Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 3.5 inch Paring Knife

The Wusthof Classic 3-1/2-Inch Paring Knife is close to perfection as a kitchen tool. But how do you improve on perfection? In this case, by making a paring knife that's a little less idiot-proofed, and a lot more powerful.

Wusthof's Cordon Bleu line has the same handle as their Classic line. But:

The knives have no bolster behind the cutting area. This gives you a second point at the back of the knife perfect for things like pricking the skin of a tomato to insure a clean slice, or scoring an apple or potato skin as you rotate it against the blade. However, because there is nothing between your finger and the blade, you have to balance the knife properly as you use it, and pay attention to where the knife is resting in your hand. Yes, you can hurt yourself with this knife. Much more easily than with the Classic.

The blades are thinner, harder, and more highly polished than the Classic, with a shallower and sharper angle on the cutting edge. As a result, they will keep their razor edge longer, but you'll have to baby the knife more, and the edge will be harder to steel. (The metal is the same amalgam as the much older Wusthof knives were, before they changed the formula. I finally gave up on using my Wusthof steel, and I'm using a Kyocera ceramic steel rarely to keep my Cordon Blue knives sharp).

This is not an entry-level knife. But if you know what you're doing, it will become the go-to paring knife in your arsenal. Think of it as the turbo version.

I ordered this knife to replace one that had been used as an icepick (by a nameless spouse), and this design is even a bit better -good length and taper -than the one we replaced (which was part of "Emeril" Wusthof knives). We won't be testing its usefulness as an icepick, however.

Buy Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 3.5 inch Paring Knife Now

I bought two Wusthof knives and I love both of them. They are the best knives I've ever owned and worth the money. They are easy to sharpen with the Wusthof sharpener and hold the edge for a long time. I would highly recommend these knives.

Read Best Reviews of Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 3.5 inch Paring Knife Here

I do not like serrated knives.

After I bought a set with one of these in it, I realized that I loved this as a steak knife as well as a paring knife. I have purchased a full set of these for just this use, but I end up using these for all kinds of knife work in the kitchen.

I like that it doesn't have the back catch for nice clean continuous cuts, and I have never come close to injuring myself with this feature.

Great look. Great handling. Allows precise control.

Great knife.

Want Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 3.5 inch Paring Knife Discount?

The Cordon Bleu series must be the pinnacle of the Wustof line. This knife is a joy to look at, a joy to hold, and a joy to use. If you, like me, like your sopressata sliced razor thin, this is the knife you need. The blade is very sharp and so far I've been able to maintain its edge with the finest grade diamond sharpener.

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