Wusthof -- those of us who use them already know; those who haven't used one yet, the name says it all.

Watch it - this knife is wicked sharp. Even after two years of use.

I've had a set of walnut handled Chicago Cutlery for 25 years, but after thanksgiving my two paring knives disappeard. So - after reading all the reviews I cought this knife and a 3 1/2". WOW - razor sharp and nicely balanced. It's a keeper. I only wish I could afford to buy all new Wusthof knives.

I am a stage performer as well as a chef. I specialize in contortion and throwing knives (often with my feet). I use the Wusthof so much in the kitchen, that I thought I would incorporate it into my act. I throw the knives at flying fruit and vegis and perform flips with knives between my toes and fling them at my assistants. Throwing knives are usually smaller, perfectly balanced, and forged from one solid piece. They require perfect tang as well and incredible strength. Wusthof is the ONLY high-end kitchen knife that meets these requirements.

Although I have several chef's knives (global, henckel, wusthof, etc) I prefer the Wusthof both in the Kitchen and on Stage. I would never bring the Henckel or any other brand. Wusthof has absolutely perfect balance and tang. The difference from throwing knives is that kitchen knives usually have handles added to the forged steel. Unlike any other high-end brand, Wusthof's handle is extremely durable. In practice, I broke all other brands of knife, both handle and blade. I was surprised that my Henckels did not last very long (the 6" 4-star pro's blade snapped in half and 8"'s handle came apart on one side). The quality of a Wusthof really shows when you use it for something it's not meant for and is still extremely reliable.

And as you can read in all the other reviews, it is very sharp. In case you're wondering, I've never injured an assistant, but I did slit my foot open one time. I also stuck a head of lettuce to a vaulted ceiling.

The Wusthof 4 1/2 Inch Utility Knife is perfect for almost any small to medium size job in the kitchen. It is exceptionally well balanced and almost infinitely adaptable. The knife is amazingly sharp when it comes out of the box, and holds a great edge even after a lot of use. I find this knife to be my personal cutting implement of choice when I need something smaller than a boning knife.

Wusthof knives have been in my kitchen for years and they are the best knives I have ever used. I used to be a chef in a gourmet beef restaurant and I would have loved to have had a set of Wusthofs then. Now I have my own set, but of all the knives in my kitchen I think this one probably gets the most use. Buy a Wusthof once, and never replace it: they are expensive but worth every penny.