Customer Reviews

Wusthof Grand Prix 5-Piece Knife Block Set

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK, the handle is different than the classic, so what. The difference stops there. The same hand forged steel is used as the classic. So what are you purchasing? the quality hand forged steel blades or the handle? As far as I'm concerned, this price beats the extra cost with the classic' handle any time. This is my second set of Wusthof grand prix. My first set was a 7 piece set that included the 8" chef so this was perfect with the 6" chef. One bonus feature with this set was the 8" carver instead of the 6" utility that was supposed to be included. With such a steal, my mother, my sister and her friend had to have a set of their own. Personally, I prefer the Wusthof over the 4/5 stars Henckels. The Wusthof blade shapes cut and chop better than the Henckels to me. And being an Asian who loves to cook, I chop and cut a lot. Thank you Amazon for a great deal..

First of all, to be absolutely clear, when you order this set the Grand Prix II (same blade as other Wusthof knives, but a differently contoured handle from the original Grand Prix set) 5-pc set with 6" cook's knife, 8" carving knife, 3" paring knife, 9" honing steel, and block is sent to you.

Second of all, I have seen the price fluctuate between $70-100, almost inexplicably, for the past 3 week. I paid $80 and was a little annoyed to see them drop ten dollars, then increase 30, then drop another 20 all in two weeks. I don't know what is the matter but frankly, they're a steal at any price and you won't find them cheaper anywhere.

That said, the knives themselves are terrific. The cook's knife is very versatile; I don't see the need for an 8" version, and for a novice like myself the smaller blade means greater control. The carving knife is a welcome replacement for what would have been a somewhat-redundant 6" utility knife. When carving a turkey, my dad was astonished at how easily he sliced through the bird. After a lifetime of using cheap knives made in China, I'm hardly surprised. The paring knife is a gem; it's sharp enough to effortlessly slice through baking potatos.

Be aware that these knives, due to the composition of their handles, are not recommended for the dishwasher. I've already cut two sponges in half hand-washing them, so be careful!

In this plastic, disposable world (or somesuch cliche), first-rate German knives are a luxury that almost anyone can afford (particularly in a bare-bones set such as this one). These knives represent the kind of first-rate, world-class craftsmanship that one rarely sees these days, and they are for everyday use. This set, which should be more than sufficient for all but the most advanced cooks, is something I would recommend for every home.

For those or you that have had the disappointment of buying low-priced brand name knives only to discover that they are made in china, do not fear. Wusthof Grand Prix knives are among the best in the world, made in Germany with German steel. This set includes a 6-inch chef's knife. A lot of people want an 8-inch chef's, but most of the time I reach for a knife it's the 6-inch that I go for. This is a great starter set, excellent for the price.

The things that Sam I Am is failing to realize in his review are that:
a) the reason that the price is so low is that the Grand Prix line is being replaced by the Grand Prix 2 line which only changed the handle. (Until a couple of months ago the Classic and Grand Prix were the same price)
and
b) Wusthof doesn't recommend that the Classic line be run through the dishwasher either.

When I checked out knives to start building my set around, I looked at every type out there and chose the Grand Prix. The handles are great, much more comfortable than the traditional style of handle and the blade is, as another reviewer noted, the same as the Classic. The balance of the Wusthof knives puts the Henckels to shame in my opinion.

Grab this set and any other Grand Prix knives you can find on clearance and you will have a great set of knives that will last you a lifetime for a fraction of what they are worth.

My wife and I love this set of knives and have since added two GP 4 1/2" utility knives and an 8" bread knife, which we still think are the most practical additions, leaving an empty slot for an additional medium-to-large-sized knife.

The fact that the cook's knife is 6" instead of 8" is inconsequential, the carving knife at 8" feels right and the 3" parer slices effortlessly through smaller fruits and veggies. If you are used to L-cheapo brand knives, you should keep an antiseptic liquid bandage nearby and stay focused on the task at hand. It is easy to cut yourself inadvertently as we've learned!

