Henckels vs. Wustof Knives?

trae3

Hi!

I'm trying to decide between 4 different knife sets...

Henckels Four Star II 7-Piece Cutlery Set: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.…

Henckels Professional "S" 7-Piece Knife Block Set: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.…

Wusthof Classic 9-Piece Knife Block Set: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.…

Wusthof Grand Prix II 8-Piece Knife Block Set: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.…

I was able to hold the Henckels Four Star II in the store and I did like the rounded (ergonomic?) handles, but they didn't have all of the other sets....

I cook a lot and want to register for a set for my wedding. I'm not sure which brand or set is best. Like I said, I couldn't hold each knife, because they don't have all of them in store.... Which would you get and why?

For instance, I don't really understand the difference between the Henckels Four Star II and the Pro S? Is one "better quality"? Or is the only difference the handles?

Thank you!!

kaos16

I've heard that Wusthof generally is better quality.  With that being said, most brands have higher end and lower end models.  Perhaps there is a different store nearby that has the same sets so you can get a feel for them. 

gymbugmj2k

wusthof is technically rated as the 'better' brand....but at this point, both are of Excellent quality.  it truly comes down to personal preference, weight/usability preference, knife choice and price. The different series names really don't mean too much other than preference/handle style.  I have a henckels set (no idea which series) and LOVE it.

Personally, i'd choose the set with the santoku knife, but that's just becuase its my favorite knife in my set   like i said before, its personal preference as to which knives you use most often.  Most people can get away with a paring, chef and bread knife.  I tend to use a santoku more than a chef knife though - but thats just my preference.  Depending on what you use/need, it might also be cheaper to buy individual knives instead of a set. FWIW i found my set on Amazon (macy's also had it) for $99 after thanksgiving.

the only warning/reminder i can give you is to absolutely make sure you use WOOD cutting boards with this quality of knife.  Glass or other cutting boards will dull or potentially ruin the knives altogether. 

hoffse

Of those, the four star II are what I would get - they are excellent and really are a  better quality than pro S.  Wustoff is good also, but I prefer Henckles personally.  I would recommend going to BBB and feeling each of them.

bruggink

I'd also strongly recommend going to the store and seeing which knives feel best in your hand. I knew I wanted Wusthof, and I thought I'd like the ergonomic Grand Prix handles, but I ended up hating them - and loving the Classic line - after I actually held them. 

ebifish

When my FI and I went to register at Macys he was very insistant on the Henkles sets, we took a look at the 2 they had in store and he couldnt decide at first, but then we noticed that only 1 of the 2 was actually made in Germany so we registered for that one. I'd suggest looking into where the blades are made and make sure that if you are buying from either of those fine companies (Wusthof is great too!) that you are registering or buying the top quality made in Germany ones, not the ones made by one of their secondary facilities in Taiwan or Spain where the quality and craftsmanship will likely be slightly lower.