Read the full comparison for more details: prudentreviews.com/wusthof-classic-vs-wusthof-ikon/ Want to know when Wusthof knives goes on sale? Join our free newsletter to get deal alerts, giveaways, and exclusive content: prudentreviews.com/newsletter/
Folks should really go try the knives they are considering out at a local store, such as Williams Sonoma. My wife and I were all set to purchase a bunch of Classic knives from Wusthof online. We went and tried them out and instantly realized the Classic Ikon was far more comfortable. We also realized that none of the sets really struck the right balance of blades we wanted. Among other things, we ended up getting an 8” chefs, 7” Santoku, and Nakiri. We adore the Nakiri for veggies. The 6” utility knife is more useful than the 4.5” their sets include. And the shorter 3.5” paring knife is also preferred. The 5” Santoku is oddly proportioned. Reviews are great, but you really should try each knife you are considering out.
I have a set of the Classic Ikon. For me the biggest difference was the handle. The little drop at the end of the regular Classic just made my hand feel a bit cramped. The wonderful smooth well of the Classic Ikon fit my handle perfectly. I don't care how well a knife cuts, if it's not comfortable to use you won't enjoy using it long term.
I tried 6” Wusthof Chef knives in store.. the Ikon was much more comfortable and only $30 more. I have used Wusthof Classic knives for about 25 years and honestly you can’t go wrong with either
I've been using a 6" classic knife every day for 20 years and it's still going strong. The balance is really nice and it keeps an edge for a long time.
Thank you for giving us another useful and informative comparison. I own Classic knives from Wüsthof. There's a very good reason why something remains popular enough in the market that it becomes a Classic, that's because they got the design exactly right. If it ain't broke, why change it?
Well we’re all different. I have a small hand, and after years of using the Wusthof Classic chef’s knife, I was handed a Japanese chef’s knife (Global Classic) and it’s a game changer. BTW, American Test Kitchen recommends the very reasonably priced Victorinox.
I have the classic ikon and I love it. Full bolsters are a deal breaker for me, and I have big hands, so the handle fits me well. I got it in 2018 though, when it was $140 and the regular classic was $120. As much as I love the knife, the value proposition of it isn’t really there anymore for $200. If I was in the market for a new knife, I’d be looking into the zwilling pro, they have a version where the blade profile is more similar to the wusthof instead of being swept upwards, and it retails for $40 less thank the classic ikon.
Hand size should be the main decider. The hook end of the classic feels cramped in my hand. I much prefer the ergonomic-open handle design of the Blackwood handle.
Bolster edges are really puzzling. Do the designers not actually use the knives? Takes a lot of skill to grind the bolster edge down smoother without marring the finish.
As a former line cook in a busy kitchen, turning out 80+ covers for dinner service, the real world pros mostly rely on a Victorinox 8” chef’s knife... $40 to $60 depending on handle. Or you can play with fancy toys.
I vote classic. I feel the ikon kind of forces you into a hand position while the classic is more neutral and so better for a wide range of hand positions.
What the h... $200 for the Classic Ikon in the US? That's robbery! They are 120€ in Europe and that's including tax. I bought mine for 70€ on sale. For 200€ you can buy an amazing Japanese knife which cuts like a dream. Under 100€ is right for the Wüsthof as the steel is nothing to write home about and as you say, there are equally good alternatives for much less money. I understand that they can take more punishment than the Japanese knives though.
I HAVE THE 8" IKON WITH THE AFRICAN WOOD HANDLE, AND I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I BOUGHT IT NEW, AND I DIDN'T PAY ANYTHING CLOSE TO $285. I FOUND IT FOR HALF THAT ON E-BAY, ALTHOUGH THAT WAS ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AGO. NO WAY WOULD I PAY THAT MUCH ! YOU JUST HAVE TO SHOP AROUND AND KEEP LOOKING UNTIL SOMETHING REASONABLE COMES UP.
@@Henrythef1rst EXCUSE ME ????? ! HOW DOES MY WRITING STYLE AFFECT YOU PERSONALLY ? DOES IT COST YOU MONEY ? DOES IT HURT YOUR FEELINGS ? WHY IS IT ANY OF YOUR, OR ANYBODY ELSE'S DAMNED BUSINESS IN THE 1ST PLACE ? SINCE I HURT YOUR FRAGILE FEELINGS, AND IT'S NOT MY JOB TO MAKE YOU FEEL WARM AND FUZZY, JUST TAKE A HIKE AND KEEP SCROLLING UNTIL YOU FIND COMMENTS THAT ARE WRITTEN USING BABY LETTERS.
Read the full comparison for more details: prudentreviews.com/wusthof-classic-vs-wusthof-ikon/
Want to know when Wusthof knives goes on sale? Join our free newsletter to get deal alerts, giveaways, and exclusive content: prudentreviews.com/newsletter/
Folks should really go try the knives they are considering out at a local store, such as Williams Sonoma. My wife and I were all set to purchase a bunch of Classic knives from Wusthof online. We went and tried them out and instantly realized the Classic Ikon was far more comfortable. We also realized that none of the sets really struck the right balance of blades we wanted. Among other things, we ended up getting an 8” chefs, 7” Santoku, and Nakiri. We adore the Nakiri for veggies. The 6” utility knife is more useful than the 4.5” their sets include. And the shorter 3.5” paring knife is also preferred. The 5” Santoku is oddly proportioned. Reviews are great, but you really should try each knife you are considering out.
