If you are in the market for new kitchen knives to upgrade your utensils collection, you may be wondering: What is the distinction between Zwilling and Henckels? Are they the same thing?
I will clear up any confusion with this Zwilling vs. Henckels kitchen knife comparison.
You will discover:
- What are the main differences between Zwilling and Henckels?
- Is Zwilling or Henckels better?
After reading this comparison, you will understand the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each, and you will be able to make the best choice for you.
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Is Zwilling the same as Henckels?
Many customers confuse the Zwilling and Henckels brands because the same company, Zwilling J, owns them. A Henckels, which is well-known for producing kitchen cutlery and cookware.
Even though they share ownership, they are completely different brands with distinct product lines.
In terms of the Zwilling JA Henckels collections, Zwilling is the top brand, while Henckels, also known as J.A. Henckels or J.A. Henckels international, is the company’s new product line entry.
It may be helpful to visualize the two as levels or a pyramid. Zwilling knives are typically preferred by more experienced home cooks with a larger budget, whereas Henckels knives are suitable for customers looking for high-quality knives at a lower price.
The main difference between the two brands is that Zwilling knives are made with forged blades that are more expensive and are made in Germany or China.
In contrast, the Henckels brand manufactures stamped blades sold at a lower cost and are made in China, Thailand, or Spain.
Look at the logo imprinted onto the blade to quickly determine whether such a knife is a Zwilling or a Henckels.
The word Zwilling means “twin,” and the company’s logo represents twin human figures side by side. Henckels’ logo features a single stick person.
Zwilling is a German word that translates as “willingness.” J.A. Henckels also owns Staub, Miyabi, Demeyere, and Ballarini in addition to Zwilling and Henckels.
Among the company’s products and services are kitchen knives, cookware, gadgets, kitchen utensils, and cookware.
To sum it up, both Zwilling and Henckels are 2 different kitchen knife brand names. Zwilling J.A. Henckels owns both. Each brand has its knife line, production process, and selling prices.
Zwilling and Henckels Differences
Blade construction: Forged/Stamped
Forged knives are constructed from a single piece of stainless steel that has been heated, tempered, and molded into a blade.
Basically, they are designed with half of the full safety bolster, which is the thick metal connection between the blade and the handle with a tang extending all through the handle itself.
In contrast, the stamped knives are carved from a large sheet of stainless steel with a slim blade that is more flexible and lacks the safety bolster.
It is worth mentioning that the stamped knives are sold at a lower price than the forged knives since the forged offer more balance, higher performance, and extra durability.
To help you know which blades are forged or stamped constructed from Zwilling and Henckels, we provided you with the Zwilling Henckels amazon page link for an easier search.
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The Manufacturing Location
The place of manufacturing these brands is one of the highest distinctive features between them.
Since the Henckels are produced in China, Thailand, Spain, and India, that is one reason for naming that brand as an international product line.
Thanks to that region of manufacturing, the Ja Henckels international is sold at a more affordable price since labor costs in these countries are much cheaper than in others.
On the other hand, Zwilling is mainly manufactured in Solingen, Germany, with some factories in japan in which numerous product lines are constructed employing traditional Japanese techniques.
It is worth noting the Germany and Japan have been leading knife manufacturing for many years. So, without a doubt, it is one of the premium cutlery companies thanks to using the experience and innovation of those countries.
Price
When deciding which knife to purchase from both Zwilling and Henckels products, you will notice significant price variations.
Zwilling JA Henckels knives are costly, whereas Henckels knives are significantly cheaper than Zwilling knives.
The Zwilling Kramer Meiji collection, for example, is one of the most expensive options due to the premium Carbide steel used in manufacturing their blades and the unique design.
ZWILLING J.a. Henckels Kramer By Meiji
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade edge: Plain
- POM handle
- Curved bolster
- Forged
The Zwilling Twin Gourmet collection, on the other hand, is significantly less expensive because it is made from stamped blades.
