4 best shun kitchen knives

Product description

Nakiri is Japanese for ‘vegetable knife’; and with the Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife, Shun delivers a vegetable knife that combines the beauty of an elegant design with the practicality of a sharp, clean and durable kitchen tool. The flowing patterns of the Damascus stainless-steel cladding, revealed through a process of grinding and bead-blasting, pairs elegantly with the classic lines of the D-shaped, ebony PakkaWood handle for a knife which offers as much in aesthetics as it does in functionality. Ideal for food preparation, the Classic Nakiri ensures that any type of fruit or vegetable can be effortlessly sliced, diced, chopped, julienned, or styled with a simple push cut, resulting in precise, easy meal prep. The excellent workmanship of this handcrafted knife makes the mundane task of vegetable prep fast and fun, meaning less time in the kitchen and more quality time with friends and family.

Made from VG-10 stainless steel, Shun knives are specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is clad with 16 full layers of SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, the knives are simply stunning to look at--much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust.

The 6-1/2-inch blade of this Nakiri knife works great for slicing and dicing, and like many Asian-style knives, its handle is especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun handles are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, which provides extra stability and a firm grip. The handle is made from ebony-colored PakkaWood, a fused blend of hardwood veneers imbued with waterproof resin that combines the warmth and traditional look and feel of wood with the strength and durability of plastic. The offset stainless-steel bolster is designed for ergonomic comfort and maximum safety, while a stainless-steel end cap provides the finishing touch. Hand washing the knife is recommended. The Nakiri knife measures approximately 11 by 2 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty. --Mary Park

• The Nakiri Knife is part of Shun’s Classic line of tasteful and contemporary cutlery; beauty, form and function are fused in this elegantly handcrafted, useful and high-performing kitchen tool
• A traditional Japanese knife for working with vegetables and produce, the Classic Nakiri has a 6.5” blade made from Shun’s proprietary VG-MAX steel clad with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel
• Swift, sharp and clean, the Classic Nakiri is great for kitchen needs like julienning carrots, slicing tomatoes, dicing onions, chopping peppers, peeling potatoes, trimming celery or paring avocados
• Whether it’s needed for daily salad preparation or gourmet vegetable creations, both restaurant chefs and new home cooks trust the simple push cut of the Nakiri’s straight, razor-sharp edge.Hand wash with gentle dish soap
• With its PakkaWood handle grip and corrosion-resistant steel blade, the 6.5-inch Classic Nakiri Knife makes a durable, versatile and valuable addition to the kitchen, revolutionizing mundane tasks

Product features

Shun

“Shun” (shoon) is a concept at the very heart of Japanese cuisine. In Japanese, shun is the word used to describe local, seasonal food when it is at the peak of its flavor and freshness—at the peak of its perfection.

Shun Cutlery is known for its exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. Yet as beautiful as Shun is on the outside, and as beautifully as it performs in your kitchen, its true beauty may be in what you don’t see.

Handcrafted in Japan

Shun is dedicated to maintaining this ancient tradition by continuing to handcraft each knife in our Seki City facilities. Each piece of this fine kitchen cutlery takes at least 100 individual steps to complete. While we maintain these ancient traditions of handcrafted quality, we also take advantage of thoroughly modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide that traditional quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.

Knife Steel is Essential

Heat treatment—an invisible, yet vital, process. This exacting process is fundamentally important to ensuring that your Shun provides lasting value. In heat treatment, the metal is heated and cooled to change its microstructure, bringing out its very best properties. With precise heat treatment, blade steel becomes finer grained, making it stronger and harder so blades can be thinner, sharper, and give you a longer-lasting edge. Shun’s experts are, quite simply, masters of the heat treatment process.

Quality and Performance

Shun is the exact moment when a fruit has reached its ideal ripeness, when a vegetable is at its very best, or when meat is at its most flavorful. Home cooks and professional chefs alike celebrate shun in their kitchens, eagerly awaiting each season’s bounty and serving every ingredient in its proper time.

