Wusthof makes decent knives. They are far better than the $15 made in china knives you see hanging at the end of the grocery store aisle. However they are also not the best knives on the market.
One of my biggest complaints with wusthof knives, and basically all german factory made knives is the steel they are made from(most german companies are using the same, or very similar steel). X50crmov15 stainless steel. By today's standards this steel is old technology. It has a low carbon content (.5%) and low amounts of other alloying elements. This translates to lower hardness and edge retention. There are many "modern" stainless steels which would be a huge improvement, 440c for example, which has been around since the 80's. It frustrates me that the german factories are using such outdated steel. That being said, X50crmov15 will hold a decent edge if it is cared for well and not dulled unnecessarily by cutting on hard surfaces etc. it just requires sharpening a little more frequently than a better steel would. Anyway, that was my steel rant.
Steel aside, a chef's knife is one that is used for long periods at a time; this means it needs to fit her hand well. While steel is a very important consideration when buying knives, feel in the hand is equally important (at least for a kitchen knife). If the wusthof classic ikon fits her the best, that would be a good argument to buy it. On the other hand, when held in the pinch grip, most chef's knives will fit the average hand well. Its sometimes just a matter of getting used to a new a handle shape.
My next piece of advice applies to whichever brand you settle on. You said you were looking at a set of knives? How many pieces are in the set? I strongly recommend against buying a large knife set. For the home kitchen, all you really need is three knives. Most important is the 8" chefs, this is used for the majority of all cutting in the kitchen. Next would be a paring knife for small tasks, and the third is a bread knife. Large sets often have a bunch of knives in them which you will never use. Instead of spending a lot of money on a large set, put the same money towards a few knives and buy quality. Spend your money on the 8" chef's and a paring knife, the bread knife need not be an expensive one.
In short: Buy quality not quantity. Try many knives before settling on a particular model, as a quality knife will last a very long time when properly cared for. Look for a knife made from a good steel. Buy a knife that fits her hand well.
hope that helps and wasn't to much information!
-mike
North Arm Knives
