Are you shopping for new kitchen knives but need help deciding between Cutco and Wusthof?
In this comparison of Cutco vs. Wusthof, I break down their similarities, differences, pros, cons, and more. You’ll learn how they differ in materials, design, performance, price, and more.
By the end, you’ll have all the key information to decide which brand is right for you.
If you’re looking to quickly compare the price of Cutco and Wusthof knives, both are available on Amazon at these links: Cutco knives, Wusthof knives.
Click the links below to navigate this comparison.
- Cutco vs. Wusthof: 30-Second Summary
- Comparison Chart
- Overview of Cutco
- Overview of Wusthof
- Similarities Between Cutco and Wusthof
- Differences Between Cutco and Wusthof
- Bottom Line: Should You Buy Cutco or Wusthof Knives?
Cutco vs. Wusthof: 30-Second Summary
If you only have a minute, here’s what you need to know about Cutco and Wusthof kitchen knives.
Longevity: Cutco has been in business for almost 70 years and makes all of their knives in the United States. Wusthof has been in business for 200 years and makes all of their knives in Solingen, Germany.
Price: Cutco and Wusthof knives cost about the same, but the exact amounts depend on which type of knife or set you buy. With Cutco, you can schedule an in-home demonstration while Wusthof knives are widely available in retail stores, but I’ve found the best deals for them on Amazon.
Manufacturing Process: Cutco knives are considered “stamped knives” because their blades are laser cut out of a sheet of steel. Wusthof has one stamped knife collection, but the majority of their knives are considered “forged knives” because they’re manufactured through a 40-step process in which they are heat-treated and molded from a single piece of steel. The process of forging increased hardness, durability, and overall quality.
Knife Handles: Cutco knife handles are comfortable, but they only offer one style. Wusthof offers seven different handle designs in both synthetic materials and natural wood.
Knife Blades: Cutco offers three different blade styles. Wusthof offers seven different blades, although several of those are very similar to each other.
Warranty: Cutco will repair or replace their knives for any reason forever (even if they were passed down or gifted) as long as you use them as instructed. Wusthof’s warranty protects the original owner from defects in material or craftsmanship.
Comparison Chart
The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison of Wusthof vs. Cutco.
| Brand | Wusthof | Cutco |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1814 | 1949 |
| Where They’re Made | Solingen, Germany | Olean, New York, USA |
| Product Offerings | 9 knife collections | 1 collection |
| Blade Material | X50CrMoV15 stainless steel | 440A steel |
| Handle Material | Synthetic resin or wood | Thermo-resin |
| Construction | Forged blades primarily | Stamped blades |
| Blade Hardness | 58 on the Rockwell Scale | 56 to 60 on Rockwell Scale |
| Blade Sharpness | 14-degree angle per side | 15-degree angle per side |
| Weight (8-Inch Chef’s Knife) | 8.5 ounces | 7.2 ounces |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Forever Guarantee |
| Price | $$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$$ (view on Amazon) |
Overview of Cutco
In this section, I cover everything you need to know about Cutco, including its history, blade styles, warranty, care/cleaning, and more.
Cutco’s History
Cutco launched in 1949 in Olean, New York. Even though many would assume that the name of the company came from the use of the product, Cutco originated from cutting letters from the phrase Cooking UTensil COmpany. Cutco is the largest manufacturer of kitchen cutlery in the U.S. and Canada, and it employs over 600 employees at their factory and headquarters in New York.
Where to Purchase Cutco Knives
Cutco’s knives are primarily sold through sales reps employed by their wholly-owned subsidiary, Vector Marketing. Vector Marketing hires college students and people just starting their career to sell Cutco knives face-to-face, often to family and friends.
There are rumors that Vector Marketing is a multi-level marketing company, which is synonymous with a pyramid scheme or scam, but those rumors are entirely false.
With multi-level marketing companies, sales reps are required to recruit and hire other sales reps. Their pay is based on their sales and any sales made by the reps on their team.
Vector is NOT a multi-level marketing company. In fact, they are a direct sales organization, and their sales reps are not responsible for hiring reps to work under them.
If you’re interested in buying Cutco knives, you can schedule a demo on their website, or you can purchase their products at one of the few retail centers sprinkled throughout the central and eastern parts of the U.S.
