The German Wusthof knife company is one of the best knife companies around the world. They are selling kitchen knives for over two hundred years now with a great reputation. So far, they have seven product lines for their kitchen knife. You might wonder which line is the best option for you. Don’t worry anymore. In this article, we will provide a comparison review for Wusthof classic vs Gourmet kitchen knives.
These two German blades have some major differences. As each line come with a verity in features, it is difficult to understand what is the ideal option for you. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to make your choice between Classic and Gourmet kitchen knife. So, let’s go below and find the difference between Wusthof classic and gourmet knives.
Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet: A Table of Brief Comparison
Let’s take a head to head quick look at the comparison table below:
Facts to Consider | Wusthof Classic Knife | Wusthof Gourmet Knife |
Design | German/European | German/European |
Body | Forged | Stamped |
Handles | Synthetic Materials | Synthetic Materials |
Edge Angles | 14° per side | 18° per side |
Weight | 9.1 oz | 8.0 oz |
Bolster | Yes | No |
Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
Price | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet: Which is for What
When we review Wusthof classic vs gourmet, we have found some notable differences between these two German-made knives. So to know which line of Wusthof knives is the best, continue reading-
Wusthof Classic Chef Knife Review
The German Wusthof knife company is fighting a battle with Japanese Shun for over a hundred years. In the Shun vs Wusthof battle, Wusthof classic line is the main weapon for the German side. It is one of the best kitchen knives they ever produced. This German knife is called ‘kitchen workhorse’ for the performance rate and the versatile use. However, what else made this kitchen knife is so great? We are going to discuss all of the important features now. So, let’s find the answers below.
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 6” CLASSIC IKON Cook's Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC IKON SERIES – Features a sleek and sophisticated black handle with a double bolster for exceptional balance, beauty, and the ultimate cutting experience. Classic IKON: Design, Ergonomics, and Quality Perfected
- CHEF’S KNIFE – Features a 6” long blade with a distinctive double Bolster design for professional-style heft. German Made Cook’s Knife with a sleek ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration
- PRECISION FORGED – Forged from a single block of High Carbon Stainless Steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models
- CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
Design
Wusthof classic comes with traditional western design. They are specially designed for high performance, comfort, and safety. It will help you to prepare your meal at ease.

Additionally, like the other Wusthof knives, the Wusthof classic line is well balanced and comes with a full tang. Therefore, it is strong and ideal option for any kind of kitchen works.
Also, this kitchen knife comes with a finger guard that will help you to make a perfect grip while cutting your food. So, if you have slippery hands then this chef knife is the solution for you.
Durability & Sharpness
Wusthof Classic knife is well appreciated for its durability. The professionals also love to keep Wusthof classic in their kitchen. It is hard enough to cut big pumpkins at ease. Therefore, you can trust this blade for cutting any kind of food.

It was fully forged from high carbon stainless steel. It can be very effective for heavy-duty kitchen works. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for a lifetime investment. You don’t have to buy another kitchen knife if you can use this knife properly.
It comes with Precision Edge Technology which made this knife 20% sharper than any other Wusthof kitchen knife. Moreover, this is the Wusthof line that is most comparable to Japanese Shun knives. So, this chef knife could be the ideal option to replace any other kitchen knife.
Handle
Wusthof Classic kitchen knife comes with an ergonomic handle. It means this handle is specially designed for comfortable grips. Therefore, this knife is one of the most preferable knives among professionals.

The handle is made with synthetic materials. Thus, it will not be faded or discolored. You can easily clean up the knife after every use. So, this knife is an ideal long-term option.
Additionally, in this knife handle, they have introduced a full bolster and finger guard. So, this knife will not come off from your hand easily. You can work for a long time with a little more safety insurance.
Overall
Wusthof Classic knife is the best line they have ever introduced. It is durable, sharp, comfortable and an ideal option for long term investment. We highly recommend this kitchen knife.
Pros
- Ideal for high performance
- All-purpose cook’s knife
- Ergonomic handle with synthetic materials
- Sturdy
- Comes with finger guard
- Extra Sharp
- The perfect option for long-term investment
Cons
- A bit pricy but worth it
- It’s not lightweight
5 Best Wusthof Classic Knives
Wusthof Gourmet Chef Knife Review

