Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife 4582/20

Pros: great blade - an entire piece of steel, three rivet handle, a true classic
Cons: none

I'm no gourmet. I'm just barely adept at grilled cheese. Yet I imagine the attraction I have to quality power tools can spill over into other areas of my life (my wife would wish it to spill over into my wardrobe choices...) This appreciation of ...

Pros: Highest quality materials, construction and performance.
Cons: High cost.

I have in Wusthofs this 8" (20 centimeter) classic chef's, and also a 4 1/2" classic chef's, a 3" strait blade paring, and a 7" Santoku (Asian style blade but made in Germany). I would gladly have more of the German Wusthofs but I also have other sizes ...

Pros: Feel and Geometry of the blade on the board, handle and balance.
Cons: None. That is a rare thing for me to say about anything.

There is a reason professional chefs use professional tools. In this case, a $100.00 knife. What you look for in such a tool is not just how sharp or how long or what steel it's made from - All knives will dull, and there is always something "better" to ...

Pros: Well balanced, sharp, keeps an edge well, durable
Cons: none... not even price (you get what you pay for)

I bought this knife many years ago when I was still in college. As an aspiring chef, I was tired of wasting $25 dollars at a time on cheap knives that would turn dull and dangerous within a couple of months. At the same time though, I was unaware of how to properly care for a good knife (sharpen once a year, use a steel frequently, always keep the edge protected). This knife stood up to a lot of abuse and kept its edge.

After eight years, this knife is in as good of shape as ever. I do properly care for it now. And, I own many other Wusthof knives (10” cooks, 9” Bread, Flexible Boning, 3.5” Pearing, and a wonderful set of steak knives).

My only beef… ..the little trident sticker on the handle doesn’t last long. After a couple of months, it comes off. I like the look of the knife with the sticker on it. I wish it were more durable.