Wusthof Classic 10-Piece Cooking Couple's Knife Set with Block

by Wüsthof

Product Features

• Ten-piece set is the ultimate cutting collection
• Includes cook's, paring, sausage, sandwich, slicing, and bread knives, sharpening steel, and maple storage block
• Blades are high-carbon stainless steel, hand-honed for razor-like sharpness
• Traditional-style composition cutlery handles triple-riveted for strength and permanence
• Lifetime guarantee

Product Details

Data Sheet [2.19mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 10.2 x 4.8 inches ; 9.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005MEH3
• Item model number: 8230
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,914 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This is it--a matchless cutting set for the one-or-more-cook household--especially great for couples who love to cook together. Besides 8- and 6-inch cook's knives, the foundation of any cutlery collection, the set contains a 4-1/2-inch utility knife, 3-1/2-inch pointed parer; a 5-inch serrated sausage knife, perfect for many small slicing tasks; a 6-inch sandwich knife; a 9-inch slicing knife; and a 9-inch serrated bread knife. Also included are a 10-inch sharpening steel and a 15-slot solid maple block for storage. This set is the ultimate investment in cutting ease and efficiency and would make an extraordinary gift.

Part of the Classic series, the implements in this set represent two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. The knives are hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength, and their hand-polished blades are exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take keen edges when honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe, the knives are also fitted with traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handles that are triple-riveted for durability. All Wüsthof cutlery brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to its owners. --Arthur Boehm

From the Manufacturer

With over 70 styles (and growing), Wusthof's aptly named Classic Series of precision forged knives is by far the world's largest. With a size and shape available for any cutting task, it's no wonder that professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts the world over look to Wusthof for all their cutlery needs.

The Blade Shape
Each Wusthof blade is designed for specific task. For example, the cook’s (or chef's) knife’s primary duty is chopping and dicing. The curved edge--the belly of the knife--is designed from the tip to the heel to facilitate that task by rolling smoothly.

The Edge
The edge of every Wusthof knife is the "business end." Skillfully honed by hand, it's incredibly sharp. The edge is laser-tested to perfection, long-lasting, and easily resharpened.

The Blade
Computer-controlled grinding and polishing procedures result in precise tapering from bolster to tip and from back to edge.

The High-Carbon Steel
Every Wusthof knife is precision-forged from a single blank of the same high-carbon, stain-resistant steel. Therefore, each blade from each Wusthof line is the same--perfectly balanced, finished, and sharp. The Wusthof steel formula, etched on every blade, has evolved over years as the optimum high carbon- and stain-resistant alloy for edge retention and resharpening. The blades and tangs are constructed of high-carbon no-stain steel, which has evolved over the years as the most perfect alloy for superior knife making.

The Bolster/Finger Guard
Wusthof's signature bolster accounts for the heft--the solid, balanced feel acclaimed by professional chefs throughout the world.

The Handle/Tang Assembly
A seamless, totally hygienic fit could only be achieved with incredibly durable Hostaform-C handles, triple-riveted to the fully visible tang of the Classic series. Completely buffed and polished by hand, the slightest imperfection means the knife will never leave the factory.

Choosing a Wusthof Knife or Set
Wusthof designs and manufactures each and every precision-forged Wusthof knife so that, regardless of the size, shape or product family, the heft of the knife is properly proportioned.

There are distinctive visual differences between the Wusthof Classic, Grand Prix and Culinar lines. From a construction standpoint, every knife is precision-forged from a single blank of the same high-carbon, stain-resistant steel. It is only the handle assembly that varies from line to line. All Wusthof Classic, Grand Prix and Culinar Collections blades are balanced, finished, and sharp. You can choose the optimum size and style for every cutting task in your kitchen.

Getting a Grip
Do not be intimidated by the size of some Wusthof knives, such as the chef's knife. The 8-inch Classic chef's knife should be grasped lightly and cradled in the palm. The thumb and forefinger provide the control in what is commonly referred to as "the blade grip."

Note that with this grip, almost one half of the handIe is not in contact with your hand at all. This is where you will feel and understand the benefits of the heft and balance of the knife.

Now secure in your hand, the precision forged cook's knife is poised for action. An extension of your arm, the knife is designed to work safely, smoothly, and efficiently with you, not against you.

Sharpening/Honing Technique
Regular maintenance of your Wusthof knives insures a lifetime of cooking pleasure. With regular use any knife's edge will lose its "bite". Under high magnification, you would see that the cutting edge itself actually consists of rows of tiny "teeth" that must be periodically realigned for optimum cutting performance.

