There are a lot of knife sets you will get in the market, and J.A. Henckels knife sets are one of them. Professional chefs and home cooks use different cooking knives for different recipes.
But if you want to purchase them separately it will be very costly when only one knife set can give you a lot of cooking tools.
For example, the J.A. Henckels knife set offers many different sizes of knives and other tools that can save your time when you are in a hurry.
Even though they come at a reasonable price that’s why you don’t have to break your bank or even without losing your wallet.
A Quick Summary of My Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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HENCKELS 15-pc set |
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Henckels 18-pc set |
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Henckels 19-pc set |
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| Best Premium |
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ZWILLING 19-pc set |
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| Best Budget |
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HENCKELS 15-pc set |
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Check Price |
01. J.A. Henckels International 15-piece Knife Set
The Set Comes With the Following Tools
- 5-inch serrated knife
- 8-inch bread-cutting knife
- 3-inch paring knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 8-inch hollow chef’s knife
- Knife sharpening steel
- Wooden block, and kitchen shears
This model would be best than their other models only for its outstanding design and performance. Because knives in this set are made of tough and durable steel.
The stainless steel material is not only resistant to rust and discolorations, but it’s also strong enough to ensure frequent use.
The blades are also perfectly honed to ensure prolonged edge retention. This offers you great convenience as you don’t have to keep sharpening your blades now and then.
The blades also feature a single-piece stamped design that makes precision cutting effortless. These knives make the task of cutting, dicing, or slicing an enjoyable one.
Knives in this set feature a curved handle which adds a flare of comfort when using them. The handles are fastened using three steel rivets. To add a touch of style, these knives have a branded steel cap at each handle’s end.
02. J.A. Henckels Premio 18-piece Block Set
The Set Comes With the Following Tools
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- Bread-cutting knife
- 5-inch boning knife
- Serrated knife
- 6-inch utility knife
- 7-inch hollow edge santoku knife
- 3-inch paring knife
- Sharpening steel bar
- kitchen shears, and a wooden stamp
It comes with 18 different knives; this set is an ideal pick for home chefs. It has an elongated full tang that covers the entire blade. The extended tang not only adds balance but also provides strength and sturdiness.
The blades are made of high stainless steel that is resistant to rust and discoloration. The high quality of the steel makes them retain sharpness for a long time.
The blades also have a satin finish which significantly improves their cutting precision. These knives can deliver any slicing, peeling, or cutting tasks. All the knives have a stylish metal cap at the handle’s back with an engraved Henckels international logo.
03. J.A. Henckels 19-piece Kitchen Knife Set
The Set Comes With the Following Tools
- 8-inch chef knife
- 5.5-inch boning knife
- Hollow edge paring knife
- 3-inch paring knife
- 6-inch utility knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8 pieces of 4.5-inch steak knives
- 9-inch steel sharpening rod
- Wooden knife board, and kitchen shears
This is a stylish knife set for anyone who would love to add a touch of class to their kitchen. It features among the best J.A Henckels knife sets due to its performance and appealing appearance.
The product comes with a stylishly finished wood board. Board is elegantly designed with perfect fitting slots to accommodate all the knives.
Save for the stamped steak knives; all the other knives feature fully forged blades. They also have a prolonged tang covering the edge to provide additional strength.
Knives in this set feature a plastic handle with three steel rivets holding the handle in place. They also have a steel cap at the end of the handle for beauty and durability.
The steel cap holds the handle together, preventing it from splitting. The black handle material is polished to give a refined, stylish look.
The blades have a J.A. Henckels forged construction to provide maximum balance and increase its sharpness retention.
04. J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature 19-piece Cutlery Set
The Set Comes With the Following Tools
- 2.4 and 4-inch peelers
- 5 and 6-inches serrated utility knives
- 8-pieces of non-serrated steak knives
- 8-inch bread knife and chef knife
- 7-inch hollow edge santoku knife
- 9-inch steel sharpening bar
- kitchen shears, and wooden block
The set comes with almost all the knives needed in a home kitchen setup. Blades in this set are perfectly stamped to maximize precision with every cut.
The blades are made of specially treated and ice-hardened steel to make them durable. It also makes them convenient to work with as they retain their edges pretty well.
