When it comes to kitchen knives, you can never go wrong with the classic, high-quality, world-renowned Victorinox kitchen knives. Whereas cheap and substandard knives dull and rust easily, these Swiss-made kitchen knives can last an entire lifetime.
Keep reading and find out the answers to the most common questions about Victorinox knives and why they are essential to every clever cook’s kitchen.
RELATED: The 5 Types Of Kitchen Knives Every Home Cook Needs
Table of Contents
Victorinox Kitchen Knives | What You Need to Know Before Buying Your Own Set
What Is Victorinox?
Victorinox is a world-renowned company founded in 1884 by cutler-turned-entrepreneur Karl Elsener I. The company started as a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach, Switzerland.
In the past 130 years of the business, it has grown to become a household name that consistently stands for innovation, quality, versatility, and of course, its iconic design. It is especially known for coming up with the original Swiss Army Knife.
Today, Victorinox has expanded beyond the manufacturing and distribution of the Swiss Army Knives it became famous for. Now, it also makes professional and household knives, travel gear, watches, and even fragrances.
Are Victorinox Kitchen Knives Good?
Beyond the classic Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox is also known for its high-quality knife collections rivaled only by Wusthof, another reputable cutlery maker based in Germany.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Red ,58mm
$21.99 in stock
1 used from $25.00
Features
- Sleek Functionality: The Classic SD is a Swiss-made icon with 7 essential functions: blade, nail file with screwdriver, scissors, toothpick, tweezers, and key ring. Practical, lightweight, and built to last.
- A Cut Above the Rest: A legacy built since 1879 Swiss Army Knives are trusted for their utility and smart design. Our pocket knives are compact, agile, and adventure-ready.
- Durable Swiss Craftsmanship: Crafted precisely in Switzerland, our pocket knives feature stainless steel construction encased in popular scales for durability and everyday carry.
- Fit for All Tasks: Beyond tools, these pocket knives are survival multitaskers excelling in every situation. From basic functions to pioneering space travel, they prove their versatility.
- Trusted Quality, Lifetime Guarantee: Made in Switzerland with uncompromising quality, Victorinox offers a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. No assembly required, and backed by a money-back guarantee.
Victorinox blades are valued by kitchen professionals and home cooks alike because they are razor-sharp, strong, and lightweight. Despite all these advantages, their products still remain reasonably priced.
Victorinox crafts a wide range of kitchen knives, all with their respective features and uses. Before you start shopping for your first set of Victorinox knives, make sure to ask yourself the following questions.
Which is Better: Stamped or Forged Knives?
The first factor to consider when choosing a knife is the blade. Victorinox knives come in 2 different kinds: forged and stamped. Each of these knives has its own unique set of advantages, so choosing which knives best suit your needs is of utmost importance.
Forged blade
A forged blade is a knife that is made from only one piece of metal. This creates a smooth transition from the blade itself all the way up to the knife’s handle, with a built-up section in between known as a bolster.
Victorinox’s forged blades contain more carbon. This not only makes the steel harder but also helps it maintain that sharp edge for much longer.
Having a blade that is forged from a single piece makes it more difficult for the user’s hand to accidentally slip from the handle of the knife to its blade.
Furthermore, forged knives have a tendency to weigh more. This gives it a more balanced feel, allowing the cook to use it with more control.
The Victorinox Forged Professional Chef’s Knife is the perfect example of this. It has a single-piece, full tang construction, and a high-carbon stainless steel build that gives it maximum sharpness and edge retention.
Victorinox Forged Professional 8-Inch Chef's Knife
Features
- All-purpose knife and a kitchen necessity; can be used for practically any kind of cutting job; 8-inch is great for small tasks and smaller hands
- High carbon stainless steel provides maximum sharpness and edge retention; ice tempered to sustain sharpness longer and give desired effect when re-sharpened
- Single-piece, full-tang construction; bolsterless edge for use of entire blades and ease of sharpening
- Triple rivet handle ergonomically designed to provide optimum weight, balance, and comfort; plastic over molded (POM) handle will hold shape and not crack or separate from blade
- Hand washing recommended; lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects; hot-drop forged in Germany, finished in Switzerland
Unfortunately, while they stay sharp for much longer, sharpening them once they’re dull can also be a bit of a challenge. They require a special diamond or ceramic honing tool, much like the Victorinox Diamond Honing Steel. These tools are well-equipped for the job as they are much harder than the cutlery they sharpen.
