ZWILLING Pro vs Four Star vs Pro S
By Bobby B. | January 7, 2021 | Knife Comparisons
Zwilling originated over 250 years ago and has been making some amazing kitchen knives ever since. Their headquarters is based in Solingen, Germany, also known as the “City of Blades” because of all the knife manufacturers concentrated in this area. This is not only one of the oldest knife makers still around, but it’s also a world-class brand.
You might remember from our How Are Zwilling and J.A. Henckels Different? post that Zwilling is the high-end brand knives between the two, both owned under the same umbrella. Most of their knives, including the three models being compared here, are forged . They all use special, high-carbon German steel proprietary to Zwilling. Each of them also carries a lifetime warranty showing you just how confident they are in their knives.
Pro vs Four Star vs Pro S Review
To view the chart below on a mobile device, you may have to turn your screen on its side.
Pictured: Zwilling Pro 8″ Chef Knife
Zwilling PRO Series
Blade: German Stainless
Hardness: 57 HRC
Edge Angle: 15 degrees/side
Bolster: Half (Rounded)
Pictured: Four Star 8″ Chef Knife
Four Star Series
Blade: German Stainless
Hardness: 57 HRC
Edge Angle: 15 degrees/side
Bolster: Full
Pictured: Zwilling Pro S 8″ Chef Knife
Professional S Series
Blade: German Stainless
Hardness: 57 HRC
Edge Angle: 15 degrees/side
Bolster: Full
Zwilling PRO vs FOUR STAR vs PRO S Review:
As noted at the outset, all three of these high-end knives are very similar and have very little difference when you look at the stats.
Similarities:
There are many similarities to note between these three knives. First, they’re all forged from the exact same German steel and all made in Solingen, Germany. They all carry Zwilling’s lifetime warranty, have similar plastic handles, and are expertly made with a full-tang. They even all use a classic styling that Zwilling is well-known for.
Differences:
The differences in these knives are very subtle, but to those who care, they matter.
First, the differences between Zwilling Pro and Four Star… the most obvious is the handle. The Pro uses the classic, triple-rivet handles you see many knife brands use, but the Four Star uses a slightly different handle. This difference is is merely cosmetic as the handle shape is neearly identical as you hold it in your hand. The other big difference between these knive is the bolster. The Pro series uses a half bolster that’s more rounded in shape versus the larger, more traditional full bolster on the Four Star.
For the differences between the Zwilling Pro and Pro S series… the handles on these two are the same, but you’ll see the same bolster difference in these two knives. We’ll discuss more on why you might want a half bolster versus a full bolster below.
Conclusion:
While all these Zwilling knives look the same, and are actually very similar, they’re not identical. The Pro series knives take the bold step of removing the traditional full bolster and replacing it with a lighter weight, more rounded half bolster. We actually really like that move!
The half bolster allows for an easier pinch grip on the knife while cutting. The lighter weight of the bolster is made up in a thicker tang, which also makes the tang stronger. Of course if your preference is for a more balanced knife, the full boster knives will fit your style better.
It wasn’t mentioned above, but check out the shape of the blades. The Four Star and Pro S series knives have a more traditional look. The blade on the Zwilling Pro series knife has a rounded blade, perfect for more of a rocking motion that’s uses in Western countries like the United States.
Zwilling’s Best Knife Series
This is of course personal preference, and all of the knives shown above really are pretty similar anyway. Our favorite is the Zwilling Pro series knives. Their modern take on the half bolster and rounded blade make today’s knife stills (pinch grip and rocking motion when cutting) easier than the others. That’s not to say they aren’t good. There are many traditional chefs around that believe they’re better too.
What should be said before we end is that Zwilling is a world-class knife brand. The quality, materials, and craftsmanship that goes into all of their knives is on par with the best out there. It’s no wonder they’ve been around since 1731.