The fascination with knives is a bit more strongly felt in Solingen Germany. Peter Henckels, in 1731 knew he found his passion, and success through his brand ZWILLING, so he trademarked it with the Cutler’s Guild. This has made Zwilling JA Henckels one of the true, oldest brands on modern record! Today, Zwilling continues to thrive as one of the worlds best manufacturers of cutlery. Zwilling JA Henckels knives are combined with old-fashioned workmanship along with pioneering fabrication technology of the future.

The “City of Blades” is what Wusthof refers to its home city of Solingen. Just down the road from their biggest competitor, Wusthof has been around, creating the finest in cutlery as well since 1814. The Wusthof family started in shears, steel, and iron works, but by 1881, Eduard Wusthof was off overseas on his first business trip packed down with his already famous bread, vegetable, butcher, and pocketknives. In 2021, Wusthof brings the planet exceptional knives which stay sharp whilst being gorgeous, practical, and impeccably calculated for weight distribution.

Related: Knife Buying Guide: German VS Japanese

The Importance of Choosing the Right Knife

Us here at Williams Food Equipment CAN NOT stress the importance of a great knife in your kitchen. Honestly, just one knife will never suffice if you wish to accomplish multiple tasks throughout one meal prep. The culinary world starts, and typically ends, with a knife. Butchering, to finishing off that filet mignon requires a great knife. The multitude of knives on the market are vast. Many suffice, while most are a gimmick…Germany, the town of Solingen in fact, has been on the map for 290 years for their prowess in cutlery. Here lies the two great companies by the names of Wusthof & Zwilling JA Henckels: The choice of the right knife has been riddled down to two!

Differences Between Wusthof & Zwilling JA Henckels

Both Zwilling JA Henckels and Wusthof have been providing the world with the best of Western-styled cutlery for centuries. Beyond the years of their own growths, and technological advances that they have achieved, the main divergence amongst Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Wusthof is something only a skilled chef would realize over a long duration. Most of us would cherish the cutting power of either a Henckels or a Wusthof!

Differences

The big difference is technical. Wusthof edges are marginally razor-sharper at a 14° angle on each side likened to the Zwilling JA Henckels at 15°. Then, going to the Rockwell scale, Wusthof blades remain a tad more rigid, with outcomes as superior sharpness but encourages the possibilities of the blade notching.

Similarities

The similarities start in Solingen Germany, with both Wusthof and Henckels using the finest materials for the last 200+years. Only the best rust resistant, high-carbon steel is utilized in their fabrications. The bolster and full tang of both Zwilling JA Henckels and Wusthof knives are recognizable as the best in quality around the world for their durability and “feel in the hand”.

Related: Best Professional Knife Sets

Choosing Wusthof vs Zwilling JA Henckels

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When deciding on this arduous task (we all know quality does not come cheaply), let us help in deciding which side of Solingen Germany you would prefer. Again, there is no wrong choice in Zwilling JA Henckels brand of cutlery over the Wusthof brand of knives. Deciding is up to how you cook, what you cook, and how often do you want to cook? Both brands chop, slice, and dice, but one might suit your needs a bit better than the other. Here is why:

#1: The price point between lines varies. If you are very experienced, an enthusiast, or a professional, both Zwilling JA Henckels and Wusthof offer the best of the best! But remember, Wusthof has now 6 lines of cutlery for every pocketbook. Therefore, Zwilling JA Henckels does as well. Look at great knives like a great car company. They have to appeal to all of us at different levels to keep themselves in the game, and us all happy.

#2: The lines of the knife handles: Wusthof & Henckels are remarkably similar in styles. Yet, Wusthof handles have softer, profiled lines over Zwilling JA Henckels’ distinctive curved end. Ergonomics matters! Some call it “In the hand” feel to a knife. If you are using any knife a lot, you want it to feel like an extension of your wrist.

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#3: The math. Many won’t mind the differences, but Wusthof at a 14° angle over Henckels 15°angle vs Wusthof’s 58 Rockwell hardness over Zwilling JA Henckels’ 57 Rockwell might be something to consider. Also, these numbers are based on their different lines of knives. The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer line has a Rockwell scale of 61! Honestly, for us, we have tried, used, and owned both brands forever here at WFE. They are both incredibly sharp, and with proper maintenance will keep staying sharp into their old age!

#4: Individual knife type: If you are looking for a Chef Knife let’s say, then do you want the Zwilling, completely forged from high-carbon 57 Rockwell steel, and is produced applying the newest knowledge and skill to guarantee that each Chef knife comes out of the Henckels factory with an ultra-sharp, uniform blade. Or, how about the Wusthof Chef Knife which features all you want in a first-rate chef’s knife, containing fantastic stability, a ridiculously sharp 28° edge and comes in longer sizes for those with bigger hands? See, the decision will be right for you in whichever Chef knife you choose!

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Finding the Perfect Knives with William Food Equipment

We are big believers in extensive testing, research, and obtaining feedback anyone and everyone regarding cutlery. As mentioned earlier, without a knife, starting anything in the culinary world would be a huge challenge. Williams Food Equipment is proud to present on our website approximately 1064 products regarding all things to do with knives, so that challenge to find a great knife will no longer exist!

Cutlery is truly our passion. Please remember to check out our “Recipe” section for helpful tips and tricks of the trade, as well as all the great recipes! The two knives above are from our German friends. If you are interested in the Japanese style of cutlery, check out: Knife Buying Guide: German vs Japanese. Another blog that might aid you in your find is: Knife Buying Guide. And, when you have chosen that perfect knife, read up on our Chef’s Choice Knife Sharpener Buying Guide to preserve your special purchase effectively!

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