wüstoff knife and sharpening steel

The 8 Best German Knife Brands for Your Kitchen in 2023

Hey there, fellow foodie! Let me share my personal experience with you about the crème de la crème of kitchen tools. The best German knife brands.

Picture this: effortlessly gliding through juicy steaks or gracefully slicing veggies with precision.

German knives are the secret weapon every home cook dreams of, Delivering unparalleled performance and lasting quality. When I first laid my hands on a German knife. It was like a match made in culinary heaven.

The sturdy construction and razor-sharp blades turned even the most mundane meal prep into a joyous affair. From dicing onions to chopping herbs.

These knives became my trusted sidekick in the kitchen, making every cooking session a breeze if you’re ready to level up your culinary game.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Invest in a German knife that will be your kitchen confidant for years.

Trust me. Once you experience these knives’ precision, comfort, and durability, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them. Treat yourself to kitchen perfection, and let the magic unfold!

See What Knives Does Hell’s Kitchen Star Gordon Ramsay Use

Note: Slice through culinary perfection with the WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece and ZWILLING Pro 16-pc Knife Block Set. Experience the magic of these amazing knife sets.

Top German Kitchen Knife Brands

  1. Best Overall: WÜSTHOF German Knives
  2. Best Value: Zwilling
  3. Best Upgrade: Messermeister
  4. Best Balanced: Mercer Culinary
  5. Most Extensive: Güde
  6. Best Alternative: Boker
  7. Best Precision: Cangshan Cutlery
  8. Best Pocket Knife: Hen & Rooster
Preview
WÜSTHOF
WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Zwilling
ZWILLING TWIN Signature 15-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set - Brown
Messermeister
Messermeister Avanta 10-Piece Pakkawood Knife Block Set - German X50 Stainless Steel - Includes 4 Speciality Knives, Heavy-Weight Fork, 4 Steak Knives & Magnetic Knife Block
Mercer Culinary
Mercer Culinary 8-Piece Renaissance Board 7 Magnetic Knife Set, 14 1/8 x 10 1/4, Stainless Steel
Title
WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set
ZWILLING TWIN Signature 15-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set – Brown
Messermeister Avanta 10-Piece Pakkawood Knife Block Set – German X50 Stainless Steel – Includes 4 Speciality Knives, Heavy-Weight Fork, 4 Steak Knives & Magnetic Knife Block
Mercer Culinary 8-Piece Renaissance Board 7 Magnetic Knife Set, 14 1/8 x 10 1/4, Stainless Steel
Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Herbs, Meat
Customer Rating
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$995.00
$453.36
$199.95
$401.06
WÜSTHOF
Preview
WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Title
WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Herbs, Meat
Customer Rating
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$995.00
Details
Zwilling
Preview
ZWILLING TWIN Signature 15-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set - Brown
Title
ZWILLING TWIN Signature 15-pc Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set – Brown
Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Herbs, Meat
Customer Rating
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$453.36
Details
Messermeister
Preview
Messermeister Avanta 10-Piece Pakkawood Knife Block Set - German X50 Stainless Steel - Includes 4 Speciality Knives, Heavy-Weight Fork, 4 Steak Knives & Magnetic Knife Block
Title
Messermeister Avanta 10-Piece Pakkawood Knife Block Set – German X50 Stainless Steel – Includes 4 Speciality Knives, Heavy-Weight Fork, 4 Steak Knives & Magnetic Knife Block
Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Herbs, Meat
Customer Rating
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$199.95
Details
Mercer Culinary
Preview
Mercer Culinary 8-Piece Renaissance Board 7 Magnetic Knife Set, 14 1/8 x 10 1/4, Stainless Steel
Title
Mercer Culinary 8-Piece Renaissance Board 7 Magnetic Knife Set, 14 1/8 x 10 1/4, Stainless Steel
Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Herbs, Meat
Customer Rating
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$401.06
Details

Wusthof and Zwilling are the top two German knife manufacturers. The brands are known for quality products and are two of the best knife manufacturers worldwide.

Wüstoff has been making knives since 1814. And Henckels has been around since 1895.

Are you looking for top-quality German kitchen knife brands? Look no further than Amazon!

With a wide selection of brands like Wusthof, Zwilling, Messermeister, Mercer Culinary, Güde and Boker, you can find the perfect knife for your needs.

Plus, with fast and reliable shipping and excellent customer service, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a high-quality product from a trusted source.

Best Overall: WÜSTHOF German Knives

Based in Solingen, Germany (home to many other popular German kitchen knife brands), for many, Wüsthof has remained the world’s premier knife brand for over 200 years.

Established in 1814, this family-owned company prides itself on staying true to its roots, maintaining product quality, and advancing crafting techniques.

Wüsthof has maintained its popularity because it continued developing its knives based on the progressing needs of the market.

And providing new features that perfectly serve even its most demanding clients.

In short. The Wüsthof experts have been able to think ahead and create knives that redefine a premier product.

Therefore, several renowned chefs, such as Gordon Ramsey. Have chosen Wüsthof as their primary chef knife brand, which has led to the company gaining worldwide recognition.

