J. A. Henckels

J.A. Henckels' Damascus Knives For Williams-Sonoma

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Creating true statement pieces, which will also serve you very well in the kitchen, J.A. Henckels has just released a line of Damascus steel knives, under its Zwilling brand, available exclusively at Williams-Sonoma.

The high-end of a new three-tiered collection, which includes Zwilling Pure and Zwilling Cronidur (made from the same steel NASA uses for Space Shuttle ball bearings), Zwilling Damascus is 160 layers of razor-sharp beauty. Designed by architect Matteo Thun, and hand-forged by a top German blacksmith, each knife receives an acid bath after its creation to reveal the undulating patterns distinctive of Damascus steel. The blade is then mounted to a handle of untreated, oiled grenadill wood. Perfectly balanced, the thumb instantly gravitates towards the generous bolster, which provides an unusual amount of comfort and precise control. At 61 on the Rockwell scale, the knife is incredibly hard (meaning edge retention is excellent) but the blade also possesses the proper amount of limber flexibility.

Currently offering a chef's, bread, pairing and Santoku knife, the line is the first German-made Damascus steel on the market. And since each blade's pattern is unique, the Zwilling Damascus isn't just the one you'll want to reach for, it's the one you'll want everyone to see you reaching for.

Tags: cooking, DamascusSteel, germany, J. A. Henckels, knives, williams-sonoma