Steak knives are one of the commonly used kitchen knives. They are characterized by a slim, strong, smooth blade. Some steak knives also come with a serrated blade. Steak knives are specifically made to ensure that you have a better dining experience. These knives are designed to handle the texture and consistency of steak, so that you have an easy time slicing via your meat. There are many manufacturers of steak knives today, some of higher and some of lower quality. For this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Wusthof Classic Steak Knives. But in order to get a complete view of the steak knives market, be sure to compare a wider range of brands and products. Thus in order to make it easier for you we have also prepared our best steak knives review so you can find everything in one place.
Types of Wusthof Steak Knives
There are three major types of steak knives. To determine which steak knife fit your needs well, you need to understand these three types of steaks as each type provides different benefits and has a different construction.
Straight Edge Steak Knives
These steak knives come with a straight edge blade. They are commonly used by top restaurants and professional chefs as they tend to cut through meat with easy and they create a clean cut. Since a straight edge knife cuts smoothly, it allows the juice to stay inside the meat. This means you will be able to taste of your meat if you use a straight edged steak knife to slice it.
The only shortcoming of a straight edged steak is that it becomes dull too quickly. This is because as it cuts through the steak it comes into contact with the surface of the plate, making it more susceptible to dulling. That means you will need to sharpen your steak knife more frequently to ensure its optimal performance.
Hollow Edged Steak Knives
Hollow edged steak knives have hollow indentations on the edge of the blade which create pocket to allow the knife to glide via different types of meat with ease, even the thickest chops and steaks. The main function of the hollow indentations is to reduce friction and prevent meat from getting stuck on the knife.
Serrated Edge Steak Knives
Serrated edge steak knives come with a zigzag design to allow them to cut through meat with ease. The main advantage of a serrated edge steak knife is that it does not have to be sharped too often. The serrations come in a wide range of sizes and the larger the serrations, the less often it requires sharpening. Steak knives with smaller serrations usually have small spaces between the teeth, while those with larger serrations have large spaces between the teeth. Note that steak knives with smaller serrations also tend to become very dull quickly.
Although serrated edge steak knives do not have to be sharpened more frequently like the straight edged steak knives, they do not cut through meat as smoothly as the straight edged blades. This means you’ll have to apply more force while slicing meat using a serrated edged steak knife. It also means you will squeeze the juice out of the meat as you try to cut it, making you lose its real taste.
The Wusthof Classic line does not have a serrated edge version of their Steak knives. But if you intend on finding one, you should check out the Gourmet line which does feature them. One example is featured in the image above.
6 Expert Proven Tips on How to Choose the BestWusthof Classic Steak Knives
There are many types of steak knives on the market today, which can make it difficult for you to determine the right one for your needs. To help you find the best steak knives, we have put together this informative buying guide. In this guide, we will discuss the various types of steak knives, materials, construction and other pertinent components about steak knives to help you make the best informed decision about steak knives.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Material for the Blade
Once you decide the type of steak knife you want to buy, the most important consideration you should make is the type of material used to make the blade. The two commonly used materials are stainless steel and high carbon steel. Stainless steel is usually more convenient than high carbon steel as it is usually easy to sharpen and does not rust. The only shortcoming of stainless steel blades is that they need to be sharpened more frequently as they tend to become blunt too quickly.
High carbon steel blades are able to retain their sharpness for an extended period of time. These blades tend to be too sturdy and tough. Just like stainless steel blades, high carbon steel blades have excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties. Thus, if you are looking for high end steak knives, you should go for those with high carbon stainless blades. The best part is that all Wusthof classic knives are forged with a top grade high carbon steel metal.
Tip 2: Check What Material Is Used to Make the Handle
Knife handles can be made of a wide range of materials; the most common ones being wood and high grade plastic. Wooden handles are designed in different ways.
They can be simple and plain or they can be intricate and feature detailed designs. Although there are many types of woods that are used to handles for steak knives, the most common types are ebony and rosewood. The only shortcoming of wood is that it is difficult to maintain and it can become warped, chopped or otherwise damaged.
High grade plastic is another common material that is used to make handles of steak knives. The main advantage of plastic handles is that they are cheaper than wooden handles. They are also easy to care for as they can be placed in the dishwasher. The only shortcoming of plastic handles is that they are not appealing, and even though they are very durable, they are susceptible to damage. For example, they can chop or fray easily.
Another common handle material is the fully forged steel material. This material offers a seamless look, as the entire length of the handle is built and forged from a single piece of metal. Steak knives with a fully forged handle material not only look great, but also enhance the overall construction of the knife. In addition, steak knives that are constructed of fully forged steel are very durable and are guaranteed to last a lifetime without falling apart. The only shortcoming of full forged steel handles is that they can be difficult to find and they tend to be very expensive.
