Considering Wusthof for new kitchen knives? You’ve already picked wisely. But should you get Classic, Ikon, or Gourmet Wusthof knives?
Wusthof is a top kitchen knife brand known for its high quality, performance, and durability. There are different kitchen knife lines to pick from, including the Classic, their best-selling line.
I’ve already reviewed one of the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set. Check it out too!
Now to help you, I’ve reviewed and included the things you should know before buying one to help you decide which one is best for you!
A Quick Summary Of WÜSTHOF Classic vs Ikon vs Gourmet
If you don’t have much time and want a fast summary of Wusthof’s three knife lines, I’ve got you covered!
So, the classic line consists entirely of knives with a classic design. It is Wusthof’s most famous line. The handles are triple-riveted polyoxymethylene that looks and feels like natural wood. It also has full-size bolsters for further protection.
The Wusthof Ikon knives have a beautifully curved African Blackwood handle. The handles have a softer curve than the Classic line. It features a fully exposed tang, but instead of a full bolster, it has two half-bolsters, one where the blade and handle meet and the other covering the handle’s butt end.
The Gourmet line of Wusthof knives is more affordable than the Classic line. It is a laser-cut, stamped, high-quality carbon stainless steel tempered. These stamped knives are not forged.
Wusthof knives comparison Chart
The Wusthof Classic
The most popular Wusthof line is the Classic. According to Wusthof, the Classic knives go through a 40-step process before reaching the retail shelves.
The materials are steel, carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. Hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance are all prioritized in the composition.
The handles are composed of polyoxymethylene, a highly durable synthetic material.
Wusthof Classic knives are unmatched when it comes to kitchen performance. They’re the kind of knives you’ll want to use daily. They’re stylish, comfy, long-lasting, and easy to clean.
Wusthof doesn’t make it easy for indecisive people. You can choose from 37 sets ranging from 2 to 36 pieces and over 70 individual knives in the Classic series.
According to the most common complaints, they’re pricey, dull quickly, and hefty, and the red Wusthof logo pulls off the handle.
The Wusthof Ikon
If you’re searching for a high-end gift for someone special, the Wusthof Ikon is a great option! The Ikon is called “The Jewel of Our Collection” by Wusthof.
The African Blackwood handle on Wusthof Ikon knives is beautifully carved. This natural material does not expand or shrink, although it is more prone to scratches than POM.
The half bolster on Wusthof Ikon blades adds less weight while protecting your palm from slipping. It also gives you the option of sharpening the edge from the blade’s tip to the heel.
If you opt for Wusthof Ikon, there are 16 different knives and four knife sets in the Ikon line. A 4-piece steak knife set, a 5-piece studio block set, a 7-piece block set, and a 9-piece block set are available items.
The main downside of the Ikon series is that it is more expensive than the Classic line because of its natural wood handles.
The Wusthof Gourmet
Finally, among the “affordable Wusthof knives,” the most popular Gourmet Line. It is far less expensive than the Classic line, making it ideal for the beginning home cook.
The Gourmet line features the same high-carbon stainless steel blade material and ergonomic handle design, but at a much lower price.
It’s affordable because it’s a laser-cut stamped blade, which is lighter-weight and thinner than a forged knife, which is considerably stronger and heavier.
The handles are made of polyoxymethylene or POM. Wusthof Gourmet knives offer a full-tang design with a synthetic handle for comfort and control.
This line of knives comes in 39 different sets, from the 2-Piece Mini Asian Set to the 36-Piece Mega Block Set. The Gourmet line has 37 knife sets. They range from the 2-Piece Cook’s Set to the 36-Piece Mega Block Set, and each one has a different number of knives.
It has laser-sharp blades built to last, but because the blades are stamped, they aren’t sharp, thick, heavy, or durable like the Classic line.
Check out the video below!
Buying Guide
Choosing the right Wusthof knife is not easy with a lot of choices to choose from. So, if you want to buy one, you may want to consider this guide.
Forged or Stamped
A 40-step process makes the Wusthof’s forged knives begin with a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel heat-molded.
Wusthof uses the forging process to make a steel bolster, a thick lip that connects the blade and handles.
While the 14-step process makes the stamped knives, they are made out of a big metal sheet.
Stamped knives are lighter in weight and not as good as knives that aren’t stamped. However, they are much cheaper because they go through fewer steps in the manufacturing process.
Bolsters
A bolster makes the knife more durable, strengthens it, and makes it easier to balance.
Knives with full bolsters extend to the bottom of the knife. A protective shield is a feature on a larger full bolster that you may use to prevent contact with the knife blade while in use.
Some knives have a half-bolster that allows full use of the cutting edge when chopping. Compared to sharpening a full bolster, a half bolster makes it easier to sharpen the blade.
Price
Before purchasing a knife, it is essential to consider the price. Wusthof has a large selection of knife lines to choose from.
You have the option of choosing between a budget-friendly knife series and premium knives. It all depends on your financial situation.
people also ask
Can you clean Wusthof knives in a dishwasher?
Wash your Wusthof knives by hand in hot, soapy water using a sponge. Putting your Wusthof knives in the dishwasher is not recommended.
How often should Wusthof knives be honed?
Depending on how often you use them, sharpening your knives may be necessary only once every few months. Additionally, I advise getting your knives professionally sharpened every one to two years.
Why are my WÜSTHOF knives getting rusty?
Knives can harm the cutlery basket’s plastic coating due to their sharp blades. This can cause rust to start to form. Leave them in the dishwasher with remnants of food (spices, sauces, juices), and the blades may be damaged. There can be spots, and the blades can even get rust. Wash them right away to avoid this.
Conclusion
To choose which line is best for you, carefully consider each difference and prioritize the most important ones for you.
Wusthof created the Classic series for dedicated home cooks and professional chefs who are ready to pay a premium for the best-performing knives on the market.
Wusthof built the Gourmet line for home cooks looking for Wusthof quality and performance without the high price tag of the Classic and Ikon lines.
While the Wusthof Ikon series is the most expensive of the three. It has a lovely shape and design that gives it a classy look among the three.
However, regardless of which line you choose, it is essential to store and sharpen them properly. Also, please take a look at our related articles!
So, which line do you think is the best for you? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
