Chef's knives · Best overall

Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

84
Well liked
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 83–85
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 83.8 · 1 printed, 4 estimated

Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's KnifeImage: Wüsthof

5 professional reviewers tested the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife, and 5 recommend it. Most common complaint: size and weight.

Reviewed by The Guardian, Good Housekeeping, Epicurious and 2 more

The catch: The knife feels heavy to some users.

4 of these 5 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 85
    The GuardianBuying guide · 2026

    Named best overall in a 14-knife test, with a sharp, balanced and long-lasting edge that suits beginners and experienced cooks.

    Read The Guardian review
  2. 85est.
    Good HousekeepingNo printed score · Buying guide

    Named best overall after lab tests and years of use: sharp, balanced and durable, with the only drawback being that it feels heavy to some.

    Read Good Housekeeping review
  3. 83est.
    EpicuriousNo printed score · Buying guide

    Picked as the best German-style chef's knife: sturdy, durable and comfortable.

    Read Epicurious review
  4. 83est.
    CNETNo printed score · Buying guide · 2025

    Chosen as the best Western-style knife: a weighty, balanced workhorse that handles heavy chopping well, though it is expensive and not for delicate work.

    Read CNET review
  5. 83est.
    Expert ReviewsNo printed score · Buying guide · 2023

    Praised as a beautifully crafted, worthwhile pick for discerning home cooks, but it is heavy and has a wide heel that makes fine slicing harder for novices.

    Read Expert Reviews review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

No clear pattern.

What critics dislike most

Size and weight3 of 5
Price2 of 5

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Common questions

Is the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. The knife feels heavy to some users.

Do critics agree about the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife?

Critics agree: scores range from 83 (Epicurious) to 85 (The Guardian), a spread of 2 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife?

Size and weight (3 of 5 reviews), Price (2 of 5 reviews).