Wüsthof vs ZWILLING JA Henckels – Which German Brand to Choose?

You should never settle for a poor kitchen knife that will stop working after a few months while you’re hunting for a wonderful new one. Professional and home cooks alike of days choose high-quality German products. So let’s compare two of the best knife manufacturers, Zwilling and Wutshof, to find out which is actually better.

Wüsthof

Commence with Zwilling. They were the first of the two businesses to be established, and they did so in the same German city of Solingen as Wusthof, in 1731. Thus, the rivalry between the two knife companies has been going on for a while, which is possibly what has driven their ongoing, fierce competition.

All of Zwilling’s knife blades are made of high carbon, rust-resistant steel, and they come with a limited lifetime warranty. Additionally, the blades have a full tang, which can improve each blade’s balance and durability. They cut the edges of their knives at a 15° angle, which is rather keen but, as we’ll see, not nearly as sharp as Wusthof’s blades.

However, compared to other brands, Zwilling knives are typically a little more robust. Additionally, they have a distinct curve close to the handle where you can rest your pinky finger to prevent hand slipping.

ZWILLING JA Henckels

The aforementioned immediate rival of Zwilling, Wusthof, also produces knives in the same German town. They were established in 1814, and most of their blades resemble those made by Zwilling, with a few significant exceptions.

Because Wusthof knives cut their edges at a 14° angle rather than a 50° angle, they are typically a little sharper than Zwilling blades. Because of the lower angle, the edges are usually somewhat sharper than those of their rivals. Wusthof knives also keep their edge a little bit longer than Zwilling knives do. The downside is that these edges need more regular upkeep and are marginally less long-lasting in the long run.

Although some other variations of Wusthof knives have smoother, contoured handles to enable ergonomic gripping, most Wusthof knives have a noticeable curve on their handle in terms of aesthetics.

Depending on the specific model, both knife manufacturers provide blades that range in price from inexpensive to costly. The precise blade or set determines whether knife is more economical or better for a kitchen on a tight budget.

Let’s now examine both producers by side-by-side contrasting some of their best knives.

Check out our previous comparisons of Wusthof vs. Dalstrong knives, Victorinox vs. Wusthof, or boning vs. filling knives if you’re interested.

Which Is Better: Wüsthof vs ZWILLING JA Henckels?

In the end, both of these knife companies demonstrate the excellence and discipline of German engineering. They both employ superior blade production techniques, including a number of patented technologies, which enable them to produce blades that are incredibly sharp and maintain their edges for an extended amount of time (at least when properly polished).

However, Zwilling knives are frequently (but not always) a little better value because they frequently have more sales and slightly lower asking prices while also being comparable to or identical in quality to what Wusthof can provide. They are therefore often a better option for anyone trying to strike a balance between price and quality.

Knives made by Wusthof may be a better option if you value great balance and even superior sharpness. Since their blades are a little more delicate, chefs and home cooks with a lot of experience who don’t mind taking exceptional care of their knives may want to stick with them in the long run.

Overall, both businesses provide top-notch cutlery that will outperform store brands or less expensive options.