Shun is the most popular Japanese knife manufacturer who always produces premium quality knives for professionals and home cooks.
Their knives are super sharp, durable, and always come with a more beautiful design than other brands.
I have researched on their all knives and for this Shun knives review, I have chosen some premium models that come with different designs, prices range, and cutting performance. You should choose the best one according to your needs and budget. So let’s choose your desired model!
01. Shun Classic 8-inch Chef Knife
If you’re looking for an all-purpose kitchen knife, the Shun Classic 8-inch chef knife would be a great choice.
You can use this well-crafted knife to perform several kitchen tasks quickly and efficiently. It features VG-MAX steel with extra Tungsten that makes the edges of its blade sharper.
Its Pakkawood handle is water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. The Pakkawood handle is easy on the hand, allowing you to use the knife for long hours without suffering any pain.
The 8-inch blade is long enough to penetrate through thick food, fruits, and vegetables, and slice through easily.
This hand-crafted cutlery makes a good gift for chefs and homeowners. The Shun Classic 8-inch chef knife has a stunning look and will make a great addition to your cutlery collection.
02. Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku Knife
The Santoku knife is one of the best knives which is specially designed for slicing. And here is another top-grade Santoku knife from Japanese Shun. Its hammered Tsuchime finish releases food easily while slicing and cutting.
This knife features a Damascus layer that not only makes this knife easy to clean but also provides stability, as it supports the core.
The Shun Premier Santoku knife is light, durable, and easy to use. The VG-MAX is extra thin, lightweight, and durable. So, you get to use this knife for a long time without replacing or repairing it too frequently.
It also features a contoured Pakkawood handle that makes it comfortable and easy to use. You also get a firmer grip with this handle.
The handle fits in so perfectly that controlling it becomes effortless. The knife is versatile and can be used for multiple functions. However, it is best used for cutting and slicing in a down and forward motion.
03. Shun Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
This knife is a combination of contemporary beauty and function. The VG-MAX steel is coated with 68 layers of Damascus, which makes it corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. You can wash it with your hands and dish soap.
The Classic 6.5” Nakiri Knife is perfect for chopping vegetables and will make a nice addition to a vegetarian’s collection.
Its edge is razor-sharp, so a slight push will chop your vegetables and give you the perfectly sliced salad.
To top it all up, this knife features a Pakkawood handle that makes it easier to maneuver. This knife is versatile and durable, so you can perform a ton load of kitchen functions without having to worry that it will get damaged.
04. Shun DM-0743 Classic 6-inch Boning Knife
As compared to other boning knives on the market, this one is the best boning knife. This means that it will give you unmatched performance when filleting and boning than when you are using other models available out there.
It comes with an extremely sharp and narrow blade which reduces drag when using it.
The razor-sharp blade also enables it to fillet fish easily since the blade slides through the body of the fish quickly when removing bones. It is 6-inches long which means that it is well-balanced.
The blade has a curved design, which cuts close beside the bone. The sharp edge of the blade helps to trim fibrous tissues easily. You can also use it to cut roasts and skin off the tenderloin.
Overall, the knife provides a professional performance making it ideal for culinary geniuses, party hosts, home chefs as well as aspiring chefs.
For easier use, it comes with a stylish and comfortable handle, which provides an excellent grip.
05. Shun Premier Gokujo 6-inch Fillet Knife
With a double bevel and a flat-ground blade, the Shun Premier Gokujo Fillet Knife enables the food to move from the blade quickly.
As a result, it minimizes dragging when filleting. The blade is extremely sharp and excellent for removing bones from the fish.
It is also able to make very thin and equal slices. This makes it among the best fillet knives on the market.
It is hand-sharpened at 16⁰ on each side to provide a razor-sharp cutting edge. Unlike other Shun knives, this one features a hammered Tsuchime finish which enables it to release food when cutting.
Again, it has 32 layers of stainless steel on each side and a total of 64 layers. This protects the blade from corrosion and also gives the knife a stylish appearance.
In terms of comfort, it comes with a walnut Pakkawood handle which is suitable for both left and right-hand users.
06. Shun Classic 8-inch Kiritsuke Kitchen Knife
In Japan, a Kiritsuke knife is referred to as a master chef’s knife. This is due to its versatility which makes it perfect for all forms of cutting.
Whether you are an experienced cook or an aspiring chef, this 8-inch knife is among the most important tools you should have in your kitchen. Even from its appearance, you can easily confuse it with a chef’s knife.