If you don’t mind purchasing a knife sight unseen, you can either buy Cutco products directly from their website or on Amazon.
Cutco’s Forever Guarantee and Forever Sharpness Guarantee
Before we get to their knives, it is important to know that Cutco offers a Forever Guarantee.
It doesn’t matter if your Grandmother originally purchased your Cutco knives and then handed it down to you, or if you received the knives as a wedding gift. If you are not satisfied with the performance of your knife at any time, you can return it to the company, and a company representative will correct the problem or replace the product.
This guarantee only applies if you use the knives conventionally. If you break your knives cutting something you probably shouldn’t be, Cutco will replace them for half the cost, plus taxes. Damage due to unconventional use completely voids almost every other knife maker’s warranty, including Wusthof.
Cutco also offers a Forever Sharpness Guarantee. Customers can send their knives and a small fee to the company, and they will return your sharp knives to you.
The fee is nominal and is required to cover shipping. To have up to 10 knives sharpened, it only costs $9. If you send more than ten but less than 26 knives to be sharpened, the fee is $11, and up to 40 knives are $13. Not too shabby for practically brand new sharp edges.
In addition to their Forever Guarantee and Forever Sharpness Guarantee, Cutco knives also come with a 15-Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee, which allows you to return your knives for any reason and get a full refund within the first 15 days of receipt.
One cool thing about Cutco knives is that you can have the blades engraved or monogrammed. This option makes for an extraordinary gift for friends and family members that love to cool. Unfortunately, the 15-Day Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee does not apply to knives that are engraved.
Cutco’s Manufacturing Process
Cutco knives are made in America through a process called stamping, or laser cutting.
Stamped knives are manufactured by laser cutting the blade design from a large sheet of stainless steel. Once cut, they are heat-treated, buffed, ground, cleaned, and treated with a protective coating.
Their handles are molded from engineered thermo resin and are attached to the blade by nickel silver rivets. The complete knife is then sanded to smooth all surfaces. Finally, highly skilled craftsman sharpen the edge to a perfect 30-degree angle (15 degrees per side).
In the end, every knife is inspected and must pass 25 quality standards before it’s shipped off.
Although Cutco’s manufacturing process is efficient and results in high-quality products, stamped knives are generally less sturdy and durable compared to forged knives that are made from a single piece of steel. All of Cutco’s knives are stamped; however, Wusthof makes both forged and stamped knives.
Care of Cutco Knives
Cutco Cutlery is dishwasher safe, but the company website recommends that you hand-wash your knives in hot water with a mild dishwashing liquid. Yes, you can throw your knives in the dishwasher, but you may damage them in the process. The dishwashing detergent and water mineral content can affect the shine of your cutlery, and the blade can become damaged when it goes through a dishwasher.
Cutco’s Three Blade Styles
Cutco offers three styles of knives blades, including Double-D Edge, Straight Edge, and Santoku. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Double-D Edge
Cutco’s featured style is the Double-D edge. Even though Double-D edges look serrated, this is not an accurate way to describe the design. Double-D edges are recessed. The teeth provide three sharp surfaces with which to cut, and the teeth protect the central part of the knife. One benefit of this design is that it allows the chef to cut at any angle. You may cut straight down, forward, or backward.
The Double-D edge can be sharpened but needs to be done so by the company. Cutco promises that you won’t need to sharpen the Double-D knife as often as its straight-edged counterpart. Cutco makes the blades with a 440A high-carbon, stainless steel.
The Double-D Cutco knives feature an ergonomic handle that fits any sized hands. It’s is appropriate for left-handed and right-handed chefs and features a fatigue-resistant design. The handles are available in a variety of colors, which can include dark brown, red or pearl white.
Users of the Double-D knives will enjoy the strength and balance that comes with having the blade extend the full length of the handle.
Straight-Edged Knives
Cutco also offers straight-edged knives that come sharpened at a 15-degree angle per side. Most kitchen knives are sharpened between 14 and 20 degrees per side, so 15 is normal.
One benefit of this style over the Double-D is that the user can sharpen the straight-edged knives at home. They can also be sent back to the company to be sharpened and polished. All you have to do is pay the minor shipping fee.
