What is PEtec?
Knife Knowledge
Perhaps you have no idea what “PEtec” means. Maybe, you're a knife aficionado and “PEtec” fills you with excitement and curiosity. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! PEtec stands for WÜSTHOF's Precision Edge Technology, a revolutionary, patented, laser-controlled sharpening process that ensures the highest level of sharpness and flawlessness in our knives. To better understand why our knives are among the most celebrated in the world, let’s briefly walk through this sharpening procedure from start to finish.
Precision Edge Technology
Optimal Blade Sharpness and Performance
First, advanced laser measurements analyze each knife’s unique geometry. Computer algorithms then calculate the ideal sharpening angle for consistent, exact results, and the blades are subsequently sharpened on select whetstones using precision robots. At WÜSTHOF, we craft around two million premium knives each year, and we have been making knives for over two centuries. To this day, every knife we have ever produced receives a final polish by hand to refine the cutting edge to perfection.
The current cutting performance tests of the FGW in Remscheid (Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e.V.) confirm the quality leadership of forged WÜSTHOF knives.
The sharpness of a blade depends on the cutting angle, the smaller the angle, the sharper the blade. Most kitchen knives from other manufacturers have an angle of about 20° per side. For WÜSTHOF knives, thanks to PEtec technology, this angle is a stunning 14.5° per side. As the adage goes, “the safest knife in any kitchen is a sharp knife”. Since sharpness prevents slippage and decreases the overall pressure needed on the blade, the sharper the knife, the easier, safer, more comfortable, and more pleasurable the slicing and dicing experience. What’s more, our knives stay sharp for longer.
Unlike conventional sharpening technology that often relies on manual techniques, PEtec's automated and controlled processes offer several advantages. Conventional sharpening can vary in precision, resulting in inconsistencies and errors. In contrast, PEtec's state-of-the-art technology provides unparalleled accuracy, guaranteeing a superior cutting edge along the entire length of the blade.
The PEtec Difference
Let’s chat about a few more specific advantages of WÜSTHOF’s PEtec-sharpened knives. For one, these knives exhibit an exceptionally high initial cutting performance since they are extremely sharp from the start. For another, WÜSTHOF blades maintain their sharpness and cutting performance for a significantly longer period when compared to other leading knife brands, meaning our knives can last longer between resharpening. In addition, at WÜSTHOF, the entire length of a knife’s blade is optimized for sharpness, which guarantees consistent cutting performance throughout. And finally, PETec technology ensures that each knife produced adheres to our highest standards of consistency and quality, offering a reliable and exceptional chopping experience.
To ensure the efficacy of PEtec, WÜSTHOF submitted their knives for testing to the Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e.V. (FGW), a respected German research association for tools and materials. The tests confirmed that WÜSTHOF knives featuring PEtec technology outperformed other well-known brands. The Initial Cutting Performance (ICP), which measures a knife’s sharpness right after honing, showed WÜSTHOF knives scoring exceedingly high — the same went for the Total Card Cut (TCC), a test indicating how long the knife will stay sharp and durable despite repeated use.
What does a PEtec-sharpened knife mean for professional chefs and home cooks? Beyond all the wonderful perks mentioned above, the greatest thing about a premium, exceptionally sharp knife is how enjoyable it makes the cooking experience. An optimized cutting edge means making meals for yourself and loved ones is both efficient and delightful. And since our blades retain their sharpness for longer, you can focus on your knife skills (and perfecting your favorite recipes!) without the need to interrupt for blade maintenance — or worry about avoidable nicks and injuries caused by dull blades. PEtec allows us to proudly stand by one of our core beliefs: The best knives in the world make preparing fresh food a true pleasure.
Classic 8" Chef's Knife
The Original - the WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife - has become an icon. The Original has stood the test of time, maturing with quality and style.
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