When it comes to fine knives, there are only a few brands that stand out in the industry and one of the leading names would be JA Henckels.  This company is the largest knife manufacturer in the world. Founded in Solingen, Germany in 1731, this brand has almost three centuries experience in making knives making it very well established and reputed in terms of producing high quality knives. This company offers several lines of knives. Every JA Henckels knife set has it own distinct qualities which make them ideal for certain preferences as well as for various users.

Various JA Henckels Knife Set Lines

Click Here For All JA Henckels Knife Set Options

The Four Star Henckel Knife set for instance is fully forged, with a molded handle made of polypropylene and a tang which extends into the handle. Its more recent version which is the TWIN Four Star II set is mostly similar in features except for a stainless steel end cap. Meanwhile the TWIN Select series knives are distinctive for their ergonomic stainless steel handles. The TWIN Cuisine set on the other hand has a fully exposed, horizontal tang embedded in a polypropylene handle. The TWIN Professional “S” set is recognizable for its traditional 3-rivet polypropylene handle.

These various JA Henckels knife sets can also be classified according to the materials they are made of. For instance the TWIN Select, Four Star, Four Star II, and Professional “S” are all forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel while the TWIN Cermax series have micro carbide powder steel with clad layers as its main material. The TWIN Cuisine JA Henckels knife set on the other hand is forged from one piece of steel using a traditional hot drop forging technique.  Lastly, the TWIN Gourmet and Signature knives are stamped from a single piece of steel.

When you are searching for the right knife for your kitchen, high quality craftsmanship and durability should be your main considerations. It should be precisely and  expertly crafted, completely safe by providing a secure grip and have correct balance and ergonomic design.  In addition it should last a long time, can resist corrosion and it should maintain a sharp cutting edge for a very long period . The various Henckels Knife set will surely live up to these standards and can certainly give you satisfaction in terms of performance. Let us further look closely at the qualities of these knife sets as a way to help you in deciding which would be suitable for your purpose.

JA Henckels Knife Set Options:

JA Henckels Pro S Knife Set – A Top Pick Here At Best Kitchen Knives Reviewed

This line is the most popular and sought after among  JA Henckels knives.  It is easily distinguished by its 3 rivet handle design.  It features an excellent quality forged blade which is welded to the handle. The blade, though, maybe not as sharp the first time you use it but once sharpened to your desired level, it guarantees to maintain that state for a long period.

Twin Select JA Henckels Knife Set
What knife professionals find excellent about JA Henckels Twin Select Knife set is that it has an all stainless steel look that makes it very attractive. Aside from that, these knives are also praised for its comfortable, ergonomic,  and stainless steel handles, though there maybe some who have difficulty with their grip in situations where they have wet or greasy hands. Furthermore, the blade’s edge of this knife is very sharp however users may have problems with its large bolster since this makes the knife difficult to sharpen at the base.

JA Henckels Twin Cermax Knife Set
This particular Henckels Knife Set is not actually manufactured in Germany but in Japan. They are made as an alternative to the high end Japanese knives which have become very popular these days.  This particular line boasts a very sharp blade and a handle which has an excellent ergonomic design. Many knife experts also praised the outstanding fit and finish of this knife set.  When it comes to price tag however, this set maybe a bit pricey however the quality in performance will surely make up for that.

JA Henckels Four Star II Knife Set
The more recent version of the Four Star knife set, the  Henckels Twin Four Star II features a blade with a handle that has a metal cap. Some experts  however see this extra metal in the handle as a rather drawback on the performance of this knife since it moves the balance point back to the handle making the knife uncomfortable to hold  because the user will tend to fight the weight.

JA Henckels Twin Cuisine Knife Set
This particular set is another replacement to a previously manufactured line by this company known as the Five Star line. The Henckels Twin Cuisine Knife set still features the same blade though but with a another similar heavyweight handle just like the Four Star II line. It also has the extra metal in the handle feature which to some knife professionals makes this set rather uncomfortable to the grip since it lacks the right balance.

Wusthof is among the most reputable and established names in the kitchen knife industry. The company, which is based in Germany, has been in the business of manufacturing the best quality knives for almost two centuries now. This brand is primarily recognized for making precision forged knives that are designed to ensure excellent performance. The forging process has been mainly used in the manufacturing of these knives by skilled workers assisted by the latest technological innovations. This Wusthof knives review will look into the distinct qualities and features of the several lines of products the company currently offers to the market. It will look into the various characteristics which make these knives favorites by professionals and home chefs alike.

Wusthof Knives Review

Wusthof knives can be classified by a number of lines or models. These sets are made and designed to cater to different kinds of preferences and styles of the person using them. Most of these lines of knives feature forged blades and are made with remarkable attention to detail and meticulous hand finishing. They are distinct from each other though when it comes to handle designs. The various models include the Wusthof Ikon Knives, Wusthof Classic Knives, Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu, Wusthof Culinar, Wusthof Grand Prix II and Wusthof Gourmet.  This Wusthof knives review will try to help you select which would be the perfect line for you by discussing in detail the various choices.

