Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife, 20cm

The Classic is forged German stainless steel from the DIN 1.4116 family, with a full bolster and a lifetime guarantee, sold through mainstream UK retailers including John Lewis. It is the heaviest, most robust build of the five — the archetypal German chef's knife against which the lighter Japanese picks are contrasted — and its weight and forged bolster suit power tasks and a rocking chop while adding knuckle protection Global lacks. It sits below Global for a general audience because that heft can tire cooks who prefer Japanese agility, and because it is noticeably pricier than the Robert Welch for a broadly similar German-steel edge — so you are paying a premium for brand heritage and the bolster. Indicative retail around £139 at John Lewis, which is a guide figure rather than a fixed RRP.