Funny I read more, actually the French system is based on NASA .
This is an approach implemented by NASA in USA which consists in distinguishing the use of a support or work tool (cutting boards, knives, gastro containers, etc.) by a color code which represents the product type.
I keep the same Wustof CI at a housekeeping cottage my wife and I frequent. I like the blade, and only sharpen is once or twice per year, but I do not like that handle. Well made knife, rock solid. Hate the handle.
I still like the Kiwi 21 as my main cutter. I do use a Dexter for boning, though, and hard steel cleaver for busting jointss and the like. I have a lot of nice knives; but that $8 Kiwi 21 is the one that fits my hand and sharpens to my delight. For $16, I have my old one as my main, and newer one as my backup. Never needed the backup yet.
Hi Greg,
I don’t like the Wusthof classic handle, but have chosen all my knives with a handle like the Ikon–no butt sticking out.
Allows my hands to move up and down the handle for leverage or control.
I like the no-butt, as well. That handle just fatigues. I have some early onset carpal tunnel going on, so handles are important to me.
I own several knives with the Ikon Classic handle as well as the Classic handle and for some reason I prefer the Classic handle since the Ikon Classic seem to be designed more for people, that don’t use the pinch grip.
The Ikon Classic handle archs a bit upward into my palm, when using the pinch grip which I find a bit annoying.
But I can live just fine with both handle designs.
The Ikon Classic handle looks better in my view, but actually feels a tad less ergonomic- even though it’s highly ergonomically shaped.
Hi Claus,
Chef Panko agrees with you about the pinch grip, and you both may be right, but I do move around on the Ikon handle–up and down–that works best for me…
You’re Gregory Strichko? Russian?
I used to perform in a Russian Folk Group
I saw this on Amazon today - Zwilling with plastic blade and stainless steel handle, according to the specs.
Of course, someone was simply mixed up, but when I saw it I recalled your comment.
This is awesome. Thanks.
I think it’s just a matter of preference. However, I think the Classic’s rearward swell makes it less likely to slip out of or through the hand.
Certainly the Ikon looks sleeker and more modern. IMO, that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Hi CCE,
I’d guess that blade hardness would have trouble reaching Rockwell 2!
Ukrainian. Russians think the name means “haircut” but that would be /Stritchka/. Just a boring last name. Glad it doesn’t mean haircut. Hopefully, it means killer of a 1,000 warriors or something sweet.
Git otta Dodge. Holy cow, never knew about that knife.
Hi Greg,
In my Slavic folk group, we had a Ukrainian dancer named Nina (one of three)–who was our star. We usually performed at Orthodox churches. Once she started to dance, nobody noticed anything else.
If I had played my cards right, I’d have several half Ukrainian children to brag about–but ended up with an Austrian instead.
My wife is of French Canadian descent. I grew up with tons of slavs. Even had a good mess of Kashubs. I always thought Armenians must be slavic, because we had so many. Even had the only Armenian church in the state. It was on my paper route. Cutest little church you’ve ever seen.
Austrian, Hungarian, Ukrainian, whatevs. Always baffles me the toil in this world. Yet, anywhere I go, I run into nice people. Must just be lucky.
Hi Claus,
The Wusthof Classic Ikon decision was huge for me because I decided I would only choose handles without that bump. Eliminated a huge number of knives from my consideration. I broke that decision once when I bought a Victorinox butcher knife–but I gave it away.
Hi Ray,
As I’m using a pinch grip on all my larger knives, the bump does not really come into contact with my hand, so it can’t really bother me.
On my smaller knives I use a regular grip, but I don’t own small knives with this bump on the handle.
The bump also doesn’t really bother me that much.
It isn’t the prettiest of designs, I’ll admit that though.
Good vibes often are returned.
