Designed to chop vegetables and not bones, this extra-wide, eight-inch cleaver from Wüsthof's moderately priced Gourmet line performs with perfection. Made in Solingen, Germany, home of Wüsthof since 1814, Gourmet blades are precision-cut by laser from sheets of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel, resulting in a slightly thinner profile and lighter weight than the company's revered forged steel blades. There is no bolster, but there is a full-tang. As with the more expensive Wüsthof Classic knives, Gourmet handles are made of a triple-riveted, black composite shaped to fit the hand comfortably.

Gourmet series knives make excellent, affordable gifts for any home cooking enthusiast. The eight-inch cleaver is covered by a lifetime warranty and is dishwasher-safe, though Wüsthof recommends washing and drying its cutlery by hand. --Ann Bieri