Zwilling Gourmet Knife Block (7 Pieces, Black Handle, Natural Bamboo)

What makes the FRIODUR ice-hardening process special?

The FRIODUR process involves cooling the blade to extremely low temperatures during manufacturing, which alters the steel's molecular structure. This creates a harder, more durable edge that maintains sharpness significantly longer than conventional stainless steel knives. The process also enhances corrosion resistance, making the blades more hygienic and easier to maintain over time.

Are these knives suitable for dishwasher cleaning?

Yes, the knives are dishwasher safe at temperatures up to 55°C. However, hand washing is recommended to preserve the blade edges and handle finish. Dishwasher detergents and high temperatures can gradually dull the blades and potentially damage the handles. For best results, rinse immediately after use, hand wash with mild soap, dry thoroughly and return to the block.

What cutting tasks can each knife in the set handle?

The 10cm paring knife excels at peeling, trimming and detailed work. The 13cm utility knife handles medium tasks like slicing tomatoes or small vegetables. The 16cm chef's knife is perfect for chopping herbs, dicing onions and general prep work. The 20cm chef's knife tackles larger tasks like cutting meat, chopping large vegetables and slicing bread. The scissors handle packaging, herbs and kitchen twine.

How do I properly maintain the sharpening steel included in the set?

Use the sharpening steel before each cutting session by drawing the blade along the steel at a 15-degree angle, alternating sides with 3-5 strokes per side. Start with the heel of the blade near the steel's guard and draw smoothly to the tip. The steel realigns the blade edge rather than removing metal, so it maintains sharpness without wearing down the blade significantly.

What are the exact dimensions of the bamboo knife block?

The bamboo block measures 36cm in length, 16cm in width and 15cm in height. It weighs 2.6kg when fully loaded with all knives and accessories. The compact design fits most kitchen counters whilst providing stable storage. Each slot is precisely sized for its corresponding knife, ensuring secure storage and easy identification.

Can the knife handles withstand heavy daily use?

The ergonomic plastic handles are designed for professional-level durability whilst remaining lightweight. The three-rivet construction distributes stress evenly, preventing handle separation that can occur with traditional riveted designs. The plastic material resists staining, odour absorption and cracking under normal use conditions. However, avoid extreme temperature changes and impact damage.

How does the blade angle affect cutting performance?

The 30-degree total angle (15 degrees per side) creates an optimal balance between sharpness and durability. Narrower angles would be sharper but more fragile, whilst wider angles would be more durable but less sharp. This angle configuration allows the blades to cut cleanly through various ingredients whilst maintaining their edge through regular use without frequent resharpening.

What's the difference between this set and other Zwilling knife ranges?

The Gourmet series features lightweight plastic handles compared to the heavier wooden or steel handles in premium ranges like Professional S or Twin Signature. The blade steel uses the same FRIODUR ice-hardening technology but may have slightly different alloy compositions. The Gourmet range offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point whilst maintaining German manufacturing quality and precision.