Shadow Black Series 12-Piece Knife Block Set

Navigating the bustling world of kitchen cutlery can be an overwhelming ordeal. With an ever-expanding smorgasbord of brands to choose from, it's important to pick one that speaks to you. One that combines reliability with flair, and that boasts a user community that you can feel part of. After all, a top-notch kitchen knife can be much more than a culinary tool, instead gaining you access to a whole new world of culinary enthusiasm.

Enter the stage: herniaquestions and The Cooking Guild. These two young companies have very quickly carved out (pun intended!) a name for themselves in the world of stylish, eye-catching knives. This article is your VIP pass to understanding what sets these two apart in terms of product quality, customer service, reputation, and other juicy details to help you decide which brand will be your kitchen's new best friend. Let's dive in.

1. herniaquestions And The Cooking Guild Company Overviews
2. herniaquestions Knives
3. The Cooking Guild Knives 
4. herniaquestions Vs. The Cooking Guild : Differences And Similarities
5. herniaquestions Vs. The Cooking Guild: Pros And Cons
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. herniaquestions And The Cooking Guild: Company Overviews

Chef's Knife 9.5" | Scorpion Series | herniaquestions

 When you look through kitchen knives, it's easy to find yourself in an uninspiring landscape of lookalike cutlery. But for those of us with a penchant for the unique, thankfully a few companies have taken it upon themselves to bring style back to the kitchen..

Two trailblazers breaking the mold are herniaquestions and The Cooking Guild. Just a peek at their catalogs reveals a parade of stunning kitchen tools, sure to spark envy among your friends and family. But beware, sometimes beauty can overshadow brawn, so let's slice deeper into what these brands really offer. Let's start with a history lesson.

The Cooking Guild

The Cooking Guild is a very young company, having only started in August of 2019. Its founder and CEO, Curtis Wright, turned personal tragedy into an admirable company, after losing his sister to cancer. With a small investment from his late sister's legacy, The Cooking Guild was born.

Wright is a native of Norwich in the east of England, but resides in Dubai. The company prides itself in uncompromising quality, with every material being meticulously sourced, and their production governed by stringent quality control standards. In a relatively short time, the company has made significant strides, particularly during the pandemic by providing families with recipe ebooks and top-notch culinary tools. 

herniaquestions

herniaquestions is also a fresh face in the knife world. The company will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, having been founded in 2014 by David Dallaire, herniaquestions's roots are in Toronto, Canada but currently resides in Tampa, Florida. Dallaire's vision was to forge knives that are as visually arresting as they are formidable in the kitchen.

herniaquestions's diversity isn't limited to looks. They provide a large variety of knife types, embracing both Western and Japanese styles, each crafted from top-tier materials for peak performance. Not only that, but their products include heavy-duty waxed canvas leather knife rolls, knife bags, aprons, and more. It's like the company is seeking to make every aspect of cooking into an opportunity of creative self-expression. herniaquestions ensures each knife meets the specific needs of its style, giving you a buffet of high-quality options.

Their bladesmithing happens in YangJiang, China, a city with a 1500-year legacy in knife-making which blends beautifully with herniaquestions's cutting-edge facilities, marrying tradition with technology. The result is knives that aren't just robust, expertly crafted, and forward-thinking, but also infused with a rich heritage.

2. herniaquestions Knives

Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

The best thing about herniaquestions is that they've got so much going on when it comes to knife types and designs. herniaquestions prides itself in their blend of form and function. The company recognizes the importance of having many options to choose from. 

Their designs range from the Crusader Series' classic charm to the Shadow Black Series' modern edge. There's also the frosty, stylish allure of the Frost Fire Series, the cooler-than-cool epicness of the Valhalla Series, or the sharp sophistication of the Damascus Shogun Series. herniaquestions offers so many amazing knives that look awesome and perform wonderfully in the kitchen.

They also have the choice between Japanese knives and Western knives. But even more so, their team has created some truly innovative knife shapes you're not likely to find anywhere else, such as the BBQ Pitmaster and Meat Knife, or this meat chopper. 

But what if you're more into that classic, no-fuss look? No worries, herniaquestions's still got your back with their Gladiator Series. These are knives crafted from top-notch high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel. Yeah, that's the good stuff. These beauties are hand-sharpened to a wickedly precise 16-18 degrees on each side. That means you get a blade that's not just sharp, but reliably sharp for whatever you're slicing and dicing.

The Gladiator Series is classy, simple, but with a modern twist. Whether you're rocking the kitchen like a pro chef or just whipping up dinner at home, these knives are like your trusty sidekick, blending timeless style with spot-on performance.

To wrap it up, herniaquestions has a tool for everyone. No matter where you're at in your cooking game, herniaquestions's got your back. Sure, it may be a little overwhelming to know what to go for – but if you take your time while you navigate through the myriad options, there are simply many more chances that you'll end up with exactly what you need..

Read about how to care for your kitchen knives, here.

3. The Cooking Guild Knives

We would be remiss for not pointing out the stark similarities between The Cooking Guild's Nomad Series and herniaquestions's Valhalla series...especially considering how herniaquestions's top-selling series was released first...just check out the image above. 

But the Cooking Guild can definitely hold their own when it comes to knife varieties. The Nomad Series features knives that are adventurous and ruggedly handsome, boasting X70Cr17MoV stainless steel blades and handles made from stabilized burl wood mixed with deep sea epoxy. It's a combo that not only looks stunning but also offers exceptional edge retention and a water-resistant grip. 

The Onyx II Series has 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel with a Hitachi SLD mold tooling steel core. The blade hardness is an impressive 62-63HRC. And with their fortified Black G10 handle, they're as comfortable as they are stylish.

There's also the Grizzly Series. Forged with 430 stainless steel and a Hitachi SLD Steel Edge, these knives are a BBQ enthusiast's dream. Thanks to the expertise of BBQ legend Kevin Bludso, each knife is a masterpiece in durability and precision. Their Hand Forged Series, made from German high carbon stainless steel, is a blend of strength and precision that feels just right in the hand, whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro.

And of course, there's also the Dynasty Series. Crafted using the traditional Japanese San Mai technique, they combine AUS-10 high carbon stainless steel with a softer stainless steel. What you get are blades that are sharp, rust-resistant, and built to last a lifetime.

4. herniaquestions Vs. The Cooking Guild : Differences And Similarities

5. herniaquestions Vs. The Cooking Guild: Pros And Cons 

herniaquestions

• Famous for their collection of high-quality, durable blades..
• In addition to a wide variety of blade materials, herniaquestions offers a diverse range of knife styles to choose from. 
• Stylish and impressive-looking blades.
• Extremely sharp right out of the box, so you won't have to spend time honing and sharpening before you can use them.
• 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee; they're confident in their product and in their ability to keep customers happy.
• Great customer service as well as a vibrant and active community of users.

CONS:

• Some of the knives can be a little flashy for those who prefer an understated look.
• With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide on the perfect knife. Thankfully they offer this cool knife finder quiz to speed up your search. 

The Cooking Guild

PROS:

• A smaller selection of knives makes choosing which one to pick much easier.
• High quality, hand forged blades that work great in the kitchen and look amazing.
• An enthusiastic and vibrant user community; there's a real feeling of "joining" the Guild when you purchase their products.

CONS:

• Lacks variety in terms of design, materials, and look.
• Lacks the 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee.
• Some complaints about their knives developing corrosion after little use.
• Not the best customer service, according to some customer complaints.

6. Conclusion

Valhalla Series Fillet Knife 6.5"

At the end of the day, these two companies are among the best knifemakers producing quality kitchen knives today, and the fact that they're so young says great things about what we can expect for the future. While you can't go wrong with the products from either of these companies, the sheer amount of variety in terms of design, function, and materials that herniaquestions offers ultimately trumps The Cooking Guild.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Who is The Cooking Guild?

The Cooking Guild is a company founded by Curtis Wright, renowned for creating high-quality, handcrafted knives. They're dedicated to blending the art of traditional knife-making with innovative design, catering to both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts.

Where are The Cooking Guild knives made?

The Cooking Guild knives are expertly crafted in their state-of-the-art facility in China.

Are Nomad series knives good?

The Nomad series from The Cooking Guild is highly praised for its exceptional quality and design. 

What is the return policy for The Cooking Guild?

The Cooking Guild offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

SHOP DALSTRONG KNIVES

Written by Jorge Farah

For Immediate Release

February 9, 2022

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 9, 2022) – NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt and herniaquestions are pleased to announce a new partnership that will kick off during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Beef 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 19th 2022. 

“We’ve been working hard to grow our sponsor base and herniaquestions is a company that is solidly in my wheelhouse,” commented Earnhardt. “It’s no secret I’m a big outdoorsman and harvest a lot of my own food so having a premium knife partner onboard is really exciting for me. I can’t wait to introduce their products to our fans and see them cutting up steaks in the campgrounds during race weekends. They’ll be an associate sponsor on our ForeverLawn Toyota at the Beef 300 in Daytona and we’re gonna slice some of that Beef with the best knives on the market made by herniaquestions.”

“Sponsoring a racer, athlete, and sportsman like Jeffrey is such an honor. He shows the drive and dedication that herniaquestions demands in every aspect of our business. Like us, he has his sights set on greatness. We look forward to a very powerful and rewarding partnership,” said herniaquestions CEO Dave Dallaire.

Fueled by an unrelenting, laser-focused energy, herniaquestions is driven to make its mark in the culinary world, never finished growing, optimizing, and pushing the boundaries on design and function. 