However, this one has a slightly rounded belly, unlike a chef knife which enables it to cut easily.
It is made of the proprietary VG-Max stainless steel and its construction features 34 layers of Damascus cladding on each side.
Due to this, this knife has a striking appearance, razor-sharp edge, and excellent edge retention.
Apart from that, it is equipped with a comfortable Pakkawood handle which enhances its appearance.
This handle has a D-shape design which allows you to hold it easily for maximum control.
07. Shun Classic 7-inch Cleaver Knife
There is no doubt that during food preparations, you will need a heavy-duty knife for cutting tough ingredients.
The Shun Classic Cleaver is one of the best meat cleavers for such tasks due to its tough construction. It has a 7-inch blade with a flat surface, which is extremely sharp and thick.
The knife has a balanced weight and it is very powerful which enables it to provide accurate movements when cutting.
As a result, you can use it for slicing meat, vegetables such as cabbage dicing, or crushing hard ingredients like garlic.
The knife is also accurate and suitable for smaller ingredients. It is slightly heavy than most knives due to its heavy-duty construction.
It is made of VG-Max steel cutting core material which is an upgrade of the VG10 version.
This means that it features more chromium, carbon, and tungsten to form a very strong steel. The good thing about this material is that it is highly resistant to corrosion and wearing out.
In addition, it features a D-shaped Pakkawood handle which is infused with resin to make it water-resistant. This also makes it easy to use and easy to clean.
08. Shun Classic Limited Edition 4-inch Paring Knife
If you are searching for the best pairing knife that will give you great results when peeling, chopping, pairing, or mincing, this knife is an excellent choice.
Its construction features the proprietary VG-Max steel meaning that it has excellent edge retention.
Apart from that, it has 34 layers of Damascus cladding stainless steel on each side which enhances its appearance. The knife is extremely sharp since it has a 16 degrees cutting angle on both sides.
In order to enhance your comfort, it comes with a D-shaped Pakkawood handle which is designed to fit perfectly on your palm.
Besides that, this handle is highly resistant to heat and moisture. A bolster is also included on the right side to protect your fingers from accidental cuts.
Just like other Shun knives, this one too is made in Seki Japan by highly skilled artisans. It is 4-inches long which means that you can use it for many hours without any form of discomfort.
09. Shun Classic 6-inch Serrated Utility Knife
The Shun Classic 6-inch knife has been designed for cutting food items with a tough skin or peel but a soft interior.
This means that it is perfect for avocados, kiwi fruits, tomatoes, and tougher foods such as sausages with casing and hard cheese.
As compared to a pairing knife or a chef’s knife, this one has a straight and narrow blade which enables it to cut easily. The blade also features small serrations which enables it to glide smoothly when cutting.
In terms of design, the blade-cutting core features VG-Max construction to enhance strength, sharpness, corrosion resistance, and durability.
In addition, it is equipped with a very comfortable Pakkawood handle which allows you to use it for long hours without any problem.
During its construction, it goes through more than 100 processes to ensure that it meets the highest standards in terms of quality.
10. Shun Classic Full Tang 6-inch Utility Knife
In terms of design, this one looks like the Shun Classic Knife 6-inch Serrated Knife but it has a flat blade. The blade is also a narrower sloping blade with a piercing tip.
Due to this design, it is the best utility knife for handling small kitchen tasks such as peeling, slicing, and chopping.
You will also love its compact size which makes it easy to use for both professionals and home chefs. It is very powerful and sharp to make your work easier when using it.
Again, it is uniquely crafted using the latest technology to ensure that it will give you a wonderful performance.
It is made of VG-10 Super steel which makes it resistant to corrosion. The knife also features 16 layers of high-carbon steel which makes it rust-resistant.
This also gives it a unique Damascus appearance. In order to enhance your safety, it comes with a stainless steel bolster and stainless steel end caps.
11. Shun Classic 6-inch Ultimate Multifunction Knife
In terms of versatility, the Shun Classic 6-inch Ultimate Versatile Knife is among the best utility knives on the market.
You can use it for a variety of cutting tasks such as slicing, trimming, chopping, dicing, spreading as well as carving.
It is broad and hand-sharpened at 16 degrees on one side meaning that it has a single bevel.
It is 6-inches long and has a curved belly which enables it to rock easily on the cutting board when mincing onions or garlic.
The cutting edge contains a low-frequency serration that makes it suitable for slicing ingredients with a thin skin.