Must be nice to have local knife store.
I have a set of the Classic Ikon. For me the biggest difference was the handle. The little drop at the end of the regular Classic just made my hand feel a bit cramped. The wonderful smooth well of the Classic Ikon fit my handle perfectly. I don't care how well a knife cuts, if it's not comfortable to use you won't enjoy using it long term.
I tried 6” Wusthof Chef knives in store.. the Ikon was much more comfortable and only $30 more. I have used Wusthof Classic knives for about 25 years and honestly you can’t go wrong with either
I've been using a 6" classic knife every day for 20 years and it's still going strong. The balance is really nice and it keeps an edge for a long time.
Great video! I can't tell you how much you've influenced my purchases this year from carbon steel pans to knife choices. Your reviews are awesome!
Thank you! So glad I could help!
Thank you for giving us another useful and informative comparison. I own Classic knives from Wüsthof. There's a very good reason why something remains popular enough in the market that it becomes a Classic, that's because they got the design exactly right. If it ain't broke, why change it?
Well we’re all different. I have a small hand, and after years of using the Wusthof Classic chef’s knife, I was handed a Japanese chef’s knife (Global Classic) and it’s a game changer. BTW, American Test Kitchen recommends the very reasonably priced Victorinox.
A great, straightforward video like always!
Thank you!
I'm looking for a set and this video came out an hour ago... that's good timing lol
If you need help deciding, send me an email: andrew@prudentreviews.com
I have the classic ikon and I love it. Full bolsters are a deal breaker for me, and I have big hands, so the handle fits me well. I got it in 2018 though, when it was $140 and the regular classic was $120. As much as I love the knife, the value proposition of it isn’t really there anymore for $200. If I was in the market for a new knife, I’d be looking into the zwilling pro, they have a version where the blade profile is more similar to the wusthof instead of being swept upwards, and it retails for $40 less thank the classic ikon.
Hand size should be the main decider. The hook end of the classic feels cramped in my hand. I much prefer the ergonomic-open handle design of the Blackwood handle.
Bolster edges are really puzzling. Do the designers not actually use the knives? Takes a lot of skill to grind the bolster edge down smoother without marring the finish.
I've got a Wusthof Classic since I didn't know any better back when I bought it. Personally, I hate the full bolster.
As a former line cook in a busy kitchen, turning out 80+ covers for dinner service, the real world pros mostly rely on a Victorinox 8” chef’s knife... $40 to $60 depending on handle. Or you can play with fancy toys.
I was coming here to say this. I used these knives a few times at work, and hated them. Much preferred the cheapo Victorinox, or Russell.
@@jonlouis2582 I have a couple of Victorinox Fibrox knives and I absolutely love them. They're just perfect and so cheap!
Victorinox at work, Wüsthof at home!
@@clueless4085 Or my handmade Moritaka Hamono 7” bunka.
I vote classic. I feel the ikon kind of forces you into a hand position while the classic is more neutral and so better for a wide range of hand positions.
I prefer the looks of the Ikon, but didn’t like the feel, so I went with the original classic.
❤️
I tested these two knives several years ago, and absolutely could not stand the feel of the Ikon knives. I found them to be very uncomfortable to use.
The balance of the IKON seems off to me.
Ok
Love my Cangshan knives.
What the h... $200 for the Classic Ikon in the US? That's robbery! They are 120€ in Europe and that's including tax. I bought mine for 70€ on sale.
For 200€ you can buy an amazing Japanese knife which cuts like a dream. Under 100€ is right for the Wüsthof as the steel is nothing to write home about and as you say, there are equally good alternatives for much less money. I understand that they can take more punishment than the Japanese knives though.
Me too, bought it for70€
Victorinox mention!
I HAVE THE 8" IKON WITH THE AFRICAN WOOD HANDLE, AND I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I BOUGHT IT NEW, AND I DIDN'T PAY ANYTHING CLOSE TO $285. I FOUND IT FOR HALF THAT ON E-BAY, ALTHOUGH THAT WAS ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AGO. NO WAY WOULD I PAY THAT MUCH ! YOU JUST HAVE TO SHOP AROUND AND KEEP LOOKING UNTIL SOMETHING REASONABLE COMES UP.
WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING??
@@Henrythef1rst EXCUSE ME ????? !
HOW DOES MY WRITING STYLE AFFECT YOU PERSONALLY ? DOES IT COST YOU MONEY ? DOES IT HURT YOUR FEELINGS ? WHY IS IT ANY OF YOUR, OR ANYBODY ELSE'S DAMNED BUSINESS IN THE 1ST PLACE ? SINCE I HURT YOUR FRAGILE FEELINGS, AND IT'S NOT MY JOB TO MAKE YOU FEEL WARM AND FUZZY, JUST TAKE A HIKE AND KEEP SCROLLING UNTIL YOU FIND COMMENTS THAT ARE WRITTEN USING BABY LETTERS.
@@meauxjeaux431 super insightful, no one cares what you think.
The classic looks medieval. The Ikon look’s sexy. It’s easy to sell the Ikon’s to women, they love the grip.
Just get a Winco chef knife....