For cooks who care about technique and results, the right knife makes all the difference. Gordon Ramsay has long relied on Henckels and Wüsthof — two German brands known for balance, durability, and consistency in pro kitchens and at home. If you’re building out your kit, don’t miss our full guide to essential kitchen tools.
If you’re building out your kit, start with a quality chef’s knife and add purpose-built blades as your skills grow. Below, I explain Ramsay’s picks and share data from our hands-on tests, with sources including MasterClass, Wüsthof, and ZWILLING (Henckels).
Why Gordon Ramsay Chooses Henckels and Wüsthof
Ramsay’s teams prioritize blades that hold an edge, feel stable, and stay predictable during long prep. Henckels and Wüsthof check those boxes with German steel, comfortable handles, and models that are easy to maintain over years of use. He highlights similar essentials in his MasterClass guide to kitchen knives.
J.A. Henckels Knives – The Epitome of German Quality
Henckels knives are known for precision and safety. Many lines utilize ice-hardened high-carbon stainless steel (Friodur) for enhanced wear resistance and extended edge life — see ZWILLING’s official history for the brand’s background.
- Set includes 4" Paring Knife, 5.5" Prep Knife, 8" Bread Knife, 8" Chef's Knife, TWIN Shears, TWIN Sharpening Steel, and 16 Slot Hardwood Block.
- Curved bolster encourages cutting with improved precision, safety and comfort
- SIGMAFORGE knife is forged from a single piece of Special Formula High-Carbon NO STAIN stainless steel
Wüsthof Knives – A Legacy of German Cutlery Excellence
Wüsthof has produced knives since 1814. Their precision-forged blades and ergonomic handles deliver reliable balance and control — which is why they’re common in professional kitchens. Read more in Wüsthof’s official history.
- Made in Solingen Germany.
- Precision sampled, high carbon stainless steel blades.
- Includes storage block with dedicated slot for each item.
Gordon Ramsay’s Top 3 Knife Recommendations
Ramsay is frequently associated with Wüsthof and Henckels. Both are respected globally for consistent quality. The three essentials below cover most kitchen tasks.
Essential Chef Knife for Versatile Cutting
A balanced 8″ chef’s knife handles chopping, slicing, and dicing with control. The Wüsthof Classic 8″ is a common on-camera choice for Ramsay in instructional contexts.
- FRIODUR ice-hardened blade for exceptional durability of the cutting edge and corrosion resistance
- Ergonomic plastic handle: for fatigue-free and safe working with the knife
- Blade length: 7.87 "
Precision Paring Knife for Delicate Tasks
Use a paring knife for peeling, trimming, and fine detail work. Henckels’ International series balances price and performance for everyday prep.
- Curved bolster encourages cutting with improved precision, safety and Comfort
- POM handle is durable and resilient
- SIGMAFORGE knife is forged from a single piece of Special Formula High-Carbon NO STAIN stainless steel
Indispensable Serrated Bread Knife
Long, pointed serrations glide through crusty loaves and delicate produce without crushing. A dedicated bread knife protects the edge of your chef’s knife.
- FRIODUR ice-hardened blade for exceptional durability of the cutting edge and corrosion resistance
- Ergonomic plastic handle: for fatigue-free and safe working with the knife
- Blade length: 7.87 "
What knives do Hell’s Kitchen Contestants Get?
Contestants on the show have used Henckels knives, but most recently HexClad has been seen on the show while Ramsay has also demonstrated with Wüsthof in instructional settings. Either brand is a dependable pick for a home or pro setup.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Knives
Forged vs. Stamped: Understanding the Difference
Forged: Shaped under heat and pressure for denser steel, a defined bolster, and long-term durability. Stamped: Cut from sheet steel, typically lighter and budget-friendly. For background and testing insights, see Serious Eats and America’s Test Kitchen. For a deeper breakdown of blade profiles and use-cases, compare styles in our German vs. Japanese knives guide.
Material Matters: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Ceramic
- Carbon steel: Excellent bite and edge holding; needs careful drying and maintenance.
- Stainless steel: Balanced corrosion resistance and easy care; ideal for most kitchens.
- Ceramic: Very sharp out of the box; fragile and best for light prep.
How We Tested
| Knife | Sharpness | Balance | Durability | Comfort | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wüsthof Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.3 |
| Henckels International Classic (8″) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| MAC MTH-80 Professional | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 |
All testing was performed in a home kitchen with professional techniques and repeatable tasks:
- Sharpness & precision: Fine dices of onion, chiffonade of herbs, and tomato skin tests (no scoring) after initial honing.
- Durability: Edge retention tracked over two weeks of daily prep; re-honed only when push cuts on paper failed.
- Comfort & balance: 30-minute continuous prep sessions, noting hot spots, pinch-grip fatigue, and control on dense veg.
Hands-on notes (John Siracusa): Wüsthof kept a keen working edge with minimal honing; Henckels International felt slightly lighter with a comfortable grip and easy control; MAC stayed razor-sharp but needed touch-ups sooner under heavy chopping.
Chef’s Edge Score — Data-Driven Rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gordon Ramsay have a knife set?
Yes — a Royal Doulton Gordon Ramsay kitchen knife collection exists for everyday cooking needs.
What knife does Gordon Ramsay use most?
He’s been seen using a Wüsthof Classic 8″ chef’s knife in instructional contexts (MasterClass reference). He’s also associated with Henckels.
What brands do professional chefs prefer?
Common picks include Wüsthof, Henckels, and MAC — chosen for consistent heat treatment, balance, and support.
Final Thoughts
If you want one knife that does almost everything, start with an 8″ chef’s knife from Wüsthof or Henckels. Add a paring and serrated bread knife, and you’ll be set for nearly all prep. Then put them to work with our Gordon Ramsay recipes.
John Siracusa — Founder of Hell’s Kitchen Recipes. Extensive hands-on kitchen testing focused on technique-first, reproducible results.
Disclosure: All reviews are independent; affiliate links help support testing. No brand pays for placement or scores.
