Wusthof Classic 8 in. Wide Chef Knife

Knuckle clearance is the reason to choose this knife. The Wüsthof Classic 8-inch Extra Wide chef’s knife has a blade about a third of an inch taller than the regular Classic 8-inch. That extra height gives your knuckles more clearance above the board, which makes a difference for cooks with large hands and for anyone who chops with a fast rocking motion.

The wide blade also works as a bench scraper. Turn it on its side to carry chopped onions or herbs from the board to the pan, or press down with the flat to crush garlic cloves. The added steel shifts a little more weight into the blade, which helps it drop through firm vegetables.

Customers comparing it with the standard Classic 8-inch decide by hand size and technique. If your knuckles graze the board with a standard chef’s knife, choose the Extra Wide. For a longer blade, see the Classic 10-inch, and for a lighter knife, the Classic 6-inch. Our knife shapes guide compares the chef’s knife with wider Asian shapes such as the santoku.