Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife

by Wüsthof

Product Features

• Heavy 8-inch blade superior for chopping and other cutting tasks
• Forged high-carbon stainless steel blade, hand-honed for razor-like sharpness
• Traditional-style composition handle is triple-riveted for strength and permanence
• Dishwasher safe
• Lifetime guarantee

Product Details

Data Sheet [2.19mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 3.2 x 1 inches ; 9.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005MEH1
• Item model number: 4582-7/20
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,170 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The indispensable workhorse of any cutlery collection, a cook's knife performs a wide variety of cutting tasks, from fine chopping to dicing and slicing. The heavy 8-inch blade of this definitive model provides enough heft to allow the knife rather than the cook to do the cutting labor, but is more maneuverable than larger models. The length of the cutting edge makes quick work of all slicing jobs. If you don't yet own a cook's knife, or want the best investment for your dollar, this 8-inch model, which combines size with ease of use, is the one to choose.

Part of the Classic series, this knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wusthof craftsmanship. Like other cutlery in the series, it's hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength; the hand-polished blade is exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take a keen edge when it's honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe and with a traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handle that is triple-riveted for durability, this knife brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to any cook who owns it.

From the Manufacturer

In the culinary world variety and preparing something outstanding is the key to success. Due to this, Wusthof offers more than 350 different kinds of knives to be able to provide the perfect knife for everyone. No matter which kind of blade and handle shape you are thinking of--Wusthof has the right knife for all your needs.

The most important features of a high-value forged Wusthof knife:

• Exceptionally sharp
• Long-lasting cutting edge
• High stain resistance
• Easily restorable edge

Classic Cutlery

The Classic triple-riveted knife series features:

• Precision forged from a single piece of sturdy high-carbon steel that resists stains and corrosion
• Wusthof's Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) creates an extraordinarily sharp blade that retains its edge 30% longer
• Special alloyed, stainless steel
• Durable polymer handle is contoured for a comfortable grip
• Seamless, hygienic fit of the handle
• Full tang is triple riveted to the handle for exceptional durability and control
• For professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts
• Made in Solingen, Germany

Details of a Forged Wusthof Knife

PEtec--Precision-Edge Technology

New Wusthof technology offers superior sharpness!

The latest cutting performance tests carried out by the FGW (Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e.V., a German research association for tools and materials based in Remscheid) confirm that Wusthof forged knives offer the best quality when compared to other well-known, single-layer brands.

The extensive tests were carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8442-5. Wusthof knives have a considerably higher ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) and maintain this performance for an extremely long time (TCC = Total Card Cut).

When compared with the winners in the "cook's knife" category awarded by German consumer organization "Stiftung Warentest" in its 1st edition of 2008, forged Wusthof knives featuring the new PEtec technology produce a result which is about 20% higher.

The Technology:

• Blades are measured by a laser before sharpening
• Computer programs calculate precise sharpening angle for each blade
• Knives are then sharpened on a whetstone using precision robots
• Knives are given a final polish using a special disc

The Benefits:

• Extremely high initial cutting performance
• Exceptionally long edge retention / long service life of blade
• Optimum cutting edge along the entire length of the blade
• Unique, consistently high and reproducible quality

PEtec from Wusthof--superior sharpness for professional and home cooks!

How Wusthof Knives are Made

Wusthof knives are known for their outstanding sharpness. By honing and sharpening the knives yourself you can maintain this feeling for a lifetime of use (see "Honing and Sharpening" section below for detailed guidelines on how to do so).

The evolution of a precision forged knife

Over 40 different manufacturing steps are needed to produce a forged Wusthof knife from one solid piece of steel.

Here you will find a detailed explanation of some of the most important production steps.

1. Sheet bar of high-carbon no-stain steel
2. Precision forged piece
3. Tempered to 58-degree Rockwell
4. Polished
5. Scales of handles and rivets
6. The Wusthof Cook's knife

Types of Blades

The Right Blade for Every Purpose

The edge is the business end of a knife. It is skillfully honed by hand and incredibly sharp. For different cutting tasks different blade shapes and edges are recommended.

The Differences:

Straight-edge blade: The straight edge allows a smooth and clean cut. When carving no fibres are torn out of the meat. This edge can be used for firm and soft food like meat, vegetables and fruit.

