Product Description

The Classic cutlery line bears all the traits that Wüsthof knives are known for: impeccable construction, incredible sharpness, and long-lasting durability. Each Classic knife is precision-forged--blade, bolster, and tang--from a single piece of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel. The blade is tested by lasers and honed by hand, with computer-controlled front-to-back tapering, grinding, and polishing. A visible full tang--the blade's shaft runs the entire length of the handle--ensures excellent balance and strength. Classic handles are molded from a durable black synthetic called Hostaform-C with traditional triple riveting. The knives promise a lifetime of hard-working companionship in the kitchen. This Wüsthof Classic 8 piece block set is a great way to jumpstart your cutlery collection or begin overhauling your old set of knives. Designed to meet the most popular cutting demands, the set includes an 8" Cooks knife for chopping, and a 3-1/2-inch paring knife for coring, trimming, and peeling, 4.5" Utility knife for slicing and peeling. This sets also includes a 8" bread knife, 6" sandwich knife, kitchen shears. Wusthof also includes a 9-inch sharpening steel and an attractive oak block with a total of 17 slots so you can add specialty knives or your old favorites. Classic knives, though safe in the dishwasher, should be washed by hand for best results.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6527 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Wüsthof
• Model: 8418
• Released on: 2005-06-30
• Dimensions: 8.70 pounds

Features

• Blade, bolster and tang forged out of a single piece of high carbon German nostain steel.
• Black 3 rivet synthetic handles for strength and durability
• Laser tested edge for uniform cutting and long-lasting sharp edge.
• Made in Solingen Germany

Customer Reviews

Kitchen staple
I got this as a wedding gift, and I was amazed at how much of a difference it makes in the kitchen! Good knives make cooking such an enjoyable experience, and Wusthof is well-known to be one of the best out there. The 8-piece set is perfect for people who want to start with a good set and build up on it. Of course I use the chef's knife the most, but I also use the bread knife and paring knife a lot too. I think a santoku knife would be a nice addition to this set, and perhaps steak knives would be wonderful to fill in the 6 slots on the bottom of the block, but in terms of practicality, I never feel like I need more than what I already have (but this is coming from a person who is a beginner in the kitchen). I have been using my knives for about 1 1/2 years now, and the knives are still as sharp as they were when we first bought it. I'm sure we will have to sharpen them eventually, but with good care I expect these to last a very long time.

Knife Expert Approved; Multi-Functional and Durable
I am a stage performer as well as a chef. I specialize in contortion and throwing knives (often with my feet). I use the Wusthof so much in the kitchen, that I thought I would incorporate it into my act. I throw the knives at flying fruit and vegis and perform flips with knives between my toes and fling them at my assistants. Throwing knives are usually smaller, perfectly balanced, and forged from one solid piece. They require perfect tang as well and incredible strength. Wusthof is the ONLY high-end kitchen knife that meets these requirements.

Although I have several chef's knives (global, henckel, wusthof, etc) I prefer the Wusthof both in the Kitchen and on Stage. I would never bring the Henckel or any other brand. Wusthof has absolutely perfect balance and tang. The difference from throwing knives is that kitchen knives usually have handles added to the forged steel. Unlike any other high-end brand, Wusthof's handle is extremely durable. In practice, I broke all other brands of knife, both handle and blade. I was surprised that my Henckels did not last very long (the 6" 4-star pro's blade snapped in half and 8"'s handle came apart on one side). The quality of a Wusthof really shows when you use it for something it's not meant for and is still extremely reliable.

And as you can read in all the other reviews, it is very sharp. In case you're wondering, I've never injured an assistant, but I did slit my foot open one time. I also stuck a head of lettuce to a vaulted ceiling.

Great knife; expensive, but worth it
The knife block itself has room for many other knives, and 6 steak knives. The knives themselves are extremely well made. The black handles with metal rivets are definitely a classic/elegant look, and the knives are incredibly sharp. Heavy and sturdy, these knives also hold their edge very well. My favorite knife is the 6" utility knife, because it's not too big, it can be used by men and woman alike (the 8" chef's knife may be a bit big for smaller women), and it's thin enough to get into smaller areas. The smaller 2 knives are greater for vegetable prep.
Definitely don't put these in the dishwasher. And make sure if you buy steakknives, to put them in EDGE UP... as the edge will wear down if you keep sliding the edge along the wood by putting them in edge down.
I already threw all my other knives out. Very happy!