The only downside to these knives is the cheaper-looking handle. If you are extremely uptight about the appearance of the all-black handle and have the money to blow, spend three times the amount for the Classic handle. Otherwise, thank Amazon and watch those fingertips! We strongly recommend this set.

I was thrilled to find such a great deal on these knives for my wife as a Christmas present. We've always had a cheap set and I wanted to get her a really nice set so that she could experience the difference. But I also knew that she would be mad if I paid a couple of hundred dollars.

How can you go wrong with this -- one of the top rated knives in a set for only $69! (I paid $79 a couple of weeks ago).

My set came with the 8" carving knife instead of the 6" utility knive. Unfortunately, I also ordered a separate 8" carving set with my order, so now I have 2 carving knives. Even though the 8" carving knife is probably a better deal, I am a little disappointed that I don't have a 6" utility knive since that is her favorite size knife. I guess I'll have to go order one of those now.

I gave five stars because for $69 how can you really go wrong with this set, but as others have stated below they must have run out of Utility knives because they substituted the 8: Carver. I wish that I had known before I ordered as I added the Carver and Cutting board for $29 to my order, so now have two Carvers and could have used the Utility knife much more. But again, for $79, now $69 how can you complain? The knives are as great as everyone has said, the raving about them is more than justified.

Instead of a 6-inch utility knife, the knife set arrived with an 8-inch carving knife. I'm not complaining, I'd rather have the carving knife--but if you go look at the reviews for the 7-piece Grand Prix knife set, that set was originally supposed to ship with the 8-inch carving knife but now it comes with the kitchen shears...strange.

Also, from the description of Wusthof's line of Grand Prix knives under "Other products by Wusthof," I got the impression the Grand Prix handles were more slip-free than they actually are:

"Slip-free handles made of molded, pebble-grained polypropylene."

Thought that meant the handles would be Oxo-good-grips-like, but instead they're smooth like Wusthof classic knives.

This is a fantastic deal. I am very pleased with my purchase, but beware of substitutions. I purchased two sets, one as a gift and one for myself. One set arrived as advertised, with a 3-in paring knife, 8-in carving knife, and 6-in cooks knife. The other arrived with a 3.5-in paring knife, 8-in bread knife, and 6-in cooks knife. They both seem like equally good deals, now I just have to decide which to keep for myself.

You can't beat the price for a set of Wusthof knives, but the block is of poor craftmanship - definitely not Wusthof quality. The price fluctuates widely, so look to pay from $70-$80 after discounts and promotions (like the $25 off $125 in home purchases currently offered).

The reason these knives are discounted so heavily (versus other lines of Wusthof knives) is that the company has discontinued them. The Grand Prix line, which is distinguished by simply-formed, pebble-grained handles, is being replaced by the Grand Prix II line, which is very similar. Based on everything I have read about Wusthof knives, the only thing that differs from one line to another (i.e. Classic to Grand Prix) is the handles. The blades are made of the same quality forged steel. Sure the Classic handles are nicer feeling and better looking, but functionally they house the same blade, so the discontinued Grand Prix line represents a great value while they last.

This set cost $99 when I bought it (Feb '05), but by adding some other small items I brought the product total to $125 and thus received a $25 discount. So by my calculations, I paid about $80 for the knife set. However, when I received the set I was very disappointed with the quality of the block. The slots were asymmetrical and the Wusthof logo was sloppily glued onto the base, a mismatch with the superior quality of the knives. I returned my set for that reason, but Amazon.com mistakenly sent me a replacement set instead of issuing a refund. When I sent an email alerting them to that fact, they offered a additional $15 discount (credit to my account) if I kept the second set. I guess they really want to get rid of these things! Anyhow, when the second set arrived, it surprisingly included an 8" Chef's knife rather than the 6" version normally included in this set. The block was the same poor quality but considering the $15 additional discount and the larger chef's knife, I decided to keep the set.

My only regret is not spending a little more to get the 7-piece set. I could really use the kitchen shears and sandwich knife.