Serrated-edge blade: The wavy or serrated edge allows an easy cut through crusty food like a traditional roast and crispy bread.

Hollow-edge blade: When cutting an air pocket is created between the hollow edge and the slice. This prevents the food from sticking to the blade and allows for finer slices.

Cleaning & Storage

Proper care for long-lasting cooking enjoyment

If you value your tools, we recommend washing your knives with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse carefully and dry with a towel.

For proper storage we recommend the following options:

• Knife blocks in a variety of shapes, colors and configurations. The handy knife block provides protection for your blades as well as a visual compliment to your kitchen decor.
• Magnet Bars in wood, synthetic material or aluminum. Two extra strong magnet segments provide a safe, easily visible and space-saving storage option.
• Cook's cases in rolls and briefcase styles. This is the ideal method for professionals to store and transport their tools safely.

About Wusthof

Since 1814 Wusthof has set the standard for designing and manufacturing precision-forged knives.

Today the family business is in its seventh generation of ownership, under the management of Harald Wusthof.

Wusthof knives are manufactured by a skilled team of 300 dedicated workers in two state-of-the-art facilities in Solingen, Germany.

Wusthof applies sustainable practices to their production facilities: Solar panels on the roof provide electricity to their manufacturing facility, they clean and reuse water to reduce water usage, and they reuse scrap materials rather than creating waste.

In addition to knives, Wusthof offers an assortment of cutting boards, knife blocks, kitchen tools, and scissors bearing the famous Trident logo--a symbol of form, function, and uncompromising quality.

Product Description

This knife is produced by one of the most respected cutlery manufacturers in the world. Made of high carbon stainless-steel, it will not stain, pit or rust and will hold its edge. The metal used to construct the blade extends to the back of the handle which gives the knife perfect balance. The bolster which is the point that rests between your fingers and the blade is smooth and comfortable which makes this knife a pleasure to use when dicing, slicing and mincing. Wusthof's newest state of the art technology incorporates a new computer controlled method for putting the edge on Classic knives. This technology allows for an exacting edge from the tip of the knife down to the heel of the knife. With this newer precision, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side for a total of 28 degrees. The knives are now sharper and this refinement increases the sharpness retention because exacting angles and edges last longer than edges sharpened by hand. The result is a knife that is 30% sharper and the ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) lasts twice as long..

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, with the right technique, June 13, 2003

By 

fast_matt (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife (Kitchen)

If, like some pros, you like to grip the top of the blade between your thumb and index finger, forward of the bolster, and wrap the rest of your fingers around the handle, this knife is hard to beat. Such a grip is said to give better control, straighter cuts, and narrower slices than wrapping all fingers around the handle allows.

Yesterday I took a knife-handling techniques course offered by a Wusthof rep at a local shop and was amazed by how quickly this knife turned carrots, celery, and nearly anything else into neat slices and chunks. Using the grip described above, one merely rolls the knife back onto the item being cut, lifts the back only, and repeats, sliding the food into the knife. The front of the blade merely rolls and slides on the cutting board, and is never lifted. (Compared to this, the instructor said my lift-and-chop technique was fairly effective, but abusive! *L*) With this knife, you could cut a carrot or celery into neat, thin little slices in less time than it takes to lift the lid off your food processor and get ready to clean it.

I've got other good knives - prior to this knife, I already owned Henckels 4-star 6" chef's and fillet knives, a Henckels Pro-S 3" paring knife, and a Wusthof hollow-edge santoku (another awesome tool). The Henckels knives are excellent quality, but do not lend themselves to the forward grip; I tried it with my Henckels chef's knife and found that the forged bolster felt sharp-edged when I gripped the blade this way. Make no mistake - the Henckels is an excellent knife and works well, albeit with slightly less control, when all fingers are wrapped around the handle. The Wusthoff knife has a shallower transition fillet from blade to bolster and lends itself to either grip. I'd chosen the 6" Henckels because it felt well-balanced gripping the handle alone, while the 8" seemed heavier and less agile, but with the proper grip the 8" Wusthof Classic is balanced just right. The Wusthof Grand Prix, like the Henckels, tends to encourage an all-fingers-on-handle grip, though the bolster region may be more finger-friendly. I used to look longingly at Grand Prix knives, but last night's class sold me on the benefits of the Classic handle.

