The main difference between HexClad and Henckels knives lies in their core design philosophy and construction. HexClad knives feature a modern, layered Japanese steel design with a distinctive hybrid non-stick surface, prioritizing easy maintenance and a contemporary look. Henckels, a legacy German brand, focuses on traditional craftsmanship with forged high-carbon stainless steel blades known for exceptional sharpness, balance, and long-term durability.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two incredible cutlery brands to decide which one belongs on your magnetic knife strip.
HexClad Knives
HexClad is a modern kitchenware innovator, most famous for its hybrid non-stick pans. The brand applies the same forward-thinking approach to its knife collection, combining high-quality materials with a unique aesthetic. Their knives are designed for the home cook who appreciates cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and convenient care.
- What it is: A line of cutlery made from layered Japanese Damascus steel, featuring the signature HexClad hexagonal pattern that provides a subtly non-stick surface.
- Key features: 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel provide a super sharp edge, double-etched hexagonal design to assist with food release, full-tang construction for balance, durable Pakkawood handles.
- Price: Mid-range to premium, with the Essential 6-Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set around $399 and individual knives priced between $50 and $100.
- Style: Contemporary and visually striking. The intricate pattern on the blade is a definite statement piece for any modern kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: The blades are crafted from 67 layers of hammered Japanese Damascus steel over a high-carbon AUS-10 steel core. Handles are made from Pakkawood, a durable wood/resin composite.
- Pros: Excellent sharpness and edge retention thanks to the high-quality steel. The blade's hexagonal pattern helps prevent starchy foods like potatoes from sticking. Easy to clean and visually unique. Designed for both form and function.
- Cons: A smaller selection of knife shapes compared to established brands. The modern look may not fit with every traditional kitchen decor. Relatively new to the market, so long-term durability is less proven than Henckels.
HexClad is perfect for the home cook who values innovative design, wants an extremely sharp knife that cleans up easily, and loves the aesthetic of its matching cookware.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/collections/knives
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives
As one of the oldest and most respected cutlery manufacturers in the world, Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a benchmark of German engineering and quality. Forging knives in Solingen, Germany since 1731, the brand has built a reputation for producing exceptionally durable, sharp, and well-balanced tools for professionals and serious home cooks.
- What it is: A wide range of premium German cutlery, known for forged high-carbon stainless steel blades engineered for precision and longevity.
- Key features: Patented forging process for strength, FRIODUR® ice-hardened blades for exceptional sharpness and corrosion resistance, full tang and bolster for perfect balance and safety, and ergonomic handles for comfort.
- Price: A wide spectrum. Entry-level Henckels International sets are very affordable, while premium German-made Zwilling lines like the Pro series range from $150-$250 for a single chef's knife.
- Style: Classic, traditional, and professional. The aesthetic is timeless and function-forward, with clean lines that are instantly recognizable in professional kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Forged from a single piece of proprietary high-carbon stainless steel. Handles are typically made from durable, comfortable synthetic materials.
- Pros: World-renowned for sharpness, edge retention, and balance. Proven history of extreme durability, these are often "buy it for life" tools. An enormous variety of knife lines, shapes, and sizes to suit any task or budget. A trusted name for generations.
- Cons: Premium Zwilling lines are a significant investment. Requires proper maintenance, including regular honing and hand-washing, to maintain performance. The design is classic but may seem plain to those who prefer a modern aesthetic.
A Henckels knife is for the serious home chef or culinary professional who prioritizes raw performance, precision, and the proven longevity of traditionally forged steel.
Shop this product: zwilling.com/us/cutlery/
HexClad vs. Henckels Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the biggest differentiator. HexClad uses layered Japanese Damascus steel, known for its ability to take an incredibly sharp edge and for its beautiful visual pattern. The etched hexagonal surface is an innovative addition aimed at reducing friction and food adhesion. Henckels, especially in its premium Zwilling lines, uses its own formula of high-carbon German stainless steel. Zwilling knives are precision-forged from a single piece of steel, including the bolster, which adds weight, balance, and protects the hand. It's a method that prioritizes strength and resilience above all else.
HexClad represents a modern fusion of Japanese steel artistry with thoughtful user-friendly features, while Henckels stands by its traditional German forging process that has been perfected for nearly 300 years.
Sharpness & Performance
Both brands produce razor-sharp knives. The Japanese steel in a HexClad knife allows for a very acute angle on the blade edge, resulting in superior slicing sharpness out of the box. The performance advantage it claims is food release - slicing a potato or apple is noticeably quicker and cleaner.
