Wusthof Gourmet 10 Piece Review

What sets the Wusthof apart is the lighter weight and slimmer handles. The combination makes them easier to weld, especially when you're trying to perform tedious tasks like pitting olives. Those with small to average sized hands will also find this to be a virtue, as heavy blades and hefty handles can be harder to wield. Every knife is sharp as a tack, while the thinner blade excels at precise cuts. Thinly slice heads of garlic and you'll see what we mean. Not only does it perform well, but it looks good in the kitchen. Plus, it is small enough that it won't take up too much space. The premium Wusthof kitchen knife set will cost you, but you sure get what you paid for in return.

Performance Comparison

Sharpness and Precision

If sharpness and precision are what you want, that's what you'll get with Wusthof. It performed exceptionally in this metric, making it a favorite amongst our testers.

Although the chef's blade is smaller than most, it doesn't hinder the sharpness. When preparing our steak and potato dinner, we noticed very little resistance when slicing through ingredients. The tiny paring knife is a favorite for hulling strawberries and peeling apples alike. Overall, we liked how the smaller size allowed us to handle smaller foods that required more precise cuts. The same can be said for the itty-bitty trimming knife we loved peeling thin cucumber slices with. Anyone who values a sharp and precise knife will be more than happy with what this top-tier kitchen knife set has to offer.

Quality and Durability

Better quality tends to equate to more durability, and thus, a longer lifespan. And this my friends, is primo quality.

There is no denying Wusthof is a well built set. The full tang blades are flawless and fit like a puzzle piece into the riveted handles. Even the kitchen shears separate so you can wash and dry them with ease. We particularly appreciate this clever feature as we have often forgotten to open scissors after washing so they can properly dry.

The only concern we have are the thin blades. While we love what they mean for precision, thinner blades can be more prone to chipping. That said, they are unquestionably crafted with care. If you take care of this set, we have every reason to believe it will take care of you.

Balance

The balance between a knife blade and handle can either make you revel in your work or convince you to call for take-out. Luckily, the Wusthof is the first of the two options.

Not only is the balance perfect, but it feels great when using both a pinch grip and a handle grip. Mix the balance with the lighter weight and using these knives is not only a breeze, but it is also less tiring. Whether we were chopping, slicing, peeling, or mincing, the knives showed no signs of an unbalanced feel. In return, we happily prepped our meals as the knives worked for us rather than against us.

Handle Ergonomics

Whether you're making a quick meal or spending hours preparing a holiday feast, you'll undoubtedly want comfortable handles that offer good ergonomics. That is precisely what you'll get with Wusthof.

The smooth and lightweight handles of the Wusthof stood out among the competition. The knives felt like an extension of our hand when performing a multitude of tasks. Additionally, the squared edges provided stability without causing discomfort. However, you should be aware that they are on the petite side. Some home cooks with large hands may want bigger handles to match. That said, we found the size and weight to be an advantage at times. These two factors let us easily prepare meals without dealing with a cumbersome tool. And in our experience, the better the tool fits, the more enjoyable your experience will be in the kitchen.

Storage

Why choose style over function when you can have both? The storage block included with the Wusthof set has plenty to offer and it looks good in the kitchen.

The grain on the acacia wood has an attractive appeal that will fit in with both modern and rustic kitchens alike. The size isn't too bulky to remain fixed on the counter and the angle is just right. If you have any knives currently in your kitchen, you can give them a new home in the empty slots. Speaking of which, the only drawback is not everyone will be keen on the empty slots. These extra homes make it look like something is missing, even though it's not. However, if this doesn't bother you or you're looking to purchase additional pieces, the storage block will do well in virtually any kitchen.

Should You Buy the Wusthof Gourmet 10 Piece?

Spot on balance, exceptionally sharp blades, and great handle ergonomics make it clear why the Wusthof costs more than the competition. Each piece in this set has a different intended purpose than the last, and each one excels at that. In fact, this set handled every test we threw at it with flying colors. We like the slim and lightweight handles, which reduce fatigue when cooking up a big meal. Although it will take a chunk out of your budget, the price is just right considering what you get in return. Anyone who spends a great deal of time in the kitchen cooking up a storm or experimenting with recipes will want to consider investing in the Wusthof set.

What Other Kitchen Knife Set Should You Consider?

First and foremost, you need to consider your budget. If price is your main hangup, you can still get a stellar set without spending top dollar. For instance, Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece and Henckels International Statement 12 Piece are incredible investments that cost a fraction of the price. Both of these sets are sharp right out of the box and capable of handling the rigors of daily use. If the price is right, but you need more robust handles, the Tuo 8 Piece is a great set. We love the sturdy pakkawood handles, sharp blades, and overall performance that come with this investment. Of course, if you are going to make the investment, we also recommend protecting it with a quality knife sharpener.