Cutco’s straight-edged knives offer an ergonomic handle that fits any sized hand. Regardless if you are a leftie or rightie, it is easy to lock your thumb and forefinger into place so you can safely and precisely cut your food.
The straight-edged blades extend the full length of your knife’s handle. This style, described as full tang, gives your knife balance and strength. The blades are made of 440A high-carbon stainless steel.
The Cutco handles are made of highly engineered thermo-resin, and are available in a variety of colors, depending on the style you choose. Customers can also add personalized engraving to their knives to cut down on family fights over who left their knife at Mom’s house on Christmas.
Santoku Knives
Cutco also offers Santoku-style knives. Santoku knives are not unique to Cutco. Instead, it is a style of knife that originated in Japan. Santoku knives are typically between five and eight inches long and have a sheepsfoot blade. Sheepsfoot blades have a straight cutting edge with an unsharpened curved back spine. The spine curves to meet the straight edge and producing a sharp, functional tip. Santoku knives are usually used to slice, dice, and mince.
Cutco uses the same materials in manufacturing the Santoku knives as the other Cutco products. Their Santoku knives are also backed by the Forever and Forever Sharp Guarantees. No receipt is ever required to reap the benefits of these promises.
What Cutco Customers Are Saying
Since Cutco knives were traditionally sold door-to-door, some chefs are quick to overlook this product; however, Cutco customers are usually pleased with their knives. The blades tend to hold their sharpness, and since the company offers such a good warranty and “free” sharpening for the life of the knife, there seems to be little risk in purchasing these knives.
Although the average consumer may not be knowledgeable about knife production, experts say that Cutco knives are inferior because they are stamped instead of forged. Stamped knives are cut from a sheet of steel instead of being manufactured from a single piece of steel. Stamped knives are less costly to produce and are not as durable, sharp, and substantial-feeling as a forged knife.
Experts also question the quality of the 440A stainless steel that Cutco uses to manufacture its blades. Other knife companies that are at the same price point as Cutco use 440C steel. In general, 440A steel is usually used in cheaper knives.
Now that you know a bit more about Cutco, let’s take a look at one of their biggest competitors, Wusthof.
Overview of Wusthof
In this section, I cover everything you need to know about Wusthof, including its history, warranty, and a break down of each of its product lines.
Wusthof’s History
The Wusthof family has owned and led this German company since 1814. Wusthof is located in Solingen, Germany, which is known as the “City of Blades.” Solingen received this nickname because there are several other knife companies located in the same town, including Wusthof’s main competitor, Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
Where to Purchase a Wusthof Knife
Even though it would be a fun trip, you do not need to travel to the “City of Blades” to buy genuine Wusthof knives. Unlike Cutco knives, customers can purchase Wusthof products anywhere that premium kitchen products are sold, including Crate and Barrel, Williams Sonoma, and, they are also available on Amazon.
Wusthof’s Warranty
Wusthof products are guaranteed to be free of defects in material and craftsmanship upon the purchase of the knife. The company does not cover any damage or defect that occurs due to normal or abnormal wear or use.
Unlike Cutco, Wusthof does not offer any sharpening services. However, they sell Wusthof sharpening products, including honing steels, electric sharpeners, and hand sharpeners.
Wusthof’s Manufacturing Process
Most of Wusthof knives are forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel that is heat-treated and molded into a thick and durable blade. This 40-step process, which Wusthof has refined over the last 200 years, involves careful coordination between over 300 skilled craftsmen and modern proprietary technology.
During the process of making a forged knife, molecules in the steel are rearranged, making the blade stronger and more durable. Forged knives tend to be thick, heavy, and hold on to their edges for a long time.
Check out this video to get a quick look behind the scenes at Wusthof’s manufacturing process:
In addition to their forged knives, Wusthof has two collections of stamped knives. Unlike forged knives that are molded out of a single piece of steel, stamped knives are cut out of a sheet of steel similar to shaping dough with a cookie cutter. The process of making stamped knives is more efficient, which lowers the cost. However, they tend to be thinner, lighter, and less durable.