Shun Cutlery proudly takes its name from this Japanese culinary tradition of eating the freshest food at the perfect moment. We took this name to honor this seasonal, mindful way of eating and as a mark of our dedication to making kitchen cutlery that is always at the peak of its perfection, too.

Shun Classic

Shun Classics are the original Shuns, the first Japanese-style knives to be made available to a wider audience in North America. Instead of heavy ponderous blades, Shun Classic blades are lighter with razor-sharp edges and crafted from advanced steel. Rather than weighty, Western handles, Shun Classic offers the graceful control of a traditional Japanese handle.

With Shun Classic, you'll discover a wide selection of traditional blade shapes as well as unique shapes - so you can always find the right handcrafted knife for every kitchen task.

Pakkawood Handle

These traditional Japanese-style handles have a slight ridge on the right side, which fits into the curl of the fingers for a comfortable and secure grip. Viewed end-on, the shape resembles the capital letter "D". Pakkawood is waterproof, incredibly durable, and won't harbor bacteria.

Shun is Different

If you've never owned a Japanese knife before, you'll immediately notice how different a Shun feels in the hand. Shun is harder, lighter, and sharper. Sharpened to a steeper angle (16 degrees) with an edge that will hold longer, the Classic line is designed to cut in a smooth, slicing motion.

Layered Steel

Shun proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is a high-end "super steel" that is extremely hard, enabling Shun Classic knives to take an incredible edge and hold it longer.

Stainless Damascus Cladding is made of 34 layers of stainless steel on each side of the blade, for a total of 69 layers. Classic's cladding supports the cutting core, adds stain and corrosion resistance, and looks elegant.

Shun and Sharpening

Shun brand products sold by Kai USA Ltd. are backed by Shun against manufacturing defects. In addition to supporting our products, we will be happy to sharpen your Shun or Kai knife for free for as long as you own the knife.

You may also register your purchase.

Product description

Every kitchen needs the essentials in order to be effective. The Shun Classic 5-Piece Starter Block is the perfect way to kick off every kitchen cutlery collection, with three knives, a Combination Honing Steel and a beautifully designed bamboo Slimline Block. With the 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife and 6-inch Utility Knife, almost any kitchen task can be handled with ease. Regular honing with the honing steel gently realigns the edge of the blade and prolongs knife’s sharpness. Elegantly crafted bamboo block absorbs very little moisture and therefore does not shrink or swell like other hardwoods, making it the ideal kitchen accessory. All four tools are crafted with a premium PakkaWood handle, which provides a secure grip and matches the handles of the rest of the beautiful Shun Classic line. With a combination of beauty and function; this 5-piece Starter Block Set provides all of the essentials and then some.

• 5-piece Starter Block Set includes three essential Shun knives as well as the Classic Combination Honing Steel and beautiful bamboo 6-slot Slimline Block; handle almost any kitchen task
• 3 knives take care of a full range of cutting jobs, while the Honing Steel allows knives to maintain their edge and prolongs time between sharpenings; easy-care, bamboo block looks beautiful on the counter
• All three knives and Honing Steel are crafted with a D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handle for secure handling and an easy fit for every hand; bamboo block is durable, ideal for every kitchen
• Shun Cutlery knives take a mundane task from boring to exciting and make prep work fun again; advanced, high-performance steel, handcrafting, hand-sharpening, and Shun’s strong Japanese heritage make an unbeatable combination
• Perfect kitchen set for any occasion: holiday, house party, family dinner, vacation, restaurant, happy hour, wedding, date night, lunch, brunch, Christmas, Thanksgiving and more

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this fit the 7" Shun Classic nakiri knife in the empty slot
Answer:	Where it is a fixed blade knife, to me it would be awkward for every day carry. I prefer a smaller folding version. I purchased this fixed blade which rides in my hunting pack for two reasons. One being a Gerber and two the ideal size for field dressing big game animals.
Question:	What are the shin knife numbers for this set? Ex dm0700, dm0801, or dm
Answer:	Whatever (as my boyfriend puts it) "mystery steel" Gerber uses. It's their standard blade metal.
Question:	Where are the knives made
Answer:	No. This one is made in China.They tried to pull a fast one on us with this one because it does not say where it was made anywhere on the knife itself. BUT it does tell you on the packaging.
Question:	How are the knives on this set packaged? Are they individually wrapped and protected or loose as one of the reviews suggested
Answer:	The handle completely covers all of the tang. Gerber manufacturing specs would have the correct answer if that is important. My best guess is a 2/3 tang. Excellent knife!!!!!

