Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece

Should you buy the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece?

The Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece is for a cook who wants the classic German forged knife and plans to keep it for decades. At $435.00 it ranks #4 of 10 in our Kitchen Knife Sets category, with the joint-best Satisfaction score at 96. The triple-riveted handle and full bolster feel substantial in the hand. If you want similar build for less, the Zwilling Pro 7-Piece is $65.05 cheaper; for forged blades on a budget, the Mercer Genesis M20000 6-Piece is $129.00.

Where it earns its score

• Quality is 94. The highest Quality score in the category, for blades precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel.
• Satisfaction is 96. A 4.8-star average across 367 ratings ties the Mercer and Global sets for the best rating here.
• The right four knives. An 8-inch cook's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 6-inch utility and 3.5-inch parer cover nearly every home prep job.
• Made in Germany, lifetime backed. Wüsthof builds the Classic line in Germany and covers it with a limited lifetime warranty, which scores 95.

What to know first

• Value is the lowest factor at 66. $435.00 for four knives is a steep premium over the Mercer Genesis M20000 6-Piece and its five forged knives at $129.00.
• Slot count is unclear. The listing title says 15-slot block while the bullets say 13 slots, so check the photos before you order.
• No steak knives. You will need to add steak knives separately, which the Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece and Henckels Statement 15-Piece include.

Questions buyers ask