Care of Wusthof knives
Wusthof recommends that you hand wash your knife immediately after use. Putting your Wusthof knives in the dishwasher can damage the blades, other items in the dishwasher, or the dishwasher itself. The company also recommends that users carefully dry the knife immediately after it’s washed.
Wusthof’s Knife Lines
Wusthof has an extensive product line. They offer eight forged-blade collections and one laser-cut stamped collection.
All Wusthof blades are made out of high carbon stainless steel, and their blade edges are sharpened at a 14-degree angle per side. They infuse their steel blades with alloys and elements to increase durability and resist rust, stains, and corrosion.
Below is a quick rundown of Wusthof’s most popular knife lines.
All of the forged knives are sharpened with PEtec technology. Even though the company has been around for 200 years, they are quick to embrace new techniques to leave their knives sharper than ever before.
PEtec sharpening uses precision robots that sharpen the blades on a whetstone. Computers calculate the precise sharpening angle for each blade.
Ikon
The Wusthof Ikon’s curvy handle is made of African Blackwood called Grenadill. The Ikon’s bolster is smaller, which makes it easy to sharpen the knife all the way to the end of the blade.
Check out Wusthof Ikon knives on Amazon.
Classic Ikon
Wusthof’s Classic Ikon offers a triple-riveted full-tang handle. The curvy, synthetic handle offers premium hygiene and a good fit. The blade is forged from one piece of high-carbon stain-free steel.
Check out Wusthof Classic Ikon knives on Amazon.
Classic
The Classic’s handle is also made of synthetic materials, but it feels like wood. The shape of the handle differs from the Classic Ikon, but they both are manufactured with the same materials.
Check out Wusthof Classic knives on Amazon.
Crafter
Crafter is Wusthof’s newest knife line. It reminds me of Wusthof Classic due to its triple-riveted handle that curves prominently towards the butt end, but it’s smoked oak handles, and brass rivets give it a much more earthy, rustic look. When it debuted, this collection was only available at Williams Sonoma, but now you can find it at more kitchen supply stores and on Amazon.
Gourmet
Wusthof’s Gourmet line offers a full tang handle for all blades longer than 12 cm. The synthetic handles hold the blade that is laser-cut out of one piece of high-carbon steel. It looks like a classic Wusthof, but it is stamped instead of forged.
Check out Wusthof Gourmet knives on Amazon.
What Wusthof’s Customers Are Saying
Wusthof customers love their knives, as evident by their nearly perfect reviews on Amazon. The company has a long track record of customer satisfaction. Although their warranty is not as forgiving as Cutco’s, under typical use, there is hardly ever a need for a replacement.
Wusthof customers rarely complain, but those that do usually have unrealistic expectations based on the premium price they paid. The interesting thing about these complaints is that Wusthof’s prices are typical for high quality forged knives and are right in line with Zwilling, Shun, and even Cutco, whose knives are not forged.
Anyone complaining that Wusthof’s knives are too expensive should opt for one of their cheaper lines, like the Gourmet, or buy lower quality brands altogether.
Similarities Between Cutco and Wusthof
Cutco and Wusthof have been perfecting the craft of knife making for decades and share many similarities. The following are the most notable similarities:
Performance: Both companies produce high-performing knives that are durable and last a lifetime.
History: Both companies have stood the test of time. Wusthof has 200 years under its belt, and Cutco has been making knives for almost 75 years.
Ergonomic Handles: Both Cutco and Wusthof offer ergonomically-designed handles made from a variety of materials.
Caring and Cleaning: Both companies recommend that consumers hand wash and dry their products to keep them in tip-top shape.
Customizable: You can personalize Cutco and Wusthof knives by engraving or monogramming the blades.
Price: Even though there are many different levels of Wusthof knives, on average, Cutco and Wusthof are priced similarly. Check their current prices on Amazon (Cutco on Amazon, Wusthof on Amazon).
Differences Between Cutco and Wusthof
Now that you understand the similarities, let’s take a close look at what makes Cutco and Wusthof kitchen knives different.
Manufacturing Process: Wusthof offers six forged-knife lines and one stamped-knife line. Cutco only offers stamped knives.
Durability: Due to their manufacturing process, Wusthof forged knives are more durable and hold their edge longer than Cutco’s stamped knives.