The blades have a single-piece stamp which makes them relatively lighter without compromising on their strength.
The J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature knife set is considered to be one of the best J.A Henckels kitchen knife sets due to its high quality, durability, and sleek German design.
Knives in this set are extremely easy to clean. They can either be hand-washed or cleaned using a dishwasher without damaging them.
05. J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature 15-piece Knife Set
The Set Comes With the Following Tools
- 6-inch utility knife
- 5.5 santoku HE knife
- 4-inch paring knife
- 6 pieces of 8-inch steak knives
- 8-inch bread-cutting knife
- chef knives
- 9-inch steel knife sharpener
- Wooden block, and shears
I will end my review with this J.A. Henckels 15-piece knife set, I think it would be good for home chefs or cooking enthusiasts.
With 15 knives fabricated from top-quality steel, the J.A. Henckel’s TWIN Signature is one of the best premium block sets under $200.
Knives in this set have blades stamped on one side to increase their durability. The edges are perfectly honed to retain sharpness for a long time.
Their highly sharp edges make them reliable in precision cutting and slicing. These knives are designed to be lightweight for maximum maneuverability.
The set features uniquely curved handles for comfort and balance. The handles also have three rivets firms holding them together.
Cleaning knives have never been easier. With this set, you can rely on your dishwasher to do the task for you! Their sturdy design can withstand the dishwasher’s abrasion.
The History of J.A. Henckels Knives
Zwilling is a company dealing in kitchen cutlery headquartered in Solingen, Germany. It is known for leading kitchen knife production in the world.
The German knife maker Peter Henckels founded Zwilling on June 13, 1731. Zwilling was one of the first companies to trademark its logo and register it. Henckels International and Zwilling J. A. Henckels are among the firm’s labels.
Moreover, Henckels launched the 4-star series in the year 1976, which features a wholly forged blade with a handle made from polypropylene and a tang.
Most Zwilling knives offer blades made of stainless steel that have been hardened to be sharp and not to retain stain.
You Should Consider These Features Before Buying
I know that knives are an essential tool when it comes to the kitchen. J. A Henckels cutlery set is dedicated to offering a perfect balance between affordability and quality.
I encourage you to equip your kitchen with the expertise the JA Henkel’s set of knives offers. But with the market flooded with different kinds of JA Henckels knife sets.
Maybe you don’t know what things should consider before buying. Here is a guide I have prepared to help you make a wise purchase. These are;
Types of Knives Included in the Set
You can use these knives in homes and large application areas like restaurants. One can use different blades for various purposes like peeling, slicing, dicing, chopping, cutting, etc. The set I listed above may include 7, 12, 13, 15, 18, or 19 different pieces of knives.
The knives differ in size and application. For example, a given set of knives may include; 3-inch paring knives, 5- inches serrated utility knives, 7-inch hollow edge santoku knives, 8-inches Chef’s knives, 8-inches bread knives, 4.5-inches serrated steak knives, Hardwood block and sharpening steel kitchen shears.
Some of the knives are multipurpose and can be used to cut through both rigid and soft items. This aspect makes it easier for beginner chefs. This diversification is perfect for all applications in the kitchen.
Blade Materials
Blades made of carbon steel take longer to sharpen, have less stain resistance, and discolor when in contact with acidic foods. As a result, manufacturers use high-carbon stainless steel as a better alternative.
The JA Henckels knives are made up of stainless steel rich in high carbon. The company uses a single, cold hardened high carbon steel to forge the stainless steel. This hallmark ensures there is improved stain resistance.
These sets of knives are made of fine-edge blades that offer precision cuts. This material is also durable and is resistant to corrosion.
Rust will never be a problem. Stainless steel made of high carbon is easier to sharpen and is honed to maintain a decent edge for a longer time.
Comfortable Handle
The JA Henckels knives have a triple-riveted handle, just like the traditional knives. When joined together with the endcaps, made of stainless steel, they offer comfort and a perfect balance of the blade.
The handles are made up of Polyoxymethylene, which is a durable thermoplastic material. This feature improves the handle’s durability and makes the handle fit well in your hand, creating a firm grip. This feature makes it very simple and comfortable to perform any task with knives.
