About Wusthof
Wusthof is without a doubt one of the world's leading knife brands. Handcrafted in Solingen, Germany, Wusthof is world-renowned for crafting razor-sharp and durable knives with superior edge retention.
All Wusthof knives undergo a complex 40-step knife production process to ensure each knife has superior durability, performance, and is well-balanced. Wusthof knives are made from the same X50CrMoV15 steel, a mixture of chrome, vanadium, molybdenum, and stainless steel. The Wusthof steel is forged for professional and home cooks alike, offering quality knives that are corrosion-resistant, easy to sharpen, and won't wear or tear easily.
When shopping for Wusthof Knives, many customers like yourself may stop and consider which range you should invest in. There are two core ranges for Wusthof — the Wusthof Classic and the Wusthof Ikon. Both of these popular knife ranges have stood the test of time and are often seen in the hands of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. But, what makes these two popular knife series stand out from the rest and what sets them apart from each other? Here we break down the differences so you can have a better understanding between the two.
What's the difference between the Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon?
Design, Bolster, Handle, and Price
The main difference between the Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon Knives lies in the knives' triple-riveted handle.
The Wusthof Classic handles are made using a durable synthetic material called Polyoxymethylene (POM) and have a distinct curve at the end. POM is highly durable, has outstanding wear resistance and is resistant to discolouration. The full bolster offers heft and balance for effortless cutting. The Classic also features Wusthof's embedded logo that symbolises its proud heritage and fine quality.
Meanwhile, the Wusthof Ikon handles are made from sustainably grown African Blackwood material and feature a double bolster styling. Just imagine one bolster below the blade and one bolster at the bottom of the handle. The benefit of a double bolster is that you can sharpen the edge all the way to the end with ease. The second bolster also provides added balance at the back of the knife so you can comfortably slice, cut and dice.
These small changes also create a different feel when using the knife and carry a significant factor in why the Wusthof Ikon retails at a premium price compared to the Wusthof Classic.
What's similar between the Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon?
Material, Tang, Performance, and Edge Retention
Both the Classic and Ikon blades are forged out of a single piece of high carbon stainless steel that is hardened to 58 Rockwell for enhanced durability, performance, and edge retention. Both knife ranges are hand finished and sharpened at the same 28-degree angle using Wusthof’s proprietary PEtec technology. PEtec uses laser-guided precision to enable knives to be 20% sharper with twice the edge retention compared to regular kitchen knives.
Apart from the knives' edge and performance, both the Classic and Ikon also have a full tang. A full tang offers a better balance and leverage, allowing you to slice and cut through hard ingredients. If you use your kitchen knife often, we'd highly recommend a full tang knife.
What is the difference between the Wusthof Classic Ikon, the Classic, and the Ikon?
Apart from Wusthof's Classic and Ikon ranges, the brand also has the Wusthof Classic Ikon range. The Classic Ikon is a hybrid of both the Classic and Ikon ranges. This line features the same type of handle material as the Classic but with a distinct, double-bolster design like the Ikon. The Classic Ikon range costs slightly higher than the Classic range, but is cheaper than the Ikon. It combines the sleek, sophisticated elegance of the Ikon with the Classic skin so you get the best of both worlds.
Which Wusthof range should I purchase?
It ultimately comes down to the design and price point. The Wusthof Classic is good enough to satisfy all professional chefs and home cooks. If you love the Classic but want the combination of beauty, design and ergonomic comfort, the Wusthof Classic Ikon will be your best choice.
But, if you prefer something more sophisticated or want to add a little luxury feel to the kitchen, go for the Wusthof Ikon.
Once you have decided whether you want to purchase the Wusthof Classic or Wusthof Classic Ikon knives, the next question is which knife shapes you should invest in. Often, the easy answer is to invest in a knife block. However, for many customers, only 3-4 knives is needed.
In such cases, we'd recommend selecting your knife range from the three most popular knife shapes in the Australian kitchen: Chefs Knife (20cm), Bread Knife (23cm), and Paring Knife (9cm). Additional knife shapes commonly purchased are also the Santoku Knife (17cm), and the Utility Knife (12cm).
In general, the most important knife to start is a Chefs Knife, which is also known as the all-purpose knife for all your general food prep in the kitchen. Anything after depends on your cooking preferences.
Next Read: 8 Universal Knife Block Sets That Will Last You a Lifetime
