This handsome set contains just about every kitchen knife you'll ever need. It includes an 8-inch cook's knife, a 3-1/2-inch parer, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, and a 4-1/2-inch utility knife, which is an efficient slicer for a wide range of cutting tasks. In addition, the set comes with shears, a 9-inch steel for sharpening, and a nine-slot solid oak block for storage. A rewarding investment in cutting ease and efficiency, this collection would also make a perfect gift.

Part of the Classic series, the implements in this set represent two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. The knives are hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength, and their hand-polished blades are exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take keen edges when honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe, the knives are also fitted with traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handles that are triple-riveted for durability. All Wüsthof cutlery brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to its owners. --Arthur Boehm

What's in the Box
3-1/2-inch parer, 8-inch bread, 4-1/2-inch utility knife, 8-inch cook's knives, 9-inch honing steel, kitchen shears, 9-slot solid oak block

9-slot block set includes cook's knife, bread knife, utility knife, and paring knives; sharpening steel; kitchen shears; and solid oak block

Knives forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon stainless steel to ensure outstanding strength

Compound tapered blade is laser tested for sharpness and the correct cutting angle

Synthetic handles are compression-riveted to the full tang of the blade

Dishwashing safe, though hand washing recommended; backed by lifetime warranty; made in Germany

Average Customer Review: ( 53 customer reviews )
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The Wusthof Classic line is the more conservative counterpart to the Grand Prix line. The only difference, however, is the handle style. I personally prefer the Grand Prix, but this is an issue of personal preference. The balance and grip of these knives are as close to perfect as I have found. For those wondering what benefits a higher priced knife provides, one benefit is that the blade (or tang) is one piece all the way through the handle. This makes the blade much stronger, and less likely to snap.

This set includes an 8 inch chef's knife, a 3 ½ inch paring knife, a 6 inch sandwich knife, 7 inch bread, a sharpening steel, and an oak block

The 8 inch chef's knife is a great knife. Wusthof offers four sizes of chef's knives in the Classic line, 5, 6, 8 and 10 inch. For most home cooks, I think the 8 inch knife is the best choice. The 5 and 6 inch are a bit small for bigger jobs, but the 10 inch is too big for most jobs. While the 8 inch isn't perfect for all uses, if you are only buying one size chef's knife (and most people only buy one), this is the one I would recommend.

As for the 3 ½ inch paring knife, this knife falls into the category of overkill for me. Most cooks will get by just fine with the 4 ½ inch utility knife. There is really no notable difference in size for the vast majority of applications between the 3 ½ inch paring knife and the 4 ½ inch utility knife. I prefer the 4 ½ inch utility knife, but the 3 ½ inch paring knife will do the trick.

I have found very few uses for the 6 inch sandwich knife. I prefer the larger size of the chef's knife or the smaller 4 ½ inch utility knife. This knife is just the wrong width and length for most tasks, and falls into the overkill department, except when part of a set.

The bread knife, is a great knife. Many people think tomatoes are the hardest food items to clearly cut. I think bread is much more difficult; but this knife makes the task seem easy. However, this particular bread knife, at 7 inches, is probably too short. I prefer the 9 inch knife.

When it comes to sharpening steels, I have found very little difference between Henckels and Wusthof. As long as you buy a high end steel, you really won't go wrong. Therefore, I shop for this item on price, and Henckels has a price advantage. However as the steel comes with the set, you won't go wrong with this steel.

This set is a good deal as far as price. However, keep in mind you really only get 4 knives, two of which I think are the wrong selections, and one of which I think is too short.

97 of 102 found the following review helpful:

You will NOT get what's pictured in the product description!Feb 19, 2010
By E. Sehovic
I have a Wusthof Classic that's been sharpened so many times (a decade of daily use), it's come time to replace it. Saw this deal, saw the Classic line in the pictures and ordered.
What was pictured is NOT what was received!
Don't be fooled. This is not the Classic set, it's the cheap stamped out set, and because of it, this isn't a deal. A stamped knife is a stamped knife. It's cheap, light, can't hold an edge and while not really bad, is not something you want to use every day for years and years.

It's a disgrace for Amazon to picture a different product in anothers product description, but it's my fault for trusting them with it and not simply reading reviews and making sure I'm getting what I think I'm getting.