Zwilling JA Henckels Twin Gourmet
- Blade material: High carbon stainless steel
- Blade edge: Serrated
- Novadur polypropylene contoured handle
- Stamped
Blades and Handles Material
The blades of both brands are made from German stainless steel. On the other hand, Zwilling uses an upgraded high carbon stainless steel combination, resulting in anti-rust and corrosion blades. Furthermore, the product line manufactured in Japan is made with exceptional Carbide steel.
One distinguishing feature of Zwilling blades is their exceptional sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. because of going through an iced hardening technique known as the Friodur
The handles of the Henckels brand are made of durable and moisture-resistant plastic.
Except for the Modernist collection, which features sleek steel handles for authentic looks and long-lasting durability.
J.A. Henckels International Modernist 3-pc Starter Knife Set
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade edge: Hollow
- Lightweight and ergonomic handles
- Polished endcap
Zwilling, on the other hand, provides a broader range of handle materials. They make use of strong plastic, steel, and various types of wood.
The Zwilling Pro Holm Oak collection handles, for example, are made of Mediterranean Holm Oak.
ZWILLING Pro Holm Oak 2-pc Carving Knife & Fork Set
- Triple-riveted Mediterranean Holm Oak handle
- high-carbon stainless steel blades
- Curved bolster
In contrast, the handles of the Zwilling Kramer Euroline Carbon collection are made of Grenadille wood.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Kramer Euroline 34941-203 8″ Chef’s knife
- Blade material: 52100 carbon steel
- Blade edge: Straight
- The handle is fastened with brass rivets and a Bob Kramer mosaic pin.
Design
Both Henckels and Zwilling produce a wide range of design options and variations.
The Pro collection from Zwilling is the best-selling, and it is made of a specially combined high carbon stainless steel with such a satin finish. Besides fully forged and half-bolstered blades, as well as fully tanged handles.
The handle design is a triple rivet black handle with a noticeable curve at the endcap that improves the comfort and control of your fingers.
Read More: https://kitchenzad.com/forged-knives-vs-stamped-knives/
ZWILLING Pro 7-pc Knife Block Set
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade edge: Plain
- Curved and ergonomic bolster
In terms of the best-selling Henckels collection design. It is the solution series, which may be confused with the Pro collection at first. Even though both have black triple-rivet handles and a full tang, there are few differences.
One notable feature is that the blades do not have a safety bolster featuring the same width from the top to the endcap. which results in a lighter weight but lacks balance and durability
J.A. Henckels International Solution 12-Pc Knife Block Set
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Blade edge: Serrated
- Lightweight and Full tang design
- Traditional triple-rivet handle
- Curved bolster
How do you feel when you are holding either brand?
It is very different. Because you may need to apply extra pressure when carrying the solution series knives in your hands. to keep the knives stable in your grips and prevent them from slipping out of your hands, the blades are curved at the tip.
Compared to the Zwilling Pro series, the evenly distributed weight from the tip to the endcap allows for more control and balance when holding the knives. With a more contoured tip.
Finally, the handles are the same shape, but the curve towards the endcap on Henckels Solution knives is less noticeable than Zwilling Pro knives.
There are no significant differences in sharpness among both Henckels and Zwilling. For the most part, both brands sharpen their knives to a 15-degree angle. With Zwilling’s Japanese knives occasionally sharpened to a 9-12 degree angle.
Is Zwilling or Henckels better?
Although the same company owns Zwilling and Henckels, their kitchen knives are vastly different.
Zwilling is the company’s premium cutlery brand, with premium materials, features, manufacturing techniques, and pricing.
In terms of quality, Zwilling knives are almost universally regarded as superior to Henckels knives. They are made with high-quality components by some of the world’s most skilled designers and bladesmiths.
Furthermore, Zwilling is classified as being among the world’s best-known brands. Its knives are razor-sharp, long-lasting, well-balanced, and visually appealing.
It should be noted that Zwilling knives are more expensive than Henckels knives, but you will get better-performing and longer-lasting blades.
Henckels knives are of high quality as well. They are not, however, as well-made as Zwilling.
If price is an issue, I recommend Henckels Classic knives, which are among the brand’s few forged lines. Because of its Spanish origins, it performs similarly to Zwilling but at a lower cost.
