Kitchen

Wüsthof Crafter Review: A Knife for Life

A chef's knife is the most important tool in your kitchen. We tested models ranging from budget bangers to Japanese works of art, but we kept coming back to one workhorse: the Wüsthof Crafter.

In This Guide

The Quick Verdict

This is the knife you buy for life. The smoked oak handle feels warm and grippy, and the high-carbon stainless steel blade holds an edge significantly longer than stamped knives. It is expensive, but it replaces a drawer full of junk.

9.4/10
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Wüsthof Crafter Review

1

Wüsthof Crafter 8" Chef's Knife

Kitchen Workhorse ★★★★★ (9.4/10)
Wusthof Crafter Check Price on Best Buy

Design & Feel: The first thing you notice about the Crafter series is the handle. Made from smoked oak, it offers a tactile warmth that standard black plastic handles lack. It is secured with beautiful brass rivets that will patina over time.

Performance: This is a forged knife, meaning it is crafted from a single piece of high-carbon steel. The full tang (the metal runs all the way through the handle) gives it perfect balance. It rocks effortlessly for mincing herbs and has enough weight to chop through squash without feeling heavy.

What We Love
  • Smoked oak handle is beautiful and grippy
  • Forged blade holds a razor-sharp edge
  • Perfectly balanced weight
The Downsides
  • Hand wash only (never dishwasher!)
  • Wood handle requires occasional oiling
Blade Length 8 Inches
Steel Type X50CrMoV15 (High Carbon)
Handle Material Smoked Oak & Brass

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put this in the dishwasher?
Absolutely not. The harsh detergents will damage the steel and the heat will destroy the wood handle.
How often should I sharpen it?
Use a honing steel before every use to keep it straight. You only need to actually sharpen it (grind metal) once or twice a year.

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