Wuesthof Classic 4-1/2-Inch Utility Knife

Part of the Classic series, the knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wuesthof 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

The Wusthof Classic line is the more conservative counterpart to the Grand Prix line. The only difference, however, is the handle style. I personally prefer the Grand Prix, but this is an issue of personal preference. The balance and grip of these knives are as close to perfect as I have found. For those wondering what benefits a higher priced knife provides, one benefit is that the blade (or tang) is one piece all the way through the handle. This makes the blade much stronger, and less likely to snap.

The Wusthof 4 inch utility knife is a great all-around knife. This is the knife I use for the majority of my small chopping work (when I don't use a Chef's knife).


Utility is the key   May 9, 2004
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I purchased this knife by itself (not in a set) and find it to live up to it's "utility" claims. For those of you who buy knives individually instead of in large sets, this is a nice addition. I was looking for something smaller to compliment my Santoku Chef's knife, but thought the smaller paring knife wouldn't be very useful for much else. This size works well for small chopping tasks and is easy to use for paring as well.

It really doesn't make much sense to get a set that includes several of these smaller knives. This one alone has exceeded all expectations.


Perfectly Balanced and Versatile   June 10, 2004
Robert I. Hedges
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

The Wusthof 4 1/2 Inch Utility Knife is perfect for almost any small to medium size job in the kitchen. It is exceptionally well balanced and almost infinitely adaptable. The knife is amazingly sharp when it comes out of the box, and holds a great edge even after a lot of use. I find this knife to be my personal cutting implement of choice when I need something smaller than a boning knife.

Wusthof knives have been in my kitchen for years and they are the best knives I have ever used. I used to be a chef in a gourmet beef restaurant and I would have loved to have had a set of Wusthofs then. Now I have my own set, but of all the knives in my kitchen I think this one probably gets the most use. Buy a Wusthof once, and never replace it: they are expensive but worth every penny.


Knife Expert Approved; Multi-Functional and Durable   August 27, 2006
Ryan Jacobsen
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

I am a stage performer as well as a chef. I specialize in contortion and throwing knives (often with my feet). I use the Wusthof so much in the kitchen, that I thought I would incorporate it into my act. I throw the knives at flying fruit and vegis and perform flips with knives between my toes and fling them at my assistants. Throwing knives are usually smaller, perfectly balanced, and forged from one solid piece. They require perfect tang as well and incredible strength. Wusthof is the ONLY high-end kitchen knife that meets these requirements.

Although I have several chef's knives (global, henckel, wusthof, etc) I prefer the Wusthof both in the Kitchen and on Stage. I would never bring the Henckel or any other brand. Wusthof has absolutely perfect balance and tang. The difference from throwing knives is that kitchen knives usually have handles added to the forged steel. Unlike any other high-end brand, Wusthof's handle is extremely durable. In practice, I broke all other brands of knife, both handle and blade. I was surprised that my Henckels did not last very long (the 6" 4-star pro's blade snapped in half and 8"'s handle came apart on one side). The quality of a Wusthof really shows when you use it for something it's not meant for and is still extremely reliable.

And as you can read in all the other reviews, it is very sharp. In case you're wondering, I've never injured an assistant, but I did slit my foot open one time. I also stuck a head of lettuce to a vaulted ceiling.


Fabulous Paring Knife   July 14, 2007
Gypsy Tejas (Idaho)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I've had a set of walnut handled Chicago Cutlery for 25 years, but after thanksgiving my two paring knives disappeard. So - after reading all the reviews I cought this knife and a 3 1/2". WOW - razor sharp and nicely balanced. It's a keeper. I only wish I could afford to buy all new Wusthof knives.