Sharpness: Wusthof knives are sharpened at a 28-degree angle (14 per side), which is slightly sharper than Cutco’s, which are sharpened at a 30-degree angle (15 per side).
Sharpening: Cutco offers a mail-order sharpening program at a minimal cost. Wusthof does not offer this service.
Handle Design: Each of Wusthof’s seven knife lines have a slightly different handle designed for function, safety, comfort, and aesthetic. Custo’s handles all have the same ergonomic design but are available in a variety of colors.
Handle Material: All of Cutco’s handles are made out of an engineered material called Thermo Resin, while the material of Wusthof’s handles varies by style. Most are made out of a synthetic material that is very similar to thermo resin called Polyoxymethylene; however, their Ikon and Epicure lines are made out of natural wood that is exceptionally stable, hard, and beautiful.
Warranty: Although Wusthof guarantees their products will be defect-free, Cutco’s Forever Guarantee, Sharpness Guarantee, and 15-Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee give you more protection against unexpected issues.
Where They Are Made: Cutco’s products are made in the USA, and Wusthof’s are made in Germany.
How They Are Sold: Cutco offers in-home demonstrations while Wusthof allows you to test their products in retail stores such as Crate and Barrel and Williams Sonoma.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy Cutco or Wusthof Knives?
Even though Cutco backs their knives with a fantastic warranty, who wants to mess with contacting a company to replace your knives? Wouldn’t you rather purchase a high-quality product that consistently ranks high on customer and expert reviews?
If you’re willing to invest in high-quality kitchen knives, I highly recommend going with one of Wusthof’s five forged knife lines, which are all available on Amazon.
They are sharp, durable, and come in several different handle designs that not only look great but are also comfortable and safe. Even if you’re picky about the design and how it feels in your hand, Wusthof has enough options to satisfy your needs.
The thing I like the most about Wusthof knives is the fact that they offer several different forged knives. When you pick up a forged knife in one hand and a stamped knife in the other, you can feel the difference.
Wusthof’s forged knives are heavier, more balanced, and feel more durable than Cutco’s stamped knives. Although Cutco knives are also quite durable, they can’t match the sturdy feeling you get with Wusthof.
To give Wusthof or Cutco knives a try for yourself, you can check them out on Amazon at the links below.
What are your experiences with Cutco and Wusthof knives? Do you agree or disagree with this review? What is your favorite brand of kitchen knives? Leave a comment or contact us directly.
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I ended up here today because I was looking for a set of used Cutco knives. I was astonished to discover they are selling for almost the same price as new! I think the last time I looked they were selling for about 20% of the “new” price. I suspect Cutco drove the “used” price up.
The same thing does not seem to have happened to Wusthof. Presumably then, you can pick up used Wusthof second hand, restore it and save yourself a lot of money.
I have the full set of Cutco knives, utensils, etc. The set is about 40 years old and has had some very hard use. I do not use the sharpener that came with the set. Every couple of years I mail Cutco anything I want sharpened and a week later it all comes back like new.
I can’t compare Cutco to anything other than what I have used in other people’s homes. I’ve only ever found one home with knives as sharp as mine and that was the home of a knife enthusiast who seems to sharpen each knife every time he uses it.
My Cutco has never been harmed by the dishwasher.
I believe I broke the tip off of the knife I use the most (the meat trimmer). I think I was using it to cut a watermelon in half so it was my fault. They sent me a new one for free anyway.
I left the handle of the spatula (I can’t even describe how much I love that spatula) leaning against the edge of a frying pan. It melted the handle a little. Again, my fault but it was replaced for free.
One knife handle came apart. The whole knife was replaced for free.
Everytime I pick up a Cutco knife I get a tiny flash of “love” for the product.
When someone has dinner here for the first time, they almost always ask me where I got my meat knives because they are so sharp. I’ve sold a lot of Cutco in my time and never received a penny of commission, lol.
I enjoyed this article.
Very fair and thorough review. So I’ve owned a Cutco set since 1996 (wedding gift) and Wustof 8′ Chef’s since 2005. Here are my thoughts.