Product features

Shun

“Shun” (shoon) is a concept at the very heart of Japanese cuisine. In Japanese, shun is the word used to describe local, seasonal food when it is at the peak of its flavor and freshness—at the peak of its perfection.

Shun Cutlery is known for its exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. Yet as beautiful as Shun is on the outside, and as beautifully as it performs in your kitchen, its true beauty may be in what you don’t see.

Handcrafted in Japan

Shun is dedicated to maintaining this ancient tradition by continuing to handcraft each knife in our Seki City facilities. Each piece of this fine kitchen cutlery takes at least 100 individual steps to complete. While we maintain these ancient traditions of handcrafted quality, we also take advantage of thoroughly modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide that traditional quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.

Knife Steel is Essential

Heat treatment—an invisible, yet vital, process. This exacting process is fundamentally important to ensuring that your Shun provides lasting value. In heat treatment, the metal is heated and cooled to change its microstructure, bringing out its very best properties. With precise heat treatment, blade steel becomes finer grained, making it stronger and harder so blades can be thinner, sharper, and give you a longer-lasting edge. Shun’s experts are, quite simply, masters of the heat treatment process.

Quality and Performance

Shun is the exact moment when a fruit has reached its ideal ripeness, when a vegetable is at its very best, or when meat is at its most flavorful. Home cooks and professional chefs alike celebrate shun in their kitchens, eagerly awaiting each season’s bounty and serving every ingredient in its proper time.

Shun Cutlery proudly takes its name from this Japanese culinary tradition of eating the freshest food at the perfect moment. We took this name to honor this seasonal, mindful way of eating and as a mark of our dedication to making kitchen cutlery that is always at the peak of its perfection, too.

Shun Classic

Shun Classics are the original Shuns, the first Japanese-style knives to be made available to a wider audience in North America. Instead of heavy ponderous blades, Shun Classic blades are lighter with razor-sharp edges and crafted from advanced steel. Rather than weighty, Western handles, Shun Classic offers the graceful control of a traditional Japanese handle.

With Shun Classic, you'll discover a wide selection of traditional blade shapes as well as unique shapes - so you can always find the right handcrafted knife for every kitchen task.

Pakkawood Handle

These traditional Japanese-style handles have a slight ridge on the right side, which fits into the curl of the fingers for a comfortable and secure grip. Viewed end-on, the shape resembles the capital letter "D". Pakkawood is waterproof, incredibly durable, and won't harbor bacteria.

Shun is Different

If you've never owned a Japanese knife before, you'll immediately notice how different a Shun feels in the hand. Shun is harder, lighter, and sharper. Sharpened to a steeper angle (16 degrees) with an edge that will hold longer, the Classic line is designed to cut in a smooth, slicing motion.

Layered Steel

Shun proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is a high-end "super steel" that is extremely hard, enabling Shun Classic knives to take an incredible edge and hold it longer.

Stainless Damascus Cladding is made of 34 layers of stainless steel on each side of the blade, for a total of 69 layers. Classic's cladding supports the cutting core, adds stain and corrosion resistance, and looks elegant.

Shun and Sharpening

Shun brand products sold by Kai USA Ltd. are backed by Shun against manufacturing defects. In addition to supporting our products, we will be happy to sharpen your Shun or Kai knife for free for as long as you own the knife.

You may also register your purchase.