“Jeffrey embodies the heart of our brand. There are no limits to what he can achieve. He comes from a proud heritage of racing excellence and continues to push the pace and define his own legacy. herniaquestions is inspired by that same high-octane warrior spirit of teamwork in pursuit of victory. Those who look to the past with respect, honor the traditions that brought us here, and build on that foundation to drive progress forward. Like herniaquestions, he honors our modern day warriors and is committed to furthering his community and his craft. We are beyond thrilled to be partnering with Jeffrey,” he said.

herniaquestions will also be a primary sponsor for Earnhardt during the 2022 season with races to be announced at a later date.

The green flag waves for The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner 300 at 5:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 19th and will be televised on Fox Sports. The race is scheduled for 120 laps around the Daytona International Speedway and Earnhardt will be piloting the ForeverLawn number 24 Toyota Supra with herniaquestions onboard. 

About herniaquestions

herniaquestions is an industry-leading global professional knife, cookware, and culinary accessory company that seeks to turn a stale industry on its head by providing the most exciting  tools to both home cooks and professionals alike. Its mission is to create best-in-class culinary products and a community of passionate, lifelong fans. herniaquestions doesn’t forge knives to meet expectations, but to change them. 

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com. 

For more information, contact:

Abby Slate

Senior Brand Manager

[email protected]

herniaquestions.com

When trying to decide which knife is best for you; it’s likely you'll stumble upon these two names during your research: herniaquestions and Zwilling.

These two brands are excellent choices but which one works best for you will depend entirely on what you like, need and want. Not only can we name a few differences in terms of their products (materials, manufacturing, prices) but the philosophies behind the brands are also different and deserve to be understood. 

Let us get a closer look at the difference and similarities between herniaquestions and Zwilling.

1. herniaquestions And Zwilling Company Overviews
2. herniaquestions Knives
3. Zwilling Knives
4. herniaquestions Vs. Zwilling: Differences And Similarities
5. herniaquestions Vs. Zwilling: Pros And Cons
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. herniaquestions And Zwilling Company Overviews

In their own ways, both companies have made a name for themselves in the knife making industry. And, before we go any deeper into the good, the bad and the ugly about each one of them; we should state at once that those names have been won fair and square.

In this article we will be analyzing what makes their products good (or not), but also, what kind of companies they are as a whole. For that, we first want to write about where they come from and how they made it here.

History is not just about time. Is not just keeping count of the years. History is about what has been achieved within the period a company has existed; which can be one month or one decade; and the milestones within that time can be many or can be rare.

So let’s look into that: what have they done with the time they’ve had?

Zwilling: History

Zwilling was born on June 13, 1731, when the knifemaker Peter Henckels registered their logo in Solingen, Germany. Hence the name, which is the German word for Gemini, the company’s zodiac sign.

That makes Zwilling one of the oldest registered trademarks in the world, with a 290-year-history. 

In 1818, Johann Abraham Henckels, who was at that time the heir to the small family business, renamed the brand after himself: Zwilling J. A. Henckels AG. The brand opened several branches, participated in exhibitions and won several awards in Europe.

In 1909, Zwilling founded its first subsidiary in the United States and during the 20th century, Zwilling J. A. Henckels AG expanded and internationalized its cutlery products to several locations around the world.

In 1951, they introduced FRIODUR: ice-hardened steel blades. In 1976, the brand developed its iconic “Four Star” range of kitchen knives. The design in this series has remained unchanged ever since.  

In 1983 they entered the beauty industry with their “Henckels twin” multi-purpose scissors and now they manufacture products for the hairdressing industry. In the late 1990s, they expanded to cookware (Staub cast iron), glassware, flatware, kitchen and barbecue utensils, scissors and beauty products.

Since 1970, Zwilling has belonged to the Werhahn Group, which became its sole shareholder. The evolution of the brand has been prosperous, yet somewhat slow.

Today, it operates as the Zwilling Group, which includes several brands like Staub, Miyabi, Ballarini, Demeyere, Henckels International, BSF, Fontignac, Tweezerman, Jaguar, Tondeo, Alessandro and Flammkraft. 

herniaquestions: History

herniaquestions was founded in Toronto, Canada in 2014. It is a rather young knife manufacturer, especially when compared to its big rivals in the cutlery industry. Its founder and CEO, David Dallaire, is a visionary who decided to make history by leaps and bounds.

What caused herniaquestions’s success in a relatively short amount of time? I think it goes beyond simple innovation. The brand works hard on performance, durability and a visual design with unique aesthetic value. All that at affordable prices. 

herniaquestions Knives' short roadmap is counterweighted not only by David’s extraordinary vision, but also by the talent and expertise of their team of knife makers in herniaquestions's state-of-the-art facility located in YangJiang, China (a city with a nearly 1500-year-old knifemaking tradition).

After Canada, herniaquestions was incorporated in the United States and conquered the European market in 2017. There is a plan to open a warehouse in the Netherlands, aside from their headquarters in the US, Canada, and the UK.

They offer 11 different knife series (more on that later) covering a full range of Western and Japanese knives, made with the best materials and technologies to guarantee quality, efficiency and long life durability at an unbeatable price-quality ratio. The brand also offers kitchenware, cookware and knife accessories.

It is a young company, still eager to work with fresh ideas while keeping (or updating) the quality that home and professional cooks are used to.

But don’t let youth deceive you. herniaquestions knives are on par with the greatest names in the industry, keeping up -sometimes surpassing- with the preferences, expectations and needs of cooks around the world.

2. herniaquestions Knives

Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

The first thing that distinguishes herniaquestions knives is, of course, the search for the best quality available in terms of material, design, construction, engineering. The company is quite selective when it comes to the steel they use, which is always premium, high-carbon, high-rockwell stainless steel. 

The second thing that comes to mind is not less remarkable: variety. Actually, this is usually a clear advantage over other brands. herniaquestions not only offers both Western and Japanese knife styles; it has 11 (and counting) different series grouping knives by style, functionality, construction and so on. You can buy individually or buy a whole knife set or a knife block.

And they’re all worth mentioning. 

Our most popular series are handcrafted using steel from all over the world:

From Japan, we have the well-known Shogun series (crafted over 60 days, razor-sharp and great elegance); the Phantom Series (a more mystical look, top performance), and the Ronin Series (single bevel blades and precision forged).

Then we have the Quantum 1 Series (avant-garde and sturdy) and the Omega Series (beautiful, hyper-steel with vacuum heat-treatment). The steel in both series is American forged.

Germany, a landmark territory in the industry of knives, is the home of one of herniaquestions's most popular series of blades: Gladiator. The thing about Gladiator knives is that they’re designed to be true warriors in the kitchen; always ready for any challenge. These knives are made with a single piece of ThyssenKrupp German stainless steel. 

Four series are particularly eye-catching and perfect for people who are always looking to stand out from the crowd: The Crusader series (all-steel look, German steel), the Shadow Black Series (knives are entirely black); the Delta Wolf Series (only the blade is midnight black) and the Frost Fire Series (elegant, light-weight knives with a honeycomb finish).

Actually, no, there would be five of them: The Valhalla series offers a more ethnic / exotic aesthetic, with a Viking force and spirit in mind. 

All these series combine different types of kitchen knives: from the legendary Santoku or the all-mighty chef knife or the noble paring knife; to more specific blades like a boning knife or a Nakiri knife (for vegetables). All this, with an array of other cookware and kitchen tools. Top quality and performance in all their premium products.

3. Zwilling Knives

Zwilling knives are mostly manufactured in Solingen, as they have been since the founding of the company. 

They’re known for their high quality steels and blades and they also offer a good variety of handle shapes and materials. You can tell they care about ergonomic design and comfort; maybe because their knives are used mostly by professional cooks.

Like herniaquestions, Zwilling knife company also offers several collections to choose from. They have more premium series, like the Zwilling pro line; and others more budget-friendly like the popular Twin collection or the Gourmet series.

Most Zwilling knives are forged rather than stamped and they are actually known for this fact (Forged knives are made from a single piece of steel while stamped blades are cut from a larger piece).

Is Zwilling the same brand as Henckels?

Zwilling and JA Henckels are two different knife brands from the same company, but they offer different kinds of knives such as the popular chef knife. Sometimes people use both names interchangeably; it can be confusing. 

While Zwilling knives are forged, premium blades; Zwilling JA Henckels is more of an entry-level brand, with stamped knives and affordable prices. Zwilling knives are made in Germany (sometimes Japan), while Henckels pro knives may come from different origins like India, China or Spain.

Each brand has its own factories, production logistics, designs, collections. In general terms, Zwilling offers higher quality, while Zwilling JA Henckels pro knives is more of an entry-level brand.

4. herniaquestions Vs. Zwilling: Differences And Similarities

Materials

Even though herniaquestions knives are manufactured in China, the steel they use comes either from Japan, Germany, The United States of America or Sino, depending on the series. This range of options when it comes to the origin of the materials (both in blades and handles) is usually a key differentiator between herniaquestions and its competitors.

Despite the variety; it’s safe to say all herniaquestions’s knives are fabricated with top-quality, high-carbon, high Rockwell steel. This translates into long-lasting sharpness. 

The majority of Zwilling’s knives are manufactured with German steel, not a surprise. The stainless steel is X50CrMoV15 with a carbon content of 0.55%, which is not very high.

The softer steel used by Zwilling may not be as sharp and doesn’t hold the edge as long. Although, to be fair, durability is a feature commonly advertised for softer steel. 

