Messermeister is an American knife brand made in Solingen, Germany, where all the top notch German knife brands are made. They aren't as well known as some other brands (like Wusthof and Zwilling), but they're worth a look if you want a powerful, durable German knife. We take a detailed look at all the Messermeister knives and discuss steel, handle material, cutting angle, pros and cons, comparisons to other brands, and more.
Messermeister Knives at a Glance
Here is the current Messermeister lineup for the kitchen (listed in alphabetical order). All Messermeister knives come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Most lines are made in Solingen, Germany except where noted otherwise.
Messermeister Knife | Features |
|---|---|
 | -Drop forged X50 (1.4116) German steel -15 degree double bevel grind -Full tang, partial bolster -3 step, hand finished cutting edge -Hardness rating 56 HRC (on Rockwell scale) -Pakkawood handle (wood/resin composite) -Triple riveted -3pc starter set (chef, utility, paring) about $100. |
 | -Cold-rolled X50 stamped German steel -15 degree double bevel grind -2.2mm thick spine at heel -Full tang, bolster is part of handle -3 step, hand finished cutting edge -Hardness rating 58 HRC -Micarta handle (linen/non-phenolic resin) -Removable triple rivets -Interchangeable scales in 5 colors -8" chef's knife about $95. |
 | -SG2 powdered Japanese steel -Wide blade w/curved geometry -2mm thick spine at heel -15 degree double bevel grind -Partial tang, brass bolster -Hardness rating 64 HRC (hardest knife made by Messermeister) -Curved pakkawood handle (wood/resin) -8" chef's knife weighs 6.7oz. -Made in Seki, Japan -8" chef's knife about $200. |
Meridian Elite  | -Drop forged X50 (1.4116) German steel -3mm spine at heel -15 degree double bevel grind -Full tang, partial bolster -3 step, hand finished cutting edge -Hardness rating 57-58 HRC -Contoured, triple-riveted POM handle -8" chef's knife weighs 8.5oz -8" chef's knife about $150/6" stealth chef's knife about $130 (stealth is lighter and narrower). |
 | -Messermeister's flagship collection -Drop forged X50 (1.4116) German steel -3mm spine at heel -15 degree double bevel grind -Partial tang, partial bolster -3 step, hand finished cutting edge -Hardness rating 57-58 HRC -Contoured Italian olive wood handle -8" chef's knife weighs 7.5oz. -8" chef's knife about $190. |