About Henckels Products
Henckels set the world standard for both exceptional function and refined style in cutlery. As a leading producer of superior quality knives, Henckels ensures precision construction and forging through several innovative techniques.
Exclusive High Carbon, No-Stain Steel Henckels extensively researched the optimum alloy to resist corrosion and improve hardness. The company's "special formula" has perfected stainless-steel for the cutlery industry.
Sigmaforge® is an exclusive one-piece construction of knives that ensures higher blade stability and lasting sharpness. Sigmaforge results in perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. Knives manufactured by this standard include: TWIN® Four Star II, TWIN® Five Star, TWIN® Select, Four Star®, and TWIN® Pro S.
Friodur® is a special ice-hardening technique that improves maximum blade strength and no-stain properties. A fine finish is also applied to the top-grade stainless-steel.
Perma Edge Technology ensures long-lasting sharpness and precision cutting of both hard and soft foods with equal ease.
Henckels Blade & Handle Construction
For optimum blade and handle care, Henckels knives are dishwasher-safe but hand-washing is recommended.
Four Star®
The world's most sought after upscale knife series, these knives were designed and developed with the direction of renowned professional chefs.
Blade: The first commercial quality forged knife with a molded handle, this high carbon no-stain steel knife uses the unique Friodur ice-hardening process. These Sigmaforge knives have perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. As a result, blades stay sharper longer with a more consistent blade angle, and have improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
Handle: The first knife to feature seamless a polypropylene handle, which is unbreakable, acid-resistant, and colorfast. The handle is permanently bonded to blade shaft with no gaps or seams for exceptional balance and hygienic quality.
TWIN® Pro "S"
Classical styling and innovative technology combine to form these top-quality, forged knives with full-length blades of solid steel and a full tang.
Blade: This high carbon, no-stain steel knife uses the unique Friodur ice-hardening process. These Sigmaforge knives have perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. As a result, blades stay sharper longer with a more consistent blade angle, and have improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
Handle: Molded of breakproof, acid-resistant, colorfast Novodur, this handle features an ergonomic shape that accommodates individual hand conformations, increasing leverage and reducing fatigue. The handle is triple-riveted to the blade tang for strength and durability.
TWIN® Five Star
A masterful blend combination of the world's most famous forged blade (Four Star) with the world's best molded handle.
Blade: This high carbon no-stain steel knife uses the unique Friodur ice-hardening process. These Sigmaforge knives have perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. As a result, blades stay sharper longer with a more consistent blade angle, and have improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
Handle: Molded of breakproof, acid-resistant, colorfast polypropylene, this handle features an ergonomic shape that accommodates individual hand conformations, increasing leverage and reducing fatigue. The blade and handle are seamlessly, permanently bonded for perfect balance and superior performance.
TWIN® Select
For a sleek steel design with perfect ergonomics, this knife is an exceptional choice. The TWIN Select features the forged Four Star blade with an exclusive ergonomic 18/10 stainless steel handle.
Blade: This high carbon no-stain steel knife uses the unique Friodur ice-hardening process. These Sigmaforge knives have perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. As a result, blades stay sharper longer with a more consistent blade angle, and have improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
Handle: Matte-finished 18/10 stainless-steel handle is ergonomically designed for a firm, comfortable grip. The handle is permanently bonded to blade tang for optimum balance and superior strength, with no seams or gaps so it is fully hygienic and easily sanitized.
TWIN® Gourmet
The series features a classic, fully riveted handle with a full balance tang for a knife with traditional quality and value.
Blade: The high-carbon, no-stain steel blade is honed with a laser-controlled edge and Friodur ice hardened.
Handle: The sleek black Novodur handle offers durability and a sure grip. The comfortable handle is bonded and triple-riveted to the full tang for optimum balance and control.
TWIN® Cuisine
Setting a new standard in cutlery, this knife's exclusive patented design blends a top-quality forged blade with a comfortable ergonomic, molded handle.
Blade: The one-piece high-carbon, no-stain steel is precision forged through the traditional hot drop forge process enhancing the knife's durability.