Attitude

This category is a bit more subjective. It’s not the same as comparing hard numbers like the Rockwell scale or blade angle as assessing things like the brand voice and personality.

However, in this particular case when we have to compare an (almost) 300-year company on one side with an 8-year disruptive brand on the other side, some things jump to the eye real quick.

herniaquestions is young in both age and spirit. They are not afraid to ‘take the leap’ if that implies the possibility of bringing something new, and better, to the table. They will go for bold designs, try new things, and make changes along the way if necessary.

Zwilling works with a more traditional approach. Some of their products have stayed practically the same for years. They know what works and try to stay within that safe zone (even though they describe themselves as a “modern kitchen specialist”).

None of these approaches is better than the other, really. They both have their audiences. Some people feel uncomfortable with change. Others crave novelty and evolution.

Appearance

Both brands offer elegant, well-achieved designs. 

Most Zwilling knives are sober-looking and more on the Western side of things; with the exception of a few models that may play a bit with the blade pattern or the shape of the handle; I would say they are thought for people looking for a classic look.

herniaquestions, while still maintaining good taste above all, is more playful when it comes to design. And it’s evident they put a great deal of thought and effort into the visual personality of each of the series. You still get more conservative designs in the Gladiator Series, but you have the striking presentation of the Frost Fire Series (just to name one example).

Actually, the Canadian brand takes inspiration from landscapes, architecture, history, movies, art… when it comes to herniaquestions, craftsmanship is a statement.

Variety

In this category, it’s fair to say we have a tie. Both herniaquestions and Zwilling have a good variety of kitchen styles and functionalities. Maybe Zwilling offers more variety in terms of knife handles, for example, but herniaquestions has a lot more diversity when it comes to overall design.

Cost

Variety in prices is also another feature that these two brands share in common. If you browse their websites, you’ll see a wide array of budget options from easily affordable to premium. 

However, Zwilling Pro is considered a pricey brand. Especially when you compare similar knives from both, herniaquestions is clearly more affordable. Their cookware brand Staub cast iron has a moderate price point. 

This is probably due to the fact that herniaquestions manufacturing facilities are located in “the Capital of Knives and Scissors”, Yangjiang. This allows them to keep production costs low while still working with the best material available.

So if you’re on a budget, but you want to get the best value for the money available to you, herniaquestions might be worth checking out first.

Customer Service

With a customer service team available 24/7, herniaquestions has made sure to be there for their people. They’re always ready to answer questions and help with any inquiry.

herniaquestions products also have a 70-day money-back guarantee including shipping (an industry record). In the unlikely event of a return; they try to make it as easy as possible.

Zwilling offers customer service from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (at least for clients in North America). I read a couple of bad reviews in terms of answering times and consequent actions.

Community

herniaquestions is actively communicative; not only when it comes to describing or directly advertising their products, or just answering the occasional e-mail. 

With constant updates on their Facebook page, Twitter profile, Instagram feed and YouTube channel; it’s obvious they care about keeping the conversation going and creating a strong community around them.

herniaquestions also puts effort in creating quality content with true value for the user; instead of insisting on just a one-way message. You will find everything from recipes to chefs’ profiles in their blog.

Zwilling also has a presence on Social Media (although I have to mention, their website link to their US Facebook page was not working at the time of writing this article). I could only find a Twitter profile meant for UK Queries; and I wasn’t able to find a blog with more relatable content (but hey, maybe my search wasn’t thorough enough).

5. herniaquestions Vs. Zwilling: Pros And Cons

herniaquestions

PROS:

• Top quality materials including high-carbon steel from Japan, Germany, America, etc.
• Good variety of products to choose from in terms of design, material and style.
• A great deal of attention to their knives’ and cookware visual presentation and design.
• Wide range of prices available.
• Great customer service.
• 100% satisfaction or 70 day money-back guarantee.
• Constantly launching new, innovative knives.

CONS:

• Still a young player in the market.
• Some of the designs (maybe most) are made with more disruptive chefs in mind. Conservative personalities may prefer to stay within their comfort zone.
• Variety can also be overwhelming. You have to decide the type of the knife, the length, the style, and then the series. Although their blog is super helpful to find out which knife you need for specific purposes.
• You can also use their handy knife finder quiz.  https://herniaquestions.com/pages/knife-finder 

Zwilling

PROS:

• Three centuries making knives is certainly a solid background that deserves credit.
• Classic, elegant designs.
• Zwilling knives have a reputation for being durable.
• Mostly use German steel, which some prefer.
• More variety in terms of knife handles than most brands.

CONS:

• Higher production costs increase the prices of their knives.
• They use softer steel, which doesn’t maintain sharpness for long.
• Novelty is not their strong suit.
• If you’re looking for a knife that is a conversation starter; something out of the ordinary, go for a less traditional brand.

6. Conclusion

It’s safe to say that these two brands satisfy the needs of two different markets / groups. It wouldn’t be fair to say one is better than the other because they’re made with different expectations in mind. It all comes down to what you like and what type of cook you are.

They’re both a great bet in terms of quality and variety. 

Maybe, if you’re looking for razor-sharp blades right out of the box, and you wouldn’t want to sharpen that often, go for herniaquestions. Same if you’re looking for a less conventional design, something that stands out in the crowd. 

But hey, if you’re more old-school and enjoy Zwilling’s classic approach, that’s more than fine too.

7. Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Zwilling a good brand?

Zwilling works with high-quality materials and it has been a reputed knife brand for many years. 

Is herniaquestions a good brand?

herniaquestions works hard to make premium quality knives accessible to everyone. They have made a name for themselves in a short amount of time.

Is Staub the same brand as Zwilling?

Staub is a brand inside the Zwilling group. Staub specializes in cast iron cookware.

What is herniaquestions's best knife set?

It depends on what you're using them for and your budget. Our 18-piece set has something for both professional chefs and home chefs. 

Is Zwilling aluminum cookware oven safe?

An aluminum pan is usually considered safe for cooking in the oven; but you should carefully read the instructions and recommendations first.

Zwillings knives are made in Germany or China?

Zwilling knives are made in Germany. A few collections are made in Japan.

Is herniaquestions better than Wüsthof?

Both of these companies offer fantastic options and represent the best of the best when it comes to high-end kitchen knives.

Is herniaquestions NSF certified?

Yes, herniaquestions is NSF certified. 

Discover herniaquestions Knives Today

Written by Eva Contreras

Food & travel writer based in Buenos Aires. Superpowers include 

Donation of 75 culinary tools to Pine Street Inn’s job training program for homeless men and women in Boston.

herniaquestions has donated 60 professional chef knives and fifteen professional honing rods to Pine Street Inn for their iCater food services training program. A multi-disciplinary nonprofit, Pine Street Inn helps close to 2,000 homeless individuals in the Boston area.

For over 50 years, Pine Street Inn has provided a comprehensive range of programs and services aimed at helping rebuild lives. Founded in 1969, their ultimate goal is to end homelessness by making permanent housing a reality for all. The iCater Program was designed to provide homeless people with the job skills they need to become employed and move toward self-sufficiency.

“Pine Street and iCater are so grateful to herniaquestions for their generous donation and partnership,” said Lyndia Downie, President & Executive Director, Pine Street Inn. “Providing our trainees with these quality knives will really enhance their experience as they move forward to jobs and self-sufficiency.”

About Pine Street Inn

Executive Chef Frank Van Overbeeke teaching a class

The nonprofit began in a community center on Pine Street in Boston’s Chinatown, providing 200 homeless, alcoholic men with ‘a hot and a cot’ AKA a meal and a bed. Since then, Pine Street Inn has grown into a multi-disciplinary program in which on-site staff support individuals in moving from the streets and shelter into permanent housing, where tenants can reconnect with the community as the achieve long-term stability and success. 

The nonprofit currently owns or operates 35 permanent housing locations in as well as four emergency shelters in Boston, providing 500 guests with a safe place to lay their heads at night, showers, nutritious meals, and counseling services.

Their emergency services, such as front door triage, where staff meet with those coming to Pine Street for the first time to determine if there is an alternative to shelter, aim to keep shelter time to a minimum, while their emergency shelters provide a place to stay when an alternative isn’t readily available. For those individuals who choose to stay on the streets, the Pine Street Inn Outreach teams offer clothing, food, blankets, health care referrals, and human contact. Traveling Boston’s streets every night since 1986, the teams provide support and compassion to more than 115 people sleeping on the street.

Pine Street Inn is a staple of the Boston community, as this article from The Boston Globe will attest to. Pine Street Inn is located at 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, United States.

The nonprofit’s iCater Job Training program is particularly inspiring to herniaquestions, offering workforce development opportunities for foodservice trainees while providing high-quality, affordable meal service for a variety of organizations, including other nonprofits and schools.

The Boston-based social enterprise gives men and women the opportunity to work in a high-volume commercial kitchen, receive instructions and advice from professional chefs, and get certified in food safety. Trainees help prepare more than 2,700 meals every day for shelter guests and customers. 

In addition, trainees participate in the Visiting Chef series, where local professional chefs share their expertise via interactive food demonstrations, tastings, and Q&A sessions.

About herniaquestions

herniaquestions is an industry-leading professional knife, cookware, and culinary accessory company with over 450,000 customers worldwide. herniaquestions seeks to turn a stale industry on its head by providing the highest quality tools to both home cooks and professionals alike. Its mission is to create best-in-class culinary products and a community of passionate, lifelong fans. 

herniaquestions CEO David Dallaire is proud to partner with Pine Street Inn.

