Wüsthof vs Dalstrong
Both of these companies offer fantastic options and represent the best of the best when it comes to high-end kitchen knives. In one corner, you have a tenured veteran with centuries of experience and reputation under their belt; in the other, you have a hungry young company using innovation to make a name for themselves.
You can't go wrong by choosing either company, but with a much broader and more colorful range than Wüsthof, we believe that Dalstrong allows you to find the perfect blade to express your individuality.
1. Dalstrong And Wüsthof Company Overviews
Two names that have been bandied about in the world of high-end knives are Dalstrong and Wüsthof. These companies have made names for themselves in the business by producing some of the most durable, high-quality knives on the market. They share many similarities, but there are also several differences that set them apart from each other. If you’re choosing between Dalstrong knives and Wüsthof knives, read on for a breakdown and comparison.
Wüsthof : History
Wüsthof is a well-known name in the kitchenware industry, producing knives since 1814 and gathering acclaim with their quality products. Today, it is one of the most recognizable knife brands in the world. The company was founded by Johann Abraham Wüsthof and is based in Solingen, Germany, where they also manufacture their knives.
Wüsthof prides itself in its traditional craftsmanship, with a 40-step process that results in an undeniably high-quality product, some of the finest cutlery you can buy. They’ve garnered accolades for over two centuries now, making them a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality knives.
Though the company has several knife collections, the most popular ones you’ll often hear about are Wusthofs Classic, Wusthof Classic Ikon, and Wusthof Grand Prix.
Dalstrong : History
In comparison, Dalstrong is a much younger company, founded in 2014 by David Dallaire. Based in Toronto, Canada, Dallaire has made it his mission to push the boundaries of innovation and create knives that are of ultra high performance, durable, and beautiful (one of Dalstrong’s most praised aspects is the exciting visual design of their knives, often praised for their unique aesthetic value).
Dalstrong is located in both the US and Canada and features team members all around the globe. In its relatively short time in the market, the company has garnered acclaim for the quality of their products, the innovative design of their cutlery, and the variety offered through their various series.
The company currently manufactures 11 main series of knives, which feature both traditional Western and Japanese style designs. The company prides itself in this variety; with such a wide array of choices -- whether you’re looking for a traditional chef’s knife, a paring knife, a santoku knife, or a highly specialized knife like a Yanagiba sushi knife, or super crazy cool designs like the Phantom Series Banshee 9" Cleaver, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Dalstrong knives are painstakingly assembled by expert bladesmiths in a state-of-the-art facility in YangJiang, China, which is a city that has a renowned knife crafting tradition dating back nearly 1500 years.
Learn more about where Dalstrong Knives are manufactured here!
2. Dalstrong Knives
Gladiator Series 18 Piece Colossal Knife Set with Block
If you’re looking for knives that combine high-quality construction & engineering with stunning design, look no further than Dalstrong. The company has made a name for itself over the course of the last decade for its sleek, gorgeous knives that are also highly durable and ruthlessly sharp.
One of Dalstrong’s most well-known collections is the Shogun Series, an impressive line of knives precision-forged from a single-piece of ultra-premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel, with 67-alternating layers of SUS410 Damascus cladding for added stain resistance and durability. The 8” Shogun Series chef’s knife is one of Dalstrong’s most popular products.
Another popular Dalstrong collection is the Gladiator Series, which features an elegant design as well as incredible performance. The knives in the Gladiator series are precision-forged from a single piece of premium quality, high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel and hand-sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side. Each cooking knife is an absolute kitchen powerhouse, able to conquer just about any culinary challenge.
One of the most unique and visually appealing series of knives in Dalstrong’s arsenal is the Shadow Black Series, a sleek and powerful (not to mention cool-looking) collection of futuristic knives featuring a black non-reflective titanium-nitride coating and unique handle geometry, inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter.
These are only a few of Dalstrong’s wide array of knife collections, all of which can be found on their website. Knives can be purchased individually or as part of a knife set (in some cases with a knife block).
With a much broader and more colorful range than Wüsthof, Dalstrong knives allow you to find the perfect blade to express your individuality.
In addition to knives, Dalstrong offer BBQ tools, Cookware, and some Culinary utensils that Wüsthof do not.
3. Wüsthof Knives
The most famous Wüsthof knife collection is Wusthofs Classic, which boasts traditional German-style design with triple-riveted handles and exposed full tang. At a 58 on the Rockwell hardness scale, Wüsthof Classic knives are hard enough to retain its edge for a very long time, but also flexible enough to withstand rough use.
Wüsthof also offers its Wusthof Classic Ikon line, which uses the same steel as the Classic, making it just as sharp and durable. The main difference between both collections is the handle. In the case of the Wusthofs Classic series, its handles are made of durable synthetic material, with a distinct curve at the butt end. Meanwhile, classic Ikon handles are made of African Blackwood and feature smoother curves.
The company also offers another Wusthof knife series titled Wusthof Grand Prix II, which once again utilizes the same blade material while featuring a different handle, this time made of a rubbery synthetic material in the shape of the Ikon line’s ergonomic handles. Especially useful for chef’s knives and multi-purpose blades.
4. Dalstrong vs. Wüsthof: Key Differences
Both of these companies produce high-quality knives that would make a welcome addition to any home or professional kitchen, but there are considerable differences between the brands.
Materials
As you have seen, the most immediate difference between the knives produced by both companies is the variety offered by Dalstrong. Wüsthof blades are all made of the same material: stain-resistant high-carbon German steel. The handle is the main point of difference between their three biggest series.
