This multi-purpose knife features a scalloped edge rather than a serrated one, so it's less abrasive when slicing through meat. With its wavy edge, juices from your meat stay intact. It's also ideal for slicing bread, pastries or cakes, offering cleaner, smoother cuts so there are fewer crumbs. It's fully forged, balanced and weighted and fits perfectly in the hand.

Tough polypropylene handles with full, visible tangs and the traditional three rivets distinguish Classic knives from Wüsthof's other cutlery lines. Otherwise Classic knives are identical to other Wüsthof knives, embodying all the virtues that have earned the German manufacturer world renown. The principal parts of a Wüsthof knife--blade, bolster, and tang--are forged from a single piece of high- carbon stainless steel, and the blade is precisely tapered from bolster to tip and from back to hand-honed edge. Blades and beautifully formed bolsters are not as thick as some knives'. As a result, despite their heft, strength, and durability, Wüsthof knives are pleasingly delicate and marvelously balanced in action.

With its long, narrow blade, this 10-inch knife neatly cuts the biggest ham into thin slices. It also can be used for roasts, poultry, and smoked salmon. Alternating hollows on each side of the blade create air pockets, allowing slices to fall away cleanly and permitting thinner slicing. Like all fine knives, it should be hand washed. --Fred Brack