J.A. Henckels - Everything About Kitchen Knives

Ranked #1,734 in Food & Cooking, #32,309 overall

Information From the Experts at J.A. Henckels (www.jahenckels.com)

This is the lens to learn all about J.A. Henckels cutlery and kitchen products.  Learn about what to look for in a knife, and what makes Henckels products the best!

THE FAMOUS ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS TWIN LOGO 

Redesigned Website at www.jahenckels.com

Visit www.jahenckels.com to view our redesigned website complete with the latest products, information, and media center! Learn how to make those professional cuts with our instructional knife skills video, or learn about how your knives were manufactured.

History of J.A. Henckels - over 275 Years of Passion for the Best.

The history of Zwilling J.A. Henckels begins on June 13, 1731 in Solingen, Germany. Knife-maker Peter Henckels registered the "TWIN" symbol as his trademark with the Cutlers' Guild of Solingen. This symbol, which is now well known throughout the world, is thus one of the oldest trademarks in the world. The name of the company today - Zwilling J.A. Henckels - was given to the Company by a descendent of Peter Henckels, Johann Abraham Henckels (J.A.).

Over the years, J.A. Henckels has been at the forefront of cutlery technology and innovation. Zwilling J.A. Henckels exclusive high carbon, no-stain steel formula and FRIODUR ice hardening process guarantees durability and corrosion resistance. In total, over 40 separate processes are used to make sure that every Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife meets the highest standards. J.A. Henckels cutlery and kitchen products consistently earn high ratings from leading consumer trade publications and organizations as well.

Always an industry leader, J.A. Henckels is credited with developing the world's first commercial forged knife with a molded handle. TWIN Pro "S" was the first knife with an enlarged bolster for extra balance. TWIN Cuisine revolutionized kitchen cutlery with its fully exposed horizontal tang and smooth handle shape. Henckels was the first knife company to introduce the serrated utility knife, santoku knife, and perma-edge bread knife in the U.S. market.

J.A. Henckels still prides itself on making the finest cutlery available in the marketplace. Today, the quality standards developed over 275 years ago are still reflected in each piece that carries the J.A. Henckels name. The assortment has expanded to include a wide variety of cutlery-related products including cookware, flatware, scissors and shears, kitchen gadgets and tools, and manicure instruments.

NEW PRODUCTS FOR SPRING 2008!

View all of our new products for the Spring 2008 season?

J.A. Henckels is happy to announce its new Spring product lineup. Leading the way is new TWIN Four Star II, and TWIN Cuisine products which have been very popular with our customers. In addition, new steak sets, carving sets, block sets and gift sets will make great gift ideas when the holiday season rolls around.

View the new J.A. Henckels products at our official website(copy and paste link below into your browser)
http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?subcategory=38

You can also view the new J.A. Henckels International products at our official site(copy and paste link below into your browser)http://int.jahenckels.com/index.php?subcategory=61

Featured here is the new TWIN Four Star II 20 Pc Block set

J.A. Henckels Warranty

Our lifetime warranty - simply the best

All J.A. Henckels products are fully guaranteed against defects in materials and/or craftsmanship. The J.A. Henckels warranty does not cover wear from normal use or any damage resulting from use other than the intended purpose.
Wood products (including wood handle knives) are not covered by the J.A. Henckels warranty, as wood is a natural element and thus cannot be guaranteed.

Any product that is felt to be defective needs to be returned to the address below for inspection. Defective items will be repaired or replaced with similar item at the option of J.A. Henckels.

Please wrap carefully to ensure points or edges do not cut through mailing carton. Be sure to include your full mailing address (no post office box numbers please). USA consumers only

J.A. Henckels, Inc.
Att: Consumer Service
171 Saw Mill River Road
Hawthorne, New York 10532

Included with the knives should be the following information:

Full Name

Full Mailing Address

Daytime Phone Number

Description of the knives (Example: "Four Star 4" Parer)

J.A. Henckels will examine the knives and if there is a manufacturers defect you will be sent a replacement. Replacements take 4 to 6 weeks. If you would like to speak to someone at Henckels regarding the knives, you should call Consumer Service at 1-800-777-4308 between 9:00am and 5:00pm eastern standard time. You can also email J.A. Henckels at info@jahenckels.com.