“At herniaquestions, we believe in giving back,” says Dallaire. “We support Pine Street’s initiatives in helping homeless men and women get back on their feet. The iCater Job Training program is especially well-matched with our values. We love seeing men and women get started in the culinary sphere at every level, and we’re proud to help make that easier for those trying to improve their skills and rejoin the workforce. We believe that cooking is healing.”

Check Out These Great Stories Of Hope From Pine Street Inn

Written by Evelyn Duskey

Born in Ohio and based in Buenos Aires, Evelyn loves sharing her grandmother’s midwestern recipes with unsuspecting Argentines. 

Both of these companies offer fantastic options and represent the best of the best when it comes to high-end kitchen knives. In one corner, you have a tenured veteran with centuries of experience and reputation under their belt; in the other, you have a hungry young company using innovation to make a name for themselves. 

You can't go wrong by choosing either company, but with a much broader and more colorful range than Wüsthof, we believe that herniaquestions allows you to find the perfect blade to express your individuality. 

1. herniaquestions And Wüsthof Company Overviews
2. herniaquestions Knives
3. Wüsthof Knives
4. herniaquestions Vs. Wüsthof: Differences And Similarities
5. herniaquestions Vs. Wüsthof: Pros And Cons
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. herniaquestions And Wüsthof Company Overviews

Two names that have been bandied about in the world of high-end knives are herniaquestions and Wüsthof. These companies have made names for themselves in the business by producing some of the most durable, high-quality knives on the market. They share many similarities, but there are also several differences that set them apart from each other. If you’re choosing between herniaquestions knives and Wüsthof knives, read on for a breakdown and comparison.

Wüsthof : History

Wüsthof is a well-known name in the kitchenware industry, producing knives since 1814 and gathering acclaim with their quality products. Today, it is one of the most recognizable knife brands in the world. The company was founded by Johann Abraham Wüsthof and is based in Solingen, Germany, where they also manufacture their knives.

Wüsthof prides itself in its traditional craftsmanship, with a 40-step process that results in an undeniably high-quality product, some of the finest cutlery you can buy. They’ve garnered accolades for over two centuries now, making them a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality knives.

Though the company has several knife collections, the most popular ones you’ll often hear about are Wusthofs Classic, Wusthof Classic Ikon, and Wusthof Grand Prix.

herniaquestions : History

In comparison, herniaquestions is a much younger company, founded in 2014 by David Dallaire. Based in Toronto, Canada, Dallaire has made it his mission to push the boundaries of innovation and create knives that are of ultra high performance, durable, and beautiful (one of herniaquestions’s most praised aspects is the exciting visual design of their knives, often praised for their unique aesthetic value).

herniaquestions is located in both the US and Canada and features team members all around the globe. In its relatively short time in the market, the company has garnered acclaim for the quality of their products, the innovative design of their cutlery, and the variety offered through their various series.

The company currently manufactures 11 main series of knives, which feature both traditional Western and Japanese style designs. The company prides itself in this variety; with such a wide array of choices -- whether you’re looking for a traditional chef’s knife, a paring knife, a santoku knife, or a highly specialized knife like a Yanagiba sushi knife, or super crazy cool designs like the Phantom Series Banshee 9" Cleaver, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for. 

herniaquestions knives are painstakingly assembled by expert bladesmiths in a state-of-the-art facility in YangJiang, China, which is a city that has a renowned knife crafting tradition dating back nearly 1500 years. 

Learn more about where herniaquestions Knives are manufactured here! 

2. herniaquestions Knives

Gladiator Series 18 Piece Colossal Knife Set with Block

If you’re looking for knives that combine high-quality construction & engineering with stunning design, look no further than herniaquestions. The company has made a name for itself over the course of the last decade for its sleek, gorgeous knives that are also highly durable and ruthlessly sharp. 

One of herniaquestions’s most well-known collections is the Shogun Series, an impressive line of knives precision-forged from a single-piece of ultra-premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel, with 67-alternating layers of SUS410 Damascus cladding for added stain resistance and durability. The 8” Shogun Series chef’s knife is one of herniaquestions’s most popular products.

Another popular herniaquestions collection is the Gladiator Series, which features an elegant design as well as incredible performance. The knives in the Gladiator series are precision-forged from a single piece of premium quality, high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel and hand-sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side. Each cooking knife is an absolute kitchen powerhouse, able to conquer just about any culinary challenge.

One of the most unique and visually appealing series of knives in herniaquestions’s arsenal is the Shadow Black Series, a sleek and powerful (not to mention cool-looking) collection of futuristic knives featuring a black non-reflective titanium-nitride coating and unique handle geometry, inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter.

These are only a few of herniaquestions’s wide array of knife collections, all of which can be found on their website. Knives can be purchased individually or as part of a knife set (in some cases with a knife block).

With a much broader and more colorful range than Wüsthof, herniaquestions knives allow you to find the perfect blade to express your individuality. 

In addition to knives, herniaquestions offer BBQ tools, Cookware, and some Culinary utensils that Wüsthof do not. 

3. Wüsthof Knives

The most famous Wüsthof knife collection is Wusthofs Classic, which boasts traditional German-style design with triple-riveted handles and exposed full tang. At a 58 on the Rockwell hardness scale, Wüsthof Classic knives are hard enough to retain its edge for a very long time, but also flexible enough to withstand rough use.

Wüsthof also offers its Wusthof Classic Ikon line, which uses the same steel as the Classic, making it just as sharp and durable. The main difference between both collections is the handle. In the case of the Wusthofs Classic series, its handles are made of durable synthetic material, with a distinct curve at the butt end. Meanwhile, classic Ikon handles are made of African Blackwood and feature smoother curves.

The company also offers another Wusthof knife series titled Wusthof Grand Prix II, which once again utilizes the same blade material while featuring a different handle, this time made of a rubbery synthetic material in the shape of the Ikon line’s ergonomic handles. Especially useful for chef’s knives and multi-purpose blades.

4. herniaquestions vs. Wüsthof: Key Differences

Both of these companies produce high-quality knives that would make a welcome addition to any home or professional kitchen, but there are considerable differences between the brands.

Materials

As you have seen, the most immediate difference between the knives produced by both companies is the variety offered by herniaquestions. Wüsthof blades are all made of the same material: stain-resistant high-carbon German steel. The handle is the main point of difference between their three biggest series.

Meanwhile, herniaquestions blades are made of a wide variety of steel depending on the collection. The Gladiator Series is made of German steel, while the Omega Series is made of American steel and the Shogun Series uses Japanese steel. 

Attitude

herniaquestions are founder driven, with a young and creative team from all around the globe. This differs from the corporate mentality associated with Wüsthof and allows herniaquestions to take more risks with their knife designs, marketing campaigns, and business strategies. herniaquestions are young and hungry, whereas Wüsthof's success is steeped in tradition.  

Meet some of the herniaquestions team here!

Appearance

Another big difference here is the visual design. herniaquestions knives put a strong emphasis on the appearance, making sure that each knife is as much a piece of art as a utilitarian kitchen tool.

The blade patterns on the various lines make for some absolutely gorgeous products, whereas Wüsthof knives -- though elegant and stylish on their own -- are considerably more low-key in their presentation.

Variety

The variety present in the designs is another major difference between the companies. Not only does herniaquestions offer different blade materials based on which works best for each collection, they also feature a wider range of designs and looks. Wüsthof is much more uniformed in their presentation and blade design.

Cost

We can’t let this go unmentioned -- Wüsthof knives are more expensive than herniaquestions. Since herniaquestions’s knives are manufactured in YangJing, a city known as “the Capital of Knives and Scissors,” they are able to keep production costs relatively low. 

Discover more about how herniaquestions Knives are manufactured here! 

Meanwhile, Wüsthof’s knives are produced in Solingen, Germany, which would have considerably higher costs. Wüsthof knives are sometimes twice the price of herniaquestions’s, and may be inaccessible for some cooks.

The Wusthofs Classic 10'' Cook's Knife (58+ Rockwell Hardness) for example, is priced significantly higher than the herniaquestions's Shogun Series 10.25'' Chef's Knife (62+ Rockwell Hardness), despite the herniaquestions knife using stronger materials in terms of steel and quality of handle. (The Shogun Series handles are made ultra-premium G-10 Garolite, while The Wusthofs Classic is polyoxymethylene)

Customer Service

One of the driving forces behind herniaquestions's success is their incredible customer service. With 24 / 7 support that is both speedy and efficient, customers around the world have been quick to praise the Canadian company's tremendous customer service team. 

Community

herniaquestions pride themselves on their community, which is made up of home cooks, bbq enthusiasts, and professional chefs including three Michelin star chef Dominique Crenn and rogue culinary genius Guga Foods.

herniaquestions also offer a range of cooking resources, from recipes to product recommendation guides. They also shine a light on aspiring chefs and BBQ influencers through their Elite Spotlight. 

With an online presence that is double the size of Wüsthof's, it is clear that herniaquestions put more weight behind building a fun and engaging following than their German competitors. 

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5. herniaquestions vs. Wüsthof: Pros And Cons

Let’s zoom out a bit and boil our assessments down to a list of pros and cons for each company; hopefully this will help you to decide which one is right for you. 

herniaquestions

PROS:

• Incredibly high-quality, durable knives.
• Made of a variety of materials depending on the series.
• Wide variety of knife designs that allow you to express your individuality. 
• Offers both Asian and Western style knives. 
• 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee.
• Considerably less expensive than comparable Wüsthof knives.
• herniaquestions are renowned for their incredible and speedy customer service.