Other handles are made of wood. Wooden handles are very comfortable; they give a firm hand grip, are easy to replace, and create less sweat buildup in your hands.
However, wooden handles may cause rusting of the blades, especially when washed using a dishwasher. Therefore, I would recommend the thermoplastic handles for your comfortability and aesthetic value.
Blade Size and Sharpness
These blades come in different sizes. Depending on the given set, the smallest blades could be 4 inches in length, while the supreme blade could extend to up to 8 inches.
Some edges are curved, some serrated, and others are straight. This wide range of sizes and shapes allows you to apply the knives differently in your kitchen suitably.
The blades are heated to a precision of 20 degrees, then hand-sharpened and polished even have a laser-controlled edge.
The blades have perfect slicing and chopping capabilities, saving you a lot of time in the kitchen. The durability of the blades also makes them ideal for everyday use.
The knives may get blunt over time due to continuous use or exposure to acidic substances. However, they are easy to sharpen by using diamond steel or sharpening stone, or you can take them to a professional.
Full Tang or Half Tang
Some knife sets are made of full tang, while others have a half tang design. Full tang designs are lightweight and easy to use in the kitchen. Full tang designs allow you to take complete control and guard your fingers. The handles do not break easily.
This ergonomic design gives the user the luxury of enjoying fatigue-free cutting and maximum flexibility. Full tang blades are also steadfast, robust, and reliable.
The half-tang knives are cheaper, but they tend to become loose after continuous use. If you are going camping for a few days or need a knife for short-term use, I highly recommend the half-tang knives because they are more affordable.
Therefore, if flexibility and durability are your preference, I recommend the full tang knives for maximum comfortability in your kitchen.
Ease of Cleaning
Everyone wants a clean kitchen and hence, a product that they can clean quickly and easily. The J.A Henckels set of knives are nothing short of this expectation.
The J.A Henckels set of knives comes with specific cleaning instructions for high-carbon steel blades. A user can safely wash these knives in a dishwasher.
However, the dishwasher’s continuous use may blunt the knife blades when they strike against each other and may also create cracks on the knife which can embed bacteria over time.
The dishwasher could also bring about rusting to the blades. Therefore, I would recommend that you hand wash your knives to retain their optimum cutting edge for a longer time.
Tip: keep your knives away from acidic substances, and if in contact, clean the blade immediately with fresh water.
Storage Block
The storage blocks have an attractive heavy-duty wooden design that allows you to store your given set of knives without damage.
This block placed in any kitchen will bring a sophisticated and elegant look. It provides even the most disorganized person with a chance to plan their kitchen.
The storage block helps you keep your knives in one place. You will never lose your favorite knives in the shuffle. These blocks allow you to avoid accidents when reaching out for knives. The blocks have stands made of rubber that provide safety by preventing slips.
It also has a horizontal design to keep pressure off the blades, thus maintaining the edges’ sharpness. This storage block will keep your kitchen safe, clean, beautiful, and organized.
Tip; Different knives have different shapes, sizes, and thickness, therefore, may not fit in your storage block. Correspondingly, it is good to buy your knife set together with the storage block.
Frequently Asked Question
Difference Between Zwilling J.A Henckels and Henkel’s International
Henckels International knives are made of top-class stainless steel to give the knives stability and durability. The elegant silver cap has the logo engraved on it. A large press then cuts out the blade’s shape in a single shot.
You can cut anything, starting from meat to fruits and vegetables. Also, this knife with the best performance is one of the best J.A. Henckel’s brands; therefore, they are easy to use.
Zwilling JA Henckels sharpens their blades at a 15-degree angle on both ends. The higher-end sets are superior, but entry-level sets are sufficient for daily use. Steel is reinforced by welding.
Another attribute to look for in Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife is its durability, and it lasts for an extended period of time. The satin-finished blades have an excellent peeling and slicing experience.
How Are Henckels Knives Made?
Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives are made by forging method as follows;
The raw material is delivered on large spools of sheet steel to the warehouse. Individual blades are made from steel, which is sliced into unique blanks.
The time it takes for a blank to come off the spool and appear as a finished knife is around three weeks. Henckels knife features a thickening in which the blade crosses the classic version’s handle.
