Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
by Wusthof
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: WusthofBrand: Wüsthof
Model: 4086-7/9-PARENT
Product features:
- Comforatable partial bolster give protect while allowing you to sharpen the entire blade
- Contured handles fit nicely in your hand for a comfortable secure grip
- High carbon German no stain steel
- Compound tapered blade is laser tested for sharpness and the correct cutting angle
- Made in The Cutlery Capital of the World Solingen Germany
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
Customer Review: Good Quality
Summary: 4 Stars
I own a Ikon Blackwood paring knife equivalent of this knife (Wusthof Ikon 3-1/2-Inch Paring Knife, Blackwood). Ikon Blackwood and Ikon Classic series are essentially the same, except for the handle. Ikon Blackwood handles are made of Grenadill wood, wheras Classic Ikon handles are made from hard plastic. As such, I like to share my experience with a knife very similar to this Classic Ikon paring knife.
In short summary,
Pros: Decent stainless steel grade, excellent reduced bolster design, excellent ergonomic handle, good weight, an overall attractive knife
Cons: Not inexpensive, the knife balance may shift too much to the handle for a paring knife.
The two Ikon lines are forged knives made with a good quality steel blade, an ergonomic handle, a full tang, a reduced (heel-less) front bolster and an additional bolster at the end of the handle butt. Despite the marketing statements claiming it is a high carbon stainless steel knife, it isn't "high-high". X50CrMoV15 is the stainless steel grade here, so it has 0.5% carbon and that is not considered high by today standard. In contrast, VG-10 (used in Shun Classic knives and Shun Pro knives) has 0.95%-1.0% carbon and SG-2 (used in Shun Elite) has 1.25-1.45% carbon. Nonetheless, X50CrMoV15 makes a tough knife with good corrosion resistant. In other words, the edge rolls easily compared to most Japanese knives, but this steel has good resistance against chipping and rusting.
What I really appreciate about the Ikon line is its reduced bolster. The traditional full bolster which extends the entire knife heel makes sharpening difficult. Ikon solves this problem nicely by reducing the bolster. The knife edge is fairly sharp out-of-the-box compared to other knives, but it could have taken a more acute edge. I further sharpened it on diamond stone and then on Japanese waterstones. I can vouch from my experience that the reduced bolster has made the knife much easier to sharpen. The ergonomic handle is truly ergonomic as it claims. It fits my hand nicely. The second bolster on the back of the handle shifts the center of gravity significantly toward the handle. It probably works better for blade-heavy knives, like a Chef's knife, but for a small blade paring knife, I feel it may have shifted the weight slightly much toward the handle. Still, it is not too bad and I can certainly adapt to. I think if you are looking for a very sharp, thin and nimble paring knife, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for an attractive paring knife with good ergonomic handle, decent weight and good corrosion resistance, then this Ikron Classic should be up for consideration.
Description of Wusthof Classic Ikon Paring Knife
The paring knife is one of the most widely used tools in the kitchen. Its versitily of uses is a mainstay in any kitchen a quality parer like the Classic Ikon is a real pleasure for your small cutting needs. Wusthof Classic Ikon is culmination of all the best features of each of the Wusthof knife lines. The combined riveted handle design is combined with a contoured shape to add comfort and control. The Classic Ikon adds a rear bolster that acts as a counter balance when using the knife. This second bolster adds significant blade control. Classic Ikon has a unique forward bolster as well. The forward partial bolster is designed so you can sharpen the complete length of the blade. This bolster is also curvered inwards to allow your fingers greater control while holding the knife by the blade. Located in The Cutlery Capital of the World, Solingen Germany, the Wusthof factory history goes back as far as 1814 when the company was listed with the Duchy of Berg. To this day, the company remains family owned. Throughout it?s history, Wusthof has focused almost solely on the manufacturing of forged knives for the professional chef and home cooking enthusiast. Wusthof uses a special blend of German steel through out the whole length of the knife. The ingredients of this steel are proudly etched on each blade. Wusthof not only uses the best materials to make a fine knife, but it is also crucial that each blade is precisely tempered. This tempering allows the knife to hold its edge for an extremely long time, yet still be able to be maintained in your home kitchen with out the need to be sent away for maintenance. Our unique compound angle is not seen in many knives. This angle tapers from the spine of the knife to the edge to allow for a sturdy, yet extremely sharp edge while it also tapers from the bolster to the tip to give the knife strength as well as flexibility.Paring Knives
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