Comparing the many knife designs from Zwilling J.A. Henckels involves looking at features such as the handles, types of steel, edge angles, Rockwell hardness and the country in which it was manufactured. Comparison charts are available from various retailers that provide a side-by-side view of specific features. The Henckels company website offers detailed information on knife tangs, edges, tips and blades, giving consumers a solid knowledge base for knife comparisons.
Some features, such as bolster/handguards and full tangs, are consistent throughout the entire line of Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives. Almost all knives are created with forged steel, with the Twin Signature knife an exception, which has a stamped steel design. All steel used in the manufacturing process is high-carbon, rust-resistant stainless steel, and the specialty Bob Kramer knife designs have an additional 65-layer Damascus-style steel. A master knife-maker hired by Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Bob Kramer works in the traditional Japanese style, creating carbon steel knives with dark hardwood handles, which is an aberration from the traditional black handles of other Henckels knives. Additional distinguishing handle features from various Henckels knives include an ergonomic, curved handle design and a traditional Japanese D-style handle.
The Kramer knife designs are manufactured in Japan, while other styles from Henckels are made primarily in the company's hometown of Solingen, Germany. Exceptions include knives manufactured in Spain and Seki, Japan. All products from Zwilling J.A. Henckels carry lifetime manufacturer's warranties.