45 of 45 found the following review helpful:

Wusthof GourmetMar 22, 2010
By J. Miner "book maven"
Beware!! Image is deceitful: the design of the knives that is being featured online is much more simple and poorer quality (no curved handle or red label) than the photo that's being used to promote the product! I instantly returned it: actual product and product in the photo are not the same!!

22 of 22 found the following review helpful:

Not the Classic! Don't be fooled from the other reviews.Dec 30, 2009
By A. Kim
This is the Gourmet set of Wusthof which is a lower quality set from the Classic. If that is what you want, that's great (they're still decent quality knives for half the price). Read below - shamelessly ripped from another website [...]

Wusthof Classic:

The best selling line in Wusthof's stable of knives is the Classic which features a 3 rivet handle design. These knives are high quality and Wusthof has done very well over the years with it. If it ain't broke don't fix it should be the modo for this line since there have been no changes to it in decades. These are great knives but and are indeed classic in blade design and traditional handle fit and feel. The balance of the knife is good in the 8" Chef Knife that we tested. We wish they would sharpen these knives without a bevel and many professionals will have the bevel removed by a sharpening service as soon as they purchase them. Overall a solid choice but we do prefer the updated blade design of the Le Cordon Bleu as well as the updated handle design of the Culinar. We score this line 8.0

Wusthof Gourmet:

This is their only stamped line. Stamped knives differ from Forged knives in that the blades are literally stamped from a thin sheet of steel. They tend to be significantly less money than the forged knives and are ½ the weight. For those on a budget these knives perform reasonably well but not as good as those above. For this reason we do not recommend these knives. Score 6

Forged vs. Stamped [...]
Forged Knife:

"Forged knives are hand made through a process of extreme heat and hand molding. Each forged knife is carefully and hand crafted with extreme detail. The tang of the knife merges into the handle and is typically secured by three rivets."

Stamped Knife:

"Stamped knives are made from templated cutters that cut the shape of the knives into flat metal. Stamped knives are lighter but don't have the same quality and balance as the forged knives do. Due to the lack of density, the stamped knives don't hold edges as well as the forged knives. Stamped knives are usually less expensive. "

The Benefit Of Forged Knife And Stamped Knife

Due to forged knives undergo a treatment process to enhance the flexibility, density, and hardness of the knife. Forged knives tend to be heavier than stamped knives. Besides that, forged knives generally offer greater strength and durability as well as better balance, a heavier feel and lasting sharpness. Most of the top notch best kitchen knives are forged knives that come with the more expesive price tag.

Stamped knives are generally less expensive, but tend to lack the strength and balance of a forged knife. Take this as a general rule, though. There are some reasonably priced, yet high-quality stamped knives on the market today that have excellent cutting ability and a light-weight maneuverability favored by many chefs.


21 of 22 found the following review helpful:

Wow, better than I had hoped.Oct 04, 2004
By W. L. Holder
***EDIT-- This review was written in 2004 for the Wustof CLASSIC knife set, NOT THE GOURMET. The Classic set is about 4-5 times the cost of the Gourmet set. The Gourmet is the economy/entry level set from Wustof. Amazon has since linked this review to the Gourmet set as well. Please keep that in mind.***

I recently purchased the Wustof Classic set after much research between the various Wustof and Henkel models. In general, the Wustof's had a much nicer feel and balance to them. I also prefered the blade weight and thickness of the Wustof. I personally prefer the Classic over the Grand Prix, but it is 100% personal preference as the only real difference is the handles.

I compared the Wustof's to the Henkel's at one of the knife stores in the mall. Comparing them side-by-side was very enlightening and made my mind up that I will only buy the Wustof's from now on. I highly recomend going to one of the mall knife shops and playing with them, most have a wide selection of all of the high quality knives. For this kind of money it is the only wise way to make your decision. I would recomend purchasing from Amazon.com though, the knife stores I went to were about 25% more expensive unless they had a "sale" on a specific item, in which case it was the same price as Amazon.com.

These are one of the best knives you can get, although they are no better than the other models and makes. All knives at this level are top quality, please base your decision on preference and try them out first.

See all 53 customer reviews on Amazon.com