Top 8 German Kitchen Knife Brands

A knife is an indispensable attribute in every kitchen, which is why the requirements for it are quite stringent. The knife should not only be well sharpened, but also be comfortable, not have flaws, chips. Some housewives prefer to have one universal knife that can do everything: peel vegetables, cut, chop, butcher meat. But more often in the kitchen there is a whole set of tools that differ in shape, size, purpose.

How to choose a good knife

There are many knives on the market for kitchen tools that differ in quality, ergonomics and cost. Manufacturers are constantly refining and improving their products, taking into account the wishes of the end user. German-made goods are especially popular with housewives and professional chefs. Knives of German brands have a higher cost compared to other manufacturers, but they are of high quality, reliability and durability.

Varieties

Before buying a cutting item, you need to determine for what purposes you will use the knife. Indeed, for those who are comfortable chopping cabbage, it is impossible to remove a thin skin from an apple, and it is very difficult to cut fresh pastries with a fillet knife.

1. The chef’s knife is a versatile cutting tool. It is very popular with housewives and is suitable for cutting any products. Comfortable design fits women’s and men’s hands. The blade length can vary from 15 to 45 cm, which allows you to choose a product that is suitable for cutting meat and peeling potatoes.
2. Bread knife. Yes, there is a special tool for this product. Product features – a cutting edge with small teeth and a smooth blade without bends and thickening. Such a knife allows you to cut both crispy crust and fresh soft pastries.
3. Filleting and carving meat knives are designed for processing fish and meat. The flexible and narrow blade of the fillet knife makes it easy to separate the meat from the bones and cut into thin pieces. The carving knife does a great job of chopping bones and cartilage. Its blade is wider, but tapers strongly towards the end. It can also be used as a sirloin, to separate the meat from the bones.

Knives for fruits and vegetables are presented in a wide variety. They are divided into two types: for cleaning and for cutting. The cleaning blade has a hole and is located between two holders. They are easy to peel off the thin skin, getting minimal waste. Cutting knives have blades of various thicknesses and shapes. After all, it is convenient to cut some vegetables with a narrow blade with a bend, while for others a wide universal blade is suitable. There are knives for curly or spiral cutting; with special blades for avocado, watermelon, melon and others.

Product material

The knife handle can be wooden, plastic, metal. Wooden handles are comfortable, but may crack over time, they should not be left in water or near an open fire. Metal handles are heavier, but they are the most durable. Plastic handles are comfortable and practical. In all respects, plastic wins, but some housewives still prefer wooden ones. Wood is softer, warmer and feels more comfortable in the hand.

The blade is the main element of the knife. It should be strong, keep sharpening for a long time, not have nicks and chips. For its manufacture, stainless steel is used with the addition of chromium, molybdenum, silicon, carbon, manganese, vanadium, which impart various additional properties to the blade. Not so long ago, ceramic products appeared on sale. They cut well, but are more fragile. They cannot be dropped, used for cutting bones, ice, frozen meat. A ceramic knife cannot be considered the main tool in the kitchen, but it will be a great addition to steel products.

German knives are presented on the Russian market in a huge variety. All of them differ in quality, purpose and cost. In order to determine the most responsible producers, the Expertology editorial staff studied the reviews of housewives and professional chefs. According to the results of the research, 8 German brands were identified, the products of which are distinguished by their special quality and ease of use.

Top 8 German Kitchen Knife Brands

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Zwilling JA Henckels

Rating: 5.0

JA Henckels is one of the oldest manufacturers of kitchen knives and scissors. It was founded in 1731 in Solingen, the city of knifemakers. Brand products have been in demand for over 270 years. Therefore, Expertology employees gave the first place to these knives. The tool grade is developed in-house at JA Henckels and therefore has impeccable wear and corrosion resistance. All products go through several stages of hardening by the Friodur method.

Beautiful design and high quality appealed to millions of users around the world. The brand constantly updates the Zwilling line, using cutting-edge technologies and many years of experience of the craftsmen. The range of Zwilling JA Henckels includes classic, universal, cutting, filleting and other types of knives; Chef knives have a special place. Comfortable impact-resistant plastic handles have a secure fit that prevents breakage. All products can be washed in the dishwasher, but the manufacturer still recommends gentle manual cleaning.

Wusthof

Rating: 4.9

The Wusthof company was founded in 1814 in the same city of Solingen. The brand has been recognized as an expert in knife making, and the Dreizack trident logo is now recognized around the world. The trident, according to the manufacturer, embodies the concept of the enterprise: “passion – diligence – perfection”. The main motto of the brand: “Not quantity, but quality!”. That is why all products undergo rigorous testing and only after that go on sale.

The company offers more than 350 types of ideal tools for any task. The blades of the products are forged from high quality carbon stainless steel, and the handles have a seamless design. Particular attention is paid to Wusthof chef knives – they are made of rolled molybdenum-vanadium stainless steel. The authenticity of each knife is guaranteed by the Dreizack logo and the code on the blade with the production date.

Customers call the brand’s products “majestic”, appreciating the solid forged blade and the eternal quality guarantee. Wusthof are ideal kitchen knives for professional and home use.