FREE TWIN Cheese Knife Promotion for a limited time!

Find out how to receive a free Henckels knife with purchases

This Fall, J.A. Henckels will be having a very special Cheese Knife Promotion. Don't miss your chance to collect FREE, stainless steel, Henckels quality, cheese knives. The promotion works as follows:

-With a $100 pre-tax purchase of TWIN® knives, you can select one FREE Cheese Knife, a $30 value.
-With a $200 pre-tax purchase of TWIN® knives, you can select two FREE Cheese Knives, a $60 value.
-With a $300 pre-tax purchase of TWIN® knives, you will get all three Cheese Knives FREE, a $90 value.

The J.A. Henckels International brand is not part of this promotion. For more information, look for the displays at fine stores near you! To find a J.A. Henckels retailer, visit http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?simple_view=112
Passion for the best. Since 1731

New TWIN Cookbook FREE with select purchases!

Beginning this summer, receive a free cookbook on CD with select TWIN items!

Beginning this summer, specially marked J.A. Henckels (TWIN) forged knife gift sets, block sets and selected open stock will come with the Zwilling Cookbook free on CD! The cookbook combines recipes from Zwilling J.A. Henckels staff from around the world and features 121 delicious recipes. It's another way for us to say thanks for choosing J.A. Henckels.

Here's a picture of the CD!

FREE INSTRUCTIONAL KNIFE SKILLS VIDEO CLIPS!

Watch exclusive knife skills video clips from J.A. Henckels website...absolutely free. Just paste the link below into your browser.
http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?simple_view=88

J.A. Henckels Latest News and Products

Keep up to date with all the latest news and products offered by J.A. Henckels and J.A. Henckels International
Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

How do I recognize a "good knife"?

With so many knife designs and styles on the market, cutlery purchasing can be a tough decision.
  • -It has a look of authority. Simple, heavy-duty, functional.
  • -The blade tapers evenly from the handle to the tip, and from the back of the blade to the cutting edge.
  • -The steel has a satiny grain rather than a mirror polish. This indicates finishing in the fine old German tradition.
  • -It should have a bolster for added weight and balance.
  • -The heavy steel of the blade extends into the handle where it is either triple-riveted to Novodur, or permanently bonded to polypropylene.
  • -The feel is hefty, yet the balance is perfect. This together with the blade's sharpness adds safety by reducing strain and fatigue.
  • -If you see the famous TWIN trademark (shameless plug here!), you know your knife meets these quality standards.

What's the difference between the "2-man" Henckels and the "1-man" Henckels?

So what is the difference between the Zwilling J.A. Henckels "TWIN" brand and the J.A. Henckels International brand anyway?

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels brand is the premium brand. All TWIN series knives such as Four Star and TWIN Cuisine are from this brand. Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives are mostly manufactured at the worldwide headquarters in Solingen, Germany and are designed for the gourmet cook who appreciates only the best. The blades of the knives are made of Henckels' exclusive high carbon, no-stain steel formula. The steel then undergoes Henckels' patented FRIODUR ice-hardening process then guarantees will be durability and corrosion-resistance. The knives from this brand feature the latest in cutlery technology and design. In addition to the knife lines mentioned above, TWIN Pro S, TWIN Four Star II, and TWIN Cermax M66 are other examples of "TWIN" brand cutlery. Most of the knives series have precision forged blades

J.A. Henckels International cutlery and products are designed for the value concious consumer who wants a quality product for everyday needs. Products from this brand are manufactured in Henckels factories in China and Spain. The Classic knife series, Classic Clad Cookware, and Premiere Flatware are examples of the diverse cutlery and kitchen products offered by this brand. While Classic and Forged Synergy offer forged knife blade construction, Fine Edge Pro and Fine Edge Synergy offer stamped blades. The Never Needs Sharpening lines, such as Eversharp Pro, all feature micro-serrated edges that never need sharpening.