It also has a rounded tip that makes it suitable for buttering and spreading. It has a striking appearance which makes it suitable for commercial or home kitchens.
In order to enhance your comfort, it comes with a shiny black handle which gives you an excellent grip when cutting.
12. Shun DM-0705 Classic 9-inch Bread Knife
Cutting bread with just any knife is not so easy. However, you can make your work easier by using the Shun DM-0705 Classic knife which is the best bread knife from Shun.
This knife is specially designed for cutting bread meaning that it cuts without tearing like when you are using other knives.
Apart from cutting bread, you can use it for sourdough, rye, baguettes, and ciabatta. It is also perfect for delicate food items such as brioche, banana bread, challah, pastries, or pumpernickel.
The knife is handcrafted in Japan meaning that it is very reliable. It is 9 inches long and its construction features wide serrations which enables it to cut the bread smoothly.
Again, it is built using the VG-Max steel formula for additional strength and durability. Its construction also features chromium which protects it from wear and corrosion. It also features tungsten which provides a razor-sharp edge.
13. Shun DM-0720 9-inch Hollow-Ground Knife
This 9-inch knife has a narrow and long blade which enables it to provide clean cuts of meat, smoked or cooked fish, and poultry. The blade is razor-sharp and this enables it to maintain the flavor and juices in the meat.
Again, it features a narrow design and hollow-ground identifications which enables the blade to slide easily through the food without dragging.
This blade is hand-sharpened at 16 degrees on each side meaning that it has a double-bevel design.
It also features 68 layers of Damascus cladding to enhance sharpness and appearance. Since it is made using the VG-Max steel material, it is able to maintain its sharp edge for a long time.
Apart from that, it is equipped with a very comfortable handle that provides an excellent grip. This handle is made of genuine hardwood which makes it highly resistant to water and heat damage.
14. Shun DM-0714 3.5-inch Paring Knife
Another important knife you should have in your kitchen is the Shun DM-0714 Knife. Unlike others, this one is NSF certified for use in the professional kitchen. It is a 3.5 inches paring knife and it is suitable for peeling, chopping, and pairing.
Its construction features a precision-forged high-carbon steel which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
The knife also features 16 layers of stainless steel cladding to prevent rust. This also enhances its overall appearance which means that it is very stylish.
The blade is sharpened at 16 degrees which means that it is sharper than the traditional models which are sharpened at 20-22 degrees. It has a Rockwell hardness of 60-61 degrees which means that it is extremely sharp.
It is also able to maintain its edge for a long time. Moreover, it comes with a D-shaped handle which is very comfortable and easy to use.
15. Shun Cutlery 12-inch Hollow-Ground Brisket Knife
The Shun Cutlery Classic 12” is a perfect tool for slicing larger pieces of meat, barbeques, and family feasts. You can also use it to cut turkey, roasts, lamb, ham, and brisket.
The knife comes with a 12-inch razor-sharp blade which allows you to slice meat with just a single pass.
This ensures that the meat retains the juices and the flavor when cutting. This blade is made of high-performance stainless steel which makes it resistant to rusting and easier to sharpen.
The blade also features hollow-ground indentations which ensure that the food doesn’t stick while the rounded tip enhances your safety when cutting.
Again, this knife has a full-tang design to enhance balance and strength when cutting. The handle is made of Pakkawood material which is resistant to moisture and heat.
It also features a striking Ebony finish which enhances the overall appearance of the knife.
A wooden sheath or Saya is also included which protects the blade when it is not being used.
As a result, you can carry it safely when attending family parties, barbeques, birthdays, Christmas, or reunions.
16. Shun TDMS0200 Premier 2-piece Carving Set
The Shun TDMS0200 Premier 2-Piece Carving Knife Set is designed for slicing cooked meat such as roasted turkey, beef, and many more. The 2 pieces included are a 9.5-inch carving knife and a fork.
The carving knife has a 9.5-inch blade which enables it to glide through the meat effortlessly while the serving fork allows you to hold the meat steadily when slicing.
Just like other knives from the Shun’s premier knife series, this one too is very stylish and durable.
It features a layered Damascus steel to enhance strength and the Tsuchime finish enhances its overall appearance.
It also features a hollow-ground feature which reduces drag when slicing. This also prevents the foods from sticking on the blades’ surface.
Additionally, it is equipped with a beautiful Pakkawood handle that is moisture-resistant. The handle is designed to fit perfectly in your hands to give you control.
You will also find that the blade is incredibly thin and sharp which makes it easy to use.
