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Wusthof In Stock

Boning Knife | Professional Chef Knife | 5.5" Flexible Blade | Wusthof Gourmet FE197

SKU: FE197
£54.34 / exc vat
£65.21/ inc vat
  • Laser-Cut German Steel
  • Flexible 5.5" Blade
  • Tapered, Pointed Tip
  • Full Tang Construction
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Product Overview

When it comes to intricate butchery tasks, having the right tool isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. This is the Wüsthof Gourmet 5.5 inch boning knife, a beautifully crafted piece of German engineering designed for professionals who demand precision and  control. It moves with you, making the delicate work of de-boning poultry, trimming fat, or working around joints feel less like a chore and  more like an art form.

Built for the bustling environment of a commercial kitchen, this professional boning knife for chefs is laser-cut from a single piece of high-carbon German steel. Its defining feature is the wonderfully flexible blade, allowing you to follow the contours of bone and  meat with uncanny accuracy, minimising waste and  maximising your yield. The full-tang, triple-riveted handle ensures it feels like a natural extension of your hand, offering superb balance and  confidence with every single cut.

Whether you're a seasoned butcher, a head chef prepping for service, or running a high-end charcuterie, this knife delivers consistent, reliable performance. It's not just a tool; it's an investment in efficiency, quality, and  the final presentation of your product. Prepare to make your prep work faster, cleaner, and  more precise than ever before.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Laser-Cut German Steel: Enjoy a blade that is incredibly sharp and  durable.
  • Flexible 5.5" Blade: Navigate around bones and  joints with minimal waste.
  • Tapered, Pointed Tip: Pierce and  manoeuvre with surgical precision for clean cuts.
  • Full Tang Construction: Experience superior balance and  strength for safer handling.
  • Triple-Riveted Handle: Gain a secure, comfortable grip that won't let you down.
  • 14.5° Edge Angle: Achieve effortlessly smooth slices with an exceptionally sharp edge.
  • Lightweight Design: Work for longer without fatigue during repetitive tasks.
  • High-Carbon Steel (X50CrMoV15): Benefit from excellent stain resistance and  edge retention.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Wüsthof
  • SKU: FE197
  • Total Length: 271mm
  • Blade Length: 140mm | 5.5 inches
  • Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel (X50CrMoV15)
  • Edge Angle: 14.5° per side
  • Manufacturing: Laser-cut from a single billet of steel
  • Handle: Triple-riveted synthetic handle with full tang
  • Weight: Lightweight for optimal balance and  comfort
  • Care Instructions: Hand wash only recommended

Expert Review and  Insights

The Wüsthof Gourmet boning knife is a real workhorse, but with the finesse of a ballerina. It’s got that signature Wüsthof reliability, but it’s the blade’s flexibility that truly shines. It dances around bones, making intricate tasks feel intuitive. For any chef who regularly breaks down poultry or trims smaller primals, this is a must-have for speed and  precision.

Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools Expert View Profile →

  • Pro: The blade's flexibility gives you incredible control for detailed work.
  • Con: It requires hand washing to protect the blade's integrity.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Gilded Boar, a gastropub in the Cotswolds, was struggling with prep times on their popular Sunday roast chickens. Their standard chef knives were too rigid, leading to waste and  slower work. They switched their team to the Wüsthof Gourmet 5.5" boning knife.

"The flexibility is what sold us. The chefs can now break down a case of chickens in a fraction of the time. The control it gives you around the joints is fantastic, and  we're definitely seeing more meat off the bone."

Robert Finch – Head Chef

The result was a measurable 25% reduction in poultry preparation time and  an estimated 10% increase in meat yield per bird.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Before first use, give the knife a good wash with warm, soapy water and  dry it completely.
  • Store it in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or in a sheath to protect the blade's edge.
  • Avoid throwing it into a drawer with other utensils, which can cause nicks and  dull the blade.
  • Familiarise yourself with the knife's balance and  weight before tackling a big job.

Keeping It Going

  • Always hand wash your knife immediately after use. Dishwashers are too abrasive and  can damage the blade and  handle.
  • Dry the knife thoroughly with a soft cloth right after washing to prevent water spots or corrosion.
  • Hone the blade regularly with a honing steel to keep the edge perfectly aligned for smooth cutting.
  • Have it professionally sharpened once or twice a year, depending on use, to restore its factory-sharp edge.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Boning Knife

Not sure which knife is the right fit for your kitchen's needs? Here are a few key things to consider when choosing a boning knife.

Blade Flexibility

Flexible blades, like this one, are superb for poultry and  fish as they curve around bones. Stiffer blades offer more power for pork and  beef.

Blade Length

A 5-6 inch blade is a great all-rounder, offering agility for smaller animals like chicken, while still being capable enough for larger cuts of meat.

Handle and  Tang

Look for a 'full tang', where the steel runs through the entire handle. It provides much better balance, strength, and  longevity than partial tangs.

