Wusthof Classic Vs Wusthof Ikon: What Are The Differences
Wusthof is one of the top kitchen knife brands in the world known for its superior quality, performance, and durability.
They have several different kitchen knife lines to choose from, including their best selling line, the Classic, and their most elegant line that they refer to as The Jewel of Our Collection, the Ikon.
The key difference between Classic and Ikon knives is that Classic handles are made of a durable synthetic material and have a distinct curve at the butt end, while Ikon handles are made of African Blackwood and have smoother curves. On average, Ikon knives are 40% more expensive than Classic.
Thats the 5-second comparison, but theres much more to know before you decide which collection to buy.
In this article, I provide an in-depth comparison of Wusthof Classic vs. Wusthof Ikon kitchen knives and cover all aspects of each line, including:
- Materials
Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose
The three main differences between the Wusthof Classic, Ikon, and Classic Ikon lines are material, design, and price. To decide which line is best for you, you need to consider each of these differences carefully and prioritize the ones that matter most to you.
Wusthof Ikon handles are made of a beautiful natural wood that requires a little bit of extra care, but it adds an elegance that Classic and Classic Ikon knives lack.
Wusthof Classic handles have flat sides and a distinct curve near the butt end of the handle. Wusthof Ikon and Classic Ikon handles are more rounded and have smoother curves.
Wusthof Classic knives have a full bolster while the Ikon and Classic Ikon have a half bolster between the blade and handle and another bolster at the butt end of their handle.
Both designs are undoubtedly beautiful, but the best one for you is a matter of personal preference. Its tough to decide by looking at pictures, so I highly recommend ordering one knife and testing it out before committing to an entire set.
Lastly, Wusthof Ikon knives are significantly more expensive than Wusthof Classic knives. If youre in love with the shape and design of Ikon and are okay with a black synthetic handle, Classic Ikon is a great option that wont break the bank.
If youre still not sure which ones are best for you, Classic, Ikon, and Classic Ikon are available on Amazon, where you can learn more and read hundreds of reviews.
Classic Vs Ikon: What Are Their Similarities
As I mentioned in the beginning, Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon knives are more similar than they are different.
They are both manufactured the same way using the same material for their blades. They are sharpened to the same degree, and the metal of their blades have the same hardness. Lastly, they come with the same limited lifetime warranty that is standard across all Wusthof forged knives.
In the following sections, I provide more detail on these similarities so you can learn even more about Wusthof knives before investing in a set.
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How They Are Made
Wusthof has been in business perfecting their craft of knife making in Solingen, Germany since 1814. Over the years, theyve advanced the tools, technology, and process but still rely on over 300 highly skilled craftsmen to consistently produce a superior level of quality with every knife.
Wusthof has five lines of forged knives, including the Classic and Ikon, which go through a40-step process in which they are heat-molded from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel. This process results in the highest level of quality, durability, and performance. The manufacturing process for Classic and Ikon knives is the same.
Check out this video to learn more about Wusthofs manufacturing process.
Wusthof also makes two lines of stamped knives, the Gourmet and Pro, that are laser cut out of a large sheet of steel. Producing stamped knives requires fewer steps and results in a lower cost but a less durable knife. If the prices of Classic and Ikon forged knives give you sticker shock, you can learn more about Wusthofs less expensive stamped knives in our recent article:Wusthof Classic vs. Gourmet.
Wusthof Classic Vs Wusthof Ikon: Quick Summary
If you only have a minute, heres what you need to know about Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon knives.
The fact is, the Classic and Ikon knife lines are more similar than they are different.
From a performance perspective, they are virtually the same.
Their blades are both forged out of a single piece of high carbon stainless steel at a hardness level of 58 on the Rockwell Scale.
Their edges are sharpened at the same 28-degree angle using Wusthofs proprietary PETec technology.
Lastly, both come with a limited lifetime warranty that protects you against defects in material or craftsmanship.
The most significant differences between Wusthof Classic and Wusthof Ikon knives are the material of their handles, their design, and their price.
Wusthof Classic knives feature a distinct triple-riveted handle made from a dense synthetic material called Polyoxymethylene . POM is super durable and resistant to fading and discoloration.
The Classic handles have a fully exposed tang and a full bolster that add weight and balance. They are also curved at the butt end to prevent your hand from slipping.
Wusthof Ikon knives feature a beautifully contoured handle made out of African Blackwood . African Blackwood is an excellent material for knife handles because its incredibly stable, hard, and heavy. This gorgeous and natural material wont expand or contract but is more susceptible to scratches compared to POM.
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