Hand-sharpened, Precision-forged Zwilling J.a. Henckels Four Star 8-piece Knife From Germany That Slices Things Like Butter and Lasts a Lifetime
What We Like
- Made with high carbon steel
- Precision-forged blade
- 3/4 tang and full bolster
- Retains sharp edge longer
- Polypropylene handles for grip and comfort
What We Don’t Like
- Knives not visible through block
- Slightly lighter in weight, which may not suit everyone
Bottom Line
If what you’re looking for are knives that have sharp blades, aren’t too heavy, maintain their edge, and have a quality build, check out the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-piece knife block set review below, as it can prove to be a pretty smart choice.
With around three centuries of experience, Zwilling gives you world-class German-made knives, and this particular set has everything that you could ever want to work within the kitchen.
Are you thinking of investing in quality kitchen knives that won’t die on you within a year? These knives from Zwilling J.A. Henckels will not let you down and will last for life due to their thick and strong forged steel blades.
With the magic of German craftsmanship, Henckels knives are made with a single piece of high-carbon steel that goes through a unique process called Friodur (more on this later.) This transforms the knives into the razor-sharp and robust knives that Henckels is proud of.
The 8-piece set includes:
- 4″ paring knife
- 5″ serrated utility knife
- 5.5″ prep knife
- 8″ bread knife
- 8″ chef’s knife
- Sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Hardwood block
Let’s dive in and explore their features in detail in this Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-piece knife block set review.
Related Reading: Wusthof Gourmet 10 Piece Knife Block Set
Design of Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knife
The way a kitchen knife is designed says a lot about how it will perform. You want durable, stain-resistant blades and sharp edges, and that’s exactly what Henckels’ knives give you.
With thin, razor-like edges, these kitchen knives let you slice away stuff without applying much pressure. Plus, they’re angled at 15° on each side to give you the balance you need.
You can also see their logo and a ‘made in Germany’ sign on the sides of the shiny blades – a perfect opportunity to show off your branded knives at a dinner party.
Moving down the knife, you’ll notice that the bolster, which is the connection between the blade and handle, is nice and full. This not only helps in balancing the knife but also acts as a finger guard.
Handles are equally important, of course. The polypropylene handles on these knives give you a good grip while also adding to their durability.
Don’t forget that the set also includes honing steel, so you never have a dull knife day.
Performance and Features
Here’s some more insight into the structure and features of the Four Star set:
Blades
As mentioned earlier, Henckels knives undergo a process called Friodur. During this, the blades, after heating and molding, are cooled down to a very low temperature, – 90°.
This helps restructure the molecules in the steel, which results in a more robust, thicker, yet sharp blade that retains its edge twice as long. Moreover, this steel is stain/corrosion resistant, making the knife even more durable.
The most sought-after feature of a knife is a forged, high carbon steel. That’s precisely what this knife has to offer. With a special formula steel, these knives are made in Germany and hand-sharpened to give you a paper-thin edge right out of the box.
However, these knives also have a ¾ tang, which some people don’t prefer. However, if the slightly lighter weight doesn’t bother you, you’re good to go. Plus, the full bolster helps balance the knife well, making that missing ¼ of a tang barely noticeable.
Handles
Polypropylene handles may not be the heavy feel and rustic look that some people want, but they have their own advantages. This material gives you a better grip, and these particular handles are chip-resistant. Drop it or drag it–they won’t break.
Moreover, the full bolster acts as a barrier between your finger and the blade so that you can polish your knife skills without any worries.
Related Reading: Shun Classic 4-Piece Knife Block Set
Wooden Block
The wooden block you get with the Four Star set is not anything extraordinary. On the bright side, though, it is made of quality hardwood, which makes it durable. You also get extra slots for steak knives that you can fill up with any other knives you want.
Handling the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives
Ever heard Gordon Ramsay say ‘let the knife do the work?’
When you use these knives, you’ll know what he means. Cutting with them is effortless and results in clean cuts. You won’t be crushing those poor veggies and have their juices oozing out, and neither will your steaks have serrated cuts.
The knives also have a balanced structure, thanks to the full bolsters. Overall, though, they feel slightly lighter than other knives, so it’s a matter of your preference as to whether you like holding them or not.
Moreover, maintaining these knives is easy, and you can even get away with dishwashing them once or twice. It’s recommended, however, that you don’t do that, since it can seriously damage the blade in the long run.
If you take proper care of them, these knives retain their edge twice as long as other knives, and you’ll only need to sharpen them once or twice a year.
Related reading: Chicago Cutlery Belmont 16-Piece Knife Block Set
How much is the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-piece Knife Block Set?
The 8-piece Knife set is a mid-range, slightly expensive set. However, if you think of it as an investment, the price doesn’t seem steep, as they’re built to last you a long periods of time.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 9.75 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Material: Steel, polypropylene
- Made in: Germany
- Warranty: Limited
- Manufacturer: Zwilling
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-piece Knife Block Set Review Final Verdict
While their slightly lighter weight may put you off, these world-class knives have a quality build and sharpness that is hard to ignore. The forged from a single steel blade, which undergo Friodur, can retain their edges twice as long and will slice your food away like its butter.
Overall, to summarize our Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-piece knife set review, we think the knife block set is an investment worth making.