The bolster is then formed with a drop forge until the blank is easily cropped into the knife’s form. It then goes through a series of cooling, supercooling, and heat-tempering processes to achieve corrosion resistance and hardness; any distortions caused by the heat are hammered out by the employees.
Grinding wheels are used by a series of robots to narrow the dense blank. Plastic handles are quickly melted by heating the tang and inserting it into a ready handle; wooden handles are riveted to the knife’s tang. Robots smooth out the corners of the handles, and the knives are packaged for sale after quality inspection.
Are J.A. Henckels Knife Sets Have a Self-Sharpening Feature?
Yes, the Zwilling JA Henckels knife sets have the best self-sharpening feature. Self-sharpening knives have Diamond-coated spring sharpeners mounted into the folder frames at the exact angle to sharpen the blades as they are closed and opened.
With Henckels self-sharpening Definition knife blocks, sharpness is always within control. The Henkel’s Knife block slots are inbuilt with ceramic honing wheels which sharpen the knives at the time of their storage and removal.
The other spaces are reserved for serrated knives with blades that don’t require sharpening. This self-sharpening block is designed specifically for the Zwilling JA Henckels Knife sets, with a sleek polished stainless-steel cap and stained ash wood frame.
Forged vs. Stamped Blade – Which is Best?
Forged blades are made by heating and hammering by a machine until the blade’s outline is cut and then sharpens to perfection.
The process gives the edge strength and durability of a cast blade. For each knife, the forging method produces a bolster. The other advantage of a forged knife is the ease of sharpening; the blade won’t crack or curve when sharpening.
Stamped blades are crafted from a large continuous sheet of metal then stamped out like a cookie cutter, a handle is inserted, and the blade is sharpened.
While stamped knives have a terrible rep, new stamping methods have advanced, such as heating the metal to the required temperature so that the molecules are realigned, equivalent to forging.
When it comes to picking a knife, it all comes down to how the knife feels in your hand; a forged blade gives the best experience from cutting vegetables to meat. Thus it’s best compared to stamped blades.
Which is Better Between Henckels and Wusthof Knife Sets?
Wusthof knives have blades made of high carbon and stainless steel, making them sleek and suitable for use in the kitchen, which is similar to Henckels knifes set.
Wusthof’s edges are sliced at a 14-degree angle, while Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ edges are cut at a 15-degree angle. Since Wusthof has a lower grade, their edges are slightly smoother than Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
Wusthof knives have harder steel edges than Zwilling J.A. Henckels, which helps keep the edge more robust but makes Wusthof less durable. Their handles vary in style and material, affecting how they feel in your palm.
In comparison, it’s clear that the Wusthof knife set is good, but Zwilling J. A Henckels knife set is better between the two.
Are Cutco knives Better Than Henckels?
Cutco blades are referred to as “stamped knives” because they are laser cut from a steel block. Henckels has just one stamped knife series, but the rest are called “forged knives” since they are molded from a single steel piece in a 40-step operation.
Forging improves hardness, toughness, and overall efficiency. Cutco blade handles are convenient, but there is only one style available. Henckel’s knife handles are made of natural wood and synthetic materials.
Cutco sells three distinct blade types. Henckels provides seven other blades, but some of them are alike. Henckels is made of rugged, high-quality stainless steel, which makes it outstandingly better than Cutco knives.
Are Zwilling Knives Worth the Money?
Yes, Zwilling knives are one of the most well-known names in the knife industry, and it’s no surprise that the knives are preferred by many professional chefs around the world.
If you want to spend a substantial amount of money on a knife that will last you for years and care for it properly, this will perform admirably. It’s probably worth its weight for the amount.
Conclusion
There is nothing more important to a chef than a good set of knives. Whether you’re preparing dinner or carving a roast, a sharp blade will help you get the work done faster and smoothly.
Having the correct knife set not only improves the look of your kitchen but also impacts your cooking quality. As you go shopping, you will be confronted with a vast scope of knife styles and prices.
To help you sort through all of the options and find the best one for you, I have reviewed the best JA Henckels knife sets.
J.A. Henckels knife sets have continued to be one of the leading knife brands in the world. With these knife sets, you can’t get it wrong. I hope this article was of help to you.
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