Wusthof Classic 8" Chef Knife Mini Review

The Wusthof Classic line represents the "classic" German chef knife with its full bolster, rounded profile and triple riveted POM handle. It's a quality workhorse with decent cutting geometry and average steel performance. The bolster makes it difficult to sharpen and can lead to a recurve over time if not paying attention; however, note that the bolster does slope away from the edge to allow for dressing back the bolster easily. The handle is nothing too exciting, even slightly uncomfortable with a blocky feel. It's less comfortable than the Mercer Renaissance handles and doesn't remotely compete with the Ikon. Due to the lighter weight and further forward balance it feels for nimble and handy than the Ikon which can be attractive for some users.

Overall it's definitely a top tier German style workhorse but there are a lot of other options out there that represent better value like those offered by Zwilling and Messermiester at the same price without a full bolster.

Price: $160 (April 2021)
Blade: 8" long
Steel: X50CrMoV15 at 58HRc
Geometry: 0.011" BTE on average at 19dps from factory
Balance: transition from bolster to POM handle
Spine: 2.8mm at the heel
Height: 47mm at heel
Weight: 260g, 9.2oz
Sharpening: Steel daily, strop weekly, 1K waterstone every 3 weeks.

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