17. Shun Shima 4-piece Steak Knife Set
If you are searching for the best steak knife set, the Shun Shima 4 Piece Steak Knives will give you great value for your money.
They have razor-sharp edges plus a curved blade for effortless cutting. They are made of high-carbon US8A Japanese stainless steel which enhances their strength and corrosion resistance.
Their cutting edge is sharpened at 16⁰ which enables the knives to provide super-clean cut without sawing.
This also helps to preserve the flavor and juices in the steak. In addition, they have a full-tang construction to give you control and balance.
Their flat and slim design offers lateral stability by ensuring that the knife won’t twist or rotate when cutting.
The blades are light, sharp, and thin which enables them to provide just a few strokes to save you time.
The handles are made of a genuine resin-infused Pakkawood which makes them easy to maintain.
18. Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set
In terms of reliability, the Shun Classic 6-piece is the best kitchen knife set on the market.
It comes as a set of 6 pieces which include an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, a 9-inch combination honing steel, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-slot slim design wood block, and kitchen shears.
All the knives feature VG-Max core construction and they have 34 layers on each side.
Due to the Damascus cladding, they are very stylish, sharp, and highly resistant to rust. Besides that, the knives have a Rockwell hardness of 60-61 which means that they are extremely sharp.
They also have a double-bevel design since they are sharpened at 16 degrees on each side.
Again, they are equipped with Pakkawood handles to enhance your comfort when cutting. The blades are also bead-blasted and ground which gives them a flowing layered pattern.
19. Shun Premier 3-piece Starter Knife Set
For starters or aspiring chefs, this is the best kitchen knife set for beginners. The first thing you will be quick to notice about it is the eye-catching design since it has a unique Tsuchime finish.
This hammered finish plus the mirror blade polish and the Damascus layers give the set an exceptional appearance.
The hand-hammered finish also prevents the food from sticking on the surface. As a result, it is very easy to use and provides a quick performance when cutting.
It comes with 3 knives which you may need for basic food preparations. The knives included are an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 4-inch paring knife, and a 6.5-inch utility knife.
In terms of performance, this set is lightweight and sharp which enables it to provide very precise cuts.
The handle is very comfortable for people with small or large hands. In addition, it features a 16 degrees of cutting edge which is hand-sharpened to provide an excellent performance.
20. Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set
As compared to other knife sets on the market, the Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set is undoubtedly the best knife set for culinary students.
It comes with unbelievable features which you can never find in any other knife set for students.
Due to its exceptional quality, it allows you to master the art of chopping, filleting, dicing, boning, slicing, mincing, peeling, and pairing more easily than when using other models.
It comes with 8 pieces which are a 9-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, filleting/boning knife, Shun honing steel, Hollow-ground slicing knife, and Nylon knife roll.
All the knives are made with close attention to detail to ensure that they meet the highest standards in terms of quality.
They are made using the VG-Max steel and they feature up to 68 micro-layers of Damascus cladding.
The blades are extremely sharp and lightweight since they have a thinner profile which also gives you maximum control.
FAQ for All About Shun Knives
There are so many reasons why Shun knives are impeccable and of high quality. They are made of premium materials that ensure super sharp edge, long-lasting durability, and the Pakkawood handles for firm grip and comfort. If you want to complete your kitchen work professionally it will never be wrong to choose a Japanese knife.
Are Shun knives Made in Japan or China?
Original shun knives are made in Japan. Any shun knife with the Chinese label is most definitely fake. Shun knives are handcrafted in Seki City, Japan.
Seki City is famous for making samurai swords. And that is why the efficiency of this knife doesn’t come as a surprise to many.
Shun knives have been in production for over a hundred years in Japan. Over the years, skilled artisans in the Shun factory located in Seki City, Japan have been making high-quality Shun knives.
What Blade Materials Does Shun Use for Their Knives?
Shun mostly makes use of VG-MAX and VG10 steel to make their blades. Why? Because this steel is good for edge-retention.
The steel used to produce their blades is durable and corrosion-resistant. So, you get to use your knife for the longest time possible. In most cases, Damascus is used as a protective layer for appeal and added durability.
Can Any Left-Handed Person Use Shun Knives?
Shun knives can be used by a left-handed person. The Pakkawood handle is usually convenient and gives users a firm grip.
The length of the blade also makes it easier for any left-handed person to use. Quite a number of shun knives are suitable for left-handed users.