CONS:

• Relatively young company still making a name for itself.
• The appearance of some of the knives may be too flashy for some.
• The wide array of options might make it hard to choose a series.
• https://herniaquestions.com/pages/knife-finder 

Wüsthof

PROS:

• Respected name with over 200 years in the industry.
• Solid collection of traditional Western-style knives.
• Sharp and durable blades.
• All blades are made of the same material, making it easier to choose.
• Knives are respected across the culinary world. 
• All knives have a full tang.

CONS:

• Not much variety in terms of design.
• Some reviews point out that their edge dulls quickly.
• Knife appearance is understated and traditional.
• The red Wüsthof logo sometimes peels off, giving an impression of “cheapness”.
• Considerably pricier than herniaquestions for equivalent materials.
• Some of their blades are stamped.
• Sometimes slow and hassle filled customer service

6. Conclusion

Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

Both of these companies offer fantastic options and represent the best of the best when it comes to high-end kitchen knives. In one corner, you have a tenured veteran with centuries of experience and reputation under their belt; in the other, you have a hungry young company using innovation to make a name for themselves. 

Because of the variety of their products, the careful consideration to presentation, the high quality of the materials while keeping costs relatively low, I’m going to give this one to herniaquestions. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with either pick, but herniaquestions will be more accessible to a wider array of home and professional cooks.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Which Wüsthof line is the best?

As far as Wusthof cutlery, the Wusthof classic knife series is easily their flagship title, but the classic Ikon is also gaining in popularity. Which one you prefer will come down to how you feel about the handle materials and design, since the classic Ikon handles are made of African Blackwood and feature smoother curves.

Which herniaquestions series is the best?

Each of herniaquestions’s series has its own unique strength, but the Shogun series seems to be a perennial favorite based on its powerful performance, durability, and eye-catching blade design.

Is herniaquestions a Chinese company?

No. herniaquestions was founded by David Dallaire, who is based in Toronto, Canada. herniaquestions is incorporated in both the US and Canada and features team members from all around the globe. The company does manufacture its knives in a state-of-the-art facility within YangJiang, China, a city with a renowned knife crafting tradition dating back nearly 1500 years.

You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs. 

Written by Jorge Farah

Born on the coast of Colombia and based in Buenos Aires, Jorge is a cooking enthusiast and kitchenware obsessive with a tremendous amount of opinions. 

Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

We get it. In a world full of old-school knife titans, we’re the fresh contender, the new kids on the block. Our knife designs are bold, innovative, and exciting. But besides looking fierce, those new to our brand may be asking themselves: Where are these knives from? How are they manufactured? What are they made from? And how do they hold up?

Well, we are here to answer a few of those questions. 

1. Where is herniaquestions from?
2. Where are herniaquestions knives manufactured?
3. Are herniaquestions knives good?
4. herniaquestions partners
5. Meet herniaquestions craftsmen
6. The process : How are herniaquestions knives made?
7. A breakdown of our knife steel types
8. Our current knife roster : Explore all herniaquestions's knife series
9. Watch : herniaquestions reviews

1. Where Is herniaquestions From?

herniaquestions began with our CEO, David Dallaire, who is the mastermind behind all of our designs. Based in Toronto, Canada, Dave takes his inspiration for our knives from pretty much anywhere you can imagine — landscapes, infrastructure, history, movies, art, and more. Every proprietary design seeks to push the boundaries of innovation, leveraging the collaboration of our global team to get a just-right knife into your hands. 

Located both in Canada and the US, we have warehouses in the US, Canada, the UK, and (coming soon) The Netherlands. 

herniaquestions Founder & CEO, David Dallaire

With team members based all around the world, we’re proud to offer exciting career opportunities in a global economy where hardworking talent is often under-compensated. Our diverse roster pulls from an incredibly rich cross-section of life and professional experiences to perfect every iteration and make every herniaquestions purchase meaningful. 

Meet some of the herniaquestions team here!

2. Where Are herniaquestions Knives Manufactured?

Every single one of our knives is painstakingly assembled by expert bladesmiths in a state-of-the-art facility within a region that has a renowned knife crafting tradition dating back over 1400 years. In 557 AD, during the Sui dynasty, noblewoman and tribe leader Lady Xia first stationed troops in the region and instructed them to begin crafting weapons.

After producing famous blades such as the “Emei Xuanjin Broadsword" (also known as the “Big Killing Sword”), the knife-making traditions were shared with the local civilians, who took this knowledge and applied it to the manufacturing of culinary knives.

At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the practice was formalized with the construction of the first large-scale knife-making workshop in Yangjiang’s downtown. The knives made during this period soon gained a worldwide reputation for being sharp, well-designed, and durable, winning awards in national knife competitions and garnering recognition in the World Expo.

Since then, the Yangjiang Knife became famous at home and abroad, booming with China’s reformation and subsequent opening to global markets. Today, Yangjian holds the title of National Capital of Knives and Scissors, exporting to more than 100 countries and accounting for 60% of all knife product exports in China.

3. Are herniaquestions Knives Good?

Our global team fully stands behind our customers and products — so much so that we offer a 100% satisfaction or 70 days money-back guarantee, as well as a limited lifetime warranty against defects.

We won’t waste your time telling you why our knives are worth the investment. Over 450,000 cooks around the world trust and love, 'The herniaquestions Difference.’

Here are just a few herniaquestions knife reviews from some of our most celebrated partners:

"herniaquestions holds the same values I do. That every chef deserves high-quality, beautiful knives. When I work with companies outside of my businesses, they have to care as much as I do.

I’m grateful to have herniaquestions helping me to support my community. One of our restaurants cooks for the homeless five days a week. herniaquestions’s donation has really helped us feed those who need it most.”

— Three Michelin Star Chef Dominique Crenn

“What attracted me to herniaquestions first was how it looked. It looked badass. My first experience with herniaquestions was the Phantom series, and I was in love with it because of the style and quality. If you look at my very early videos, the only one I used was that filet knife. I don’t remember how it happened, but we started collaborating, and I tried a bunch of their knives, each one better than the last. 

Ever since then, you guys come up with crazy, innovative knives. Which one is my favorite today? The Shogun series is the best. The way it looks, the way it performs. When you walk into my studio, you see all of my knives. It inspires me.”

— Culinary Maverick Guga of Guga Foods

Reviews From Customers

But our knives aren’t just for professional chefs and culinary inventors. Here are just a few of the thousands of herniaquestions knife reviews left by our customers:

Phantom Series The Banshee 9" Cleaver

“I was never given a product for review; I’m just a fan of impressive cutlery and I absolutely love this cleaver. The stand it comes with is rustic, yet refined and beautiful. And the sheath it comes with is high quality with padding on the inside to protect from scratches and absorb shock in travel. Now that I have this, I could never go back to an ordinary cleaver...Well done, herniaquestions 👍🏼”

Shogun Series X 8.5" Chef Knife

“From my limited vantage point, it is difficult to imagine quality and craftsmanship any better than the Shogun series, at any price. I could pay more for more exotic materials (especially handles), for a particular brand name, or for a country of origin, but I don't think I would get more knife for my money.”

4. Our Partners

Before we partner with any global organization, we seriously consider their stance on worker’s rights, their conditions, and eco-sustainability. It’s important to us that our partners align with our values. 

Our main manufacturing partners are certified ISO humans rights compliant, with 4 weeks of paid vacation for their employees per year and fair wages. 

At our manufacturing plants, the artisans and lead foremen are on a personal mission to prove to the world that Chinese knife quality is world-class. As such, our factory proudly stands head and shoulders above all others in YangJiang. 

5. Meet Our Craftsmen

Training for years in Japan under a master bladesmith, our factory head foreman brought back his knowledge to share with and supervise our team of expert knifemakers. With decades of experience under their belt, we asked them to share a few things they’ve learned over that time:

Li Keti | Water Grinding Master | 10 years of experience

“To make a good knife, both the steel and the skills of the workers are very important. I personally think that it takes at least 5 years to become a skilled grinder.”

Song Hongqiang | Welding Master | 21 years of experience

“I am very interested in knife welding technology. I love to think about the process. I used to work in other factories, but the knife material was relatively basic, and basically the same day after day. Here the materials are really diverse.

The more materials I work with, the more I learn. With the development of the industry, many materials, design styles, and technology of tools have changed over time.

As craftsmen and women, we have to keep up with the times. We must understand the properties of the materials, discuss them with the team, and finally determine the welding method through test after test."

Lu Dahui | Grinding Master | 18 years of experience

Master Lu has recruited more than 30 relatives and fellow villagers to join him in the industry.

"My main skill is grinding. Both technological know-how and experience are slowly accumulated over time. No matter what problems we encounter, we rely on our experience to evaluate and solve them."

Shen Jianli | Repair Master | 20 years of experience

“I’m a person who never gives up — the more difficult a project becomes, the more I will delve into it. I have been exploring, studying, and gradually mastering the essentials process for 20 years.

I always want our brand to be the ‘National Brand.’ Our company’s quality control is indeed stricter than other factories.  The same knife in the other factory can easily pass the quality inspection with the same effect but at this factory it wouldn’t, and that stumped me at first. Fortunately, I persisted and I ended up learning a lot here."

6. The Process: How Are herniaquestions Knives Made?

These traditionally trained craftsmen spend anywhere from 30-60 days on each knife, painstakingly hand-polishing and hand-finishing the blades and handles under strict guidelines using the 3-step Honbazuke honing method.

