Wüsthof Classic 2-Piece Asian Cook's Set

Built around a hollow edge santoku, Wüsthof’s Classic 2-piece Asian cook’s set pairs that 7-inch knife with a 3-inch flat cut paring knife. Both are Classic knives with forged blades and riveted handles.

A santoku has a flatter edge and a blunt, rounded tip, which suits an up-and-down chopping motion and thin, even slices of vegetables and boneless meat. The hollows ground along the side keep thin slices from sticking to the blade. Wüsthof gives its Asian-style blades a finer edge angle than its Western chef’s knives, which adds bite on vegetables.

The flat cut paring knife is shaped for board work, with an edge flat from heel to its squared-off tip. Use it for mincing a shallot or slicing garlic paper thin. You can buy the santoku separately as the Classic 7-inch hollow edge santoku. If you prefer a curved edge for rocking, compare the Classic chef’s knife; our blade shapes guide explains how the two differ. Because these blade shapes are ones most cooks do not already own, the set makes a good addition to an existing collection and a thoughtful gift. For a dedicated vegetable knife, the Classic hollow edge nakiri has a straight, squared blade.