Tip 3: Feel Your Preferred Steak Knife
It is highly advisable that you choose a steak knife that feels good in the hand. The knife should be comfortable and easy to maneuver. If your steak knife does not feel good in your hands, you will have a difficult time slicing through your meat. To ensure the steak knives you are buying are a comfortable it, consider holding them in your hands and pretend you are cutting through meat. By doing so, you will have a good idea of how the knife will feel when you are using it.
Tip 4: Consider the Weight of the Steak Knife
Another important factor you should take into account is the weight of the steak knife. Avoid choosing a knife that is too heavy as it will be cumbersome and difficult to operate. In addition, ensure you pick the steak knives you’re considering to purchase and hold them in your hand for a while to have a good idea of their weight. Note that a heavy steak knife is not only difficult to cut through your meat, but it can also damage your plates when using it.
Tip 5: Pay Attention to the Tang
Tang refers to the distance that the blade extends into the handle. If you are purchasing a steak knife that is made of two different types of materials one for the blade and one material for the handle, you need to pay attention to the tang. There are two types of tangs: full tang and partial tang
- Full Tang: A full tang blade has a blade that runs straight via the end of the handle. The blade is attached to the handle securely using metallic rivets. This is best construction as it ensures that your steak knife will stay in one piece. While a full tang is the best option, it usually comes with a higher price tag.
- Partial Tang: With a partial tang, the blade only extends half way up the handle. Bonding materials, such as epoxy and fasteners are then used to secure the tang to the blade. The only shortcoming of a partial tang is that it does not last long. This is because, when pressure is applied to the blade, there are higher chances that the blade will bend and separate from the handle and eventually fall apart.
Tip 6: Choose the Right Set Size
When choosing your steak knives, it is imperative you also consider the size of the set. In most cases, steak knives are sold in sets of four or six, but there are some sets that come with up to 10 steak knives. The Best Wusthof Classic Steak knives Set comes in a set of four. The most common steak knives sets are the 4 Piece Steak Knives Set and the 4 Piece Presentation Steak Knives Set.
Your steak knife is one of the most essential kitchen utensils you can have. Ensure you choose a steak knife that meets yours needs well. Here is a detailed reviewed of the Wusthof Classic Steak Knives.
Features of the Wusthof Classic Steak Knives Set
Knives Design
Just like other Wusthof Classic Knives, these steak knives are beautifully designed. The knives feature a new handle design made of a highly durable Polyoxymethylene to resist fading and discoloration. The blade ultra-sharp blade boasts a pointed tip to make it easy for you to slice meat. The blade extends to the handle to form a full tang for enhanced strength and durability. The three metallic rivets are well spaced to ensure that the long POM handle is firmly and securely attached to the full tang. The beautiful Wusthof logo on the handle showcases the excellent works of the Wusthof Company.
The blade also features a full bolster that adds weight and balance to the knife. The bolster also enhances the safety features of the knife by ensuring that your hands do not slip onto the blade during intense cutting tasks. There is also a second half bolster at the butt of the handle that also helps to add weight and balance, and a unique design to the steak knife. The Polyoxymethylene handle has a contoured design for a comfortable grip. You can use the knife for an extended period without getting tired.
Knives Blade
The blade of the Wusthof Classic Steak Knives is forged from a single piece of high carbon steel for maximum strength, toughness and excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties. Like other Wusthof knives, the Wusthof Classic Steak Knives also undergo a 40-step process in which they are heat molded from the German High Carbon Steel.
The steel contains 15% chromium, 5% carbon, molybdenum and vanadium. Vanadium is a chemical element that added to steel to increase the hardness and durability of the blade. Molybdenum enhances the corrosion and rust properties of the blade and also increases its hardness. Carbon makes up 5% of the blade and it helps to increase the hardness and durability of the blade. Chromium is an alloy that is added to the blade to give it excellent stain resistance properties.
The blade of the Steak Knives is precision sharpened to angle a 14-degree angle on each side, using the Wusthof PEtec Technology. This technology uses high end whetstones, roots, lasers and special disks to measure, sharpen and polish edges. The PEtec technology helps to make Wusthof knives 20% sharper than other knives in the same class. With a 14-degree angle, you can be sure that the knives are incredibly sharp and can be used to make smooth cuts.
Hardness is a vital aspect for any steak knife. The Wusthof knives are hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58. This gives the knives an excellent edge retention capability. You certainly do not have to sharpen your Wusthof classic steak knives frequently to maintain their razor-like cutting edge. Just like other Wusthof knives, the Classic steak knives come with a limited lifetime warranty that guarantees you that the knives will be free of defects in craftsmanship and materials.
