The 4.5" utility knife is smaller than a chef's knife but larger than a paring knife, making it the perfect knife for a magnitude of tasks. A utility knife is much like a versatile paring knife and is perfect for mincing shallots, onions, and herbs as well as cutting vegetables or small meats. This finely-forged blade has a Rockwell harness rating of 58 HRC, and is as much of a work of art as it is a tool. Wusthof Classic Ikon merges the sleek, sophisticated elegance of a high-performance knife with the precision and durability of an all-purpose kitchen companion. The series features a distinct, double-bolster design for professional-style heft, beauty, and balance. Classic Ikon handles are made from a highly durable synthetic material called Polyoxymethylene (POM), which has a tighter molecular structure to resist fading and discoloration. The elegant shape of the handle is designed for a comfortable grip, and the blade is precision honed from a single piece of Wusthof steel.