Craftsman vs Classic: Which Hollow Edge Knife to Choose

Quick answer

If you want the sharpest edge and longest-lasting performance for heavy farm-to-table prep, choose the Classic Ikon Craftsman. If you prefer a classic handle and a slightly lower price without sacrificing the hybrid design, the Classic Craftsman is your knife.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Classic Ikon Craftsman: Best for cooks who want the sharpest possible edge and longest edge retention. The contoured handle and premium PEtec technology deliver top-tier performance for farm-to-table prep.
• Classic Craftsman: Ideal for cooks who prefer a traditional handle shape and a lower price. You still get the same hybrid design and PEtec sharpness, but with a classic feel and a $11.50 savings.
• Which to choose?: If you prioritize maximum sharpness and edge life, go Classic Ikon. If you value a classic handle and a slightly lower cost, go Classic. Both are excellent hybrid knives. Consider your handle preference and budget as the deciding factors.

Product facts

• Classic Ikon 7" Hollow Edge Craftsman: The WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon Craftsman is a versatile kitchen knife, expertly designed for farm-to-table cooking by combining the best features of a chef's, boning, and slicing knife. Forged from high-carbon, stain-free steel, its blade boasts 20% greater sharpness and twice the edge retention thanks to proprietary PEtec technology. This means you get a noticeably sharper edge that stays sharp longer, reducing the need for frequent honing during heavy prep.

  

• Classic 7" Hollow Edge Craftsman: Inspired by farm-to-table cooking, the Craftsman is a hybrid design combining the features of a chef's knife, curved boning knife, and slicing knife. Forged from a single piece of high-carbon, stain-free steel, its blade is sharpened by WÜSTHOF's proprietary PEtec technology, which ensures a 20% sharper blade with twice the edge retention. You get the same core PEtec sharpness and hybrid versatility at a lower price point, making it an excellent value for everyday cooks.

  

Which knife fits you?

Best for

• Cooks who want the sharpest edge and longest edge retention for heavy farm-to-table prep
• Users who prefer an ergonomic, contoured handle

Not for

• Cooks who prefer a traditional straight-edged handle and want to save money
• Those who need a dedicated chef's knife without a clip-point tip