Robert Herder - Windmühlenmesser "K5" Chef

Robert Herder – Windmühlenmesser “K5” Chef Knife

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K5 – Full-Size Chef Performance

The K5 is the largest knife in the K Series — a classic chef’s knife influenced by the Japanese gyuto profile.

At 173mm, it offers generous blade height (44mm at the heel) and confident board presence, while remaining noticeably lighter and thinner than most Western equivalents.

Well suited to:

– Filleting and carving
– Chopping
– Fish and meat preparation
– General board work

It’s a chef’s knife built around precision rather than weight.

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K Series – Thin by Tradition

Inspired by Japanese double bevel geometry, the K Series prioritises cutting efficiency and refined grind over mass.

Each blade is shaped using Windmühlenmesser’s traditional dry-fine grinding technique. This produces a razor-sharp edge and thin cross-section (approx. 0.29mm behind the edge), combined with a subtle concavity along the blade face to aid food release.

The result is a Western chef knife that feels agile and clean through product.

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Robert Herder – Solingen Since 1872

Founded in 1872 in Solingen, Germany, Robert Herder remains family run and committed to traditional grinding methods.

Their knives are refreshingly thin and light by Western standards — less overbuilt, more geometry-led. Performance comes from grind and heat treatment rather than sheer thickness.

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Steel Options – Stainless or Carbon

Available in stainless steel or classic carbon steel.

The carbon version (approx. 60 HRC) takes a particularly keen edge and sharpens beautifully on stones. The stainless option offers easier maintenance while retaining strong cutting performance.

Both benefit from the same thin, performance-driven grind that defines the K Series.

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Handle – Plumwood

Fitted with a plumwood handle — warm in tone, comfortable in hand and well balanced against the 173mm blade.

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A Note on Carbon Steel

Carbon steel rewards care with exceptional sharpness.

Wash and dry thoroughly after use. If light surface rust appears, a gentle rub with a dry scourer will usually remove it. Over time, a patina will develop — natural, protective and entirely part of the knife’s character.

And for many reasons — never put your knives in the dishwasher.

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Specifications

Blade shape — Chef
Maker — Robert Herder
Construction — Monosteel
Steel — Stainless steel or carbon steel
Hardness — 60 HRC (carbon version)
Edge grind — 50/50
Handle — Plumwood

Blade length — 173mm
Total length — 300mm
Blade height at heel — 44mm
Weight — 142g
Spine thickness at heel — 2.38mm
Thickness behind the edge — 0.29mm

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Age Restriction
Knives are only available to persons over 18 years of age. Due to the nature of our business, all customers will be required to verify their age at checkout.