If you've ever wondered what makes Zwilling knives truly exceptional, you’ve come to the right place. Originally a German knife maker, the founder Peter Henckels helped pioneer Zwilling and the modern standards for German knife making (next to Wüsthof, of course!). Now a company known for their cookware and knives, Zwilling serves as the umbrella company for a number of great brands, including Kramer, Miyabi, Staub, and Henckels. Each brand represents a different aesthetic and quality, from the artisanal craftsmanship of Kramer to the elegant precision of Miyabi and the enduring excellence of the twin emblem on Zwilling Pro. I’ll show you some of the brands that define the Zwilling legacy.

In this article, I’ve handpicked nine remarkable knives across these brands and highlighted the key qualities of each. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just love whipping up delicious meals at home, there’s something in this list that’s likely to catch your eye or match your budget.

Kramer Knives

Kramer knives are at the peak of the Zwilling family, bearing the name of master bladesmith Bob Kramer, a revered figure in the world of gourmet cutlery. What sets Kramer knives apart is not just their remarkable sharpness, aesthetic, and balance but the rich history behind them. Bob Kramer's journey began in the Pacific Northwest with his shop “Bladesmiths” in Seattle, Washington. With an unwavering passion for forging blades and a dedication to preserving age-old craftsmanship, each Kramer knife is a testament to this commitment, painstakingly hand-crafted using traditional methods that have been refined over centuries. It's this meticulous attention to detail that results in blades of unparalleled quality and sharpness. These knives make excellent gifts as they continue to be the peak expression of knife making, sure to sit like a family heirloom (that also gets used) in any set.

Recommended Kramer Knives

1. Kramer by Zwilling Euroline Damascus Chef's Knife

The Kramer Euroline Damascus Chef's Knife is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and you might immediately notice the width of the blade and the large size of the handle make it ideal for anyone with larger hands who wants to keep their knuckles off the cutting board. This is a common design feature of the larger knives in this collection. Its striking Damascus blade is hand-forged to perfection, displaying beautiful layers of stainless steel – ensuring exceptional sharpness, but it’s useful to remember that all knives require regular sharpening!

2. Kramer by Zwilling Euroline Essential Collection 7” Santoku Knife

For those who prefer the versatility of a Santoku knife (also known as a vegetable cleaver), the Kramer Euroline Essential Collection offers a gem that invites all of the largest hands to the butcher block. With a comfortable, ergonomic handle and a razor-sharp blade, it effortlessly handles slicing, dicing, and mincing while still having enough rolling arc to the edge that it can chop, too. With the sheep’s-foot tip, cooks can feel more confident making riskier two-handed chops through large vegetables (or just use a bread knife!). The only thing to really consider about this knife is that the weight and heft of these can be a bit much for people with smaller hands.

Miyabi Knives

Miyabi Knives are another gem in the Zwilling collection and epitomize the harmonious fusion of Japanese artistry with German engineering. At the heart of Miyabi's allure is a commitment to craftsmanship that's deeply rooted in both traditions. These knives are borne from the meticulous marriage of precision engineering and time-honored Japanese techniques, resulting in blades of exceptional quality. Typically, you can discover their knives blending layers of Damascus steel for a gorgeous, strong, and lightweight experience. With blades crafted from high-quality materials like VG10 super steel, they are designed to deliver exceptional sharpness and durability. In this list, I will feature a knife from each line of Miyabi knives, going from two types of Damascus steel manufacturing to a durable bi-metal construction in the “Evolution” series.

Recommended Miyabi Knives

1. Miyabi Kaizen Chef's Knife

The Miyabi Kaizen Chef's Knife is peak Japanese aesthetic tradition blended with modern manufacturing. Crafted from 65 layers of VG10 super steel, this knife presents an exceptionally lightweight knife with a rigid blade. The straight-handle design is common for Japanese knives as users are encouraged to use a gentle pinch-grip (which can be difficult for beginners). Its Katana-edge (9-12° edge angle) design not only ensures sharpness but also adds an elegant touch to your kitchen. It’s good to note, however, that this aggressive edge angle might also require more maintenance.

2. Miyabi Artisan 5” Pakka Wood Utility Knife

Almost a specialist tool, the Miyabi Artisan 5” Pakka Wood Utility Knife is a versatile, full-tanged knife (the blade extends from the tip of the knife to the end of the handle for durability and balance) that’s great as a cheese knife or for cleaning vegetables before chopping. For a skilled user, this blade can be used to debone cuts of meat or clean fish. Its SG2 micro-carbide powder steel blade and hammered finish deliver superior cutting ability and longevity – these are the highest-end of all Miyabi knives and are well worth your attention. With its ergonomic handle and traditional Japanese "D"-shape belly, it's a precision tool that feels as good as it looks. The only note to consider about the wood handle is it’s important to keep it away from sitting in dish tubs or moist environments, as the wood will eventually swell and crack.

