Wusthof Culinar 10 Piece Profile Knife Block Set

The eight kitchen knives in this set provide a cook with a variety of cutting edges: an 8-inch cook's knife for rocking through chopping and mincing tasks; an 8-inch carving knife for meats and poultry; an 8-inch serrated bread knife for crusty loaves; a 6-inch sandwich knife and a 4-1/2-inch utility knife for myriad slicing and cutting needs; a 5-inch serrated salami/tomato knife with a pronged tip; a 5-inch boning knife; and a 3-1/2-inch paring knife. The set also includes a 9-inch sharpening steel for keeping knife edges aligned and a maple block to store everything on the counter within reach. Like all fine cutlery, the knives should be hand washed. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch cook's, 8-inch carving, 8-inch bread, 5-inch salame, 6-inch sandwich, 4-1/2-inch utility, 5-inch boning, 3-1/2-inch paring, 9-inch sharpening steel, 9-slot maple block

The Wusthof Culinar line is an all stainless steel look, rather than a black handle. Although the picture and some descriptions want you to think this is a single piece knife, be advised that the hand is a separate piece of stainless steel molded onto the tang. I personally prefer the handle of the Grand Prix and Classic, because the grip is surer for me, but this is, to some extent, a matter of personal preference. This series "looks" more professional to some (like a Viking stove).

This set includes an 8 inch chef's knife, a 3 inch paring knife, a 6 inch sandwich knife, 8 inch bread, a 5 inch salami, a 2 inch trimming knife, a sharpening steel, and an oak block

The 8 inch chef's knife is a great knife. Wusthof offers four sizes of chef's knives in the Classic version, 5, 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 inch paring knife, this knife falls into the category of overkill for me. Most cooks will get by just fine with the 4 inch utility knife. There is really no notable difference in size for the vast majority of applications between the 3 inch paring knife and the 4 inch utility knife. I prefer the 4 inch utility knife, but the 3 inch paring knife will do the trick.

I have found very few uses for the 6 inch sandwich or 5 inch salami knives. I prefer the larger size of the chef's knife or the smaller 4 inch utility knife. These knives are just the wrong width and length for most tasks, and falls into the overkill department, except when part of a set.

The 3 inch trimming knife, however, is a good length for small tasks, like trimming fat from cuts of meat.

The bread knife, is a great knife. Many people think tomatoes are the hardest food items to clearly cut. I think bread is much more difficult; but this knife makes the task seem easy. However, I prefer the 9 inch knife over the 8 inch included in this set.

When it comes to sharpening steels, I have found very little difference between Henckels and Wusthof. As long as you buy a high end steel, you really won't go wrong. Therefore, I shop for this item on price, and Henckels has a price advantage. However as the steel comes with the set, you won't go wrong with this steel.

This set is a good deal as far as price. However, keep in mind you really only get 7 knives. Adding the set of steak knives (which I consider a luxury, and not a necessity), will fill the remainder of the block.


A DEFINITE MUST FOR WEDDING GIFT REGISTRY   October 9, 2001
 9 out of 32 found this review helpful

A knife is meant to last you for life and what better than to have the best!

This is probably the only knife I know that's made of single piece construction! That means there's no shortcuts to making this knife, no ways in cheaping out to create this knife.

Made of pure 18/10 stainless steel and by one of the world's reputable German Knife Company you can't go wrong.