Needless to say, after giving it such a thorough tryout I took this knife home with me!

73 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best tool of the trade, March 20, 2003

By 

Nadyne Richmond (Mountain View, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife (Kitchen)

My mom, browsing my Amazon wishlist one day, saw this listed there. She emailed me immediately to ask why I would ever want a knife that is that expensive. Aren't the knives that she gave me as a housewarming gift good enough? They are dishwasher-safe and have a lifetime warranty, she reminded me.

I had to explain that while the knives she gave me were nice, they don't even compare to my Wustofs. My Wustof knives retain an amazing sharpness (even when I'm a little lazy about sharpening them). Their balance is unparalleled. The handle fits my hand perfectly. The knives that she sent me always feel dull in comparision, and the handle is simply uncomfortable.

I consider a good cook's knife to be essential for anyone who cooks. The question of which cook's knife to buy depends on the person who will be using it. There are two different questions: which model to purchase, and which length to purchase.

There are two main knife manufacturers: Wustof and Henckels. I think that Wustof knives are better made. However, some people prefer the handles on the Henckels. The Henckels handle is extremely uncomfortable for me, so I don't even consider them.

The second question is that of length. If you are taller, you will want a longer knife. Shorter people will want a shorter knife. I stand at 5'7" (170cm), and find that the 8" knife is most comfortable for slicing and chopping. My best friend is about an inch taller than me and also prefers this knife. A friend who is a couple of inches shorter than me prefers the 6" cook's knife.

If you have never purchased high-quality knives before, I would recommend that you go to a traditional store and try them out first. You want to see if the handle is comfortable and if the balance is right for you. Then come back here and order it -- the Amazon price is much better than that found in any kitchen speciality or upscale department store.

Also, if you have never purchased high-quality knives before, I would recommend two other purchases: a knife holder of some sort and a sharpening steel. The former, which doesn't need to be very expensive at all (my best friend has one that cost him less a dollar; it is simply a plastic tray with slits for holding the blades), keeps the blade from getting nicked while it's sitting in your drawer. The latter keeps the blade nice and sharp. You should sharpen your knives every time you use them. This isn't very difficult, nor is it very time-consuming, but it keeps your knives in perfect condition.

I am extremely happy with my purchase. I am slowly growing my knife collection. You will always find one of these knives on my wishlist. Even my mother has come around -- after experiencing these knives herself, she bought one for herself, and sent me the 6" cleaver as a birthday gift!

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invest in exceptional knives, December 31, 2002

By 

"jqmama" (Oak Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife (Kitchen)

As a home cook, it took me quite awhile to decide to invest in an excellent knife. I can't stress enough what a difference it makes. This classic 8 inch chef's knife was my first Wusthof. It has exceptional heft and balance, fits comfortably into my hand (I have smallish hands, so this was an initial concern) and, despite my fears and my experiences with other knives, I have yet to cut myself. A cheap, dull knife is more dangerous than a good, sharp one. This knife never slips, it cuts evenly and cleanly, and I *never* have to saw.

In addition to discount store block knives (a waste of money, despite them being so much cheaper), I've regularly used Chicago Cutlery and strongly prefer the Wusthof. It is much easier to clean (no wood handle to harbor microbes), contours comfortably into my hand (CC does not), and I find it holds its sharp edge more readily (CC needs frequent sharpening).

When I finally decided to buy it, I went to a cutlery store and tried out the Henckles and the Wusthof Grand Prix. This knife has much better balance and heft than did the Henckles (though I only tried it in the store) and just felt more comfortable in my hand than the Grand Prix. Additionally, Cooks magazine did a comparison test of chef's knives (ala Consumer Reports) and put this knife at the top of their list, too.

The downside is that this knife is expensive, and it is hard to justify the expense for the regular home cook. In my experience, a high quality Wusthof is not a splurge. It is the right tool for the job. I buy one Wusthof knife at a time, and always keep them on my amazon wish list. This was my first, and is the most useful for generalized chopping tasks.

A drawer full of cheap knives is much less practical than a small collection of a Wusthof Classic chef's knife, paring knife and utility or "sandwich" knife. These three can tackle any job expertly. Do yourself a favor, get the right tool for the job.