Wusthof Ikon Knives
The Wusthof Ikon Knives are forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel and feature specially designed bolsters.  The handles for this line were designed to give comfort and control, have a seamless hygienic fit, triple-riveted handle shells, and full tang. The tapered bolster is specially designed in order that the user’s fingers will be protected from the blade’s edge. Added to that, this tapered bolster will also give the user an easy time while working with this particular knife model.  Sharpening the blade will not be also a problem. Meanwhile the handle is comfortable to the hands with its three rivets design and is well balanced. The polished edge and the sharp edge of the spine on the other hand have been nicely ground down.

Wusthof Classic Knives – *Best Kitchen Knives Reviewed Top Performer*
Wusthof Classic knives are always favored by many because of their right amount of heft, high quality blades, excellently balanced bolster, and handles that are very comfortable. Made for the use of professional chefs and enthusiastic home cooks alike, they are forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. Their handles have seamless ergonomic fits, triple-riveted handle shells and full tang. The bolster ensures that the user will have a firm grip so chopping, dicing, and slicing will be a precise and simple task.  The first time you use the knife, the blade may be duller however a once sharpened, this knife will be razor sharp and will remain sharp for a longer period than most knives.

Wusthof Culinar Starter Set

Wusthof Culinar Knives*An Absolutely Stunning Knife Set*

Wusthof Culinar Knives are also forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel which like the other models makes it very strong. But what make this particular model distinct is its sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing design, both in fit and finish. This line is totally metal colored and has only one rivet in the handle instead of three. In terms of performance, these knives are exceptionally sharp. However there are users who may find these knives to be rather heavy in the hand and difficult to sharpen.

Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu Knives
Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu Knives are the product of the combined efforts of one of the world´s leading cooking academies and leaders in the knife industry, Le Cordon Bleu. This set is designed for people who prefer lighter weight knives. That is why this particular line is 30 % lighter when compared to the other models.  But like the other models, the knives in this line are also forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel and designed to have the perfect balanced for easy cutting. The full tang handle has a seamless ergonomic fit and triple-riveted handle shells. It as well has a specially designed bolster.

Wusthof Grand Prix II Knives
This particular line is described as bold and contemporary with outstanding performance. Like all the other models, these knives are also forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. It has an improved handle which makes it perform well along with being comfortable. Users favored it for being hefty but not heavy, it has perfect balance and blade shape, and a good finishing as well as edge.

Wusthof Gourmet - The Lowest Priced Wusthof's

Wusthof Gourmet Knives- Wusthof’s Budget Buy

What makes Wusthof Gourmet knives different from all the rest of the models is that the knives are stamped rather than forged.  They are manufactured from one piece of steel (Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium) and have synthetic and full tang handles. These knives are lighter than the forged kinds and cost significantly less. That is why this is intended for those working on a budget. The performance though is not as good as the other models.

For more information about the top knives mentioned in this Wusthof knives review, check out this Wusthof Classic Knives Review

With the wide range of brands and designs available nowadays, finding that ideal knife that will make kitchen life less challenging is an important consideration for those who love to cook. One of the most highly regarded knives in the industry today is the Kershaw Shun Classic chef knife. What are the various features that make this kitchen knife a favorite of professional and amateur chefs alike?

Kershaw Shun Classic Chef Knife Review

The Kershaw Shun Classic chef knife is part of the Shun professional series. This is a forged knife made from VG-10 “super steel” which is actually a combination of Carbon, Chromium, Cobalt, Manganese, Molybdenum, Silicon and Vanadium. Forged knives are always regarded highly because of their superb quality.  Kershaw knives are no different.

Added to that is the 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel which clads the blade on each side. Such high-carbon stainless steel allows the knife to have the razor sharp finish Shun knives are famous for. In addition this design also ensures that the edge of the blade will remain stain and rust free.

Moreover, this knife is also recognizable by its distinctive Damascus look on the blade, a pattern resembling wood grain. Furthermore, it features a handle that offers excellent balance and comfort during the food preparation process. This is due to the fact that it is made of Pakkawood and that it has an offset steel bolster. The knife is also lightweight so it won’t put that much stress on your hands during its use. This is indeed a well crafted knife which is exceptionally sleek in design and one that will last for many years, a true testament to the excellent skills of Japanese knife makers.

As mentioned earlier, the Shun Classic knife is part of the excellent Shun professional series that have all the qualities discussed above.  But before you select one, always consider your primary needs so that you ensure that the knife you purchase is ideal for your kitchen as well as for your comfort.

Below are a number of excellent knives from the Shun series that you may find fitting for your kitchen tasks. These are short reviews to guide you in determining whether these products have the qualities and features that you are looking for.