The Steel Itself

High-carbon stainless steel offers the best of both worlds: the sharpness and  edge retention of carbon steel with the rust resistance of stainless steel.

Weight and  Balance

A good knife should feel like an extension of your arm. A well-balanced knife reduces fatigue and  gives you more precise control over your cuts.

See all Chefs Knives

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the main difference between a flexible and  a stiff boning knife?

A: A flexible boning knife is ideal for delicate work like deboning poultry and  fish, as it can bend to follow contours. A stiff boning knife provides more power for separating tougher cuts of beef and  pork from the bone.

Q: What does 'full tang' mean and  why is it important?

A: Full tang means the single piece of steel that forms the blade runs all the way through to the end of the handle. This provides superior strength, durability, and  excellent balance for the knife.

Q: Can I put this FE197 Wüsthof chef knife in the dishwasher?

A: It is strongly recommended to hand wash this knife. The harsh detergents, high heat, and  potential for banging against other items in a dishwasher can dull the blade and  damage the handle over time.

Q: How often will I need to sharpen this knife?

A: You should hone the knife regularly (even daily with heavy use) to maintain its edge. Depending on usage, it may only need professional sharpening once or twice a year.

Q: Is this knife also suitable for filleting fish?

A: Yes, its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for filleting fish, allowing you to easily separate the flesh from the bone and  skin.

Q: Why is a pointed, tapered blade useful?

A: The sharp, narrow point allows you to pierce meat easily and  make precise initial cuts, while the tapered shape reduces drag and  allows for nimble manoeuvring around joints and  bones.

Q: What's the benefit of the blade having a 14.5° angle?

A: A finer angle like 14.5° creates an incredibly sharp edge that slices through meat with very little effort, resulting in cleaner cuts and  less damage to the food's texture.

Q: Is the handle material slippery when wet?

A: The synthetic handle is designed to provide a secure and  comfortable grip, even in a busy kitchen environment where hands can become wet or greasy.

What Customers Are Saying

"This Wüsthof flexible boning knife is absolutely brilliant. It’s light, ridiculously sharp, and  makes deboning a whole chicken almost effortless. Feels great in the hand."

Mark L. – The Corner Bistro, Manchester

"As a professional butcher, I use this daily. The blade holds its edge well and  the flexibility is perfect for getting into tight spots. A proper bit of kit."

Dave P. – P&S Meats, Bristol

"Great knife for the price. It's a commercial kitchen boning knife that performs well above its weight. Just remember to hand wash it to keep it pristine!"

Sarah Jenkins – Catering Chef, Cardiff

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The Wüsthof Legacy: An Investment in Culinary Craftsmanship

Choosing a Wüsthof knife is about more than just buying a sharp blade; it's about investing in over 200 years of German craftsmanship from Solingen, the 'City of Blades'. Each knife, including this Gourmet 5.5" boning blade, is the result of a meticulous 34-step process, a tradition of quality that professional chefs have trusted for generations. This isn't a disposable tool. It's a long-term partner in your kitchen that, with proper care, will deliver consistent performance year after year. The real value lies in its unwavering reliability—fewer replacements, less time spent sharpening, and  the confidence that your most essential tool will perform flawlessly during the busiest service. It's this legacy of trust and  durability that makes Wüsthof a true staple in professional kitchens worldwide.

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Why 'X50CrMoV15' Steel Makes a Sharper, Stronger Knife

Seeing 'X50CrMoV15' in the specs might look like a random code, but it's actually the precise recipe for the high-quality German steel in your knife. Think of it like the recipe for a perfect cake. The 'X50' means it has 0.50% carbon, which is the key ingredient for hardness and  keeping a sharp edge. The 'Cr' stands for chromium, which gives it its fantastic stain and  rust resistance—no unsightly spots after washing. Finally, the 'Mo' (Molybdenum) and  'V' (Vanadium) are special ingredients that increase the steel's strength and  durability, so the fine edge doesn't chip or wear down easily. In short, this isn't just any steel; it's a carefully balanced formula designed for a blade that stays sharp, resists corrosion, and  lasts for years in a busy kitchen.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Butcher Shops

    Perfect for precisely de-boning chicken, lamb, and  pork, ensuring high-yield cuts and  minimal waste for your display case.

  • Restaurant Kitchens

    An essential tool for chefs to efficiently prep whole proteins, trim sinew, and  create clean, professional portions for service.

  • Artisan Charcuteries

    Ideal for the delicate work of trimming fat caps and  silverskin from meats before curing, ensuring a premium final product.

  • Culinary Schools

    A fantastic, professional-grade knife for teaching students the fundamentals of butchery with a reliable and  safe tool.

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Experience the difference precision engineering can make. Add the Wüsthof Gourmet Boning Knife 5.5 inch to your toolkit today for faster, cleaner prep work.

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