Need New Knives

Swilling, Henckel or Wusthof knives are all excellent brands and what I've owned for 40 years. Of those brands, the Zwilling have held up the best IMO. 

Zwilling & Henckel are both owned by Zwilling J.A. Henckel (Germany), with Zwilling being the better brand. Zwilling has forged blades that are made in Germany or Japan, while Henckel has mostly stamped blades that are made in India, China, Thailand and/or Spain. A forged blade will have better balance, last longer and hold an edge better.
Wusthof is more comparable to the Henckel line.

I recommend you check out these links to educate yourself on the different type of knives and how they compare to each other.  In addition to how the blades are made, consider the Rockwell hardness, how the blade is attached to the handle, and the balance of the knife.

Zwilling vs Henkel Knives Review - has excellent chart on where each line is made and type of construction

Knife Reviews - Various Brands

Cutco vs Henckel Knives


ETA:  This week there is a Cutco representative selling their knives at my Costco.  That would be a good way to check them out in person if you are interested.

Zwilling for sure! I also have their honing stick and their blade sharpener.

I hand wash and they awesome knives. I have serrated, chefs knife, pearing knife, prep knife, and slicing knife. I do not sharpen my serrated knife.

Since how a knife feels in your hand can be so important, I’d make sure that you can return your purchase without a restock fee. Mostly I have had zero issues with Amazon returns, but occasionally I’ll end up purchasing on Amazon but shipped from elsewhere with a not great return policy.

This is the chef knife DH and I both chose, in different sizes. Good quality Japanese blade, and it came down to how it felt in our hands. At least I think it is the same, at Sur la Table they call it the Artisan series. So if you want to try it in person first you can go there. Plus they have many other quality brands.

Shun Knives are worth every penny they cost (and they are costly!). And available from Amazon.  I have had Chicago Cutlery and Wusthof,  and neither are comparable to Shun,  Really, these knives are just outstanding and hold an edge better than anything else.  I have a chef knife and a 6 inch (I think that is the size—just a small chef knife) plus a boning knife and a small paring knife, plus one with a serrated edge.  I use them all and love them.

Cutco, and def don't miss out on their kitchen scissors. Ive had mine for over 20 years, and everyone in my family knows better than to take off with them!
Also Laguiole for steak knives (not sure if you can get those on Amazon though).

THIS!!!!!  I have had my Cutco knives for about 25 years as well.  Bought them from a guy selling them from door to door.  Best damn knives EVER!  Got the whole set (butcher, paring, deboning scissors) that included 5 steak knives.  I remember thinking at the time how crazy of a purchase it was because I think it was at least $200 back then.  Worth every.single.penny!!!!!  

I pity bought Cutco knives from a friend's daughter 25 years ago. I use them every day and they are still great. A few years ago I added a Santoku and a bird claw and the quality is still excellent.

I love my cutco knives and have had them since 1978 when I was in college and got sucked into going into their training to be a cutco salesperson. The only person I sold them to was myself. If I knew then what I know now, I would have sold tons. They are amazing. I use them daily and they are always so sharp. The butter knives are great.