This Is Ina Garten's Favorite Knife Brand

Ina Garten can make a roast chicken so good that two people get engaged over it, strawberry tarts that you can't wait to sink your teeth into, and potato salad that makes you think of home. What's her secret? Well, it's not an easy answer, but her ride-or-die blade made by German knife maker Wüsthof might be part of her success.

That's right, a good knife is a kitchen tool worth splurging on, and this brand is the Barefoot Contessa's go-to. On her Instagram, Garten shared, "The most important tool every home cook should have is a great set of knives. Mine are Wüsthof Classic knives. They're an investment, but if you take care of them, they'll last a lifetime!"

She wasn't lying; they are pricey. A Wüsthof Classic Ikon chef's knife can run you between $160 and $200 depending on the size of the blade, and a block with 15 different types will cost just under $1,000. However, the craftsmanship — which started back in 1814 in the German town of Solingen when Johann Abraham Wüsthof first set up his shears factory and steel and iron works business – has been perfected over its 200-year existence. This long history makes the knives well worth their price. In fact, Solingen, known as the "The City of Blades," is still the only place where these knives are made.  

What makes Ina Garten's go-to knife so special (besides the fact that it's the type of knife you should be using to cut basil)? The blade of a Wüsthof chef's knife is made from high-carbon-steel that is forged rather than stamped. What's the difference?

A forged knife is formed from a rod of steel, heated and pounded to form its sharp, sleek shape from the point to its handle. In contrast, a stamped knife is cut from a large piece of metal. Stamped knives are less labor-intensive to make, lighter in weight, and cheaper to buy. However, forged knives tend to be better balanced and more precise, while offering greater stability and ease of use when slicing and dicing food.

These characteristics allow Garten to slice right through a piece of tough meat, watermelon, cantaloupe, or pumpkin like a boss. So, even though Wüsthof knives might make a dent in your budget, these quality kitchen tools can help you master kitchen knife hacks and produce cuts that are refined and help your food cook evenly.