As an expert with years of experience in home renovation and repair, I often get asked if Henckels and Zwilling knives are the same brand. Many find the connection confusing. While they share similarities, there are some key differences you should know about when choosing between these two major players in the cutlery world.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide some clarity on the relationship between the two brands, compare their products, give sharpening tips, and offer my professional opinion on which is best for your needs.
A Brief History of Henckels and Zwilling
To understand the link between these two German knifemakers, let’s start with a quick history lesson.
Henckels traces its roots all the way back to 1731 when the company first began producing blades in Solingen, Germany. For nearly 200 years, they focused mainly on swords, tools, and trade knives. In the 1800s, they made the switch over to high-quality kitchen cutlery and never looked back.
Zwilling was also founded in Solingen, Germany in 1731 by the Zwilling family. They quickly established themselves as premier knifemakers. In the late 1800s, Zwilling acquired J.A. Henckels, the producer of the Henckels brand we know today.
So in a nutshell – Zwilling is the parent company while Henckels is a familiar brand name used by Zwilling when marketing kitchen knives and other cookware. But there‘s much more to these iconic brands than this simplified history. Let‘s dive deeper!
Comparing the Henckels and Zwilling Product Lines
While Henckels and Zwilling are related, their offerings are quite distinct:
Henckels focuses exclusively on producing professional-grade kitchen tools. Their product line includes:
- Kitchen knives – chef’s, paring, slicers, and more
- Cutlery sets
- Knife blocks
- Shears
- Steak knives
- Kitchen gadgets – peelers, slicers, sharpeners, etc.
According to Zwilling, the Henckels brand accounts for approximately 60% of the company’s revenue today.
Zwilling, on the other hand, offers a diverse range beyond just kitchenware under several brand names:
- Kitchen tools and appliances
- Cookware
- Cutlery
- Flatware
- Wine accessories
- Barware
- Coffee and tea sets
- Beauty products
- Home decor
Unlike Henckels, Zwilling extends into categories like personal care, housewares, and leisure. This wider market reach gives Zwilling a substantial advantage when it comes to brand awareness and sales.
Quality Levels of Henckels Knives
When buying Henckels knives, it helps to understand the different quality levels available. From high-end to budget-friendly, all Henckels blades feature a Friodur® ice-hardened stainless steel blade for strength and corrosion resistance. The main differences are:
PRO Line – Single-piece precision blades with a full bolster and finger guard. Ideal for pros.
Premium – Laser-tested blades with break-proof handles. Super sharp right away.
Fine Edge PRO – Full bolstered blades with 3-rivet ergonomic handles.
Classic Line – Entry-level Henckels. No bolster or guard. Affordably priced.
Twin Signature – Double bolster design and sturdy handle. Great balance.
Twin Cuisine – Single bolster construction with POM handle. Lightweight durability.
No matter which you select, you can trust that your Henckels knife will deliver effortless slicing and chopping for years to come thanks to the Friodur® ice-hardening process and quality materials used.
Are Zwilling Knives Worth the Investment?
In my professional opinion, Zwilling knives are absolutely worth the splurge. Here’s why:
- Ice-hardened Friodur® steel blades up to 57 Rockwell for excellent edge retention
- Laser-controlled edges for long-lasting sharpness
- Sturdy, ergonomic handles for comfort and control
- Traditional Honbazuke hand-honing by Samurai swordmakers for unparalleled performance
- Innovative sigmaforge process to protect blade edges
Reviews of Zwilling knives are overwhelmingly positive. Their knives earn high marks for quality, balance, longevity, and beauty. While Zwilling knives come at a premium cost, they deliver an amazing cooking experience that will last for decades. I think they are worth every penny for the serious home chef.
Pro Tips for Sharpening Henckels Knives
Regular sharpening is critical to keep your knives performing at their best. But take care – improper sharpening can quickly ruin a fine blade!
Here are my top tips for safely sharpening your Henckels knives:
- Invest in a quality whetstone and lubricant. I recommend a dual 1000/4000 grit stone for Henckels knives.
- Lightly lubricate the stone and start with the coarser grit side. Hold the knife at a 10° to 15° angle as you sharpen.
- Use even, fluid strokes across the stone. Apply light pressure and sharpen the entire length of the blade.
- Flip knife and repeat on the other side. Finish by sharpening on the finer grit side.
- Rinse blade and dry thoroughly when finished.
- Use a honing steel weekly between sharpenings to maintain the edge.
I don’t advise pull-through or electric sharpeners for high-end Henckels knives as they can overheat and damage blades. Take them to a professional sharpener at least once a year for the best results.
My Conclusion on Henckels vs. Zwilling
While the Henckels brand is highly respected, I personally prefer Zwilling knives for their wider range of products, innovative technology, and outstanding craftsmanship.
However, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Take your time selecting the knife lines, features, and price points that work best for you. Properly care for your investment with regular sharpening and both Henckels and Zwilling knives will serve you exceptionally well.
I hope this detailed comparison helps provide clarity on these two incredible German knife makers. Let me know if you have any other questions!