The German Wusthof knife company is renowned for making high-quality and expensive kitchen knives. However, if you are looking for a quality knife at an affordable price then they have this option for you. The Wusthof Gourmet line comes with all most all the features of a high-performance kitchen knife. But is it actually worth going for instead of an expensive kitchen knife? Is it good enough to come into consideration as a high-performance kitchen knife? So, before making your decision, let’s find out what specially you will get from this affordable kitchen knife below.
- WÜSTHOF GOURMET SERIES – 6" Flexible Boning Knife with synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact. Precisely laser-cut stamped knives offer superb quality and value
- RAZOR SHARP – High Carbon Stainless Steel Blades, precisely cut with the latest state of the art technology for incredible sharpness and easy maintenance. WÜSTHOF kitchen knives are Hand Wash Only
- WÜSTHOF BONING KNIFE – The GOURMET 6" Flexible Boning Knife is ideal for removing bones in pork, beef or chicken. The long narrow curved blade enables the knife to move cleanly along the bones for clean cuts. The flexible design makes it easier to maneuver around smaller bones
- DURABLE – WÜSTHOF Cutlery is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling. This German made Kitchen Knife set Comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty
- CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
Design
Wusthof Gourmet Line doesn’t come with the same design as the others. So, you have to accept that it is not going to be as well balanced as the premium kitchen knives. Does it sound like a deal-breaker? Of course not. With this budget, this design is fear enough.
This Wusthof kitchen knife is lightweight and works smoothly around the tough corners. It will help you to cut your foods at any angle with ease. So, you can prepare your meal a bit quicker with this chef knife.

Like the other Wusthof line, this blade also comes with finger guards. So, you can make a perfect grip while slicing or chopping your food. This knife won’t drop off from your hand.
Durability & Sharpness
Western knives are traditionally durable than other knives. Even at this budget, you can find lifetime service from Wusthof Gourmet kitchen knife. You can trust this knife for heavy-duty kitchen works.

With the modern laser-cut stamped technology, this knife is perfectly capable of doing any kind of kitchen works. However, don’t expect too much from this knife. You should make proper cuts and do the maintenance to get a long-term service from this knife.
Additionally, this knife comes with sharp edges. You can do slicing, mincing, chopping, and dicing from odd angles quite easily. So, this knife could be an option for your daily kitchen works.
Handle
Wusthof Gourmet Chef Kitchen Knife comes to a synthetic polypropylene handle. That is similar to the other Wusthof lines. So, the handle is safe from fading and discoloration. Also, it can take heat and impacts.