The key to using a honing steel is holding the blade at a consistent 20-degree angle as you simulate the motion of the blade "shaving" off the surface of the honing steel itself. The "tip down" method works best because you can see the contact point of the knife and the steel.

At some point, any quality knife will require professional sharpening performed on equipment not always available for home use.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest knives in the world., July 31, 2001

By 

Drew Balazs (Indianola, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 10-Piece Cooking Couple's Knife Set with Block (Kitchen)

I love these knives. They are truly amazing. My wife and I did a fair amount of research before we bought our set (consumer reports, etc..)and we concluded that Wusthof knives were the best. You might think that they are a bit pricey, but the are worth it. If you have never prepared a meal with a truly fine knife such as a Wusthof, then you are in for a treat. Use these knives once, and you will never want another.

When buying these knives, our biggest problem was deciding between the Classic and the Grand Prix. Although the Grand Prix is slightly more comfortable, I prefer the construction of the Classic. If you inspect the knives, you will see that the Wusthof Classic has a full metal tang with 3 rivets. The Grand Prix, although having the same blade, has a smaller, cylindrical tang that runs the entire handle of the knife. This tang is secured by a single large rivet at the end of the handle. Although I'm sure the Grand Prix is well built, I bought these knives for a lifetime of use and heartier construction of the Classics just appealed to me more.

So, In a nutshell, if you buy Wusthof, you will not be disappointed.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Set, November 16, 2001

By 

D "sub" (Metro Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 10-Piece Cooking Couple's Knife Set with Block (Kitchen)

There are really two main competitors in the high-end mainstream kitchen knife market: Henckels and Wusthof. Those who have used both usually have a preference. My preference (and therefore bias you should know about) is for the Wusthofs.

The Wusthof Classic line is the more conservative counterpart to the Grand Prix line. The only difference, however, is the handle style. I personally prefer the Grand Prix, but this is an issue of personal preference. The balance and grip of these knives are as close to perfect as I have found. For those wondering what benefits a higher priced knife provides, one benefit is that the blade (or tang) is one piece all the way through the handle. This makes the blade much stronger, and less likely to snap.

This set includes an 8 inch chef's knife, a 3 ½ inch paring knife, a 6 inch sandwich knife, a 6 inch chef's knife, a 9 inch bread, a 4 ½ inch utility knife, a 5 inch salami knife, a sharpening steel, and an oak block

The 8 inch chef's knife and the 6 inch chef's knife are great knives. Wusthof offers three sizes of chef's knives, 6, 8 and 10 inch. For most home cooks, I think the 8 inch knife is the best choice. The 6 inch is a bit small for bigger jobs, but the 10 inch is too big for most jobs. While the 8 inch isn't perfect for all uses, if you are only buying one size chef's knife (and most people only buy one), this is the one I would recommend. Adding the 6 inch makes the set almost complete.

The Wusthof 4 ½ inch utility knife is a great all-around knife. This is the knife I use for the majority of my small chopping work (when I don't use a Chef's knife).

As for the 3 ½ inch paring knife, this knife falls into the category of overkill for me. Most cooks will get by just fine with the 4 ½ inch utility knife. There is really no notable difference in size for the vast majority of applications between the 3 ½ inch paring knife and the 4 ½ inch utility knife. I prefer the 4 ½ inch utility knife, but the 3 ½ inch paring knife will do the trick.

I have found very few uses for the 6 inch sandwich and the 5 inch salami knives. I prefer the larger size of the chef's knife or the smaller 4 ½ inch utility knife. The knives are just the wrong width and length for most tasks, and fall into the overkill department, except when part of a set.

When it comes to sharpening steels, I have found very little difference between Henckels and Wusthof. As long as you buy a high end steel, you really won't go wrong. Therefore, I shop for this item on price, and Henckels has a price advantage. However as the steel comes with the set, you won't go wrong with this steel.

This set is a great deal, and includes just about the right assortment of knives. Adding the steak knives fills the block perfectly.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate, February 25, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 10-Piece Cooking Couple's Knife Set with Block (Kitchen)

This set provides a full compliment of knife sizes and types. The 3 1/2 inch paring knife is the ticket for mincing garlic and other small jobs. The 4 1/2 inch utility and 6 inch sandwich knives are suitable for most "small meal" preparation tasks. The 9" Bread and 9" Carving are genorously sized for the "big meal" occasions. The 6" and 8" cooks knives are a bit close in size and function (would have preferred a 6" and 9") but are both wonderful knives nonetheless. The biggest advantage of this set to me was the inclusion of all of the important knife types and sizes without the "obscure" filler pieces (shears, tomato knife etc.)

...