Need a new chef’s knife or maybe a new cleaver?? Wüsthof Gourmet Knives are on sale now at Sur La Table, Crate and Barrel and Cooking.com.  Each vendor seems to be offering different pieces that are on sale – for instance Cooking.com has the Santoku for $43.95 on sale versus Sur La Table who has it on sale for $49.95. However, the difference in price could make a difference when you add shipping and handling and wait time. For me, heading down to my nearest Sur La Table is never an arm-twisting experience!

Now the Gourmet series of knives is made from laser stamped steel and not forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel. That’s why the price is not as high as say their Classic line which can cost almost as much as 1.5 to 2.0x the cost of the Gourmet series. What’s the difference? In my opinion, choosing a knife should be a very personal experience. For most home cooks,  a knife in the Gourmet series is probably perfect – not too heavy, easy to maintain, “classic” styling of their sibling the Classic series. For the more serious home cook and professionals, the choice is clear. A balanced, forged piece is desired. Much more care goes into the care and upkeep of a high-carbon steel knife. Always wash by hand, never in the dishwasher. You should hone your knife with a steel and only get your knives sharpened maybe once or twice a year.

TIP: When buying a knife, you should always have the opportunity to feel the knife in your hands. This is important. Think of the knife as an extension of your arm. Make sure the weight isn’t too heavy for you. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can try the knife.  While I like Cooking.com, you can’t try the knives. Most Sur La Table locations are willing to let you try the knife and let you hold them. 

While you’re at it, if your Sur La Table has a cooking school in it, sign up for their Knife Skills class. There you can learn how to dice, batonet, mince and much, much more. One knife skills class can turn you from an ok cook to a great cook!