Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Piece Knife Set with Block, Black

by Wüsthof

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

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 16 inches ; 8.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001817BWU
• Item model number: 9210
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,796 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

The Classic Ikon 10-piece block set includes 3-1/2-inch parer, 4-1/2-inch utility, 5-inch serrated utility,6-inch sandwich knife,8-inch carving knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch cooks knife, 10-inch steel, kitchen shears and a 17 slot storage block, Wusthof Classic Ikon is a 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Knife Set, November 24, 2009

By 

Creb (Aurora, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Piece Knife Set with Block, Black (Kitchen)

I just purchased this set of 10 Wusthof Ikon Classic Knives, primarily for my wife but also for myself as I have started doing more cooking and frequently serve as my wife's sous-chef. If you are in the market for a set of high quality knives you may ultimately make a different choice. However, I would recommend that you follow a process similar to the one I will describe here.

First, I went on-line and researched high quality knives. I read reviews, by both professionals and consumers, and made notes and comparisons. This resulted in the identification of the following brands of high quality kitchen knives that are readily available to American consumers: Japanese Knives: Shun and Global. The two high quality German Knife brands are Henckel and Wusthof.

The second step in the process was to go to local stores, in our case William Sonoma and Sur La Table, to see the knives in person. This is a critical point and, whatever else you do, should not be skipped. Based on the look and feel of the knives, my wife liked the Wusthof Ikon Classic and Blackwood the best. Further, based on our needs and the range of knives in the various sets, we decided on a 10 piece set. We also ruled out the Blackwood series because of price - we just didn't feel there was sufficient added value for the significant increase in cost over the Ikon Classic Series.

Finally, back to the computer. When making price comparisons, it is important to note that one 10 piece set may be different from another 10 piece set by the same manufacturer and the same series. Be sure to look at the actual knives in each set so that you are comparing apples to apples. The two sites that I found most helpful, and made it into our final decision, was Amazon and Cutlery and More. We considered building our own set by purchasing individual knives but ruled this out when we did a price comparison. Regarding the set we are discussion, it sells for $600.00 but to purchase the same set through a collection of individual pieces would cost $865.00. The cost savings available through a set purchase can be substantial.

After deciding on the Wusthof Ikon Classic 10 piece set I actually went back to our William Sonoma store to purchase it. The reason I was willing to pay the tax (the only difference in cost) was that I wanted my wife to have the set for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, their 10 piece set contained only two eight inch knives where the on-line sets included three.

So the final decision came down to the set at Amazon or the set at Cutlery and More. They were very similar but not identical. My wife said either set would be fine. I chose to purchase through Amazon because I have had very good experiences in buying from them. I have never had a problem with Amazon and just did not want to risk trying a different vendor with such a substantial purchase. I also purchased the Wusthof Ikon knife sharpener ($50). It was a little more expensive than the Wusthof Hand Held Knife Sharpener, but uses diamond sharpening rods that I thought were worth the extra cost.

Now, to the knives. They are fabulous. They are razor sharp, perfectly balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and feel like an extension of your hand when you cut with them. The hardwood block is simple and elegant. Most importantly, my wife loves them and they arrived in time for Thanksgiving! I highly recommend these knives to anyone seeking a high quality knife set.