The easiest way to differentiate the brands is to think of the "TWIN" brand as "The Premium Brand" , and the "single-guy" brand as "The Value Brand." For more information, visit www.jahenckels.com

The Differences in Knife Construction for J.A. Henckels Cutlery

J.A. Henckels fine cutlery is manufactured in several different ways.

SIGMAFORGE

SIGMAFORGE is the standard which the top J.A. Henckels "TWIN" series knives are constructed. These series include: TWIN Select, TWIN Four Star II, TWIN Five Star, TWIN Pro "S", and Four Star. SIGMAFORGE knives are precision forged from a single piece of Henckels exclusive high carbon, no-stain steel formula. The results are exceptional...they include:
-Perfect geometry of the entire knife
-Higher stability of the blade
-Less metal fatigue - improved steel structure
-Improved cutting-edge retention
-Lasting sharpness
-Improved quality consistency
-Improved weight and balance
-FRIODUR ice-hardened blades

TRADITIONAL HOT DROP FORGED

The TWIN Cuisine knife series from J.A. Henckels is hot drop forged in a more traditional method due to the horizontal design of the knife's tang. With this process, TWIN Cuisine knives are also constructed from a single piece of exclusive Henckels high carbon, no-stain steel. The outstanding results are:
-Heavy weight, durable feel through the entire knife
-FRIODUR ice hardened blades
-A uniquely designed knife with perfect ergonomics

STAMPED
With this process, knives are formed out of a single sheet of steel. Basically, knives are stamped out of the steel sheet. The quality of the steel, tempering process, and finishing results in a quality knife. J.A. Henckels' TWIN Signature and TWIN Gourmet are maunfactured in this way, and the blades are FRIODUR ice-hardened.

J.A. Henckels and Share-Our-Strength fighting to end hunger in America

Did you know that for every purchase of J.A. Henckels 8 pc Stainless Steel Steak Set in Presentation box, J.A. Henckels 4 pc Stainless Steel Steak Set and J.A. Henckels TWIN Gourmet 4 Pc Hollow Edge Steak Set with Presentation box, a donation is made to the Share-Our-Strength (SOS) Anti-Hunger Program? Share Our Strength is one of the nation's leading organizations fighting to end hunger among children in America. To date, J.A. Henckels has raised over $100,000 for Share Our Strength.

CLASSIC CLAD COOKWARE

High quality, commercial clad cookware from Henckels

Did you know that J.A. Henckels also has a professional line of cookware?


Classic Clad is manufactured with heavy gauge, clad construcion (tri-ply) for maximum heat conductivity. The exclusive, patented handle design is ergonomic for easy handling. Most pans in the series have capacity markings inside for easy measurement. All Classic Clad cookware is oven/broiler safe up to 500 degrees fahrenheit. The cookware is also compatible with all popular cooktop surfaces including induction.


View Classic Clad Cookware at the jahenckels.com website below:
http://int.jahenckels.com/index.php?subcategory=51

How to Sharpen a Knife!

One of the most frequently asked questions...answered!

When it comes to kitchen knives and fine cutlery, one of the most frequently asked questions is "How do I keep my knives sharp?"

The sharpening steel is one of the best ways to help maintain the edge of your knives. Watch this video demonstration from chef Jim Shiebler on the J.A. Henckels website... http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?simple_view=81 A few simple strokes in the correct manner will help keep your knives sharp for years to come. Varieties of steels available include chromium, ceramic, and diamond-coated steels. J.A. Henckels specifically sells chromium and diamond steels.

You can also use hand-held sharpeners, such as the TWINSHARP sharpener and TWINSHARP Select. Both are easy-to-use and will help restore the edge to your fine-edged knives in no time.

Some knives, such as TWIN Cermax M66, have specific directions for edge maintenance due to the hardness of the knife and unique edge angle. TWIN Cermax M66 knives require either a diamond steel or a sharpening stone, such as the TWIN Stone Pro... http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?item=474

No matter which way you decide to sharpen your kitchen knives, safety should always come first. Speed plays no role in sharpening knives and can be dangerous.