Additionally, as the handle comes with synthetic materials, you can easily clean it up after every use. Make sure you are not cleaning this knife with your dishwasher. You should clean this knife with your hands.
Besides, this handle also includes finger guards like the other Wusthof lines. So, it will ensure a tight and comfortable grip every time you use it. To be fair, you won’t get finger guards on many premium kitchen knives.
Overall
Wusthof Gourmet knife is the most affordable quality kitchen knife you will find in the market. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. So, if you want to buy a budget kitchen knife this knife is the best option for you.
Pros
- Affordable Chef knife
- Versatile use
- The handle comes with synthetic materials
- lightweight
- Comes with finger guard
- Ideal for odd angels
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- It not well-balanced
- Not sturdy like the premium knives
- Gets Dull relatively faster
5 Best Wusthof Gourmet Chef Knives
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
Farberware Stamped 15-Piece High-Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, Steak Knives, Black | $46.88 | Buy on Amazon | |
2 |
![]() |
WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife | $170.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
3 |
![]() |
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set | $115.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
4 |
![]() |
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 5" Spreader Knife | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
5 |
![]() |
WÜSTHOF Classic 3.5" Paring Knife | $95.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet: Comparison Review
Before going to discuss the difference between Wusthof Classic and Gourmet, you should know that Wusthof Classic Knife is an expensive premium knife, unlike the Gourmet. So, the Wusthof Gourmet is clearly the underdog here. But can’t the underdogs beat favorites? Of course, they can in certain situations.
In this part of this article, we will compare both of these knives to help you to understand the actual difference between them. So, before buying an expansive knife let’s find out is there any reason to change your mind.
Fact 1: Sharpness
Sharpness is a key factor to buy chef knives. Sharp blades could save your energy and let you prepare your meal a lot faster. With a sharp kitchen knife, you can make smooth cuts and prepare your meal at ease.
The Wusthof Classic comes with Precision Edge Technology that made this knife sharper than other Wusthof knife. So, clearly this Wusthof Classic line is way ahead of the Gourmet line. However, the Gourmet knife is lightweight and it comes with the advantage of cutting the odd angles easily. So, even though the Wusthof Classic knife is sharper than the Gourmet knife, you can still consider it for your home kitchen.
Fact 2: Durability
Kitchen knives must be durable to provide high-performance duties. If your kitchen knife is enough strong you can almost any food without have many difficulties. So, it is one of the main reasons to buy a premium kitchen knife.
The Wusthof Classic is one of the sturdiest kitchen knives around the world. If you need a heavy-duty kitchen knife, we will recommend this knife straightway. It will be ideal to cut hard foods. On the other hand, the Gourmet line is not as strong as the classic line. It is not an ideal choice for high performance. However, it’s good enough for a home cook. It will serve a home cook proficiently if you do the maintenances properly.
Fact 3: Design
The Wusthof knives come with traditional western designs. They are designed for high-performance kitchen works. Also, their handles come with ergonomic designs. Each of the lines includes finger guards on the handle.
The Wusthof classic knife has a full tang design and ergonomic handle. If you are looking for a knife for heavy-duty kitchen works then clearly you have to spend more and go for this knife. On the contrary, the Gourmet knife is lightweight but has a balance issue. Therefore, you can not consider it for heavy-duty works. It also comes with syntenic materials and a finger guard in the handle. So, it’s actually not a deal-breaker if you are looking for a regular kitchen knife.
Fact 4: Price
Here comes the main difference between these two German kitchen knives. If you have a bigger budget then you can go for the classic line. However, if you don’t want to spend so much money on a kitchen knife then you can go for the affordable gourmet line.
You might ask is Wusthof Classic Knife worth your money? Of course, it does. This expansive kitchen knife provides much better service then the budget kitchen knives. So, it’s well worth your money. On the other hand, the Gourmet line comes at an affordable price. It also provides somewhat quality service for this price.
Fact 5: Maintenance & Warranty
Both of these knives come with a limited lifetime warranty. So, here you could be a little relaxed while buying them. However, you should know that they do not cover everything in the warranty. So, you should take care of your knives after buying them.
Both of the knives need to be hone and sharpen after using it for some time. Wusthof classic is sharper and stronger than Gourmet. So, if you chose Gourmet over classic than you have to hone and sharpen it more often. You should not use your dishwasher to clean any of these knives. You should clean both of these knives with your hand after using.
When Should You Choose Wusthof Classic Knife?
You have already known in and out of the Classic and Gourmet kitchen knife. So, it should be easy for you now to pick up your preferable knife. However, if you are still wondering why should you spend so much of your money on an expensive kitchen knife this section will give you the answer.
