C27, ZDP-189. My advice is: ignore them all, at least for steak knives. Whatever alloy a good manufacturer chooses will perform perfectly well.

How To Choose The Best One

If youre on a tight budget and you want a good quality knife, then the gourmet line is an excellent choice.

The classic, which is the best selling line offers strength, durability, razor sharpness and excellent balance, Although its higher in price, its a premium product with extra features including the exposed tang, the bolster and finger guard.

If hand fatigue is an issue, the Ikon Line is more comfortable to use and the ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue.

Its a matter of need and personal preference. The line that best fits within your budget and meets your needs and preferences is the best option.

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Wusthof Classic Vs Classic Ikon

The Classic Ikon: The Ikon line, like the gourmet came out after the classic and it soared to popularity. Its been a featured line that receives the approval of chef Gordon Ramsey. The Classic Ikon line is made of thee same materials as the Classic and it is every bit as durable.

The main difference between the two lines is that the Ikon features an ergonomic handle and the classic does not. This gives the Ikon a better grip with greater control for more precise cutting and slicing. It fits well in the hand and is very comfortable to hold, reducing hand fatigue for bigger jobs.

The handles are made of African blackwood, which is attractive and makes the knife heavier for better balance.

Pros

• The handles are made of real wood.
• The design makes them more comfortable to hold and the blades tend to hold their sharpness for longer.
• The Ikon is superior to the classic when it comes to the handle design and in holding an edge.

Cons

• There have been no complaints made about the Ikon line.

Heres How Store Pickup Works:

When you add your item to cart, select the store pickup option and choose the store at which youll pick up your order.

We will notify you by email when the order is ready for pickup. You may opt in to text notifications as well during checkout.

Remember to bring Photo ID and your Order Number. Face coverings are required for in-store pickup.

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Here’s How Store Pickup Works:

When you add your item to cart, select the store pickup option and choose the store at which you’ll pick up your order.

We will notify you by email when the order is ready for pickup. You may opt in to text notifications as well during checkout.

Remember to bring Photo ID and your Order Number. Face coverings are required for in-store pickup.

Also Great: Opinel No 125 Bon Appetit Set

Several testers diverged from the pack on steak knife aesthetics, preferring something with cleaner, modern lines instead of the traditional look. If that also describes you, the Opinel No. 125 Bon Appetit Set, which used to be called the South Spirit, is our recommendation. The Opinel blades are noticeably less sharp than the Messermeister and Wüsthof, but they still cut our tough test-steaks neatly and efficiently. The beautiful handles are made of olivewood, which, in addition to being pretty, is naturally water-resistant .

The Opinels underperform noticeably in one category: weight. At just 35 gramsbarely more than an ouncethey feel insubstantial in the hand. They also come in a simple cardboard case that wont last long in your silverware drawer youd want to store it somewhere less trafficked like a high shelf. But on looks and performance, theyre winners at the price. Lastly, if youre looking for something to brighten your table, Opinel makes a version of this knife set thats fitted with colored hornbeam-wood handles. You can also buy the knives open stock if you want to build your own set in different colors.

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