Mainly there are two varieties of knives on the market – German knives and Japanese knives. Both feature different characteristics. If you want a sharp and comfortable knife that will complete your chopping task in an effective and efficient manner, nothing beats German knives. These are durable knives that come with a thicker blade.
Henckels and Wusthof are two German knives manufactured in Solingen, Germany. Zwilling Zwilling JA Henckels crafted Henckels in 1731 followed by Wusthof in 1814. Both the knives are made using high carbon steel.
The key difference between them is that Wusthof knives are a bit sharper than Henckels. You can expect long-lasting sharpness from Wusthof, but they are also prone to edge chipping.
There is a lot more you need to know about them before making a buying decision. Below is an in-depth comparison between Henckels Wusthof. Let’s dive deeper.
Which is better- Henckels or Wusthof?
Henckels and Wusthof are both renowned knife makers engaged in producing high-quality forged knives. They are in the business for more than 100 years. Chefs and home cooks primarily prefer their knives. To decide which is better, it is essential to know how they are different from each other. Let’s get started.
How are they made?
The process of making a Henckels knife is long and complicated. It starts with the steel, which is heated to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat makes it possible for the steel to be shaped into blades then tempered in ovens at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
After this process, the blade undergoes a series of grinding steps before being polished and sharpened by hand. Finally, each knife receives a unique serial number before being packaged and shipped out to retailers all over the world.
The manufacturing process of Wusthof starts with a steel blank. It is heated and then hammered into the desired shape. Next, it’s ground to the correct thickness and tempered to achieve hardness.
This tempering process makes sure that the blade will not break or chip easily when cutting hard foods like onions or carrots. Finally, each knife is sharpened by hand on both sides of the blade using a whetstone for an incredibly sharp edge that lasts much longer than other blades.
Blade Angle
Henckel’s blade angle is inclined at 15 degrees on both sides, giving it a combined angle of 30 degrees. This makes them perfect for chopping foods like carrots and potatoes with ease. It has a softer blade that doesn’t retain sharpness for a long span.
While talking about Wusthof knives, its blade angle is inclined to 14 degrees on both sides, thus giving it a combined angle of 28 degrees. This makes them perfect for slicing meats and vegetables with ease, therefore, ensuring long-lasting sharpness.
Hardness Rating
Although the blades of both Henckels and Wusthof knives are made from the same kind of steel, they differ in hardness. The harder the steel, the higher will be the degree. The Rockwell Hardness of Henckels is HRC. They are less harder than Wusthof.
A Wusthof knife has a Rockwell hardness of HRC 58, which remains sharper for an extended period of time. However, hard blades don’t come with a durability tag as they are more prone to chipping.
Handle Design
A very slight difference exists in the handles of both knives. Starting with Henckels knives, the handle is curved at the heel of the knife. Its overall profile is straight with a full backstop. It offers a firm grip and prevents the knife from slipping off the hands.
On the other hand, Wusthof knives feature a non-slip handle that ensures optimum grip even when the hands are wet. Its overall profile houses a slight humpback shape with no backstop. However, it offers a grip that can easily fit the contour of the hand.
Pricing
Henckel knives are well-known for their quality craftsmanship but come at a lower price point than Wusthofs do. Whereas, Wusthofs promises a more rigid and more durable blade; therefore, they are priced higher than Henckels knives.
The Bottom Line
Both Henckels and Wusthof are high-quality German knives. Choosing the one depends upon your needs and budget requirement. If you want a high-quality knife that will last and perform well over time, then the Wusthof Classic line of knives is perfect for you.
They have been around since 1814, and they’ve never let their customers down. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable option with good performance but not as long-lasting as the Wusthof Classic line, then Henckels would be your best bet.
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