Product description

Embrace culinary adventures with confidence and effortless ease using Shun Cutlery’s Classic 5.5-Inch Santoku. This santoku’s moderate, compact size offers the ideal weight, balance and length complete a wide range of medium-sized tasks, from slicing carrots or radishes, to mincing herbs or spices, to cutting chocolate or cubing butter with precision and efficiency. Enjoy exceptional, high-quality materials, including Damascus-clad, VG-MAX stainless steel blade and ebony PakkaWood handle that provides an expert, controlled grip for easy maneuverability. Handcrafted in Japan by highly skilled artisans, extraordinary care and attention to detail goes into each Shun Classic knife. Invest in a high-performing, Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku and enjoy the many benefits this beautiful, razor-sharp and extremely versatile knife has to offer.

• Shun’s 5.5-Inch Santoku Knife’s perfect size conquers medium-sized kitchen tasks; convenient size makes it a must-have addition to every kitchen
• Part of Shun’s Classic series, this 5.5-Inch Santoku features tasteful and contemporary design and premium materials that set it apart from other leading knives on market
• VG-MAX, high-performing steel core of Santoku blade enables incredible edge retention; additional chromium in this proprietary steel boosts wear and corrosion resistance; more cobalt increases strength; more vanadium enhances cutting performance
• Sleek handle is made of genuine hardwood infused with resin for moisture resistance, strength and durability; the Santoku’s PakkaWood handle has a flawless, ebony finish
• With elite function and aesthetics, Shun’s Classic 5.5-inch Santoku can be used by experts and amateurs alike, including grandparents, parents, in-laws, hosts, hostesses, chefs or aspiring cooks

User questions & answers

Question:	What's the best way to maintain the sharpness of the blade without using a professional sharpening service
Answer:	The Force has slightly different scales. The V Pro has two piece scales, two per side, which is a nylon base and G10 insert. If you look at the pix you'll see the outer edge is darker black. The Force Pro has a one piece G10 and the pattern cut into it is different. It's also made in a variety of colors and the black/blue is the best looking imo (B004RIKLIC). The Force also has options of serrated blades and/or black blades, and some really ugly scale colors. I've never seen either pro version with steel other than S30V, but something like S35VN could exist in special runs. So my guess is you're paying extra for the scales, then even more if you want serrated or black coating. Maybe an extra $10 just because they can.
Question:	What is the total length of this knife (not just the blade
Answer:	No, it does not necessarily lock closed but it does have a nice seat to it when it closes so there is resistance for a portion of the opening stride which keeps it from opening on its own. This is a very nice knife. I carry it everyday and it will certainly be a knife I pass down to one of my kids one day.
Question:	What's the height and weight of this 5.5 santoku
Answer:	No , it's not centered. I had 2 s30v models and both rubbed the side of the liner, I tried to adjust the pivot but the blade would get so tight that the blade would not flip. I really liked the design , but in the end , I sent both knives back.

Product features

Shun

“Shun” (shoon) is a concept at the very heart of Japanese cuisine. In Japanese, shun is the word used to describe local, seasonal food when it is at the peak of its flavor and freshness—at the peak of its perfection.

Shun Cutlery is known for its exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. Yet as beautiful as Shun is on the outside, and as beautifully as it performs in your kitchen, its true beauty may be in what you don’t see.

Handcrafted in Japan

Shun is dedicated to maintaining this ancient tradition by continuing to handcraft each knife in our Seki City facilities. Each piece of this fine kitchen cutlery takes at least 100 individual steps to complete. While we maintain these ancient traditions of handcrafted quality, we also take advantage of thoroughly modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide that traditional quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.

Knife Steel is Essential

Heat treatment—an invisible, yet vital, process. This exacting process is fundamentally important to ensuring that your Shun provides lasting value. In heat treatment, the metal is heated and cooled to change its microstructure, bringing out its very best properties. With precise heat treatment, blade steel becomes finer grained, making it stronger and harder so blades can be thinner, sharper, and give you a longer-lasting edge. Shun’s experts are, quite simply, masters of the heat treatment process.

Quality and Performance

Shun is the exact moment when a fruit has reached its ideal ripeness, when a vegetable is at its very best, or when meat is at its most flavorful. Home cooks and professional chefs alike celebrate shun in their kitchens, eagerly awaiting each season’s bounty and serving every ingredient in its proper time.