1. Wustof: I was given the Wustof as a gift in 2005 and really didn’t know the quality of knife I was dealing with. I didn’t abuse it, but I didn’t take care of it either. So it was always hand washed (don’t put Wustof in the dishwasher) but it was never properly sharpened. The material on the handle did eventually crack and a section broke off due to the material and knife, of course lost it’s edge. After 10+ years, I decided to send the knife in to Wustof to have the blade professionally sharpened (they have a service) and see if the handle could be fixed. Two weeks later, they send me a brand new knife, no questions asked. Now that I’m older and wiser… or at least older… I can really see an appreciate the top of the line quality of the Wustof knife. Plus they changed their handle material, so I expect it to not crack this time. I was so impressed, I went out and bought a paring knife, 5″ Santoku and their Universal shapener. These are truly amazing knives and there is a reason professional chef’s over the world use them. If you are budding professional or a serious foodie, I think the three knives I mentioned are a must have WITH the shapener. (For my second chance, I will regularly hone and sharpen the blade.) NOTE: The Santoku has a different blade angle than the Chef’s and paring knife, so make sure you get the Universal (has 4 sharpening slots) and not the standard sharpener (only two slots).
2. Cutco: Andrew’s comments on the Double D edge are true, but their performance for most EVERYDAY kitchen tasks can’t be understated. As he said this is NOT a serrated edge. I believe, most serrated edges can’t be resharpened, while the Double D can, even if you do have to send it in to have it specially done. I just sent mine in this week and quite honestly, I think Cutco will just send me all new knives. But if they just come back shapened, I’m ok as they still look and feel great. Here’s my cutco story. I was trained as a Cutco salesperson in 1987 out of high school, but had to quit for personal reasons (company and product was fine). But did get all the training and understood the technical side of the knife. So when I got married 9 years later, I told my fiance I want Cutco Cutlery, she bought me a set that had a Chef’s knife and paring knife (traditional straight edge), and a Slicer, Petite Carver, Trimmer, and Sandwich Knife (all with the double-D blade). The scissors came too. The Cutco Double-D knives are a beast/work horse set. The handles are rock solid, the steel looks as good as new, and most importantly, you can put them in a dishwasher with no fears. 20+ years of marriage, 4 kids, and dishwashers means lots of meals and lots of cleanings. Note: I did replace my Cutco Chef’s knife with the Wustof back in ’05 giving the Cutco Chef’s to my mom. I lost the paring knife at a pot-luck or something… so all I have are the double D knives, which is fine by me.
3. Head to head? I think head to head, there is no difference between my Cutco and Wustof knives EXCEPT in chopping/dicing which requires a straight blade. But anything with just a cutting motion, I actually like the Cutco Double-D better. Knowing that I don’t have to sharpen the blade, and can put in the dishwasher Cutco wins. But when peeling fruit and veggies, making sushi, or chopping anything, my Wustof is my go to knife (just gotta remember to sharpen regularly, which is easy peezy). Best of both worlds.
4. Final thoughts: Both are worth the money and have their place in kitchen I think. I expect to die with these knives, so my kids won’t get them… If I am fortunate enough have grand kids, I’ll will the knives to them. But for my four kids, each will get the four Double-D knives and three Wustof knives I mentioned as a wedding or house warming gift, when they are are old enough.
Bottom line: I wish the rest of my life was a cool as my knife set. (other than my wife that got them for me in the first place).
Hello! I have sold Cutco Knives for 3 years and wanted to comment on your article to clear a few things. Firstly, if any readers want to purchase, the least expensive way to do so is through our student program. A rep will be able to provide you with discounts that are far below cutco.com or amazon prices. I also wanted to clear up that our blades are NOT stamped with an edge. The steel is stamped as when making any knife, but the EDGE is done by hand for every single knife (including Double-D AKA serrated edged knives) and then put through a 15- step heat treating process to give it the perfect blend of hardness and flexibility. I do feel like that one point makes Wusthof sound worlds better so I would edit that so you are giving people correct information. As for the handles, our industrial designer studied 700 pairs of hands so they fit any sized hand and reduce carpal tunnel and arthritis. Most importantly, they’re made of the same material as football helmets-thermo resin- which is guaranteed to never crack or break, and is totally nonporous so as not to absorb bacteria, and the best part is it’s dishwasher safe.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for sharing these tips and insights! It’s always great to hear the perspective of someone on the inside.