Even though they make many knives.

Wüsthof is mainly known for producing robust forged knives and is considered an expert in their manufacturing. Forged knives are considered to be the most durable and long-lasting.

(According to MetroKitchen.com, “German Kitchen Knives have been made in Solingen, Germany for centuries.”)

Specifically, Wusthof knives contain quality stainless steel from Germany. Among other metals, ensuring their hardness and making them corrosion-resistant.

Their blades go through multiple levels of testing to ensure that the final product will be on par with the company’s reputation.

Under Wüsthof. Several other knife lines have various designs based on their intended use.

The original series of knives that Wüsthof produced was the Classic line of forged knives, which gave the company its reputation for making durable, long-lasting kitchen knives.

Others include the Amici and the 1814 series, which incorporate Italian design styles. The Aeon knives have black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for more hardness.

Classic Ikon, Ikon, Crafter, Gourmet, their laser-cut knives; and Performer. Rusting, which often happens to many kitchen knives, should not be a problem with a Wüsthof due to its high quality.

Of course. This doesn’t mean you should significantly keep your kitchen tools under extreme conditions if you have invested a certain amount of money.

You can last many years without practicing extensive maintenance by purchasing a Wusthof chef knife or Wusthof Classic Ikon set.

Wüsthof also offers various types of knife sets for all sorts of purposes.

Besides a professional chef knife, you also get most of the essential tools you need, such as a paring knife, a utility knife, a carving knife, kitchen shears, and much more, based on the knife block you choose.

Best Value: Zwilling

Another Solingen-based old German knife brand, Zwilling JA Henckels, is perhaps the oldest company, founded in 1731.

These are the knives that, much like Wüsthof, chefs prefer.

Due to its long presence in the market, Zwilling knives have a long-established reputation based on their value. Henckels produces various kitchen knives with diverse designs, functions, and price points.

While these multiple lines can be very different, they tend to have similar names.

For example. a Zwilling knife is produced under Zwilling J.A. Henckels and is considered a premium forged knife made in Germany.

On the other hand, a Henckels knife is produced under Henckels International and manufactured in China, Spain, and Thailand.

While both blades are made based on the company’s standard quality practices, Henckels knives come at more affordable prices and are usually stamped instead of forged.

Both Zwilling and Wüsthof knives are reliable because they are made with materials specifically selected to maximize their endurance in time.

They are mainly made with high-quality stainless steel and forged, ensuring their strength and preventing them from bending, chipping, etc. (A.G. Russell Knives says, “All the famous German knife brands.

Are/were headquartered in Solingen. Böker knives, Wüsthof, Zwilling J. A. Henckels, Hen & Rooster, and Puma, are just a few of the famous knife companies from there.”)

Zwilling is also known for the large variety of its quality knife sets.

Sets can include paring knives, serrated knives, santoku knives (best for slicing), chef’s knives, steak knives, kitchen shears, and more. Other tools can be boning knives, cheese knives, and kitchen shears.

The main advantage of purchasing a kitchen knife from Zwilling JA Henckels is that you get a product made with the signature German craftsmanship but at a more affordable price, which can be a dealmaker for people on a budget.

Best Upgrade: Messermeister

messermeister knife

Messermeister is also known for using the traditional forging techniques that have made German brand kitchen knives famous.

Founded in 1981 by German-born Bernd Dressler. Messermeister is now based in California and led by Dressler’s daughters, Chelcea.

And Kirsten, who continue running the company by highlighting its German roots.

Messermeister knives blend innovative Western design with traditional European engineering. They are made from famously German solid steel.

These high-value knives are also famous for their durability and sharp blade, resulting from hand-finishing. They are also carefully hot-dropped and forged to create the best and most reliable kitchen knife possible.

(Kitchenambition.com says, “I’ve had broad experience with German knives during my decade in professional kitchens. And I’m excited to share that with you today. Let’s get right into it!”

Messermeister has not been on the market that long compared to the previous two entries on the list. For that reason, its prices might generally be more affordable.

However, some models by Messermeister are indeed priced higher. Purchasing a Messermeister knife ensures a quality product that will last.

The brand has a great collection of knives to choose from. Some of the knives offered.

These are paring knives, serrated knives, santoku knives, chef’s knives, steak knives, carving knives, fillet knives, boning knives, utility knives, and cleavers. Customers have the option to purchase knives in sets or individually.

man cutting beef meat

Our Favorite Products in One Convenient Place

Visit the Hell’s Kitchen Reviews Amazon shop to browse a handpicked selection of our favorite cookware, kitchen knives, appliances, and more.

Best Balanced: Mercer Culinary

mercer culinary m20410 genesis 10 inch carving knife

Another American-based brand, Mercer, implements German methods to make quality knives.

Mercer was founded relatively recently, in 1968, but it is still not the youngest company on the market. Their knives are manufactured in Taiwan with precision-forged German steel blades.

Although they may not be traditionally German. or manufactured out of Germany, Mercer still models their design and construction to the traditional German style.

