There isn't a more useful tool than the kitchen knife, which is why so many chefs and home cooks feel that it's worth splurging on a nice one (and taking proper care of it.) Ina Garten, author of the new Modern Comfort Food cookbook, says knives are her favorite kitchen-related gifts to both give and receive, and there's one brand in particular that she swears by.
"I often use Wüsthofs, but I think there are so many good ones," she tells Food & Wine. "Because comfort is another factor, not just the blade itself. You want workhorse knives that you just know are going to be great."
![Ina Garten](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/-5k4wXd7AgUk3sm2WOmePHAStlg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ina-garten-favorite-knife-brand-FT-BLOG1020-8163d83d66bc4f7ba3b2d3a980c1459b.jpg)
We feel the same. We tested several popular brands of chef knives and, indeed, deemed Wüsthof's Classic 8-inch Cook's Knife ($150, amazon.com) the "Best Tough Workhorse." (Our pick for the best overall knife was the MAC Professional Series 8-inch Chef's Knife with Dimples.)
When gifting a knife, Garten says choosing a specific type would be lovely, like a paring or slicing knife.
After investing in a nice knife, or receiving one as a gift, upkeep is key. If you want to continue using it for decades to come, there are several chef-recommended tricks for making sure your knives stay sharp and rust-free.
![wusthof chef knife](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/ywzcAHo59y70kX_BigeSOcezLtI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-classic-chefs-knife-WS-BLOG1020-36d73bf92ac4470890063df879340f66.jpg)
Buy it: Wüsthof's Classic 8-inch Cook's Knife, $150 at amazon.com
5 Wüsthof Knives and Knife Sets on Sale Right Now
Wüsthof Classic Carving Set
![wusthof carving knives](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/KHaX2RpxHRhO4IhCsEg0VnH71qY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-classic-carving-set-WS-FT-BLOG1020-29476624e40843b588a298f3e71f7054.jpg)
A 9" carving knife and a 12 1/2" carving fork perfect for everything from roast chickens to holiday roasts.
$152 (usually $314) at williams-sonoma.com or amazon.com
Wusthof Classic Ikon 3-1/2-Inch Paring Knife
![wusthof paring knife](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/nm3PzpmF-I7xKLZOZrCjFAWu_ik=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-paring-knife-FT_BLOG1020-78ef174f80dc4e5e929b3d1d70538ecb.jpg)
The classic paring is the workhorse your kitchen needs. The handle is contoured for a comfortable but durable grip.
$70 (usually $100) at amazon.com
Wüsthof Gourmet Burger Knife, Set of 4
![burger knives](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/6OYza2RI4kYmQ-18Fsdo3DCEwxk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-gourmet-burger-knife-set-of-4-WS-FT-BLOG1020-fce7bef2c6614038ab8bd9090afcdd82.jpg)
For anyone making burgers at home more often than usual, this is a great gift.
$60 (originally $176) at williams-sonoma.com or amazon.com
Wüsthof Gourmet 16-Piece Knife Set
![16 piece knife set](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/MVauzkrjQHhcEbJoJwuj-Mkm9SE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-gourmet-16-piece-knife-set-WS-FT-BLOG1020-802bfc7552424a5587415f233a28d6f2.jpg)
One of the finest full knife sets you can buy, with a blade for just about every purpose (peeling, paring, spreading) and the ever-useful kitchen shears.
$350 (list price $661) at williams-sonoma.com or amazon.com
Wüsthof Stainless-Steel 8-Piece Steak Knife Box Set
![knife set](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/5nL3kgln3MBgof71vKfpzHLWqDM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wusthof-knife-set-FT_BLOG1020-26ace6cea9904db6aa3f8c5dce42a6ae.jpg)
The ultimate dinner set and gift-worthy purchase. Get the box in acacia or black.
$100 (usually $120) at williams-sonoma.com