When I say that Cutco knives are “stamped”, I’m referring to how the blades are manufactured. I am not referring to how the edges are sharpened or finished. I’ve made that clear in the article, but I apologize for any confusion.
Thanks again for the comment.
Andrew
Hello Andrew, Thanks for your review. I have owned a large set of Cutco knives for more than a decade. I also use Wosthoff, Zwilling JA Henckles and Japanese brands. Like yourself, my favorites are from the Japanese steel approach to preparing food. To stay fully inside Shun, Enzo or Yoshihiro takes a lot of awareness, skilled sharpening and careful cleaning and handling. It helps to put a few ZJA Henckles or Wusthof knives on the front-line, to take the beating when certain bones, pits and other hazards are present. The heavier construction and softer steel provide trustworthy durability and forgiveness! I honor the place Cutco has made and the values they represent. I am proud to own Cutco, but am very particular to forged knives over stamped / laser cut. The feel of a knife and how it handles during sharpening in particular are top features for me.
Great review I have two cutco knives and I was looking at the other brand and this article was super helpful
I am 75 years old. I sell Cutco knives by visiting people in their homes and demonstrating the knives. When I make the appointment, I ask them to prepare by selecting their best, and sharpest, knives so that we can compare theirs and mine. I’m happy when they tell me they have the best set Wusthof makes. Many of them warn me that Wusthof is the best knife made.
During my demonstration, I allow them to do the cutting. We cut rope, leather, many types of vegetables, and paper. Cutco has never lost to Wusthof. Wusthof never even comes close.
I also provide a free sharpening service for Cutco owners. If they have a damaged knife, I help then wrap it for shipping by bringing boxes and wrapping material with me. Cutco has no charge to sharpen either the straight edge or the Double D. There is a $9.00 charge for return postage for up to 10 knives. One customer sent in 8 knives that I was unable to sharpen because they had been abused. Cutco sent them eight new knives at no charge.
Does Wusthof provide that kind of service?
Hi Jimmy,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It’s always helpful to get the perspective from someone who has been working with these products for so many years.
There is no doubt that Cutco knives are incredibly sharp, and it’s hard to argue that any company in this market provides better service.
Although I prefer the total package Wusthof offers (design, heft, durability, comfort, etc.), I know plenty of people that share your opinion.
Thanks again for stopping by the site and sharing your insight!
Andrew
If someone owns Wusthof knives and calls Cutco they probably are not good at keeping their knives sharp… So yes when you bring a brand new knife over and compare it to their old dull blades they will seem sharp. And also cutting rope requires a more ruff tooth-like edge than slicing vegetables. A knife sharped on 400 grit stone will cut rope better than a 2000 dollar Japanese sushi knife that was sharped down to 8000 grit… What I’m saying is your test is unfair and misguided and probably looks really impressive to people that know nothing about knives, steel, or sharpening. A Victorinox 35 dollar chef knife is the gold standard of the professional kitchen and will cut circles around anything Cutco has ever made and do it at a much lower price point. I recommend most people just go buy that knife instead. But if your an enthusiast and like something pretty that will last a lifetime then get your self a forged Wusthof or another german knife. I personally would rather have a thin Japanese knife heat treated up to 60- 62 Rockwell, So ill stick with my Mac Professional.
Best deal in all the land = https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Fibrox-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B000638D32
Samurai sharp for the initiated = https://www.cutleryandmore.com/mac-professional/chefs-knife-p18061
Have you even ever owned a cutco knife or are you saying this based off of essentially nothing
Jimmy Lea, yes Wustof does have that kind of service too. I have both Cutco and Wustof excel in the kitchen, in different ways of course.
I have been using Cutco for over 20 years now and have been very pleased with my set. Started with a small set and have been adding to it for years. I have sent my double-d blades in for re sharpening numerous times with great results. Once the factory said my blades were beyond re sharpening so they sent me a whole new set.
The company and their representatives have always been a pleasure to deal with.
Sorry I can’t compare my knives to others, but I have only used my Cutco.