Mercer uses a complete tang design of high-carbon. German steel for its blades to make durable and balanced knives.

Mercer has quickly built up its reputation by being “ChefCentric,” which focuses on the food service industry.

The brand values the experiences and needs of culinary professionals and concentrates on building innovative and efficient cutlery to help solve the everyday challenges present in food service operations.

The brand includes an extensive line of products for various purposes (sets and individual knives).

Its knife series include MX3, ZüM, Renaissance, Genesis, BPX, Millennia, Millennia White & Colors, Praxis, Ultimate White, and Asian Collections.

Customers get a lot of functions with a Mercer knife due to its well-thought. And cleverly designed form. Moreover, the brand offers various blades that serve every chef’s needs.

Most Extensive: Güde

güde delta bread knife

Another knife brand originated in Solingen, the “City of Blades,” Güde, was founded in 1910. Güde is perhaps one of the most traditional German knife brands available.

Franz Güde. The company’s second owner and son of its founder invented the back-set serration method, which is still used in slicing machines today.

He also invented the “Güde- serrated edge.” A serrated edge with pointed teeth allows easier cutting of more slippery textures.

To be made. Güde knives have to go through an over 50-step process.

The blades are meticulously created using top-quality German steel and other metals to meet the premium quality the brand’s followers are accustomed to.

Güde has perhaps the most extensive collection of knives on this list. These collections are Synchros, Alpha, Damascus Steel Knife, Kappa, Delta, and Caminada.

Moreover, knife styles are under the Alpha collection, such as Pear, Walnut, Olive, Barrel Oak, Mikarta, and Briccole Di Venezia. The “Güde- serrated edge” can be found in the brand’s classic Güde Bread Shaw.

What is certain is that Güde has something for everyone, especially those looking for more stylized but still highly reliable blades.

Best Alternative: Boker

boker arbolito knife

Another brand with a long history. Boker started manufacturing goods as early as the 17th century and became one of the top-ranked companies in Germany and the neighboring countries.

What distinguishes this German-made knife brand?

And the Boker knife produces many other types of knives and kitchen knives, such as pockets, fixed-blade, razors, axes, swords, etc.

The brand offers various kitchen knives.

Including all the staple items someone wants in their household. This includes professional chef knives, peeling knives, bread knives, santoku knives, utility knives, carving knives, filet knives, butcher’s knives, and more.

For those interested in practices beyond cooking, Boker also offers excellent hunting, fishing, and sailing knives.

While Boker is less popular than the brands at the top of the list, it offers some excellent alternatives for those looking for a good collection of knives.

Best Precision: Cangshan Cutlery

Cangshan Cutlery

Chinese-born Henry Liu founded Cangshan, initially based in China, before expanding worldwide.

Cangshan offers different styles, such as both Western and Japanese knives. In 2020, the company partnered with factories in Solingen and Seki, Japan, to start manufacturing new German and Japanese knives.

However, most of the company’s knives are made in Yangjiang, China, using high-quality steel.

Cangshan has a variety of collections, such as the Thomas Keller Signature Collection, Kita series, Prazision Series, TN1 Series, TC Series, TS Series, J Series, and many more.

Cangshan offers both forged and stamped knives, with the majority being forged. Though the TG, W, and P2 Series are exclusively stamped, Cangshan guarantees top-quality kitchen tools.

Best Pocket Knife: Hen & Rooster

Hen and Rooster Bel Air Red Matrix Stone Trapper Stainless Pocket Knife Knives

Hen & Rooster was founded in Solingen around 1845 by Carl Bertram.

After several years of successful endeavors, the company changed many hands. Frost Cutlery owns it, which distributes its popular German knife brand products in the United States.

However, Hen & Rooster knives are manufactured in Solingen, Germany.

The company is known as the “World’s Finest Since 1845.”Hen & Rooster produces pocket, fixed-blade, Swiss, and more.

The brand offers several individual knives and knife sets in terms of kitchenware.

Conclusion

German knives are a testament to precision, durability, and craftsmanship. (Check out Wusthof vs. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Comparison: Which is Best)

Brands like Wüsthof and Zwilling. Have proven themselves as leaders in the industry. Offering a wide range of high-quality knives for culinary enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.

From the robust forged knives of Wüsthof to the affordable yet dependable options from Zwilling. These German knife brands have left an indelible mark on the culinary world.

Whether you’re seeking a versatile chef’s knife or a pocket knife for outdoor adventures, German knife brands have you covered?

Are you ready to slice, dice, and chop like a professional? Then you need the Henckels Zwilling Pro 7-pc Knife Block Set or the Classic 15-piece Walnut Knife Block Set. Get yours on Amazon today!

Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by John Siracusa

Author

  • John Siracusa

    Hi, I'm John. I've worked in the Food Service industry for over 25 years, working in my family's business. Cooking for me has always been an art infused with traditions. My career was inspired by Hell's Kitchen, the West Side of Manhattan, which has one of New York City's best independent restaurant communities. I also admire Gordon Ramsay's no-nonsense approach to always being your best.

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