Shun Cutlery proudly takes its name from this Japanese culinary tradition of eating the freshest food at the perfect moment. We took this name to honor this seasonal, mindful way of eating and as a mark of our dedication to making kitchen cutlery that is always at the peak of its perfection, too.

Shun Classic

Shun Classics are the original Shuns, the first Japanese-style knives to be made available to a wider audience in North America. Instead of heavy ponderous blades, Shun Classic blades are lighter with razor-sharp edges and crafted from advanced steel. Rather than weighty, Western handles, Shun Classic offers the graceful control of a traditional Japanese handle.

With Shun Classic, you'll discover a wide selection of traditional blade shapes as well as unique shapes - so you can always find the right handcrafted knife for every kitchen task.

Pakkawood Handle

These traditional Japanese-style handles have a slight ridge on the right side, which fits into the curl of the fingers for a comfortable and secure grip. Viewed end-on, the shape resembles the capital letter "D". Pakkawood is waterproof, incredibly durable, and won't harbor bacteria.

Shun is Different

If you've never owned a Japanese knife before, you'll immediately notice how different a Shun feels in the hand. Shun is harder, lighter, and sharper. Sharpened to a steeper angle (16 degrees) with an edge that will hold longer, the Classic line is designed to cut in a smooth, slicing motion.

Layered Steel

Shun proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is a high-end "super steel" that is extremely hard, enabling Shun Classic knives to take an incredible edge and hold it longer.

Stainless Damascus Cladding is made of 34 layers of stainless steel on each side of the blade, for a total of 69 layers. Classic's cladding supports the cutting core, adds stain and corrosion resistance, and looks elegant.

Shun and Sharpening

Shun brand products sold by Kai USA Ltd. are backed by Shun against manufacturing defects. In addition to supporting our products, we will be happy to sharpen your Shun or Kai knife for free for as long as you own the knife.

You may also register your purchase.

Product description

The Kanso 7-inch, hollow ground Santoku kitchen knife is a beautiful, Asian-inspired Multi-Purpose Kitchen Knife. A Santoku is similar to but smaller than a chef’s knife for smooth maneuverability and increased control. This must-have blade is created from Japanese high-carbon, vanadium stainless steel, which takes a sharp edge and holds it longer. Handle is contoured Tagayasan, sometimes known in Japan as “iron sword wood, ” for striking looks and durability. Kanso is a design principle based on Zen philosophy. It means “simplicity, ” and Kanso provides what is most essential in a quality kitchen knife: high-performance steel, razor-sharp edge, perfect balance, and precision cutting control. Use the Shun Kanso Santoku for slicing, dicing, cutting and preparing a dinner, breakfast, or lunch in the kitchen. Enjoy the meal prep experience with a professional-grade knife. Pair with other items in the Kanso series for a complete kitchen knife set that will impress any cook, host, or chef.

• The Shun Kanso 7-inch Hollow ground Santoku is a beautiful, Asian-inspired chef’s knife that is fast becoming a kitchen favorite; Shun Kanso provides premium Shun quality at an excellent price
• Blade steel is Japanese aus10a—highly refined, high-carbon, vanadium stainless steel that takes, and holds, a razor-sharp edge; Heritage finish gives it a rustic look that improves with age
• Full-tang construction provides strength, balance, and cutting control. Many cooks swear by their Santoku for easy food preparation and top performance.
• Whether grilling out, cutting meat, dicing food, chopping vegetables, or preparing a steak dinner or peeling fruit, this high-performance Santoku kitchen knife will cut down unnecessary prep time
• Thanks to its broad everyday use, Santoku kitchen knife makes the perfect gift for a host, hostess, chef, family, grandparent, homeowner, newlywed, aspiring chef, expert cook, parent or entertainer
• Included Components: Santoku Knife

