The Gran Prix are far superior to the Gourmet line. The former has
forged blades and the latter has stamped blades.

Steve
Sharpening Made Easy: A Primer on Sharpening Knives and Other Edged
Tools by Steve Bottorff
Copyright January 2002 Knife World Publications
www.sharpeningmadeeasy.com


Denise~* wrote:
>
> OK, I'm taking the plunge & buying new knives. I'm trying to decide
> between 2 different Wüsthof sets. I'm not quite sure what the deal is
> with these & I can't decide.
>
> Both of these have been discounted to the same cost so purchase amount
> would be the same, but one was originally almost $60.00 more than the
> other and comes with less "stuff". Doesn't make sense. I'm not an
> expert on knives, so maybe Y'all could help me out here. What makes the
> smaller set more valuable than the larger set?
>
> Here was the "lesser" expensive set
>
> Wüsthof Traditional Gourmet 7-Piece Block Set
>
> # Full, seamlessly encased triple-riveted tangs; synthetic
> traditional-style handles
> # Includes 4-inch parer, 4-1/2-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef's
> # Also: shears, 9-inch sharpening steel, 9-slot oak block
> # Laser-cut high-carbon steel blade with stain-resistant alloy
> # Precise tapering from grinding and polishing procedure
>
> Product Description
>
> Review
> Representing Wüsthof’s Gourmet series of knives, this block set features
> less expensive versions of the knives in the manufacturer’s Classic
> series. Knives in the set include a 4-inch parer, 4-1/2-inch serrated
> utility, 8-inch chef's, kitchen shears, and 9-inch sharpening steel.
> Everything fits within the 9-slot rubber-footed oak block. Although the
> blades are still made of high-carbon steel with a stain-resistant alloy,
> the difference in the Gourmet series is that the blade is a thinner
> quality metal and is cut by a precision laser instead of by hand. The
> blade still has an ideal shape as it is ground and polished by computer
> to ensure perfect tapering from tip to bolster. Full tangs extend
> through the synthetic traditional-style handles, which are
> triple-riveted for strength. These knives are dishwasher-safe but
> handwashing is recommended to preserve the edges on the blades. The
> Gourmet series is an excellent alternative for those who want to own
> quality Wüsthof cutlery but are on a budget.
>
> What's in the Box
> 4-inch parer; 4-1/2-inch utility; 8-inch carver; 8-inch chef's; shears;
> 9-inch sharpening steel; 9-slot oak block
>
> Product Description
> Wusthof has been make knives in Germany for over 190 years. The fine
> high carbon no stain steel retains its edge for a long time and is easy
> to sharpen. Gourmet is a laser cut blade. The full tang 3 rivited handle
> is sturdy and well balanced. The 7pc set includes, 4" parer, 4.5"
> utility serrated, 8"carver, 8"cooks, kitchen shear, 9"sharpening steel,
> 9 slot oak block
>
> Here is the "more" expensive set
>
> Wüsthof Grand Prix 5-Piece Knife Block Set
>
> # Full tangs; molded polypropylene handles; lifetime warranty
> # Knives include: 6-inch cook's, 8-inch carving, 3-inch paring
> # Also includes: 9-inch sharpening steel; 9-slot oak block
> # Blades formed of single piece of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel
> # Computer-ground, hand-honed blades; precision slicing; longer edge
> retention
>
> Review
> This set includes an assortment of short-blade cutlery designed for
> chefs with smaller hands. These specialty knives are difficult to find
> packaged together. The set contains: a 6-inch cook’s knife--a staple for
> chopping meats and vegetables; an 8-inch carving knife for slicing
> steaks and roasts; and a 3-inch paring knife for slicing garlic or
> peeling fruit. The 9-inch honing steel has a magnetic steel shaft in a
> fine to medium grit that sharpens without damaging knife edges. A 9-slot
> oak block stores the cutlery in this set, while leaving room for
> additional pieces.
>
> Wüsthof’s Grand Prix knives have the perfect balance of high-carbon,
> no-stain steel. Knives retain their edge longer, and never become
> discolored. Blades are ground and polished by computer, ensuring perfect
> tapering from bolster to tip. Edges are hand-honed for precision
> slicing. The tang extends through a slip-free, molded, polypropylene
> handle for excellent balance and heft. The knives are
> dishwasher-safe--though hand washing is recommended. All Wüsthof cutlery
> is covered under a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde
> What’s in the Box
> 6-inch cook’s knife, 8-inch carving knife, 3-inch paring knife, 9-inch
> sharpening steel, 9-slot oak block.
>
> Product Description
> This five-piece cutlery collection from the Wüsthof Grand Prix line
> outfits your kitchen with everything you need to slice, dice, and chop
> all your favorite foods. The set includes a 3-inch paring knife for
> peeling fruits and vegetables, a 6-inch utility knife for slicing
> mushrooms and mincing garlic, a 6-inch cook's knife for all-purpose
> chopping and slicing, a 9-inch sharpening steel, and a nine-slot wooden
> storage block. Each knife features a precision-forged high-carbon
> stainless-steel blade with a full bolster and tang. The forging process
> gives the blades remarkable sharpness and durability, as does the
> computer-controlled grinding and polishing process. When the blades
> eventually dull, as all blades do, the sharpening steel will re-hone the
> edges with a few quick swipes.
>
> The handles are comfortable in the hands thanks to the slip-free,
> pebble-grained grip. Each handle also enhances the balance of the knife
> thanks to the full tang and single-piece construction, making them
> easier to manipulate and control. Wüsthof recommends hand washing the
> cutlery--which comes with a limited lifetime warranty--for best results.
>
> What's in the Box
> 3-inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 6-inch cook's knife, 9-inch
> sharpening steel, wooden storage block
>
> Product Description
> Wusthof has been making the finest knives in the world for over 190
> years. Through excellent craftsman ship and engineering the Grand Prix
> knife line has become one of the finest in the world. This 5 piece set
> includes 3-inch parer, 8-inch carving, 6-inch cooks, 9-inch steel and a
> 9-slot storage block.