3. Miyabi Evolution 8” Chef's Knife

High-quality knives from Japan don’t have to be too expensive. The Evolution 8” Chef's Knife is a testament to Miyabi's dedication to excellence and affordability for all professional chefs. The bi-metal steel core ensures remarkable sharpness and strength while also giving the blade an aesthetic note along the edge. This, combined with the durable triple-rivet handle, is an easy-to-clean knife that is a favorite among restaurant staff. Additionally, its curved blade with the pointed tip makes it versatile from smooth chopping to articulated cuts around bones.

The only thing to consider with this knife is that the edge is shaped at a 12° angle, which is not compatible with most automatic knife sharpeners. In this case, a good whetstone is worth learning how to use. I recommend the Changshan Whetstone Set because it comes with a nice base.

Zwilling Pro Knives

Zwilling Pro knives represent the core of Zwilling's knife expertise and continue to hold the standard for quality and craft in the industry. Handmade in Solingen, Germany – embodying a tradition of German craftsmanship that spans centuries – these knives are the embodiment of reliability, versatility, and precision. Zwilling Pro knives have been copied and replicated for decades. They have such a common design that, at first glance, you might not know what sets them apart from the fakes. But what sets them apart is in the manufacturing details: the blades are precision-honed from high-quality steel and ice-hardened to ensure lasting sharpness and durability. Many replicas will not receive this extended care in manufacturing – a quality that you can sense once you use the knife side-by-side with a replica but might not experience otherwise. This brand is about subtle precision.

Recommended Zwilling Pro Knives

1. Zwilling Pro 8” Traditional Chef's Knife

The Pro 8” Traditional Chef’s Knife is the foundation of all Zwilling knives. With more than a couple of steps of refinement and polish from the commonly used Victorinox knives or even the Zwilling Twin line – this knife embodies the brand's legacy of quality and classic aesthetic – you just need to know that it comes at a higher cost for knives with similar materials. What sets these apart is their hand-crafted polish and ice-hardened blade that’s forged in Germany.

2. Zwilling Pro 7” Hollow Edge Santoku Knife

Anywhere from Spain to North Dakota, the Japanese Santoku is a staple in the knife block. The Zwilling Pro 7” Hollow Edge Santoku Knife is ideal for chefs who rotate between nuanced precision and rapid efficiency. Its Granton edge helps prevent food from sticking, and the snub-nosed blade shape makes it perfect for thin-slicing herbs, garlic, or even larger veggies without the risk of catching yourself on a pointed tip. Other than the higher cost, there really aren’t downsides to this knife – but one thing to note is that the shape of the edge on this blade uses a hyoid design that blends a flat slicing edge toward the heel, with more arc toward the tip, which isn’t fully traditional for a Santoku.

3. Zwilling Pro 6” Utility Knife

Often neglected and unsharpened, Utilities are durable knives that deserve care! The Zwilling Pro Utility Knife is a versatile tool that can fit any gourmet category, and a skilled chef can replace most specialty knives with this one. Its slim (slightly larger than a paring knife), agile blade is ideal for slicing sandwiches, small fruits, and vegetables or even subbing in for a steak knife. The pointed tip stands out for picking and cleaning vegetables or maneuvering around delicate pieces of meat. Additionally, it’s small enough that it could also be used with care for some handheld cutting tasks like peeling fruit.

While I don’t think there are any real downsides to this knife other than cost (as I’ve said about the rest of the Zwilling Pro Knives), it’s worth noting that the length of a 6-inch utility knife can make it challenging for users who like their utility knife to double as a paring knife.

4. Zwilling Pro 5” Serrated Utility Knife

This utility is one of those different kitchen knives that might take a while to find an obvious place in your kitchen workflow. But once you discover how it serves you, there’s nothing to replace it! Its serrated edge effortlessly functions like a small bread knife, but it’s also great for tomatoes or other delicate items that might require a delicate sawing motion. The only trick to note about this knife is it’s made with a single-bevel edge like most bread knives, which causes it to slice in an uneven fashion. With time, however, most users will learn to compensate for this and find this knife quite easy to use.

Find the Best Zwilling Knife for You

With such a vast array of options available, choosing the right knives can be a daunting task. It’s important to remember that as you grow and evolve, your preferences for how your knives feel to you might change as well. The pursuit of the perfect knife is a journey that every culinary enthusiast embarks on at some point. So, if you find yourself standing before a sea of choices, feeling a bit overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our Kitchen Experts are here to help you find the ideal knife that suits your needs, style, and budget.