Review of Wüsthof 8518Grand Prix II 8-Piece Knife Set with Block (sets, reviews)

[reviewer]

Wüsthof 8518Grand Prix II 8-Piece Knife Set with Block

Rating: 5 out of 5

• Currently 5.0/5.0

As a cook and the executive chef in a (small) catering company, I can tell you that great knives are the most important kitchen tool. It saves time, money, frustrations, and entire meals when you invest in good knives. Wusthof has been making knives like this for as long as they've been making knives. The Grand Prix series is especially lovely.

Though I own a catering company, I bought his particular set of knives for my personal use. I love that this knife block comes with a honing steel. I can't see buying great knives without a decent sharpener and a place to keep it that keeps it from sloshing around somewhere in a utensil drawer. These knives keep their edge for a long time, so don't need a lot of sharpening, but it pays to keep knives in great condition.

The balance is almost perfect, the grip is great, exactly what you'd expect from this company. Unlike less expensive knives, these qualities keep the hand from being fatigued. The weight and the blade really do the work as long as you use the knives properly. It makes chopping a joy.

The only thing I would say about it is to be sure you plan to add to your knife collection before buying this product. Though the set comes with eight knives, the block comes with seventeen slots for knives. I recommend the steak knives for the front slots. Be creative with the others. If you love to cook and plan to buy more in this line, you will be glad of the extra slots. However, if you have more modest needs, get one of the smaller sets that come with only the the slots for the knives included in the product. It's a great "starter set" to give as a gift or to buy for yourself when you're starting to seriously cook.

Review by professional reviewer, Oct. 2, 2010