Victorinox Diamond Honing Steel Oval, Black Plastic Handle, 12-Inch, Round, Solid Core
Features
- Made of highest quality Swiss and Victorinox materials
- Kitchen Black Steels - Diamond, 12" Round, Solid Core, Plastic
- Innovative and durable
- Must have for every kitchen!
Stamped blade
On the other hand, a stamped blade is simply cut out from a sheet of steel. The handle of this knife is then attached separately.
A forged blade may have a sharper edge, but a stamped blade provides more comfort as it is lighter. Over time, these types of knives are a lot easier to work with as they do not strain the hands and wrists.
Plus, because the steel has a lower hardness level, stamped blades are much simpler to resharpen. For many, a stamped blade is the best choice for home kitchens as they provide a lot of bang for one’s buck.
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is one of the best knives with a stamped blade. It is a staple both in commercial and home kitchens, and a lot of people use it for some of the most punishing cutting jobs.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP, 8 Inch, Black
Features
- For home chefs & professionals. This Fibro Pro chef's knife has been the top choice of both home chefs and professionals alike. Expertly crafted with a tapered stainless steel edge that cuts with ease and efficiency.
- Fit for all tasks. Designed to handle kitchen tasks both big and small, This durable knife's razor sharp and laser-tested blade effortlessly chops, minces, slices and dices. An essential for every kitchen.
- Easy handling. Each knife features an ergonomic handle made from thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) for a non-slip grip - even when wet. This exceptional knife is weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- Knife Dimensions. Blade made out of stainless steel material - 7. 9 inches in length. Made with dishwasher safe materials for an easy clean.
- Trusted Swiss quality. Expertly crafted in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox provides a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. Making a Lifetime commitment has never been so easy.
Admittedly, these are not necessarily the sharpest knives out there, especially when stacked against forged blades. Among other stamped blades, however, the Fibrox series is, undoubtedly, one of the best.
Which Handle Material Should I Choose?
Picking the right handle is really a matter of personal preference. Fortunately, Victorinox knives have a wide range of handles you can choose from. As with the blades, each kind of handle has its own set of advantages, so make sure you go through them before you purchase a new knife.
Synthetic handles
Knives with synthetic handles are much easier to clean because they are dishwasher-safe. They are also often lighter, making them easier to use especially over long periods of time. Fortunately, Victorinox has a wide variety of knives with synthetic handles.
One of which is the Victorinox Swiss Modern Chef’s Knife of their Swiss Modern Collection. The handle of this knife is made from Polypropylen Copolymere (PPC). It is a favorite among professional and home cooks alike because of its durability and versatility.
Victorinox 6.9013.15B Swiss Modern Chef's Knife Essential Kitchen Tool Cuts Everything From Meat to Fruit and Vegetables Straight Blade in Black, 5.9 inches
Features
- A COUNTERTOP ESSENTIAL: As the master of your kitchen, you deserve the right tools to express your creativity. An all-purpose chef's knife provides ultimate control to mince your way through any culinary challenge.
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS. Designed to handle both small and large kitchen tasks with durability. Crafted with high carbon stainless steel, each knife is conical ground and ice tempered to ensure long-lasting sharpness.
- EASY HANDLING. We've designed a contemporary, textured handle with a non-slip grip - even when wet. These exceptional knives are weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Our superior lightweight Swiss stainless steel blades provide precision, stability, and accuracy. They are easy to clean, extremely sharp and the prefect gift for everyday use or the culinary professional.
- TRUSTED SWISS QUALITY. Expertly crafted in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox provides a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy.
The 4-piece Swiss Classic Paring Knives of the Swiss Classic collection are also equipped with durable, synthetic handles crafted from Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE). They also come in bright and joyful colors that are easy on the eyes.
