A true chef"s companion, this versatile 9-inch cook"s knife by Wusthof works well for a variety of food-prep tasks. Use it for chopping carrots and onions to throw into a stew, for slicing summer-ripe fruit to add to a salad, for mincing fresh herbs from the garden, and more. The everyday knife, which measures approximately 13 by 3 by 1 inches, makes easy work of chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing a wide array of ingredients. As part of the Wusthof Ikon collection, the knife comes precision forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel to ensure outstanding strength and balance. Laser tested for accuracy, the unique, compound angle of the blade tapers from the spine of the knife to the edge to create a sturdy, yet extremely sharp cutting surface. It also tapers from the bolster to the tip to give the knife enhanced strength and flexibility. Even more, Wusthof knives offer sharp, precisely tempered blades that allow the knife to hold its edge for an extremely long time (while still being easy to maintain). Another thoughtful detail includes the full-tang handle, which comes riveted for strength; ergonomically designed for a secure, comfortable grip; and handcrafted from African Grenadill wood (African Blackwood)--one of the hardest types of wood, which expands and contracts less than most traditional woods. Ikon knives also feature a rear bolster that acts as a counter balance during use for added control, as well as a forward bolster that makes it possible to sharpen the complete length of the blade. Made in Solingen Germany, "The Cutlery Capital of the World", Wusthof knives carry a limited lifetime warranty and should be hand washed for best results. From the Manufacturer In the culinary world variety and preparing something outstanding is the key to success. Due to this, Wusthof offers more than 350 different kinds of knives to be able to provide the perfect knife for everyone. No matter which kind of blade and handle shape you are thinking of--Wusthof has the right knife for all your needs. Ikon knives come with unique wooden handles. View larger. The most important features of a high-value forged Wusthof knife: Exceptionally sharp Long-lasting cutting edge High stain resistance Easily restorable edge Ikon Cutlery The jewels of our collection. The dark brown hues with distinctive wood grain markings make every knife unique. Key Features: Forged from one piece of specially tempered high-carbon steel to ensure outstanding strength Handle made of Grenadill wood (African Blackwood)--one of the hardest types of wood in the world; all farming limited to a small quantity and government-controlled Special alloyed, stainless steel Extraordinary sharpness which is easy to maintain Seamless, hygienic fit of the comfortable handle Triple-riveted handle shells; full-tang handle Perfectly balanced for effortless cutting Specially designed bolster Wusthof"s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) creates an extraordinarily sharp blade that retains its edge 30% longer For professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts Guaranteed against material and manufacturing defects Made in Solingen, Germany Not dishwasher-safe Details of a Forged Wusthof Knife PEtec--Precision-Edge Technology New Wusthof technology offers superior sharpness! The latest cutting performance tests carried out by the FGW (Forschungsgemeinschaft Werkzeuge und Werkstoffe e.V., a German research association for tools and materials based in Remscheid) confirm that Wusthof forged knives offer the best quality when compared to other well-known, single-layer brands. The extensive tests were carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8442-5. Wusthof knives have a considerably higher ICP (Initial Cutting Performance) and maintain this performance for an extremely long time (TCC = Total Card Cut). When compared with the winners in the "cook"s knife" category awarded by German consumer organization "Stiftung Warentest" in its 1st edition of 2008, forged Wusthof knives featuring the new PEtec technology produce a result which is about 20% higher. The Technology: Blades are measured by a laser before sharpening Computer programs calculate precise sharpening angle for each blade Knives are then sharpened on a whetstone using precision robots Knives are given a final polish using a special disc The Benefits: Extremely high initial cutting performance Exceptionally long edge retention / long service life of blade Optimum cutting edge along the entire length of the blade Unique, consistently high and reproducible quality PEtec from Wusthof--superior sharpness for professional and home cooks. How Wusthof Knives are Made Wusthof knives are known for their outstanding sharpness. By honing and sharpening the knives yourself you can maintain this feeling for a lifetime of use. The evolution of a precision forged knife Over 40 different manufacturing steps are needed to produce a forged Wusthof knife from one solid piece of steel. Here you will find a detailed explanation of some of the most important production steps. 1. Sheet bar of high-carbon no-stain steel 2. Precision forged piece 3. Tempered to 58-degree Rockwell 4. Polished 5. Scales of handles and rivets 6. The Wusthof Cook"s knife Types of Blades The Right Blade for Every Purpose The edge is the business end of a knife. It is skillfully honed by hand and incredibly sharp. For different cutting tasks different blade shapes and edges are recommended. The Differences: Straight-edge blade: The straight edge allows a smooth and clean cut. When carving no fibres are torn out of the meat. This edge can be used for firm and soft food like meat, vegetables and fruit. Serrated-edge blade: The wavy or serrated edge allows an easy cut through crusty food like a traditional roast and crispy bread. Hollow-edge blade: When cutting an air pocket is created between the hollow edge and the slice. This prevents the food from sticking to the blade and allows for finer slices. Cleaning & Storage Proper care for long-lasting cooking enjoyment If you value your tools, we recommend washing your knives with warm, soapy water after each use. Rinse carefully and dry with a towel. For proper storage we recommend the following options: Knife blocks in a variety of shapes, colors and configurations. The handy knife block provides protection for your blades as well as a visual compliment to your kitchen decor. Magnet Bars in wood, synthetic material or aluminum. Two extra strong magnet segments provide a safe, easily visible and space-saving storage option. Cook"s cases in rolls and briefcase styles. This is the ideal method for professionals to store and transport their tools safely. About Wusthof Since 1814 Wusthof has set the standard for designing and manufacturing precision-forged knives. Today the family business is in its seventh generation of ownership, under the management of Harald Wusthof. Wusthof knives are manufactured by a skilled team of 300 dedicated workers in two state-of-the-art facilities in Solingen, Germany. Wusthof applies sustainable practices to their production facilities: Solar panels on the roof provide electricity to their manufacturing facility, they clean and reuse water to reduce water usage, and they reuse scrap materials rather than creating waste. In addition to knives, Wusthof offers an assortment of cutting boards, knife blocks, kitchen tools, and scissors bearing the famous Trident logo--a symbol of form, function, and uncompromising quality.