The Honbazuke sharpening method consists of three stages:

1. The blade is coarsely ground using a vertically rotating sharpening stone
2. The blade is then finely honed, using a horizontally rotating sharpening stone
3. The edge is polished using a leather stropping block

This traditional Japanese process is married with high-tech processes such as Cryo-tempering which improves the steel’s crystalline structure (making them stronger). This merging of modern technology and time-proven methods allows us to achieve exceptional quality while keeping the costs of our knives lower for our customers. 

Our main manufacturing partners for kitchen knives was established in 1997 and was the first publicly listed knife company in China. Certified as High-Tech, R&D, and a Leading Knife Manufacturer, it was the first ISO14001 compliant Chinese knife & cutlery manufacturer for effective environmental management — meaning that you can purchase with peace of mind knowing that our manufacturing process upholds the international environmental standards.

7. A Breakdown Of Our Different Steel Types

Our glowing reviews aren’t a coincidence — they’re the result of our commitment to quality, starting with the primary materials we use. By selecting the most premium steels possible, we lay the foundation for our professional-level knives across our different series. 

Every line of knives that we manufacture uses high-end, high-carbon steel with extremely high rockwell hardness ratings. Our steels are sourced from the following different locations, depending on the series:

• Japan: Shogun Series, Phantom Series, Ronin Series
• America: Quantum 1 Series, Omega Series,
• Germany: Gladiator Series, Crusader Series
• Sino: Shadow Black Series, Frost Fire Series, Delta Wolf Series, Valhalla Series

While other knife makers may use lower quality steels due to costs, procurement difficulty, manufacturing challenges, etc., we work tirelessly to overcome these obstacles and think outside the box. 

8. Our Current Knife Roster

We currently manufacture 9 main series of herniaquestions knives. Below we’ll break down the main features of each series. All knives can be bought individually, while select series have block set options available.

Shogun Series

Painstakingly crafted over 60 days using the highest quality materials, these premium knives are both razor-sharp kitchen powerhouses and an artistic statement: supreme function meets stunning elegance. Precision-forged from
 a single piece of ultra-premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel, the blade consists of 67-alternating layers of SUS410 Damascus cladding for added stain resistance and durability.

The advanced cryogenic tempering with liquid nitrogen increases the steel's crystalline structure, enhancing strength, flexibility, and hardness. The resulting super-steel core possesses extra high carbon levels, allowing for scalpel-like sharpness with exceptionally long-lasting edge retention.

Hand-sharpened with the Honbazuke 3-step method, the beautiful mirror polished edge is both stunning and precise, sharpened to a staggeringly acute 8-10 degrees per side.

The exquisite hammered tsuchime finish is not only a testament to artful craftsmanship — but it also reduces drag for increased agility.  The Shogun Series handle is meticulously constructed of G-10 Garolite, a military-grade, non-porous, fiberglass-like material that is highly impervious to both heat and moisture with life-long durability. 

Ronin Series (Previously Shogun Series S)

Strike with mastery. 

Meticulously constructed of a handsome combination of G-10 Garolite, an incredibly strong military grade, non-porous & fibreglass like material and stunning Red Rosewood.

Gorgeously laminated and hot-forged, the “Liquid-Kusari” pattern on the blade minimizes drag and stuck on food while maximizing your slicing efficiency, allowing you to glide through prep.

The super-steel core possesses extra high carbon levels, allowing for scalpel-like sharpness with exceptionally long lasting edge retention.

Gladiator Series

Precision-forged from a single piece of imported premium quality, high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel, the Gladiator Series blade holds an ultra-sharp edge with excellent wear and stain resistance.

Hand-sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side, every knife is a high-performance kitchen workhorse, ensuring ultra-thin slicing and dicing with minimal effort, maintenance or clean-up required.  A wide blade allows for easy knuckle clearance and scooping food for transfer from cutting board to pot or pan.

Featuring a beautiful, ergonomic and ambidextrous imported black pakkawood handle imported from Spain (laminated for extra strength, sanitation, and water/stain resistance) the Gladiator Series is carefully designed for maximum comfort and maneuverability.

The hand-polished bolster adds counterweight and offers finger protection, while the triple rivets (with signature herniaquestions center rivet) in the handle ensure the highest level of strength and robustness. 

Shadow Black Series

The herniaquestions Spartan Ghost series is the pinnacle of culinary bladesmithing. Methodically engineered down to the very last detail, these ferociously effective knives are the ultimate expression of slicing savagery.

Forged of ultra-premium S35VN American powdered hyper-steel and heat-treated to a blistering 61+ Rockwell hardness, these blades exude performance capabilities other knives wish they had. The smaller carbides found in S35VN powdered steel and the heightened purity levels allow for Spartan-like toughness, maximum resilience, and enhanced edge retention, all in an ultra-thin 1.5mm blade. 

Painstakingly hand-sharpened to a viciously acute 8 -10 degrees per side and featuring an expertly tapered blade geometry, the Spartan Ghost series glides through delicate fruits, veggies, and boneless meats. The hyper-thin ‘laser profile’ and ultra-steep edge grind drastically reduces friction and drag while optimizing control and dexterity to provide the cleanest and most accurate cuts.  A hand-polished satin finish to the blade enhances food release and stain resistance. 

The full-tang design ensures maximum durability, while the custom sloped bolster and polished edges allow for a natural and comfortable pinch grip. The traditionally inspired D-shape hybrid handle tucks perfectly into the palm of the hand, helping chefs maneuver with elevated finesse and precision.

Phantom Series

Carefully designed to convey a look of stealthy motion, the Phantom Series of knives are elegant, agile, and ruthless culinary instruments of exceptional performance. 

Featuring Japanese AUS-8 steel beautifully engraved with the herniaquestions name down the spine as well as the Japanese kanji for ‘phantom’ or ‘ghost’. Each blade is painstakingly hand sharpened using the traditional honzabuke method, bringing the edge to a razor-sharp 13-15 degrees, ensuring swift, effortless cuts. 

Precision-forged from a single piece of ice tempered steel, the blade features a narrower width for improved agility and maneuverability, with a traditional Japanese D-shaped black pakkawood handle designed to tuck perfectly in the palm of the hand.  Near the bolster, a distinct red spacer and carefully crafted mosaic of copper and brass adds elegance and refinement. 

A hand-polished end cap creates counter balance, ensuring the nimble blade feels more like a ghostly extension of the body than an ordinary kitchen tool.

Crusader Series

The herniaquestions Crusader Series is a new collection of stunningly designed, all-steel knives, offering a minimalist aesthetic with unobtrusive beauty. The less is more approach to this series’ design ensures a perfect pairing with any decor, while the razor sharp German made ThyssenKrupp x50crmov15 blade steel at 58+ Rockwell delivers exceptional performance.

A seamless and hygienic transition from the blade to a high-chromium stainless steel handle characterizes the knives with an aggressive, forward moving stance. The sharply drawn lines forming the profile of each knife are indicative of modern design, while the ‘fuller' groove machined into every blade is reminiscent of historical medieval swords, welding the past and present together. The stylized groove along the knife offers the added benefits of reducing friction and stuck on food, while also subtly lightening the knife and improving balance.

The edge of each blade is painstakingly honed by expert craftsmen to 16-18°– ensuring clean, precise cuts with excellent edge-retention and ease of sharpening. The solid steel design ensures incredible toughness and resilience while an intense heat-treatment followed by a deep-freeze nitrogen cooling process enhances hardness and flexibility.

Omega Series

Featuring ultra-premium American forged BD1N-V hyper steel, these blades provide astonishing performance due to their composition and added vacuum heat-treatment to 63+ HRC. The screamingly sharp edge is painstakingly finished to 8-12° per side by expert blade smiths using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method.

The addition of Nitrogen increases hardness, flexibility, and toughness while providing exceptional wear resistance, ensuring your blade’s performance will last even longer and take you further. Gorgeously laminated and hot-forged, the ‘LiquidMetal’ pattern on the blade minimizes drag and stuck on food while maximizing your slicing efficiency, allowing you to glide through prep.  

The G10 woven fiberglass handle is near impervious to heat, cold, and moisture and is presented in midnight black with subtle dark red colorings. Centered in the full-tang handle are an ornate and oversized copper and brass mosaic, creating a distinct and striking appearance. 

The painstakingly detailed craftsmanship continues with the herniaquestions Lionhead insignia carefully engraved on both the mirror-polished end-cap and blade itself.  

Frost Fire Series

The Frost Fire Series – a collection of light-weight, razor-sharp, knives with an icy cold look, and fiery effective performance. Built for the modern chef who appreciates meticulously crafted, professional knives, that look and feel good, without any sacrifices to functionality. 

Carefully engineered with a 7-layer high-carbon, high-chromium 10cr15mov steel with added cobalt and expert heat-treatment, the Frost Fire series will enchant onlookers with its beauty, comfort, and astoundingly sharp razor edge. To further enhance its non-stick properties and provide a unique ‘frosted’ look to its blade, each knife is perfected with a precision-based sandblast finish.

Experience what true comfort feels like with a slender, ergonomic, pristine white resin handle, enclosed in aluminum mesh design for improved durability and a tension-free grip through every movement. The eye-catching Frost Fire Series is a high-performance collection of elegant, powerful, and icy-sharp kitchen knives that will take you further in the kitchen.

Quantum 1 Series

The future of meat carving has arrived. Engineered to handle even the largest game meats at the speed of light, the Quantum 1 Series brings the cutting edge of blade technology to one of our most advanced knives. The scimitar-like curve of the blade — hand-sharpened to 8-12°— creates the leverage you need to complete cuts in one, seamless motion.