Kershaw Shun Classic Chef Knife, 10-inch

One of the more notable knives in the Shun Series, this knife is razor sharp and has impeccable balance. The distinctive Pakkawood handle design combined with the lightweight Damascus blade makes this 10-in. Chef’s knife the ideal kitchen companion for a skillful chef as well for those users at home. The excellent blade forged from the VG-10 hardened Japanese steel cutting core, clad with 16 layers of high carbon stainless steel on each side, ensures a razor sharp edge that can easily slice through tougher cuts of meat and dense vegetables like sweet potatoes with ease. It also has a superb sharpness retention no matter how often this knife is used.

Shun Classic Utility Knife

Part of the Shun Classic line, this is a multipurpose utility knife that  features a narrow sloping blade 6 inches in length with a piercing tip. Its main advantage is the fact that it is compact in size making it easy to handle. This is also the reason why this knife is well liked by both the commercial and home users.

Like the other knives in the Shun series, this knife is forged from a VG-10 “super steel” core and clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel making its Damascus blade resistant to rust. In addition the blade also prevents morsels from sticking and avoids crushing or damaging foods. Other standard features include the Pakkawood handle that features a “D” shape design that makes the grip comfortable and the offset stainless-steel bolster that protects the knuckles.

Shun Classic Chef’s Knife

This 8-inch chef’s knife is a versatile kitchen tool that is very efficient in doing various cutting tasks like slicing, chopping, dicing, and others. Standard features include the forged, VG-10 stainless steel blade clad with 32 layers of high-carbon stainless steel which makes it rust resistant as well as razor sharp. The Kershaw Shun Classic chef knife has a patterned and layered surface of a Damascus blade and black laminated PakkaWood D-shaped handle that ensure easy grip as well as maximum comfort.

There are so many brands, and designs within brands, of kitchen knives.  How can you know which one is right for you?  In our overview review of the best kitchen knives, we discuss the top performers.  Any of the knives mentioned in that review would out perform the needs of any home chef.  However, there is one design of knife that stands out among the rest.  If you are a serious cook who seeks to have the finest quality knife available, we suggest that you consider the Shun Ken Onion chef’s knife.

The Shun Ken Onion Chef’s Knife

Read User Reviews of The Shun Ken Onion Knife And Compare Prices Here

Immediately out of the box, the Shun Ken Onion chef knife grabs your attention with its innovative and modern design. Be careful!  This baby is razor sharp straight out of the box.

This versatile knife is manufactured by Kershaw, and was created by Ken Onion, one of the world’s top knife designers.  He is a mulit-awarded designer of inventive and original knives. What makes this knife popular among many cooks and chef’s whether at home or in professional kitchens is how comfortable they are to hold. This design features a Damascus blade characterized by a generous tip, curved cutting edge, and wide surface area designed to quickly and easily prep food with little effort. It has a specially contoured bolster that gives the knife excellent balance. The design of the handle further ensures comfort while working by releasing arm tension and allowing smoother movements..

This Shun Ken Onion Chef’s Knife is forged from a VG-10 stainless-steel which allows it to resists corrosion and rust as well as keep its sharp edge for a long, long time. It Pakkawood handle meanwhile is designed to have both strength and beauty with a deep, warm glow that displays a lovely line. However what makes the handle truly remarkable is that it is a well-balanced, highly maneuverable tool that feels just perfect in the hand without slipping or rubbing.

The Shun Ken Onion is available in different style and several blade sizes ranging from 4.5 inches to 14 inches.  Here we will discuss the most popular designs.

Shun Ken Onion Chef’s Knife Elite

Part of the outstanding Shun Elite collection, this eight-inch chef’s knife is distinctive with its curved black handle, another innovation from the award-winning custom knife designer. It is made of PakkaWood which is actually a combined hardwood-resin. It displays an inlaid traditional Japanese emblem and fine rings of copper and brass near the bolster. The design is truly ergonomic for the purpose of increasing control and at the same time reducing stress and strain on the hands during long periods of chopping, mincing, and slicing.

The Shun Elite knives collection is known for their incredible sharpness which is due to the use of a new powdered steel alloy known as SG-2. The SG-2 will create a smooth-as-silk knife edge, formed with a 16 degree angle that allows cooks and chefs to cut uniformly thin slices.

Another distinctive design that makes this knife captivating is the “hamon,” which is actually a flourish etched along the edge of the blade akin to samurai swords.

Initially, using this knife may feel awkward to those who are used to more traditional knives.  However, give the knife a chance and, as with most, you may never use another knife again.

Shun Ken Onion Santoku Knife

Part of the Shun Ken Onion Series knives, this style is also made from premium materials such as VG10 super-steel and PakkaWood. It also has the distinctive suminagashi blade pattern as the Shun Classic knives. What sets this Hollow Ground Santoku apart is the handle which is curved to settle into the natural contours of your hand. Meanwhile the blade’s belly is curved to reduce cutting fatigue as well as to give the knife excellent versatility.  This santoku knife has a wider bolster with a contour curved thumb and forefinger rests that significantly eases and diminish tension during the food prep.

Each style knife, whether the Ken Onion Chef’s Knife or Santoku knife, will be sure to satisfy.  The choice is simply up to the users preference.  Find the knife for you, click here.