The Ultimate Guide to Gunter Wilhelm Knife Series: Find Your Perfect Fit
When selecting a kitchen knife, choosing the right one can enhance your cooking experience. Gunter Wilhelm offers several series, each tailored to meet different needs. Below, we’ll compare our most popular series: Executive Chef, Executive Chef II, LIGHTNING ProCut, PREMIER ProCut, and THUNDER ProCut, to help you decide which suits your kitchen best.
Executive Chef:
The Executive Chef Series, launched in 2002, is known for its classic
Pakkawood handle and patented full
triple tang design. Made from premium German steel, these knives offer excellent balance and comfort. They ensure smooth,
natural motion during cutting and are ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks. They offer high
quality and durability for a wide variety of kitchen tasks.
Executive Chef II:
The Executive Chef II Series updates the traditional design with a modern ABS handle and stylish rivets.
It offers the same premium German steel and sturdy construction as the original Executive Chef, with improved
durability. This series, designed in 2012, is slightly more affordable. It’s a great choice for those
who appreciate a modern look with top-notch performance.
LIGHTNING ProCut:
Introduced in 2014, the LIGHTNING ProCut Series features a textured
handle for better grip and control. With laser-cut construction and advanced cryo ice-hardening, these knives deliver exceptional edge retention and durability. Perfect
for home chefs who need high performance without breaking the bank, this series is great for everyday use.
PREMIER ProCut:
For a more premium option, the PREMIER ProCut Series offers a smart bolster and patented full triple
tang for superior balance. Designed in 2015, these
knives feature advanced cryo
hardening for excellent edge retention. This series is a
fantastic investment for those seeking high performance and long-lasting sharpness.
THUNDER ProCut:
The latest addition, the THUNDER ProCut Series, is designed for professionals and serious home
cooks alike. Launched in 2016, it features full triple tang and smart
bolster, combining ergonomic design with superior edge
retention. These knives offer professional-grade performance at a reasonable
price.
Best Sellers:
- Executive Chef: Carving Knife, 10″ – $97
- Executive Chef II: Boning/Fillet Knife, 10″- $98
- LIGTHNING ProCut: Brisket Knife, 12″- $75
- PREMIER ProCut: Chef Knife 8″- $143
- THUNDER ProCut: Utility Serrated Knife, 5″- $97
| Feature | Executive Chef | Executive Chef II | LIGHTNING ProCut | PREMIER ProCut | THUNDER ProCut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle | Pakkawood | ABS | Textured ABS | ABS | ABS |
| Tang | Full Triple Tang | Full Triple Tang | Full Inner Tang | Full Triple Tang | Full Triple Tang |
| Bolster | Smart Bolster | Smart Bolster | Smart Bolster | Smart Bolster | Smart Bolster |
| Steel | Premium 440/X50CrMoV15 German steel | Premium 440/X50CrMoV15 German steel | Premium X50CrMoV15 German Steel | Premium X50CrMoV15 German Steel | Premium X50CrMoV15 German Steel |
| Weight (lbs) | 0.212-0.75 | 0.212-0.75 | 0.212-0.362 | 0.237-1.625 | 0.225-0.618 |
| Edge Angle* | 20°-22° | 20°-22° | 15° | 15° | 15° |
| Heat Treatment | Ice Hardening | Ice Hardening | Cryo Ice Hardening | Cryo Ice Hardening | Cryo Ice Hardening |
| Edge Retention | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Rockwell Hardness | 55+/-2 RCH | 55+/-2 RCH | 55+/-2 RCH | 55+/-2 RCH | 55+/-2 RCH |
| Warranty Note | 7 Years | 7 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Country of Manufacturing | Steel from Germany, Finishing in China | Steel from Germany, Finishing in China | Made in Germany | Made in Germany | Made in Germany |
| Price Range (Knives) | $44 - $114 | $30 - $109 | $26 - $75 | $60 - $169 | $65 - $186 |
| Price Range (Sets) | $125 - $265 | $125 - $925 | $115 - $435 | $250 - $1459 | $215 - $997 |
| Year | 2002 | 2012 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| Series Link | Executive Chef | Executive Chef II | LIGHTNING ProCut | PREMIER ProCut | THUNDER ProCut |