Nesmuk

Rating: 4.8

Nesmuk is a young manufacturer that has made a name for itself in the knife market. Over the ten years of its existence, the company has acquired a large number of fans around the world. A distinctive feature of Nesmuk knives is their uniqueness. High technology and modern materials, combined with traditional practices, have made it possible to create products that are not similar to those of other manufacturers.

Only the best steel and wood are used to create Nesmuk knives, and some of the alloys are developed by Nesmuk engineers. Nesmuk products have been awarded the International Knife Award and the Good Design Award (competitions held in the USA). Connoisseurs of kitchen masterpieces have identified Nesmuk as one of the best manufacturers of kitchen tools.

The pride of the company is a special series of EXKLUSIV knives, which embodies all the features of Nesmuk products. The blade of each knife is hand-forged and has unique patterns, and a unique coating protects the patterns from moisture. The handles are made of Karelian birch burl, the wood of which is 50–70% stronger than the birch itself.

Boker

Rating: 4.7

The history of the appearance of Boker knives began in the 17th century, and already in the 18th century the brand’s products were known far beyond Germany. The main emblem of the company was the chestnut, which once grew near the factory. The head of the Boker family considered him a symbol of the stability and prosperity of the brand. Now the company has licenses for production in Europe, the USA and China, which makes it possible to purchase kitchen tools at an affordable price anywhere in the world.

Boker produces knives of different price categories: from the budget Magnum models to the elite Kalashnikov series. In the production of all types of tools, only high-quality high-strength steel is used. The manufacturer offers a wide range of various kitchen and chef knives, high-quality hunting and tourist products. The assortment also includes narrowly focused varieties, for example, Japanese hakucho, knives for cleaning mushrooms, slicing bread. At Boker, customers appreciate high quality and functionality, and a wide range of products allows you to choose a knife according to taste and value.

MesserMeister Oliva Elite

Rating: 4.6

A quality knife is the perfect gift for anyone who knows how to cook. Such products are not cheap, but they are always sharp and will last for many years. MesserMeister knives, unlike other German brands, are unusually light, so you can easily cook several dishes at once. MesserMeister has been on the knife market for more than 30 years, but still processes its products using the ancient technologies of hot casting and hand stamping. The range includes tools for home and professional kitchens, chef’s, utility and specialty knives. The blades of all products are forged from a single billet of the best German alloy.

The highlight of MesserMeister is the Oliva Elite series. Oliva Elite blades are razor-sharp and feature original forging and factory sharpening. The knives have a designer golden brown olive wood handle and will brighten up any kitchen.

Gude

Rating: 4.5

The Gude brand was created in the 18th century by the hereditary blacksmith Carla Gude in the same city of Solingen. For a long time, the company’s products were no different from other knives and were not particularly popular. Success came after the development of a new method of “wave sharpening”, which increased the cutting ability and edge strength. Another successful invention of the brand is a weighted handle with a powerful pommel. The shift of the center of gravity to the handle significantly reduced the load on the muscles of the hands during work and made the tool very comfortable. Today, the oldest knife company Gude is a global company for the production of knives of excellent quality.

Each Gude knife is a masterpiece of blacksmithing. Several masters are working on the instrument at once. Blade forging, handle manufacturing, engraving – a true craftsman is responsible for each process. The advantages of the brand’s products are the legendary durability of Gude products. A special hardening technology with alternating high and low temperatures made it possible to obtain a tool that can cope with any load. The company produces several series of products. The most popular collection is the Alpha knives, which have a balanced handle made of Hostaform plastic. Design and product quality continue to improve.

Fissler

Rating: 4.4

Fissler kitchen knives are practical and reliable. They are made of high quality steel using exclusively modern technologies. Available in several series, each of which is distinguished by quality and beautiful design. Many designers work on each series, embodying their extraordinary ideas. The main advantage of Fissler is a durable and strong cutting element that does not require constant sharpening. The handle of products made of high-quality plastic is developed individually for each knife. Handles do not have seams and irregularities, exclude the ingress of food particles into the fasteners.

Fissler knives, like Gude, have a balance of blade and handle weight. The manufacturer guarantees that the knife is comfortable to use and, in case of unforeseen circumstances, falls only with the handle down. The company produces a wide range of products for the home and professional kitchen, and perfectly matched Fissle sets allow you to design the kitchen in a single style.

Gefu

Rating: 4.3

A feature of Gefu is a huge variety of special purpose knives. Here you will find tools for cheese, bread, steaks, apples, kiwis, tomatoes, pineapples, oranges, mangoes and more. Ordinary kitchen knives are also presented in a large assortment: cutting, chef’s, universal. The quality and convenience of products are thoroughly tested. Only after that the product goes on sale. Attention to every detail of the knife, high quality and functionality have allowed the brand to take one of the leading positions in the market.

Gefu’s philosophy is to inspire and engage in the creativity of cooking. With each functional knife you acquire new professional skills. For example, buyers highly appreciated the Gefu “Spirelli” knife, which allows you to cut potatoes into spirals, and carrots into noodles. Gefu products simplify the work in the kitchen and allow you to make dishes beautiful and original.