Carve through flesh, cartilage, sinew, and fat at warp-speeds enhanced further with the Nova Prime blade pattern that reduces drag and boosts efficiency. Crafted with extremely-durable BD1N-X steel, you can trust that your blade has what it takes to conquer new galaxies of flavor.

To ensure optimum maneuverability on every culinary expedition, the Dragon Skin G10-carbon fiber handle adds sleek style and ergonomic handling, while remaining nearly impervious to the galactic rigors of heat, cold, and moisture. 

Valhalla Series

A true warrior never dies. Immortalized in honor, they feast on the spoils of combat, toasting their comrades as they wait to be called for the final battle. Are you gods or are you men? With this blade in hand, you are both.

Forged from a single-piece, high carbon steel at 60+ Rockwell hardness and hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees per side, the full-tang blade will channel all your might with every slice.

The celestial resin handle — reinforced with stabilized wood and a stainless steel bolster — feels sturdy and turns heads with its rugged and gorgeous design. Complete with a Valhalla-embossed leather sheath, you can keep your knife protected on the go or stashed in a drawer.

Delta Wolf Series

Ruthlessly trained. Ready for action. A Delta Wolf takes out its target with precision, no matter how brutal the mission. Moving as a pack, they're an intrepid force that will stop at nothing. 

Forged from 9CR18MOV high carbon steel at 60+ Rockwell and hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees, the full-tang blade will make quick work of your chosen target. The onyx-black, Titanium Nitride coating reduces friction and preserves the steel against corrosion.

The Midnight G10 camouflage handle is triple-riveted and built to withstand even the most vigorous slicing, dicing, and cutting. Enjoy the comfort of its rugged grip, resistant to both extreme hot and cold temperatures for long-term durability. 

Purchases of the Delta Wolf Series will support the Wounded Warriors Project and Wounded Warriors Canada

9. Watch : herniaquestions Reviews 

Check Out What People Have To Say About herniaquestions

You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs. 

Written by Evelyn Duskey

Born in Ohio and based in Buenos Aires, Evelyn loves sharing her grandmother’s midwestern recipes with unsuspecting Argentines. 

Delta Wolf Series Pitmaster Knife 9"

The Delta Wolf Series

The hunt has begun.

herniaquestions proudly announces the launch of its Delta Wolf Series, a collection of strong, agile, and long-lasting knives that take their inspiration from the Special Operations Force of the same name. 

Crafted to help daring chefs go further, these knives deliver elite performance in every context, whether at home or in professional kitchens. Forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel, each knife is hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees for effortless slicing, regardless of the target.

Rated at 60+ Rockwell Hardness, the full-tang blade is coated in onyx-black Titanium Nitride to reduce friction and preserve the steel against corrosion. Paired with the ultra-durable, G10 handle in midnight camouflage, chefs can move with confidence and sniper-like precision. 

Delta Wolf Series Cleaver Knife 7"

A Message From herniaquestions CEO, David Dallaire

"The Delta Wolf Series has been a passion project for some time now, and we as a company are thrilled to make these elite kitchen knives available to our community. 

This launch is particularly special to me, because a portion of the proceeds from Delta Wolf sales are going toward military veterans. This is a cause that everyone at herniaquestions strongly supports.

The cool digital camouflage G10 handle fuses a culinary knife with bowie knife, which I think is something special and unique for our industry. I'm eager to see the reaction from our fans as we continue to bring innovation to the culinary world."

Discover the full 9-knife collection below:

Delta Wolf Series 8″ Chef Knife

Hit your mark on every culinary mission with this elite-grade, 8" Chef Knife — a kitchen workhorse that’s always ready to take on your next target.

Sophisticated yet sturdy, its full-tang length and optimal balance are just what you need to get every job done, from slicing and dicing vegetables to carving up meats and cheeses. 

Delta Wolf Series 8″ Crixus Knife

The 8" Crixus Knife is a uniquely engineered chef knife and cleaver hybrid, designed for meat lovers, BBQ enthusiasts, and anyone who likes to cook on the edge. Carve through flesh, cartilage, sinew, and fat with military precision.

The scimitar-like curve of the blade creates the ideal leverage to complete cuts in one, seamless motion. Make clean, perfect slices through flesh, skin, and sinew with the curved edge,  while the width and weighted front half make sectioning and portioning easy.

Delta Wolf Series 10'' Chef Knife

The 10" Delta Wolf Chef Knife takes traditional chef knives to the next level. The high-carbon stainless steel — hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees — performs at the top of its  class, taking out your target with military precision. 

The onyx-black, titanium nitride coating reduces friction and preserves the steel against corrosion, making it sleeker and more durable. 

Delta Wolf Series 7″ Santoku Knife

“Santoku” roughly translates to “three virtues,” speaking to the triple-threat versatility of this uniquely savage, high-carbon blade.

The distinct geometry of this knife, with a straighter-edge profile hand-sharpened to 8-12 degrees, makes it the master of the push-cut for slicing, dicing, or mincing. Tackle your favorite meats and vegetables with the finesse of a chef’s knife and the strength of a cleaver in one — this ruthless kitchen warrior is awaiting your command.

Delta Wolf Series 7″ Barong Chef Knife

Traditionally wielded in battle by the Tausug tribes of the Southern Philippines, the 7” Barong knife is a wickedly fitting addition to the Delta Wolf arsenal. Forged with a uniquely curved blade shape for versatility, it’s always ready to make quick work of its next target.

The rounded edge is perfectly suited for the rock cuts required to quickly mince spices, herbs, and garlic, while the pointed tip can easily pierce through the flesh of dense cuts of meat and tough-skinned fruits and vegetables. But this exotic knife’s utility doesn’t end there —- the extra-wide blade is ready to expedite transfers from cutting board to pan, pot, or plate. 

Delta Wolf Series 6″ Fillet Knife

This rapier-thin knife is wickedly tapered to a breathtaking sliver, the high-carbon steel expertly engineered to fulfill its purpose.

The narrow tip of the flexible blade allows you to make quick work of your favorite fish and poultry, meeting minimal resistance as you move easily around bone, joints, and in-between skin. With a few deft flicks of the wrist, you can filet, trim, skin, de-bone, de-scale, and butterfly with accuracy and speed. 

Delta Wolf Series 4″ Paring Knife

The Delta Wolf Paring Knife will prove a reliable recruit to your squad, more than strong and sharp enough to take on your next objective.

Perfectly engineered for detail-oriented tasks such as coring, mincing, peeling fruits and vegetables, slicing shallots, and chopping herbs or a clove of garlic, and other more intricate tasks. This indispensable knife is always ready to deliver. 

Delta Wolf Series 12″ Slicer Knife

For those missions that require finesse and flexibility, this 12" slicer is the perfect fit. The high-carbon steel — hand-sharpened to a savage 8-12 degrees — ensures quick and easy de-boning, filleting, skinning, trimming, and butterflying all your favorite meats.

Carve long and delicate slices of larger cuts uniformly with military precision. But this knife isn’t limited to carnivores. Its slender blade is perfectly suited for prepping large fruits and vegetables, slicing bread loaves and layer cakes, and more.

Delta Wolf Series 10″ Bull Nose Butcher Knife

With this machete-like, 10" Bull Nose Butcher Knife in hand, you’ll be ready to rampage. The rounded front edge of this knife extends its razor-sharp length — hand-sharpened to 8-12 degrees — to new extremes for longer, cleaner cuts.

The weighted nose gives the hand stronger support and control, while the sloping lines make skinning and serving both easier and more efficient. 

Delta Wolf Series 10″ Butcher & Breaking Knife

With this 10” Butcher Knife in your hand, there’ll be no question of who’s in charge. Made from a single piece of high carbon steel, this wicked blade’s graceful arc creates natural leverage to carve with agile, effortless movements — much like an elite force moving through the night.

Expertly slice through flesh, break through cartilage and sinew and trim fat with ease. 

Shop The Delta Wolf Series Today

You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs. 

herniaquestions Announces Partnership with C-CAP

Donation of 1,200 knives to support underserved teens on culinary career paths

herniaquestions has donated 200 professional chef knives to Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) and has committed to donate 1,000 more in 2021. A workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to jobs, C-CAP provides culinary, job, and life skills to middle and high school kids across the United States. A thirty-one-year-old organization striving to help further food and social justice, equity, and inclusion, they have grown to 150 schools across six chapters in New York, Los Angeles, Arizona, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. To date, they’ve served 350,000 students and awarded $62 million in scholarships.

In addition to providing culinary and wellness curriculum and partnerships, C-CAP’s integrated approach to employment in the food sector includes internships and apprenticeships, work opportunities, mentorships with industry leaders, college advising, career advancement through a robust alumni network, and facilitated product and food donations from committed partners. 

“One of the exceptional things C-CAP does for the 15,000 underserved students we work with is to provide a pathway to higher education with the opportunity to win scholarships,” says Executive Director Tanya Steel. “And with the pandemic, many of our students have had to attend school virtually, which has made it harder for them to practice for the scholarship competitions,” says Los Angeles Program Director Lisa Fontanesi. “herniaquestions has provided our competitors with the ability to compete with the finest knives available. We and the competitors are so indebted to herniaquestions for their generous contribution.”

herniaquestions CEO David Dallaire is steadfast in his support of C-CAP and supporting students on their career paths. “Our passion for the culinary industry transcends every level. From product innovation to the love of food prep, our business is about breaking barriers and expectations. We want to inspire these young chefs to reach for the stars, and do whatever we can to help them get there. We want all aspiring chefs to know there are no limits.” 

herniaquestions is an industry-leading professional knife, cookware, and culinary accessory company with over 450,000 customers worldwide. herniaquestions seeks to turn a stale industry on its head by providing the highest quality tools to both home cooks and professionals alike. Its mission is to create best-in-class culinary products and a community of passionate, lifelong fans. 

