Classic Ikon 5" Hollow Edge Santoku
Best versatile blade for home cooks seeking precision and effortless slicing.
The WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon 5" Hollow Edge Santoku is a highly versatile knife, akin to a chef's knife in European kitchens, but with an Asian influence. It excels at mincing and chopping herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and is also adept at preparing fish and meat. Its sharp blade allows for cuts ranging from regular to exceptionally thin, making it an indispensable tool for any kitchen worldwide. Crafted with precision in Solingen, Germany, this knife combines ergonomic design with superior WÜSTHOF steel for lasting performance and reliability.
$170.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
578
/ 5037
#578 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Handle Length
4.2
/ in
Who it's for
- Home cooks needing one versatile tool for daily meal prep
- Culinary enthusiasts prioritizing long-term durability and edge retention
- Chefs seeking ergonomic comfort during lengthy kitchen sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level kitchen gear
- Cooks frequently processing large vegetables or substantial meat cuts
- Busy individuals preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe cutlery
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
PEtec technology ensures the blade stays razor-sharp through heavy daily use.
Ergonomic Balance
The contoured handle provides a secure, fatigue-free grip for extended prep.
Slicing Efficiency
Hollow edge indentations effectively prevent food from sticking during rapid chopping.
Build Durability
Forged German steel construction offers exceptional resilience against chips and corrosion.
Versatility
Handles everything from delicate herbs to dense vegetables with effortless precision.
Maintenance Ease
High-quality steel resists rust, though hand-washing is required for longevity.
Key Specs
Handle Length
4.2 in
Production Method
Forged
Rockwell hardness
58 HRC
Country of Origin
Germany
Blade Length
5.5 in
Blade Width
1.6 in
Cutlery Type
Santoku
Series
Classic Ikon
Features
- Highly versatile for mincing, chopping, and preparing various ingredients.
- Sharp blade capable of regular to wafer-thin cuts.
- Ergonomically designed handle for a perfect fit in the hand.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant WÜSTHOF steel.
- Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) for 20% sharper blades and twice the edge retention.
- Hand-finished in Solingen, Germany, with over 200 years of expertise.
- Exceptional rust resistance for long-lasting beauty.
- Stays sharper twice as long as ordinary knives.
- Versatile Santoku knife for various kitchen tasks.
- Hollow edge for reduced friction and easier slicing.
- Forged construction for superior durability and balance.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Wüsthof Classic Ikon 5 inch Hollow Edge Santoku for its exceptional quality and superior comfort. Reviewers frequently highlight the knife's impressive sharpness and its ability to maintain a keen edge over time, reflecting Wüsthof's renowned craftsmanship. The ergonomic design of the handle receives widespread acclaim, making the knife feel perfectly balanced and comfortable even during prolonged use. This combination of robust build and user friendly design makes it a highly valued tool in the kitchen.
Know before you buy
The hollow edge features small indentations along the blade that create tiny air pockets between the knife and the food. This significantly reduces friction, preventing ingredients like potatoes or cucumbers from sticking to the blade while you slice.
The Santoku has a shorter, flatter blade profile that is better suited for precise chopping and mincing rather than the rocking motion used with a curved chef's knife. Its 5.5-inch length makes it more maneuverable for smaller tasks and users who prefer a lighter, more compact tool.
Wüsthof’s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) uses a laser-guided process to sharpen the blade to a precise angle. This results in a blade that is 20% sharper out of the box and maintains its edge twice as long as knives sharpened with traditional methods.
Yes, the Classic Ikon series is known for its ergonomic handle design, which is contoured to fit naturally in the palm. With a handle length of 4.2 inches, it provides a secure, balanced grip that works well for a wide range of hand sizes.
Forged construction means the knife is crafted from a single piece of steel, which provides superior weight distribution and balance. This makes the knife feel more stable and durable in your hand, especially when performing repetitive tasks like chopping vegetables.
To keep the blade performing at its best, we recommend using a honing steel regularly to realign the edge. For long-term maintenance, have the knife professionally sharpened or use a high-quality sharpening stone once or twice a year.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.