The Popular Santoku Knife!

Some information on this very popular knife

The santoku knife is the popular Asian-style chef's knife that has received worldwide attention in the past 10 years. Numerous TV chef personalities have their own personal santokus and rave about their functionality.

The Santoku originated in Japan and means "three virtues" or "three uses" in Japanese. The knife is meant to be used for preparing meats, fish, and vegetables. It usually feaures a broad blade that curves at about 60 degrees to the tip, and has an especially sharp cutting edge. The unique shape allows for easier chopping and better balance.

The santoku is often found in sizes ranging from 5" to 7". Santokus can be found with a fine edge or a hollow edge. The "dimples" in the edge of hollow edge santokus allow for air between the blade and the food being cut. This prevents food from sticking to the blade and al

J.A. Henckels has offered santokus for decades, long before the recent craze. Almost every current knife series offered by J.A. Henckels and J.A. Henckels International offer santokus. All santoku knives by ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS have a fine-polished razor edge that gives them their typical sharpness.

What new products would you like to see from J.A. Henckels in the future?

Here's your chance to let us know what products you would like to see in the future!

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Interesting Facts about J.A. Henckels

Facts, awards, 276 years and counting has to have some milestones...

-J.A. Henckels was ranked #1 and #2 in cutlery by a leading consumer products review in 2005.
-Was first to introduce the santoku to the U.S. market
-Was first to introduct perma-edge bread knives to the U.S. market
-Was first to introduce serrated utility knives to the U.S. market
-Has received numerous awards from prestigious organizations such as iF design, reddot, and the Good Design award
-First to develop commerical forged knife with molded handle
-First to develop knife with exclusive, fully-exposed horizontal tang
-Has subsidiaries in every major industrialized country
-Invented Friodur ice-hardening process which is still used in all TWIN knives
-Uses exclusive high carbon, no-stain steel formula for all TWIN brand knives

Featured Henckels on Amazon.com

Here's some popular Henckels products featured on Amazon.com

Henckels Twin Cuisine 8-Inch Chef's Knife

Henckels Twin Cuisine 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The latest in professional quality cutlery, the Tw more...0 points

Henckels Four Star II 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Cutlery Set with Storage Block

Henckels Four Star II 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Cutlery Set with Storage Block

New one piece constructionHigh forging precisionHi more...0 points

Henckels Four Star II Hollow-Edge 7-Inch Santoku

Henckels Four Star II Hollow-Edge 7-Inch Santoku

Twin Four Star II 7-inch Santoku Hollow Edge Knife0 points

Helpful resource links directly from J.A. Henckels website

All kinds of resources from J.A. Henckels
J.A. Henckels Media Center
Find out everything you need to know about Henckels through these videos!
Instructional Knife Skills Video Clips
Find out how to use your knives through these useful tips
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Steak and Carving Sets
Take a look at J.A. Henckels Steak and Carving Sets
TWIN Cuisine Gadgets quick-link
View all of our current TWIN Cuisine Gadgets!
Henckels International Classic Clad Cookware
The newest addition to our quality lineup of kitchen products!
J.A. Henckels Customer Care quick link
Find everything you need including where to buy Henckels, contact forms, and information about our warranty!
How to Sharpen Knives quick link
Read about the proper sharpening techniques and watch our exclusive video

J.A. Henckels Products courtesy of Amazon

Shop for all J.A. Henckels and J.A. Henckels International products courtesy of Amazon.com
Loading

Manufacturing videos of Henckels Products!

straight from the factory in Solingen, Germany

Watch examples of the 44 separate proccesses that are used to make sure your Henckels knife is the best!
J.A. Henckels Knife Forging
by henckels1731 | video info

20 ratings | 32,587 views
curated content from YouTube

Knife Honing Process

More videos available at www.jahenckels.com

Watch the knife honing process from the factory in Germany. More videos available at www.jahenckels.com
Knife Honing Process for J.A. Henckels
by henckels1731 | video info

3 ratings | 20,317 views
curated content from YouTube

Watch the exclusive FRIODUR ice-hardening process!