Victorinox 4-Piece Set of 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knives with Straight Edge, Spear Point, 3.25", Pink/Green/Yellow/Orange
$25.75 in stock
Features
- Multipurpose straight edge paring knife designed for garnishing, mincing, peeling, slicing and dicing with razor sharp, laser-tested, tapered knife edge, which is ground to form an exacting angle to hold a sharp edge longer and ensure maximum cutting performance and durability
- The ergonomically designed, contoured Swiss Classic handle is inspired by our patented Fibrox Pro line and provides a sure grip and easy handling, even when wet
- Featuring a short blade for enhanced accuracy and precision, this paring knife is optimally built for jobs where control is essential
- Perfect for more intricate jobs such as peeling fruits and vegetables or trimming beans, but also versatile enough for bigger jobs like dicing an onion or slicing mangos
- Expertly crafted in Switzerland since 1884; designed for professionals who use knives all day, every day; lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
Wooden handles
Wood-handled knives are not dishwasher safe. The chemicals and heat in the dishwasher can make the skin of the handle too hot, drying it out and cracking it later on. Despite this, it is still worth a look.
Wooden handles have a much warmer and more natural grip that feels nice to the touch. This should make it worth the effort of washing it manually. As an added touch, you might also want to use a traditional cooking oil such as linseed oil to keep it refreshed and looking brand new.
Fans of forged knives can check out the Grand Maitre Knife Collection which has modified maple handles. The Victorinox Grand Maitre Wood Chef’s Knife is one of the most popular in this series.
Victorinox Grand Maître 6-inch Wood Chef's Knife
Features
- A COUNTERTOP ESSENTIAL: As the master of your kitchen, you deserve the right tools to express your creativity. An all-purpose chef's knife provides ultimate control to prep your way through any culinary challenge.
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS: Victorinox knives are dexterous, ergonomic and universally adaptable. From classic styles to modern looks our premium-quality blades are an exceptional combination of quality, design, materials and craftsmanship for the value minded kitchen.
- EASY HANDLING: We've designed a contemporary, textured handle with a non-slip grip -- even when wet. These exceptional knives are weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Our superior lightweight Swiss stainless steel blades provide precision, stability, and accuracy. They are easy to clean, extremely sharp and the prefect gift for everyday use or the culinary professional.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Made in Switzerland; Victorinox provides a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy. No assembly required, money back guarantee.
You can also opt for the walnut-handled Swiss Modern collection. The handles of these knives do not just have an ergonomic design, but also an eye-catching appeal to them. This particular option comes in twos. You can choose whether you want a steak knife set, a bread knife set, a carving knife set, a chef’s knife set, or a santoku knife set.
Victorinox Swiss Modern 2-Piece Steak Knife Set, 5", Walnut Wood
$90.41 in stock
Features
- Make your Table setting stand out with this set of two 5-inch steak knives
- Swiss modern handles are geometrically shaped and made of sustainable, richly grained Italian Walnut Wood making them lightweight with a contemporary feel
- High-carbon, stainless steel blade is razor-sharp and tapers even towards the cutting edge to provide perfect balance and superior edge retention
- Expertly crafted in Switzerland since 1884; designed for Professionals who use knives all day, every day; Lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
RELATED: 5 Tips For Slicing And Chopping Food Like A Pro
What Are the Different Knife Edges?
The kind of edge your knife has will depend on what you’re planning to use it for.
Straight Edge
Straight edge knives – like the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Straight Edge Butcher Knife – are designed for you to be able to smoothly and cleanly slice through meat without ripping or tearing it up. This is important, especially in a commercial kitchen or a high-end restaurant where precision is the name of the game.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 12-Inch Straight Edge Butcher Knife
Features
- Dependable, sturdy, easy to carry
- Great for everyday use
- Swiss made precision
- High carbon stainless-steel blade provides maximum sharpness and edge retention; conical ground through length and depth for a wider break point; ice tempered to sustain sharpness longer
Wavy Edge
Like the knives in this Victorinox Swiss Classic Steak Knife Set, blades with a wavy edge are ideal for cutting through tough meat. However, they can also be used for a lot of other foods like pizza, pies, pastries, or even vegetables.