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 8” Classic Chef’s Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – The full Tang, Triple Riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home cook or professional chef. The WÜSTHOF classic series has been our best-selling series for generations
- CHEF’S KNIFE – Features an 8” long blade, 4.5” long handle and weighs 8.5 ounce Full Bolster and Finger Guard, German Made Cook’s Knife. Ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration
- PRECISION FORGED – The 8” Chef’s Knife is forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models
- ENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
If you are looking for a professional knife then you have to spend more money. You can not use a budget knife for heavy-duty works. It will not last for long. You have to spend again on your kitchen knife. So, if you want to buy a chef knife for a lifetime then you should go for the expensive premium knife.
When Should You Choose Wusthof Gourmet Knife?
Is Wusthof Gourmet any good? First of all, if you have a low budget then this is the best option for you. The German Wusthof knife company has its reputation for two hundred years. They are well-known for producing quality knives. So, this knife may come at an affordable price but it is not a low-quality knife. It comes with modern stamped technology, unlike the premium knives. This is one of the major differences between other Wusthof lines which actually reduced the price.
- WÜSTHOF GOURMET SERIES – 8" Chef's Knife with synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact. Precisely laser-cut stamped knives offer superb quality and value
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 8” Gourmet Chef’s Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
- WÜSTHOF CHEF'S KNIFE – The GOURMET 8" Cook’s Knife is the work horse of the kitchen, or the essential kitchen knife. Due to the weight and balance of the knife, it is also perfect for heavy duty work such as cutting thicker vegetables and meats
- DURABLE – WÜSTHOF Cutlery is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling. This German made Kitchen Knife set Comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty
- CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
So, you don’t need to be too much concerned about the quality, if you want to buy this knife for home use. Again, it’s not as robust as the expensive knives but it is perfectly capable of cutting any food. Therefore, if you have a budget issue and you want a quality knife for your home use then this is the ideal option for you.
5 Tips to Use Kitchen Knife Safely
While you are using a kitchen knife you have to cut your food properly. It will not only extend its life but also your hands will be safe too. In this section, we will give you 5 tips which will help you to prevent any accidental cut and also boost your kitchen knife’s performance.
Always Keep Them Sharp
You might wonder why you have to keep your kitchen knife sharp to prevent cuts. Well, dull knives can cut your hands to. They can slip while you are cutting your food. A sharp knife will not slip easily while cutting. Thus, if you keep your kitchen knife sharp your hands will be safer while preparing the meal.
Always Use a Cutting Board
Never cut your food on a ceramic or metal countertop. Always use a cutting board to keep your kitchen knife safe. It will also prevent slippery. You should also make sure that your cutting board is not moving while you are using it. If your cutting board slip often you should use a towel under the cutting board.
Keep Your Fingers Away
While chopping or slicing with your kitchen knife make sure your guiding fingers are away from the knife edge. Just hold the food from a safe distance and keep your eye on the food while cutting. Never use your palm while cutting with your kitchen knife.
Learn Proper Grips
Proper grips are important while cutting your food. Even though these Wusthof knives come with finger guards, if you don’t have a proper grip, you will face difficulties while preparing your food. Therefore, you should learn proper technique before using a kitchen knife.
Don’t Use Your Knife While Bleeding
If you cut your hand accidentally don’t wait to wash your hand. Put some pressure to prevent bleeding. After that, you should use some antibiotic cream there and make a bandage. If the cut is too bad then you should go out for medical assistance.
Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet – Our Verdict
The key differences between Wusthof classic vs gourmet are Wusthof Classic knives are forged and Gourmet knives are stamped. We hope this Wusthof classic vs Gourmet article helped you to make your final choice. So, make your investment now and get a kitchen knife to prepare your meal swiftly.
The FAQs About Wusthof Classic Vs Gourmet
Wusthof Classic vs Gourmet: Which one is better? Well, to make final decision at this point we like to answer some important frequently asked questions from Wusthof knives users. Ok, Lets have quick look of these FAQs among Wusthof knives gourmet vs classic.
Is Wusthof classic is a better kitchen knife than Gourmet?
Can I go for a budget kitchen knife?
Is the Wusthof Gourmet knife good for multipurpose?
Is Wusthof classic good for high performance?
Is Wusthof Gourmet good for long-term investment?
What should you look for while buying your kitchen knife?
How to clean my kitchen knife?
How to sharpen my kitchen knife?
Related Reading:
- Messermeister vs. Wüsthof- Which is for Whom? – 5 Facts to Compare
- Wusthof Classic vs Classic Ikon
- Victorinox vs Wusthof Knives: Which One Is Supreme?
- Mercer Knives vs Wusthof: Which is the Best Chef’s Knife?
- Wusthof vs Zwilling—Let’s Bring a Cold Comparison!
Thanks for reading!