More videos available at www.jahenckels.com
J.A. Henckels Friodur Process for Knives
by henckels1731 | video info

7 ratings | 12,892 views
curated content from YouTube

Watch The Final Steps in manufacturing a Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife!

More available at www.jahenckels.com

J.A. Henckels Knife Manufacturing - Final Steps
by henckels1731 | video info

3 ratings | 14,448 views
curated content from YouTube

Henckels USA CEO Karl Pfitzenreiter speaking at the 2007 International Houswares Show about Knives

Mr. Pfitzenreiter speaks about the uses of cutlery and new products coming soon from J.A. Henckels
Henckels Knifemaster's Knife Demo - Cooking.com Interview
by cookingcom | video info

18 ratings | 20,680 views
curated content from YouTube

Manufacturing of Henckels scissors and shears

more available at www.jahenckels.com

Manufacturing of J.A. Henckels Scissors and Shears
by henckels1731 | video info

4 ratings | 7,791 views
curated content from YouTube

Manufacturing of Henckels manicure products

Henckels manicure? Yep the knife manufacturer also has a complete line of beauty and grooming items. Wach a clip about how they're made!
Manufacturing of J.A. Henckels Manicure Products
by henckels1731 | video info

5 ratings | 5,819 views
curated content from YouTube

Zwilling J.A. Henckels film from Germany

Speak German? If not....the pictures are still interesting!

A historic look at Zwilling J.A. Henckels from the German headquarters
Zwilling - Imagefilm (Ausschnitt)
by feldmannmediagroup | video info

3 ratings | 2,206 views
curated content from YouTube

New Henckels Flickr Photos

See various images that Flickr users are posting!

See various images that Flickr users are posting!

SNC11054 by bradleypjohnson
curated content from Flickr

Zwilling J.A. Henckels "TWIN" Product Series

All product series from "The Premium Brand"

The following are all series from Zwilling J.A. Henckels' TWIN brand. More than just premium kitchen knives, J.A. Henckels now boasts many cutlery-related products. View the entire assortment at www.jahenckels.com
  • -TWIN Cermax M66
    -TWIN Four Star II
    -TWIN Cuisine
    -TWIN Pro "S"
    -TWIN Select
    -TWIN Five Star
    -Four Star
    -TWIN Signature
    -TWIN Gourmet
    -TWIN Grip Parers
    -TWIN Collection Cheese Knives
    -TWIN Blocks and Storage
    -TWIN Cutting Boards
    -TWINSHARP and TWINSHARP Select knife sharpeners
    -TWIN Sharpening Steels
    -TWIN Stone Pro
    -TWIN Finishing Stone Pro
    -TWIN Cuisine Gadgets and Tools
    -TWIN L Scissors
    -TWIN Kitchen Shears
    -SUPERFECTION Classic Scissors
    -Vintage 1876 Flatware
    -Angelico Flatware
    -Bellasera Flatware
    -TWIN Steak Sets
    -TWIN Carving Sets
    -TWIN Manicure

J.A. Henckels International Products Series

All product series from "The Value Brand"

J.A. Henckels International always offers great quality at a great value. Listed here are the offerings from J.A. Henckels International - which now have expanded from kitchen cutlery to include a wide variety of cutlery related products. For more information, visit www.jahenckels.com.
  • -Classic
    -Forged Synergy
    -Fine Edge Pro
    -Fine Edge Synergy
    -Berlin
    -Henckels International Parers
    -Eversharp Pro
    -Everedge Plus
    -Everedge
    -Henckels International Steak Sets and Carving Sets
    -Premiere Series Flatware (including Opus, Deco, Mosel, Danube, Manor, and Provence patterns)
    -Premiere Series Iced Tea Spoons
    -Cottage Espresso Spoons
    -Classic Clad Cookware
    -Classic Clad Nonstick Cookware
    -Henckels International Scissors/ Kitchen Shears

Reader Feedback

submit

by

jgio08

The official Lens of J.A. Henckels.  Feel free to ask any questions about our fine cutlery or kitchen products.  You can also check out our official... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!