Victorinox 6.7232.6 Swiss Classic Steak Knife Set Ideal for Slicing a Wide Variety of Steak Cuts Wavy Edge Blade in Blue, Set of 6
Features
- A COUNTERTOP ESSENTIAL: As the master of your kitchen, you deserve the right tools to express your creativity. Victorinox steak knives compliment your dining experience. Enterain in style using this qualified specialist.
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS. Designed to handle both small and large kitchen tasks with durability. Crafted with high carbon stainless steel, each knife is conical ground and ice tempered to ensure long-lasting sharpness.
- EASY HANDLING. Inspired by our Fibrox Pro line, we've designed a contemporary, Swiss Classic textured handle with a non-slip grip -- even when wet. These exceptional knives are weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Our superior lightweight Swiss stainless steel blades provide precision, stability, and accuracy. They are easy to clean, extremely sharp and the prefect gift for everyday use or the culinary professional.
- TRUSTED SWISS QUALITY. Expertly crafted in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox provides a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy.
Fluted Edge
A knife with a fluted edge allows air to pass between the blade and the food. This makes it less likely for the food to stick to the blade as you cut it. In turn, this makes the entire chopping process faster, smoother, and a heck of a lot more efficient.
Heavy knife users should opt for straight-edged knives, as their knives might require a lot of sharpening.
Regularly sharpening the blade of a fluted-edge blade may wear the knife down to the flutes. Later on, this will interfere with slicing, which may be bothersome, especially to professional cooks.
For general use, however, a fluted edge knife is the recommended choice. In fact, Victorinox also has carving knives that have fluted edges so the meat doesn’t stick to the blade.
You can try the Victorinox Swiss Modern Santoku Knife which is perfect for general-purpose slicing, dicing, mincing, and pretty much everything in between.
Victorinox 6.9053.17KB Swiss Modern Santoku Knife for General-Purpose Slicing, Dicing, Mincing, and Everything In Between Fluted Edge Blade in Black, 6.7 inches
Features
- A COUNTERTOP ESSENTIAL: As the master of your kitchen, you deserve the right tools to express your creativity. This indespensable knife allows you to dominate kitchen advantures that require precision.
- FIT FOR ALL TASKS. Designed to handle both small and large kitchen tasks with durability. Crafted with high carbon stainless steel, each knife is conical ground and ice tempered to ensure long-lasting sharpness.
- EASY HANDLING. We've designed a contemporary, textured handle with a non-slip grip - even when wet. These exceptional knives are weighted and balanced for easy handling.
- A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Our superior lightweight Swiss stainless steel blades provide precision, stability, and accuracy. They are easy to clean, extremely sharp and the prefect gift for everyday use or the culinary professional.
- TRUSTED SWISS QUALITY. Expertly crafted in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox provides a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy.
Should Blade Length and Width Matter?
The lengths and widths of the knives you’ll get also matter. Make sure you understand what each one is for before making a decision.
Fileting knives typically come in 16cm and 20cm versions. In general, the blades of these knives should be about 5cm bigger than the fish being filleted.
Carving knives, on the other hand, are a bit more complex. The length of the blades in these knife sets often ranges from 15cm to 25cm. Smaller blades provide agility and versatility, while larger blades are more ideal for slicing big items such as pumpkins or watermelons.
Make sure your knife length is sufficient as this lessens the risk of the knife slipping or getting stuck and accidentally injuring someone.
Pro tip: Match your blade’s length to the length of your cutting board. Using one that is too small makes it difficult to cut through large fruits, vegetables, or even bread in one go. Plus, it also increases the risk of injury.
Carving knives also come in two widths – normal and extra-wide. The latter is better for carving large chunks of meat such as turkey or roast beef. This is because it gives the blade more power and precision for those smooth slices.
When it comes to knives, you can never go wrong with the well-established and highly-reputable Victorinox knives. With their wide array of cutlery, make sure you go through our guide below so you can purchase the knives that are perfect for your needs.
Do you have other questions about Victorinox knives or how to choose the ones that best suit your needs? Ask them in the comments section below!
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