Meanwhile, Dalstrong blades are made of a wide variety of steel depending on the collection. The Gladiator Series is made of German steel, while the Omega Series is made of American steel and the Shogun Series uses Japanese steel.
Attitude
Dalstrong are founder driven, with a young and creative team from all around the globe. This differs from the corporate mentality associated with Wüsthof and allows Dalstrong to take more risks with their knife designs, marketing campaigns, and business strategies. Dalstrong are young and hungry, whereas Wüsthof's success is steeped in tradition.
Meet some of the Dalstrong team here!
Appearance
Another big difference here is the visual design. Dalstrong knives put a strong emphasis on the appearance, making sure that each knife is as much a piece of art as a utilitarian kitchen tool.
The blade patterns on the various lines make for some absolutely gorgeous products, whereas Wüsthof knives -- though elegant and stylish on their own -- are considerably more low-key in their presentation.
Variety
The variety present in the designs is another major difference between the companies. Not only does Dalstrong offer different blade materials based on which works best for each collection, they also feature a wider range of designs and looks. Wüsthof is much more uniformed in their presentation and blade design.
Cost
We can’t let this go unmentioned -- Wüsthof knives are more expensive than Dalstrong. Since Dalstrong’s knives are manufactured in YangJing, a city known as “the Capital of Knives and Scissors,” they are able to keep production costs relatively low.
Discover more about how Dalstrong Knives are manufactured here!
Meanwhile, Wüsthof’s knives are produced in Solingen, Germany, which would have considerably higher costs. Wüsthof knives are sometimes twice the price of Dalstrong’s, and may be inaccessible for some cooks.
The Wusthofs Classic 10'' Cook's Knife (58+ Rockwell Hardness) for example, is priced significantly higher than the Dalstrong's Shogun Series 10.25'' Chef's Knife (62+ Rockwell Hardness), despite the Dalstrong knife using stronger materials in terms of steel and quality of handle. (The Shogun Series handles are made ultra-premium G-10 Garolite, while The Wusthofs Classic is polyoxymethylene)
Customer Service
One of the driving forces behind Dalstrong's success is their incredible customer service. With 24 / 7 support that is both speedy and efficient, customers around the world have been quick to praise the Canadian company's tremendous customer service team.
Community
Dalstrong pride themselves on their community, which is made up of home cooks, bbq enthusiasts, and professional chefs including three Michelin star chef Dominique Crenn and rogue culinary genius Guga Foods.
Dalstrong also offer a range of cooking resources, from recipes to product recommendation guides. They also shine a light on aspiring chefs and BBQ influencers through their Elite Spotlight.
With an online presence that is double the size of Wüsthof's, it is clear that Dalstrong put more weight behind building a fun and engaging following than their German competitors.
5. Dalstrong vs. Wüsthof: Pros And Cons
Let’s zoom out a bit and boil our assessments down to a list of pros and cons for each company; hopefully this will help you to decide which one is right for you.
Dalstrong
PROS:
- Incredibly high-quality, durable knives.
- Made of a variety of materials depending on the series.
- Wide variety of knife designs that allow you to express your individuality.
- Offers both Asian and Western style knives.
- 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee.
- Considerably less expensive than comparable Wüsthof knives.
- Dalstrong are renowned for their incredible and speedy customer service.
CONS:
- Relatively young company still making a name for itself.
- The appearance of some of the knives may be too flashy for some.
- The wide array of options might make it hard to choose a series.
Wüsthof
PROS:
- Respected name with over 200 years in the industry.
- Solid collection of traditional Western-style knives.
- Sharp and durable blades.
- All blades are made of the same material, making it easier to choose.
- Knives are respected across the culinary world.
- All knives have a full tang.
CONS:
- Not much variety in terms of design.
- Some reviews point out that their edge dulls quickly.
- Knife appearance is understated and traditional.
- The red Wüsthof logo sometimes peels off, giving an impression of “cheapness”.
- Considerably pricier than Dalstrong for equivalent materials.
- Some of their blades are stamped.
- Sometimes slow and hassle filled customer service
6. Conclusion
Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set
Both of these companies offer fantastic options and represent the best of the best when it comes to high-end kitchen knives. In one corner, you have a tenured veteran with centuries of experience and reputation under their belt; in the other, you have a hungry young company using innovation to make a name for themselves.
Because of the variety of their products, the careful consideration to presentation, the high quality of the materials while keeping costs relatively low, I’m going to give this one to Dalstrong. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with either pick, but Dalstrong will be more accessible to a wider array of home and professional cooks.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Which Wüsthof line is the best?
As far as Wusthof cutlery, the Wusthof classic knife series is easily their flagship title, but the classic Ikon is also gaining in popularity. Which one you prefer will come down to how you feel about the handle materials and design, since the classic Ikon handles are made of African Blackwood and feature smoother curves.
Which Dalstrong series is the best?
Each of Dalstrong’s series has its own unique strength, but the Shogun series seems to be a perennial favorite based on its powerful performance, durability, and eye-catching blade design.
Is Dalstrong a Chinese company?
No. Dalstrong was founded by David Dallaire, who is based in Toronto, Canada. Dalstrong is incorporated in both the US and Canada and features team members from all around the globe. The company does manufacture its knives in a state-of-the-art facility within YangJiang, China, a city with a renowned knife crafting tradition dating back nearly 1500 years.
You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs.
Written by Jorge Farah
Born on the coast of Colombia and based in Buenos Aires, Jorge is a cooking enthusiast and kitchenware obsessive with a tremendous amount of opinions.