Hi Charles,
Thanks for sharing your experience with Cutco!
It’s incredible that your knives have lasted so long. But, the service that you got from Cutco is even more impressive than the durability of their knives. It’s great to know that they truly stand behind their Forever Guarantee.
Hopefully your new set lasts another 20 years.
Good luck!
Andrew
If I read it right, steak knives from both companies are stamped, so they’re basically equal in durability with a slight edge (pun intended) to Wusthof for sharpness but to Cutco for lifetime guarantee..
Hi Robert,
Great question. Wusthof offers both forged and stamped steak knives. Below is the breakout of each Wusthof steak knife set, including links to see more details on Amazon.
Wusthof Classic steak knives (Amazon): Forged
Wusthof Classic Ikon steak knives (Amazon): Forged
Wusthof Gourmet steak knives (Amazon): Stamped
All Cutco steak knives are stamped. You can check out more details on Amazon.
Considering you won’t be using steak knives every day (like you would a chef’s knife), I wouldn’t worry too much about the differences between stamped and forged. The main differences between Wusthof and Cutco steak knives are the design and price. Wusthof offers more design options (see links above), but Cutco steak knives are less expensive.
I hope this helps. Best of luck!
Andrew
Upon reading this article, I may have been swayed to buy Wustoff for the quality . But 35 years ago I bought a Cutco from a neighborhood boy and we have been happy consumers of Cutco knives since then. I have never needed to have them sharpened but might do so after reading this article. I did send my first 35 year old knife in recently as the tip had broken off and received a new knife at no charge within a week. I also love the shape and feel of the handles.
Hi Marcy,
Thanks so much for sharing. Wow, 35 years! That’s incredible!
You can’t go wrong with either brand. But, if I’m buying a new set right now, I’m going with Wusthof. They are heavy, balanced, razor-sharp, and look fantastic.
Cutco knives are great too, as you know from your experience, but I truly believe Wusthof knives are a better investment.
Whichever brand you choose, I’m wishing you the best of luck.
Thanks for stopping by!
Andrew
Hi I just wanted to let you know that. Although Vector may seem like an mlm company. It’s just direct sales no one gets paid off another person. I’ve been working there over a year now 🙂
Thanks for the comment! Do you sell Cutco knives? If so, anything you’d like to share with our readers about their knives?
Wusthoff calls Chef’s knives as Cooks on their website…what is the difference between their Chef ie Cook’s and the Utility ones….for example 4522 is Utility vs 4582 is Cook’s knife….Amazon has 4522 around $85 but a combo of 4582 and 4066 for like 99. If the 4522 and 4582 are comparable the combo appears to be a better deal.
Hi Kal – great questions.
“Chef’s knives” and “Cook’s knives” are the same. Some manufacturers call them Chef’s and others call them Cook’s. Most often, you’ll see them called Chef’s knives.
Utility knives are mid-sized knives, bigger than paring knives but smaller than Chef’s/Cook’s. Chef’s/Cook’s knives are the most versatile and work well with all sorts of cooking. Utility knives are better for smaller vegetables, herbs, bagels, and sandwiches.
Hope this helps.
-Andrew
Great article, thanks for the reviews.
Whether you like a student coming to your home to sell knives or not is a personal thing.
It is, however, an often an opportunity to help a young person get an education. That is not something you can often do in a transaction.
I agree with you on this. I just brought a Gourmet set through my son refer for a college student and love it! I was thinking of getting another set as a gift in the future.
I just thought I’d mention that there is a fourth part to the Cutco guarantee: If your knife is damaged through unconventional use it can still be replaced for half price. I appreciate your fairness to Cutco throughout your unbiased review, although it seemed as though some of your rhetoric favored Wustoff early on which may color people’s perception of both brands before they have a chance to examine them equally. It seems like the selling point for Cutco is this: Wustoff is better quality. But Cutco is only slightly less quality with a killer guarantee.
Hi Adam – thanks for sharing that additional benefit of the Cutco Guarantee. I’ll add that to the post so others know. You’re absolutely correct about the bottom line. Wusthof knives are forged which makes them higher-quality and more durable.
Great review, not easy to info that is not biased because of the business model Cutco is using.