Wusthof Classic 4-1/2-Inch Utility Knife

Every element of this renowned cutlery contributes to its precision and ease of use. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are hardened to maintain a sharp edge and full tangs provide perfect balance with riveted, high-impact, composition handles. Longer than a paring knife, this all-around knife will clean and cut larger fruits and vegetables with ease, in addition to halving your sandwiches and scoring meats or pastries. Prized possessions of professional chefs, Wusthof knives are an invaluable asset of any kitchen. In Solingen, Germany, each piece is hand-forged in 38 manufacturing steps by skilled craftsmen. Lifetime warranty. Wusthof's newest state of the art technology incorporates a new computer controlled method for putting the edge on Classic knives. This technology allows for an exacting edge from the tip of the knife down to the heel of the knife. With this newer precision, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side for a total of 28 degrees. The knives are now sharper and this refinement increases the sharpness retention because exacting angles and edges last longer than edges sharpened by hand. The result is a knife that is 30% sharper and the ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) lasts twice as long..

Called a utility knife because it does small and intermediate cutting jobs equally well, this knife pares fruit and chops small vegetables beautifully. The sharp point makes it ideal for small or intricate cutting chores. A much-loved kitchen helper, this knife carries its weight mostly in its extremely comfortable handle, which allows you greater control.

Part of the Classic series, the knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. Like other cutlery in the series, it's hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength; the hand-polished blade is exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take a keen edge when it's honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe and with a traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handle that is triple-riveted for durability, the knife brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to any cook who owns it. --Arthur Boehm