So, they don’t get a cut or an improperly sliced meal. Shun cares for all its customers and provides the best features that everyone will appreciate. But before buying a knife for a left-handed user, always looks at the edge bevel.
Are Shun Knives Easy to Sharpen?
Yes, shun knives are easy to sharpen. Shun knives come with a variety of whetstones and a three-piece sharpening system, which includes a bamboo stand angled at 16 degrees, a whetstone, and honing steel. All these make sharpening easy.
The honing steel helps realign the micro edge of your knife by gently pulling your blade across its micro-ridged stainless-steel rod at the proper angle. You can also use the electric sharpener to make your knives razor-sharp again.
Are Shun Knives Real Damascus?
Shun knives make use of real Damascus steel to enhance the durability of their blade. Some come in more layers of Damascus than others, as their durability differs.
The Damascus coating also makes the blade easier to clean, sharper, and more durable. Damascus steel also gives Shun knives the appeal and luster that makes people want to purchase them just for how beautiful it looks.
Are Shun Knives Available in Single or Double Bevel?
Shun knives come in both single and double bevels. However, most shun knives have double bevels. The Shun Classic Pro Series and Dual Core Yanagiba are single-beveled, while every other shun knife is double-beveled.
Do Shun Knives Come With a Lifetime Warranty?
Yes, Shun Knives come with an unlimited warranty. However, this warranty comes in a special condition.
The warranty only works for the original purchaser and cannot be transferred, unless stated in certain conditions.
The warranty does not cover knives that have been altered or damaged from lack of proper maintenance, loss, accidents, or theft.
Are Shun Knives Worth It?
Yes, Shun knives are absolutely worth it. Shun knives have an appealing design that makes you want to spend all your money on them. However, they are super effective in slicing and dicing food items too.
Shun knives are made out of the finest steel in the world. Their blades are made with the VG10 and VG-MAX steels which make them durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. They are also versatile and offer excellent performances for chefs and anyone who loves to cook.
Conclusion
Shun knives offer quite a number of high-quality knives. Choosing one might be quite challenging and I’m sure glad I’ve been able to make a review of the best knives money can buy.
Shun knives are usually pricey, and they sure are worth it. The brand is famous for making some of the best knives in the market, so trusting them wouldn’t be difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chef’s knife for most cooks in 2023 for home or restaurant?
The Misen Chef’s Knife takes the crown as the top chef’s knife for most cooks in 2023 for home or restaurant use. Drawing from personal experience and opinions from the culinary community, this knife offers a tremendous blend of performance and value. What makes this 8-inch knife particularly appealing, especially to those who are newly exploring their culinary talents, is its lightweight and manageable design. This allows novice chefs to get comfortable with their knife skills. Furthermore, the craftsmanship employed in the production of these knives is top-notch, guaranteeing longevity and consistency in the kitchen. So, whether you are a home cook venturing into new recipes or a professional chef managing a busy restaurant kitchen, the Misen Chef’s knife proves to be an amazing companion.
Are there better knives than Shun?
When considering knives that are viewed as ‘better’ than Shun, Miyabi deserves a mention. As someone who has spent considerable time in the kitchen, both brands deliver outstanding quality knives that are worth investing in. The prices for Miyabi knives are slightly higher than Shun, indicating the attention to detail and craftsmanship invested in each piece. However, it’s crucial to highlight the distinctive characteristic between Miyabi and Shun knives: their handles. People’s preferences vary considerably, and the handle can significantly affect knife usability and comfort. For that reason, I often advise people to try and hold the knives, thereby getting a feel of what suits them best. Proper engagement with the knives will help determine whether Miyabi or Shun is the better fit.
Do professional chefs use Shun knives?
In my culinary journey, I have come across both home cooks and professional chefs who swear by the excellence and precision of Shun cutlery. Shun has carved a niche and has earned respect within the culinary world for providing superior quality and durable knives. The trusted quality and performance of Shun knives continue to be the hallmark for many chefs around the world – professional or amateur.
Do Shun knives chip easily?
Shun knives are made from very hard stainless steel, enabling them to maintain sharpness for an extended period which is a boon in the kitchen. However, this hardness does have a potential drawback. I recall this from when I first used a Shun knife; the very hardness which gives it its sharpness can lead to chipping if used improperly. For instance, if one uses aggressive chopping motions, microchipping could occur. This fact is acknowledged by Shun themselves in their FAQs. Therefore, knowing and mastering proper knife handling techniques becomes vital when using Shun knives, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their sharpness.
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