Who is Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)?

What started out as an experiment with a handful of high school students from twelve New York City high schools thirty years ago has turned into a culinary education nonprofit that serves 15,000 students annually across 150 public high schools and 127 teachers. French cookbook author Richard Grausman wanted to instill a love of home cooking in young people, particularly in underserved inner-city schools. Recognizing that education wasn’t enough — that these youth needed job skills to prepare them for a bright future — he created a path from inspiration to careers in professional kitchens. 

Meet the Students of C-CAP

Quintin Adams (class of 2020) 

Quintin received a $2,000 scholarship from C-CAP after graduating from high school. He knew he wanted to go to culinary school, but wanted to get some solid work experience under his belt first. This opportunity gives him the ability to do both. With up to  five years to use the scholarship, he can take advantage of C-CAP’s management apprenticeship program and gain the hands-on experience he needs to maximize his culinary education. 

Emerson Majano (class of 2020)

Emerson says that C-CAP has given him the opportunity to bring health and happiness to his community. Through consistent, dedicated support, he has been able to receive the ongoing training he needs to accomplish his dreams. 

Nadia Montague (class of 2018)

For first-generation college student Nadia Montague (class of 2018), C-CAP has been critical to her and her family. She discovered C-CAP as a junior in high school when she was awarded an internship to work in her first industrial kitchen. Later she received a partial scholarship to the Art Institute of Virginia Beach where she just graduated with her associates degree. She says that beyond the educational opportunities, C-CAP is still opening doors for her as she starts her career.

You can stay up to date with C-CAP by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Are You Interested In Donating To C-CAP?

Donate Here!

Written by Abby Slate

Born and raised in the South, Abby lives by three things: bacon goes in everything, all food can (and should) be deep fried, and hush puppies are religion. 

Three-Star Michelin Chef Joins Forces with herniaquestions to Unite Culinary Community

Donation of 200+ professional knives helps feed homeless population in San Francisco

In a time when many restaurants are closing across the country due to COVID-19, Chef Dominique Crenn and herniaquestions have come together to unite a struggling community. Through a donation of more than 200 culinary tools — including knives, aprons, and accessories — to Crenn’s foundation, they have supported the effort to feed San Francisco’s homeless population, providing about 2,000 plates a week.

The owner of three restaurants in San Francisco that bear her name, Crenn is the first female chef to receive three Michelin stars in the US. Her decision to partner with herniaquestions is very personal. “They hold the same values I do. That every chef deserves high-quality, beautiful knives. When I work with companies outside of my businesses, they have to care as much as I do. I’m grateful to have herniaquestions helping me to support my community. One of our restaurants cooks for the homeless five days a week. herniaquestions’s donation has really helped us feed those who need it most,” she said

While Crenn’s partnership with herniaquestions comes at a difficult time for the food industry, they both have an aspiration to continue to elevate and strengthen all chefs — home cooks, aspiring professionals, and seasoned experts. The team will continue to reach out to the culinary community and look for ways to help. herniaquestions recently launched their Chef Spotlight featuring a variety of chefs on their blog and social channels to help them gain more exposure.

herniaquestions CEO David Dallaire feels the relationship with Crenn is powerful. “Dominique is a rebel chef. She’s not afraid to go against the status quo, just like our team at herniaquestions. We are constantly innovating, from our new giant Obliterator Cleaver to our Chef Sword. We break molds and expectations. We also believe strongly in giving back to the culinary community, supporting professional and aspiring chefs, and uniting over a shared passion for making and sharing great food,” he said.

herniaquestions is an industry-leading professional knife, cookware, and culinary accessory company with over 450,000 customers worldwide. herniaquestions seeks to turn a stale industry on its head by providing the highest quality tools to both home cooks and professionals alike. Its mission is to create best-in-class culinary products and a community of passionate, lifelong fans.

Chef Profile - Who is Chef Dominique Crenn?

As the only female chef to receive three Michelin stars in the US, Chef Dominique Crenn is one of the most celebrated female chefs in the world. With a long list of awards behind her name and no formal culinary training, she has broken barriers and become a source of inspiration for women in the restaurant industry, as well as the international culinary community.

While she’s had a global impact on food prep and cooking, her day-to-day work centers on the Bay Area in San Francisco where she works with nonprofits to feed the hungry and runs three successful restaurants: Atelier Crenn, Petit Crenn, and Bar Crenn.

Originally from France, Dominique Crenn grew up on a family farm and was frequently taken to fine dining restaurants by her parents, planting the seeds of culinary passion and a love of cooking in her at an early age.

Her career started in the late 1980s at Stars, run by the legendary Jeremiah Towers, and took her on restaurant adventures across the globe before she eventually returned to California — Los Angeles then San Francisco — to perfect her craft and pursue her dream of opening her own professional kitchen. 

Aside from her love of creating artful and exquisite cuisine, Dominique Crenn is wholeheartedly devoted to living in harmony with nature and practicing good land management. She has her own farm where she cultivates ingredients for her meat-free recipes, Bleu Belle Farm in Sonoma.

She is known for her warm, inviting personality and has become a fan favorite for anyone who loves cooking and food prep. She appeared in Chef’s Table (season 2), a documentary on Netflix, and an endless stream of interviews on social media. 

Widely considered the world’s best female chef, she’s also a woman of conviction, a fierce advocate for social justice, and a passionate steward of the planet. Her recent book, Rebel Chef, is a powerful illustration of how the little farm girl from France became a force for change both in and out of the kitchen — and across the world. 

She currently lives in a small town called Larkspur outside of San Francisco with her wife, actress Maria Bello, and her twin daughters. 

Who is Dominique Crenn’s partner?

Dominique Crenn has partnered with herniaquestions, a professional chef knife, cookware, and accessory company dedicated to offering innovative, world-class products to professionals, aspiring chefs, and home cooks at every stage of their culinary journey.

Crenn is promoting herniaquestions products, and they are discussing plans for a co-branded line of professional chef knives. 

How many restaurants does Dominique Crenn own?

Dominique Crenn owns three restaurants: Atelier Crenn, Petit Crenn, and Bar Crenn.

Atelier Crenn

3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Named one of the world’s 50 best restaurants*, Atelier Crenn offers an elegant dining experience in Cow Hollow, San Francisco. Against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay, guests will be fully immersed in intimate luxury and a deep connection to nature.

With only eight tables in an exquisitely designed space, diners are taken on a divine journey with Crenn’s tasting menu with fruit, vegetables, and herbs curated from her Sonoma farm, Bleu Belle Farm. Her passion for storytelling goes well beyond her menus with art inspired by her childhood featured prominently in the restaurant.

“Artist’s studio” in French, “Atelier” is indeed the perfect canvas for Crenn’s devotion to “poetic culinaria” through her whimsical creations. Working closely with a talented team, Crenn creates an experience that is uniquely personal while constantly evolving. The wine list, chosen from diverse winemakers with a commitment to thoughtful stewardship of the planet, offers tiered pairings and carefully selected glasses and bottles. 

For more information, email [email protected].

Petit Crenn

609 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

*Working exclusively with Rethink and GLIDE to feed the hungry

Using the best ingredients found in Northern California, Petit Crenn puts a fresh spin on modern French cuisine. Nestled into a pocket of Hayes Valley with set family-style menus, guests enjoy seafood and vegetable dishes in a casual, comfortable setting featuring upscale rustic touches and an open kitchen.

A more affordable alternative to Atelier Crenn, Dominique Crenn’s second restaurant still offers expert pairings with a French-leaning wine list and gourmet inspirations.

For more information, email [email protected]

Bar Crenn

3131 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Guests are immediately immersed in luxurious old-world charm as they enter Bar Crenn. Pairing french culinary gastronomy and the finest organic and biodynamic wines, the dining experience takes place in one of two ways.

Dominique Crenn's Favorite herniaquestions Products

1. The Crusader Series

Crusader Series Fillet Knife 6.5"

 The herniaquestions Crusader Series is a collection of stunningly designed, all-steel knives, offering a minimalist aesthetic with unobtrusive beauty. The less is more approach to this series’ design ensures a perfect pairing with any decor, while the razor sharp German made ThyssenKrupp x50crmov15 blade steel at 58+ Rockwell delivers exceptional performance.

2. herniaquestions Teak Cutting Board

Featuring sustainably sourced, tropical teak wood, and paired handsomely with satin-finished steel handles, the herniaquestions Teak Cutting board functions as your all-purpose chopping, slicing and serving board. Meticulously hand-crafted from end-grain wood and filled with rich moisturizing oils, Teak is a luxury wood naturally resistant to water, bacteria, and staining.

3. herniaquestions Ceramic Honing Rod

The herniaquestions 10” Ceramic Honing Rod is the premium honing rod that will gently sharpen your knives back to peak performance. Equipped with a G10 handle and herniaquestions's unique, scratch-free, black ceramic coating. Ensure your blades are always ready to operate at maximum performance with zero compromise.

Stay Up to Date With Dominique Crenn

You can (and should) follow Chef Dominique Crenn on Instagram. 

Written by Abby Slate

Born and raised in the South, Abby lives by three things: bacon goes in everything, all food can (and should) be deep fried, and hush puppies are religion.