Knife Care & Maintenance

How should I clean my WÜSTHOF knives?
Always hand wash your knives with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry them immediately with a soft cloth. Do not leave them soaking in water and never put them in the dishwasher, as the intense heat and harsh detergents can damage the handles and blades over time.

What is the best way to sharpen my knives?
For the best results and to maintain the original cutting angle, we recommend using our branded sharpening tools or a whetstone. Regular honing with a sharpening steel is also advised to keep the edge aligned between full sharpenings.

Why is my knife starting to rust or discolor?
Although our high-carbon stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, it is not entirely impervious. Persistent exposure to highly acidic or salty foods, or leaving the knife wet for extended periods, can lead to discoloration or rust. Always clean and dry your knife immediately after use.

The handle on my knife is becoming loose. What should I do?
A loose handle can occasionally happen with wooden handles due to natural expansion and contraction. For knives with synthetic handles, this is very rare. Please contact our support team for assistance.

Can the handles be replaced?
With proper care, your knife handles should last a lifetime. If damage does occur, some classic knife lines have handles that can be replaced by a professional service.

Product Information

Where are WÜSTHOF knives manufactured?
All WÜSTHOF knives are manufactured in Solingen, Germany, a region renowned for its cutlery craftsmanship for over 200 years.

What is the difference between your various knife collections?
Our collections differ primarily in the handle material and design, the bolster style (e.g., full, curved, or no bolster), and the specific steel formula used. However, all collections maintain our legendary quality, sharpness, and durability.

What type of steel is used in WÜSTHOF knives?
We use a special formula high-carbon stainless steel known as PEtec. It provides an ideal balance of extreme sharpness, edge retention, durability, and resistance to rust and corrosion.

What is the difference between stamped and forged knives?
Forged knives are made from a single block of steel that is heated, hammered, and shaped, resulting in a heavier, more durable blade with a bolster. Stamped blades are laser-cut from a large sheet of steel and are typically lighter and more flexible. We offer both types, with the majority of our lines being precision-forged.

What is the best knife for a beginner?
A classic Chef’s Knife is the most versatile tool in the kitchen and is an excellent starting point for any collection. An 8-inch chef’s knife can handle a vast majority of kitchen tasks.

Usage

Are WÜSTHOF knives suitable for professional use?
Absolutely. Many professional chefs around the world trust our knives in their kitchens every day due to their exceptional performance, durability, and reliability under heavy use.

What cutting board is best to use?
To protect your knife’s edge, we recommend using softwood (like maple or beech), bamboo, or plastic cutting boards. Avoid glass, marble, granite, or ceramic boards, as they will dull your blade very quickly.

Is the knife suitable for cutting frozen food?
No. Never use your kitchen knives to cut through frozen foods, bones, or any frozen items. This can cause the thin cutting edge to chip, crack, or even break.

Guarantee & Repairs

What is the WÜSTHOF guarantee?
We are confident in the quality of our products. We offer a limited lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use.

How can I get my knife repaired?
For service under guarantee or for repair inquiries, please reach out to our customer service team to initiate a service request.

Ordering & Shipping

How long will it take to receive my order?
Order processing typically takes 1-2 business days. Shipping times vary depending on your location and the selected shipping method.

Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to select countries. Please see our shipping information page for a list of available destinations.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and other regional payment methods where available.

Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?
We process orders very quickly to ensure fast shipment. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that changes or cancellations can be made once an order is submitted. Please contact us immediately if you need to make a change.

The item I want is out of stock. What can I do?
You can often sign up to be notified when a specific product is back in stock. Use the “Notify Me” function on the product page.