Handle: The exclusive, patented design combines the comfort of a truly ergonomic, molded handle with the precision weight and balance of a full horizontal metal tang. The full-length tang without rivets offers superior balance and strength.
TWIN® Four Star II
The series offers enhanced weight and balance and durable polypropolyene handles permanently and seamlessly bonded to the forged blades.
Blade: this high carbon no-stain steel knife uses the unique Friodur ice-hardening process. These Sigmaforge® knives have perfect geometry, improved cutting-edge retention, and less metal fatigue. As a result, blades stay sharper longer with a more consistent blade angle, and have improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
Handle: The handle is permanently bonded to blade shaft with no gaps or seams for exceptional balance and hygienic quality. The seamless polypropylene handle is unbreakable, acid-resistant, and colorfast. Every handle also features a stainless steel endcap featuring the Zwilling Henckels logo
Care and Maintenance
How Do You Use a Sharpening Steel?
A fine-quality knife is easy to sharpen when you use the Henckels Sharpening Steel or TWIN® Sharpener. Do not sharpen serrated knives with a steel or TWIN® Sharpener. If a serrated knife becomes dull, a professional should sharpen it.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Sharpening Steel must have a higher hardness factor than the knife to be sharpened. Since Henckels knives are made of the highest quality, ice-hardened steel, a J. A. Henckels Sharpening Steel is required to maintain a sharp cutting edge.
There are four easy steps to using a J. A. Henckels Sharpening Steel:
1. Hold sharpening steel point down on table or cutting board. (Figure 1)
2. Angle between blade and steel should be approximately 20 degrees. (Figure 2)
3. Pull knife down and across sharpening steel, in a slight arc. (Figure 3)
4. Repeat on the other side of the steel. (Figure 4)
Repeat steps 3 and 4 five to ten times, always alternating the right and left side of the cutting edge. NOTE: Speed is not important. It is most important to maintain the angle and to sharpen the full length of the cutting edge.
Sharpening Steel Care
· Store in dry place
· Clean knives before sharpening
· After use, wipe steel with dry cloth
What Is the Best Way to Store my Henckels Knives?
Proper Knife Storage Knives have to be stored in a safe place, protecting the cutting edge and guarding against injuries.
Wooden Block Knives The most popular and suitable storage system for fine knives. The counter-top slant block offers easy access and fits underneath kitchen cabinets. The size of the block varies with the number of knives to be stored. Most Henckels blocks also have a slot for kitchen shears.
Wooden In-Drawer Knife Trays Convenient and safe for the customer who wants the features of a knife block and wants to store knives in a drawer. J. A. Henckels In-drawer Knife Tray is designed to fit most kitchen drawers easily.
What Is the Best Way to Care for My Knives?
Care of Knives
· No metal is completely "stainless." Do not allow acidic foods (lemon, mustard, ketchup, etc.) to remain on the blade after use. This might cause some slight tarnishing. Should the blade show some signs of staining, use a non-abrasive metal polish for cleaning. (Same for stainless flatware)
· Do not put knives in the dishwasher. Banging against other cutlery or pots and pans will nick the edge. Also, high heat and detergent are not good for the handle.
· Instead wipe the knife clean in your sink with a wet cloth and dishwashing detergent. Dry immediately. Dry from the back of the knife to the edge.
· Do not cut through bone with knives (except cleavers). Do not use knives for poking, prying, separating, or cutting semi-frozen or frozen foods.
· Do not abuse knives as screwdrivers or can openers. This is not their designed purpose and may result in bending or breaking the blade or edge of the knife. The Henckels warranty does not cover abuse.
What Are the Best Cutting Surfaces?
Cutting Board and Surfaces
Cutting surfaces should be:
· Smooth
· Easy to clean
· "Give" on contact with knife edge
Henckels recommends surfaces that can be easily cleaned and kept hygienic:
· Wooden cutting boards
· High-quality polyethylene boards
REMEMBER: All cutlery boards should be cleaned thoroughly immediately after use to avoid harmful bacteria growth.
Avoid hard surfaces that can damage the knife:
· China
· Tile
· Formica
· Porcelain
· Stainless counter tops