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this a forged or stamped knife
Answer:	Hello Consumer,Thank you for your inquiry. We do not recommend using any spray from a can. If you have a manual pump that you use to spray on the oil, that will be ok to use. The aerosol spay cans will effect the product and cause a sticky residue to occur over time. Or you can wipe on the oil as you wish. We hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you. Kind regards, Audrey Consumer Relations
Question:	kanzo version of santoku has full tang, but the wood handle uncomfortably does not come to the top/bottom edge of the metal. is that purposeful
Answer:	The description says carbon steel. The instructions say not to use metal utensils since it could scratch the nonstick surface. Food cooks nicely on it and it washes up great. Do not put in dishwasher.
Question:	Is this stainless steel
Answer:	Yes, we have not done it but we did fries and bacon and they were not as crispy as advertised. We went back to our old method of a pan with parchment paper and they turn out great, Very disappointed with her "crisper."
Question:	How is this knife best and most safely sharpened, are there instructions
Answer:	That is precisely what we use it for most often. It does a really great job on bacon in the oven. It is also great for warming pizza and cooking roasted potatoes that you have seasoned & tossed in oil.

Product features

Shun

“Shun” (shoon) is a concept at the very heart of Japanese cuisine. In Japanese, shun is the word used to describe local, seasonal food when it is at the peak of its flavor and freshness—at the peak of its perfection.

Shun Cutlery is known for its exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance. Yet as beautiful as Shun is on the outside, and as beautifully as it performs in your kitchen, its true beauty may be in what you don’t see.

Handcrafted in Japan

Shun is dedicated to maintaining this ancient tradition by continuing to handcraft each knife in our Seki City facilities. Each piece of this fine kitchen cutlery takes at least 100 individual steps to complete. While we maintain these ancient traditions of handcrafted quality, we also take advantage of thoroughly modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide that traditional quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.

Knife Steel is Essential

Heat treatment—an invisible, yet vital, process. This exacting process is fundamentally important to ensuring that your Shun provides lasting value. In heat treatment, the metal is heated and cooled to change its microstructure, bringing out its very best properties. With precise heat treatment, blade steel becomes finer grained, making it stronger and harder so blades can be thinner, sharper, and give you a longer-lasting edge. Shun’s experts are, quite simply, masters of the heat treatment process.

Quality and Performance

Shun is the exact moment when a fruit has reached its ideal ripeness, when a vegetable is at its very best, or when meat is at its most flavorful. Home cooks and professional chefs alike celebrate shun in their kitchens, eagerly awaiting each season’s bounty and serving every ingredient in its proper time.

Shun Cutlery proudly takes its name from this Japanese culinary tradition of eating the freshest food at the perfect moment. We took this name to honor this seasonal, mindful way of eating and as a mark of our dedication to making kitchen cutlery that is always at the peak of its perfection, too.

Shun Kanso

Kanso is a design principle based on Zen philosophy. It means "simplicity" but it is a simplicity that is achieved by concentrating solely on what is most essential. When it comes to Shun's Kanso cutlery, essential means high-performance steel, a razor sharp edge, perfect balance, and precision cutting control.

Kanso is simple - and beautiful - kitchen cutlery that simply performs.

Tagayasan Wood Handle

Known as "iron sword wood" - the Kanso line features a Tagayasan Wood handle that is notable for its denseness, durability, and simple beauty while providing easy cutting control. The handle is also angled for a comfortable chef's grip and precision cutting.

Full Tang Construction

Providing cutting balance and strength, the Kanso line features a full tang construction, meaning the blade and handle are one piece of steel.

The Kanso line also features a Heritage finish on the blade that helps hide scratches and gives the blade a rustic look that improves with age.

Layered Steel

As in all Shun knives, the steel is essential to the performance of the cutting edge. The Kanso line features Japanese AUS10A blade steel - a highly refined, high-carbon, vanadium stainless steel that takes a razor-sharp edge and holds it longer.

Shun and Sharpening

Shun brand products sold by Kai USA Ltd. are backed by Shun against manufacturing defects. In addition to supporting our products, we will be happy to sharpen your Shun or Kai knife for free for as long as you own the knife.

You may also register your purchase.