The Difference Between WÜSTHOF Classic & WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon Knives

WÜSTHOF Classic vs. WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon: What's the Difference?

Based in Solingen, Germany since 1814, WÜSTHOF is recognised by chefs and home cooks around the world for their high-quality, hard-working, and long-lasting kitchen knives. They’ve been a firm favourite of the BK team since day one, especially for tougher jobs like breaking down a chicken or cutting a butternut squash in half – though they are just as useful for tasks as simple as slicing an avocado or chopping herbs. Simply put, a WÜSTHOF knife – especially a versatile shape like a chef’s knife or santoku – is an essential tool for any home cook who is serious about cooking. In fact, many WÜSTHOF fans say it was the knife (or knife set) they got once they were ready to step up their skills.

While WÜSTHOF offers many different ranges of knives, we have two firm favourites: the Classic and Classic Ikon ranges. Let’s start with their similarities.

WÜSTHOF Classic & WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon Similarities

Both WÜSTHOF Classic and WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives are fully forged stainless steel knives, meaning they are made from a single piece of metal from base to tip. This makes them stronger and more durable than knives that are stamped, and the stainless steel construction makes the blade virtually impossible to chip. While fully forged knives like the Classic and Classic Ikon ranges tend to be heavier than stamped knives, they are manufactured in a way that allows for excellent balance and weight distribution. Most importantly, they are extremely durable – able to withstand heavy daily use, in home and restaurant kitchens alike.

There is no difference between the blades on WÜSTHOF Classic and WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives, which are both laser-cut with Precision Edge Technology (PEtec). While their handles differ in shape, they are both made from the same material, called polyoxymethylene. This is a type of resin specially engineered for long-lasting kitchen knives. They will not fade, warp, or crack, like wooden handles are prone to do.

What Is PEtec Technology?

WÜSTHOF Classic and WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives undergo a proprietary, state-of-the-art technology called PEtec – it’s a sort of ‘secret recipe’ WÜSTHOF applies to their forged blades. This laser-guided process makes WÜSTHOF Classic and WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon blades 20% sharper than non-PEtec blades; it also gives them twice the edge retention.

Where the WÜSTHOF Classic and Classic Ikon ranges differ are the bolster and the handle.

WÜSTHOF Classic: Full Bolster & Traditional Handle

The bolster of a knife is the thick metal part that separates the blade from the handle. They protect your fingers from the sharp blade, as well as contribute to the overall balance of a knife. WÜSTHOF Classic knives have a full bolster, while WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives have a half bolster.

A full bolster extends from the back of the blade to the bottom edge, covering the entire ‘heel’ of the knife. This provides a sort of metal cushion that keeps your fingers free of any sharp edges as you grip the knife when chopping.

Pros: Extra safety and comfort, especially when using the ‘pinch grip’ cutting technique.
Cons: Less durability, as the bolster prevents you from sharpening the full edge of the blade. Over time, the edge of the knife will become more noticeably uneven. The full bolster also centres the weight in the middle of the blade, which can make the blade feel slightly heavier.

The WÜSTHOF Classic’s traditional handle shape is ergonomic, with a curved bottom. This ‘contains’ the hand within the handle. You’ll notice a similar shape in countless Western-style knives – it is a classic, tried-and-true shape.

Pros: Classic, timeless aesthetic. The curve makes the hand feel more contained, which some find more comfortable.
Cons: Edges are more squared and angular, which some find uncomfortable.

WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon: Half Bolster & Unique Handle

WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives have half bolsters that cover only part of the blade's heel, offering some protection while making it easier to sharpen the entire blade. It also tends to make the knife lighter and more agile. The half bolster does not affect the balance of the knife, as there is additional metal at the end of the blade – the other half of the bolster, you could say – that evens the weight out.

Pros: More durability, as it allows you to sharpen the entire length of the blade. This prevents the edge from becoming uneven over time. The splitting of the bolster makes the knife feel more agile and responsive.

Cons: Since there is less cushioning, many cooks find the half bolster less comfortable to grip. There is also a higher chance of fingers coming in contact with the sharp edge of the blade, if not careful.

While WÜSTHOF Classic knives have traditional handle shapes, WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives have handles that are unique to this range. Like the original, it is ergonomic, but does not have the curved bottom that ensconces the hand.

Pros: Softer, rounded shape, which some find more comfortable (especially if using the knife for long periods of time, i.e. in professional kitchens).
Cons: Some cooks prefer the weight of the knife being at the centre of the knife (rather than having the weight split between half bolsters), as it makes chopping feel more controlled (as opposed to lighter and more agile).

Verdict

WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives have slightly more bells and whistles than WÜSTHOF Classic knives, especially in terms of the longer cutting edge and durability of these knives. The knives also feel more agile due to the weight of the bolster split between the centre and the bottom of the knife.

However, WÜSTHOF Classic knives are less expensive, and still an excellent product with the same high-quality blade, balanced (if slightly heavier) weight, and comfortable handle. There is a reason this shape has stood the test of time – the design is perfect in its simplicity.

Some find WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon knives more comfortable, but the same is true of WÜSTHOF Classic knives – it comes down to personal preference. If you live in London or are visiting the city, stop by one of our London stores and let our staff know you want to try using a WÜSTHOF knife. We always keep some carrots on hand so you can test out different knives to see which one is right for you.