Wusthof vs. Henckels ??

[Jimbosox04]

Which German knife or knives do you prefer, and why ?

[Jimbosox04]

To follow up on my poll, I recently recieved the knives that I purchase a few J.A. Henckels and a few Wusthof's. I would have to say that my preference so far are my Henckels Twin Cuisine Santoku, and all the other Twin Cuisine line.

[mpalmer6c]

Don't think you can compare using just the brand names, as both have several different orice and presumably quality grades. FWIW, Consumer Reports top-rated The Henckels Twin Select, the Henckels Twin Professional, the Wusthof Trident Vlassic and the Wusthof Culinar.

[ericurus]

In trying out knives for our wedding registry, my wife and I tried many different types, including Global, Wusthof, Shun, and Henckels. We liked the feel, balance, and handles of the Henckels four-star II best. I tend to read that the Japanese knives have better steel than the German, but overall I have not found our knives to be lacking at all. They stayed sharp for close to a year with regular use and steeling, when we sent them away for re-sharpening. They probably could have gone longer than that, but we like our knives to be very sharp. I second or third the advice to try what feels best in your hand. Although Japanese knives might have better steel (can't say personally, having not used both over the long-term), if a knife isn't comfortable to use then the quality of the metal probably won't make any difference to you. One picky thing you might consider is that Henckels doesn't have any bolsterless knives I know of apart from the expensive but very good Twin Cermax line. Although I think many like the security of a thick bolster on their cook's knife, others don't, and I think that having no bolster makes a knife easier to sharpen (especially in the long run).

[ThreeGigs]

I have various Henckels (four star), Wusthof (classic and gran prix) and Shun knives, and one Hattori. I generally prefer the Wusthof over the Henckels.

[TarheelYankee]

I agree with other comments, you really have to hold them in your hand to decide which is better for you, I've tried Henckels and Wusthof, I prefer Wusthof personally.

[monkeyrotica]

I have both and I actually prefer the $20 made-in-China sankotu I got at Crate & Barrel outlet. It's sharper and retains a better edge longer than either of my German knives.

FYI, my Henckels was made in China also. Dunno about the Wustof.

[Jimbosox04]

To my knowledge, the blades on both the Wusthof Classic and the Henckels Four Star are made of Carbon Steel in Solingen, Germany. Maybe it was assembled in China ?

[ziggylu]

Henckels makes some of their less expensive lines in China. Used to have some Spanish production as well, not sure if they still do.

The ones with the "twins" on them should be made in Germany.

I've had both Wusthof and Henckels and have preferred the Wusthof myself. They feel better in my hand and my personal experience was they held and took an edge a bit better than the Henckels.

That said, for german knives I prefer the Messermeister Elites to both Henckels and Wusthof.

[Jimbosox04]

Monkeyrotica,

I found this article to reference where these knives are made. Wikipedia the source:

" The company has two distinct brands. The Zwilling J.A. Henckels brand is known as "The Premium Brand," with products that are mainly made in Germany (mostly forged blades) or Spain (for mid-range knives, forged or stamped). J.A. Henckels International is "The Value Brand" division of Zwilling J.A. Henckels that produces less costly, mostly stamped blade knives, often made in China or Taiwan."

[brendastarlet]

I'm a Henckels fan. I bought my knives over the years on trips to Germany. They hold an edge and are easy to work with. I also have several pairs of Henckels scissors and there are none better.

[MMRuth]

I have some of both and, frankly, have been happy with both. The Wusthof I have is heavier, and I tend to use it less, particularly since I bought a Henckels Santoku (sp?).

[beauxgoris]

Both are fine - I think it's just what feels better in your hand. I have Wusthof and love them - my FIL has Henckels and it felt light and flimsy to me: but I'm used to my Wusthof's though. Try them both and see what feels best to you.

[Jimbosox04]

Thats great to hear because I also have just bought both, I am not the person to need to perfect set just for looks. I would rather have certain knives for certain purposes that all get thier uses instead of sitting in a block unused.

Bought a 6" chefs, and 6" carving - Wusthof

8" cooks, and 8" Boning - Henckels

beside a few steak knives and maybe a paring, I think I am ok with these.