Wusthof 9755Classic 2-Piece Knife Starter Set

There are really two main competitors in the high-end mainstream kitchen knife market: Henckels and Wusthof. Those who have used both usually have a preference. My preference (and therefore bias you should know about) is for the Wusthofs.

The Wusthof Classic line is the more conservative counterpart to the Grand Prix line. The only difference, however, is the handle style. I personally prefer the Grand Prix, but this is an issue of personal preference. The balance and grip of these knives are as close to perfect as I have found. For those wondering what benefits a higher priced knife provides, one benefit is that the blade (or tang) is one piece all the way through the handle. This makes the blade much stronger, and less likely to snap.

This set includes an 8 inch chef's knife, and a 3 ½ inch paring knife.

The 8 inch chef's knife, is a great knife. Wusthof offers three sizes of chef's knives, 6, 8 and 10 inch. For most home cooks, I think the 8 inch knife is the best choice. The 6 inch is a bit small for bigger jobs, but the 10 inch is too big for most jobs. While the 8 inch isn't perfect for all uses, if you are only buying one size chef's knife (and most people only buy one), this is the one I would recommend.

As for the 3 ½ inch paring knife, this knife falls into the category of overkill for me. Most cooks will get by just fine with the 4 ½ inch utility knife. There is really no notable difference in size for the vast majority of applications between the 3 ½ inch paring knife and the 4 ½ inch utility knife. I prefer the 4 ½ inch utility knife, but the 3 ½ inch paring knife will do the trick for most tasks.

This set is a good deal; however, if compiling a set myself, I would include the chef's knife and the 4 ½ inch utility knife. Judge for yourself.

In June of 2003, I wrote a blurb praising this starter set. My opinion from then hasn't changed, except the last part where I wrote that I couldn't justify Wusthof's price for those knive you don't use every day. Well, I lied. Since then I have replaced virtually every knife I had then with a Wusthof. Whether I was dicing veggies, carving a roast, or simply cutting up a chicken, I just got to the point where I could no longer tolerate using an inferior knife for the job; so I upgraded as I went along. All my old knives went into my camping box (you're supposed to be "roughing it" when camping, right?).

The knives in this set are superb. The problem is that after using them, you are liable to do as I did and spend lots of money later. Be warned.

Buy Wusthof 9755Classic 2-Piece Knife Starter Set Now

I received as a gift a set of three Wusthof knives when I moved into my first apartment. At that point in my life, I knew NOTHING about cooking, and could barely boil water. The knives sat in their box for several months before I finally got around to opening them. These knives, however, are absolutely amazing. The difference between my Wusthof knives and a "regular" knife is really impressive. I have been using them for over three years now on a daily basis, and have not yet needed to sharpen them. They easily cut through tough, sinewy cuts of meat, while still being sharp enough to tackle delicate fruits and vegetables without ripping at them. I have since, for the sake of experimentation, tried other "quality brand" knives including Henckel, but nothing has come close. I am now working on completeing my set of Wusthof.

Read Best Reviews of Wusthof 9755Classic 2-Piece Knife Starter Set Here

I must tell you, I finally decided to pop for these knives as an indulgence; and then I had a bad case of buyer's remorse. You know, "How in hell could I justify paying 100 bucks for 2 lousy knives?". I like to cook, but I've been getting by with "decent", although relatively inexpensive knives. Anyway, that remorse lasted until I prepared my first meal. My God, what a difference. I can't justify popping for Wusthof for knives you don't use much, but for the ones you find yourself using every day, it's worth it.

Want Wusthof 9755Classic 2-Piece Knife Starter Set Discount?

If you're planning to cook, the cookware and knives will be your primary tools in the kitchen. For that reason, buy the best you can find it's an investment that should last 30 years and be used by your children, too. I looked at 10" chef knives at the store and they were cumbersome and too large. This 8" felt better, had a sturdy feel to it and you could sense the craftsmanship when holding them. These stay sharp, haven't shown any signs of wear or rust and are quality made and heavy. Great starter set, and will last you for years to come.

Save 40% Off