A Henckels Zwilling knife is a true workhorse. While also incredibly sharp, its focus is on durability and edge retention. The heavier forged blade's weight does some of the work for you in chopping motions, and the robust German steel is known to hold its edge well through heavy-duty tasks and be easy to re-sharpen.
Price & Value
HexClad places its knives in the competitive upper mid-range to premium segment. The price reflects the quality of the Damascus steel and the unique design features. For shoppers who want that specific aesthetic and functionality, it offers good value.
Henckels operates across the entire market. Its Henckels International line offers great starter sets at budget-friendly prices. Its premium German-made Zwilling lines compete with - and often exceed - the price of HexClad. The value of a high-end Zwilling knife is in its lifetime durability and performance, it's an investment piece.
Style & Aesthetics
Stylistically, they are miles apart. HexClad is undeniably modern and bold. The geometric pattern on the blade is intricate and eye-catching, and the handles have clean lines. It’s for the user who wants their tools to be as visually exciting as they are functional.
Henckels embodies classic European utility. The design is simple, efficient, and timeless. The focus is on traditional ergonomics and a clean, undecorated blade. It’s a design that feels at home in a professional setting or a traditional kitchen where function precedes form.
Care & Maintenance
While HexClad states its knives are dishwasher safe, it's a claim that makes most chefs cringe. No high-quality knife should regularly go in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergents and high heat can damage both the steel and the handle. However, the smoother surface and modern materials of a HexClad knife do make for an easier hand-washing experience.
Henckels leaves no room for debate: their premium forged knives are hand-wash only. The integrity of both the carbon steel and the handle material relies on gentle cleaning and immediate drying. They also benefit significantly from regular honing to keep the blade edge perfectly aligned.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands make fantastic knives, but they are clearly designed for two different types of cooks.
Choose HexClad if:
- You prioritize a modern, cutting-edge aesthetic in your kitchen.
- You want a knife with innovative features that help food slide off the blade more easily.
- Easy cleanup is very important to you.
- You are already a fan of the HexClad brand aesthetic and quality.
Choose Henckels if:
- You value traditional craftsmanship and a brand with a proven, centuries-long history.
- Balance, weight, and ergonomic comfort for heavy prep work are your top priorities.
- You want your purchase to be a "buy it for life" tool and are comfortable with proper maintenance.
- You want access to a vast catalog of knife shapes for highly specialized kitchen tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between HexClad and Henckels knives?
The core difference is design philosophy. HexClad uses modern, layered Japanese Damascus steel with a unique patterned surface for an easy-release, contemporary knife. Henckels uses traditional, forged German high-carbon steel focused on creating a perfectly balanced, hyper-durable, classic workhorse knife.
Are HexClad knives really non-stick?
The hexagonal grid helps create tiny air pockets and reduces surface area contact, which allows food - especially wet, starchy items like onions and potatoes - to stick less than on a completely flat blade. While not truly "non-stick" like a pan, it does offer a noticeable improvement in food release.
Are Henckels knives better than HexClad?
"Better" depends on your priorities. For sheer durability, professional-grade balance, and historical reliability, a premium forged Henckels Zwilling knife is hard to beat. For modern aesthetics, great sharpness, and easier maintenance and cleanup, a HexClad knife could be considered better for a contemporary home kitchen.
Which is more expensive, HexClad or Henckels?
This is tricky. Henckels' most affordable "Henckels International" line is much cheaper than anything from HexClad. However, Henckels' premium German "Zwilling" line is generally more expensive per knife than HexClad. HexClad sits comfortably in the upper-middle price tier.
How long do HexClad knives stay sharp?
Thanks to the hard Japanese steel core (AUS-10 steel), HexClad knives have very good edge retention and will stay sharp for a long time with proper use on appropriate cutting surfaces (like wood or soft plastic boards).
What does a forged Henckels knife mean?
A forged knife, like those from the Zwilling lines, is made from a single bar of steel that is heated and hammered into shape. This creates a seamlessly connected blade, bolster (the thick part between blade and handle), and tang (the steel part inside the handle), resulting in superior strength, weight, and balance.
Are Henckels knives good for beginner cooks?
Absolutely. The Henckels International series is widely considered one of the best entry points for beginner cooks looking to upgrade from cheap knives. They are affordable, durable, and offer a real feel for what a quality knife can do.
Can you put HexClad knives in the dishwasher?
HexClad says they are dishwasher safe. However, to maximize the life and sharpness of any premium knife, hand-washing is always the best practice. Dishwasher detergents are abrasive and can dull the edge and weaken the handle over time.
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