Knives Handle
The Wusthof Classic Steak knives come with a smooth and perfectly shaped Polyoxymethylene (POM) handle that feels comfortable to hold. POM is a highly durable synthetic material that has a tighter molecular structure to resist fading and discoloration. Another great benefit of POM is the beauty and elegance it adds to the handle. The full tang is attached to the handle is three well-spaced rivets for exceptional durability and control. The handle features a contoured design for enhanced comfort. The distinctive curve at the butt end of the handle enhances the safety of the knife. This assures you of a firm and secure grip regardless of whether you are using the knife for light or heavy cutting. The handle is impermeable to water and food residue and cannot crack easily.
The Two Major Wusthof Classic Steak Knives Set
Wusthof Classic 4- Piece Knife Set
Made in Solingen, Germany the Wusthof Classic 4 Piece Knife Set is a perfect option for every steak lover. The set comes with four high quality non-serrated knives with 4 ½ inch blades ideal for slicing meat. The blades are precision forged from a single piece of sturdy high carbon steel for maximum strength, toughness and excellent stain and corrosion resistance properties. Wusthof’s PEtec ensures that the cutting is 20% sharper with outstanding cutting edge retention.
The blades of the four steak knives have a computer controlled edge cutting edge to ensure that the edges are uniform from their heels right to their tip. The knives are hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58 degrees for enhanced durability and outstanding cutting edge retention.
Each of the steak knives has a full tang blade that is made of high carbon stainless steel with a bolster. The full tang enhances strength and longevity of the knife while the bolster improves the safety features of the knife by preventing your hands from slipping into the blade during intense slicing and cutting activities. The knives also feature a distinctive double bolster design for professional-style heft, exception balance and beauty.
The handles of the four knives are made of a highly durable synthetic material called Polyoxymethylene (POM). POM has a tight molecular structure giving it excellent discoloration and fading properties. The elegant shape of the handle is specially designed to give you a firm and comfortable grip. The handles are attached to full tang blades using three well-spaced metallic rivets for maximum durability and strength. The half bolster at the butt of the handle enhances the safety features of your steak knife.
All the four knives that make up this set have a straight-edge blade and spear tip, making them ideal for most small kitchen chores, including slicing meat, coring fruits and cutting vegetables. The 4.5-inch blade length makes it easy for you to control the blade.
The finger guard and full bolster are safety features that ensure you don’t cut yourself while cutting vegetables and steaks or peeling fruits. The Wusthof Classic 4 Piece Steak Knife Set is backed by a lifetime warranty so you will have confidence knowing you have a high quality steak knife set.
Wusthof Classic 4 Piece Steak Knives Presentation Set
Since 1814, Wusthof has been designing and producing some of the world’s finest cutlery. This 4 Piece Steak Presentation Steak Set is no exception to the brand’s legacy of quality, being made of high carbon stainless and present in a beautiful black box for gift giving. It comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty.
The blade is precision forged from a single piece of high carbon for a razor-like sharpness, strength and durability. The four 4.5 inch steak knives are in fact as sturdy and shiny as one may expect of their composition and manufacturer. The high carbon steel and the detailed Wusthof’s forging process ensure that these knives are well balanced.
Like other Wusthof Classic Knives, these steak knives are bolstered, meaning that there is a less likelihood of your fingers slipping down to the blade while handling it. That is important, given how efficient these knives’ are at tearing through meat.
All the four steak knives have a straight cutting edge that’s gives you smooth clean cuts. Since they are forged, they’re likely to retain their edge for an extended period of time, which means you do not have to worry about sharpening them frequently. The knives are sharpened at a 14-degree angle on each side, using the Wusthof’s PEtec technology, making the blade 20% sharper than other blades on the market.
Appearance-wise, these steak knives are very attractive. They have an elegant design and will make a great addition in any modern kitchen. The presentation box is not ugly either, though one does feel it could have been made with a little more are.
The handle is made from high quality Polyoxymethylene (POM) for enhanced strength and durability. POM also has excellent discoloration and fading resistance properties. The three metallic rivets ensure that the handle is firmly attached to the full tang for maximum strength and durability. The knives are pure fun to work with and are a perfect starter set for hobby cooks.
Wusthof Classic Steak Knives Conclusion
High quality steak knives are an investment and it’s important you protect that investment. To do this, you need to care for your steak knives properly. When you store your steak knives, avoid storing them loosely in draw or a cutlery tray. Instead store your Wusthof Classic knives in specialized areas, such as a knife block, knife storage box or case that is constructed of soft fabric. This will prevent the blades from rubbing against one another, which means your knives will remain sharp for long.
Although all steak knives are dishwasher friendly, avoid putting in your dishwasher. Instead wash them with warm soapy water and dry them by hand. By doing so, you will prevent damage to the knife and your blade will remain sharper for long.
