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Last Updated on April 5, 2022
The Shun knife is a popular Japanese-made knife that has been the subject of many debates and reviews. Shun knives are some of the most respected and sought-after cutlery in the world.
The Shun brand has a reputation for being sharp, lightweight, and durable. There are people who love Shun knives, while others despise them. What can you do to make sure you’re not wasting your money? And what’s the difference between Shun and other brands? Read on to get in-depth insight.
Some Special Qualities of Shun Knife
Shun is Harder: Highly skilled artisans have designed shun knives by taking at least 90 handcrafted steps. shun uses advanced and high-quality steel with extreme resistance against corrosion. Extra carbon makes the steel hard and strong which improves hardenability.
They are free from rust: Shun knife is perfectly designed by skilled artisans. Vanadium prevents the steel from getting rust. Chromium gives protection against corrosion. Shun is also very easy to clean and sanitize when it becomes necessary.
They are lighter: It seems much lighter than others because of its thinner blade and you won’t get tired to use it in long term. Each blade is made from exceptional Japanese steel.
They have a high melting point: Shun knives can tolerate high temperatures. Tungsten is used to increase the melting point and wear resistance of steel.
Shun Classic Chef Knife
Shun Classic knife is beautifully crafted and most widely used by many chefs. It is ideal for a wide variety of cutting tasks. Shun classic chef’s knife is made of VG-MAX cutting core steel.
VG-MAX steel is fully new and development of VG10 steel. This contains a large amount of carbon, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, and chromium.
These elements increase strength, durability, sharpness, and gives protection against corrosion. 34-micro layers of Damascus cladding on each side of stainless steel give additional protection against stain and support the core.
Shun Classic knives have double bevel blades which are super sharp. The razor-sharp edge has a 16-degree cutting angle. The handle of the Shun classic knife is made of walnut-colored, ebony Pakkawood.
Pakkawood is an engineered resin composite that makes a material ultra-strong and durable. Pakkawood handle is asymmetrical, D-shaped, and gives an easy and comfortable grip. Shun Classic knives are specifically designed for right-handed chefs.
Shun 8 inch chef knife used for various purposes in our kitchen. The super sharp blade glides through fruits and vegetables smoothly. The foods won’t be stuck on the blade while slicing.
- High-quality VG-MAX cutting core steel.
- Reliable and multipurpose knife for any Kitchen.
- Very hard and strong.
- Lightweight and have a razor-sharp edge.
- High-performing knife.
- Walnut-colored, ebony Pakkawood.
- The handle provides a comfortable grip.
- Creates thin and beautiful slices.
- Handcrafted in Seki, Japan.
Shun Sora Knife
Shun uses some of the best steels in the world which make shun knife strong and unique. It is lightweight, sharp, and durable.
The Sora knife contains a layer of VG-10 core stainless steel. It has a sharp edge. It has two blade sections and VG-10 steel prevents the blade from corrosion and rusting.
Shun’s proprietary Composite Blade Technology is used to prepare a Shun Sora knife. This technology has brought to you a VG-10 san mai cutting edge.
The san mai cutting edge improves corrosion and stain resistance. Japanese 420J stainless steel adds shine to the knife. The wave pattern on the top beautifies the appearance of the blade.
Shun Sora knife is comparatively cheaper than any other Shun knife. Shun Sora knife features a traditional Japanese handle design with PP/TPE textured polymer blend material which is easy to maintain. This knife is very easy to use. The sharp edge makes cutting, slicing, and dicing fruits, vegetables, and protein easier.
- VG-10 stainless steel.
- Handcrafted, lightweight, strong.
- Double bevel blade; hand-sharpened.
- Fine edge measures 16-degree angle.
- Traditional Japanese handle design with PP/TPE textured polymer blend material.
Shun Premier Chef’s Knife
Shun premier knife is one of the widely used knives in any kitchen. The knife is created by VG-MAX core steel. This steel increases the strength, durability, and sharpness of Shun premier knife and also gives protection against corrosion. Shun premier knife is lightweight, strong, and durable.
Shun knives are made of innovative technology after doing much research. 34 micro-layers of Damascus cladding on each side of stainless steel give additional protection against stain and support the core. The advanced steel provides protection against rust.
Shun premier knives have double bevel blades and have a very sharp edge. The walnut-colored, Pakkawood handle gives a comfortable grip and won’t cause any pain while slicing, dicing, and cutting foods.
Pakkawood handle is water-resistant and soft to touch. These knives are designed for both right and left-handed chefs. The razor-sharp blade glides smoothly through fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
A broad-bladed chef’s knife provides maximum efficiency for slicing, cutting, dicing, and chopping foods. The hammered tsuchime finish helps to release foods easily after cutting, slicing, and dicing foods.
- Strong, sharp, lightweight, and durable.
- VG-MAX cutting core steel.
- Damascus clad with 34 micro-layer of high carbon stainless steel.
- Hand-sharpened and have a 16-degree cutting edge.
- Walnut colored Pakkawood handle.
- Gives a comfortable grip.
- Rockwell hardness: 60-61.
- Handwash immediately after use with mild soap or detergent.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
Shun Hiro Knife
Shun Hiro knife is popular for its attractive appearance along with some exciting features. It is made of SG2 Japanese cutting core steel. Damascus nickel is the main ingredient of steel which is used to make a blade. It sharpens the blade in a thinner way.
The razor-sharp blade glides at an angle of 16 degrees. This angle helps the user to slice fruits, vegetables, and herbs with less effort.
The cutting angle of the knife enables one to cut, slice, and dice fruits smoothly in the same manner. It also helps to release the foods easily from the body of the blade.
The interesting part of the knife is that its handle is made of premium charcoal-colored Pakkawood which is an engineering wood. It strengthened the handle of the knife. This fine knife ensures a comfortable grip for the users.
Many people consider SG-2 is the world’s best blade steel among kitchen knives due to its amazing performance and durability. Shun Hiro knife is handcrafted in 150 steps by highly skilled artisans to give a smooth finish.
Each cutting edge is nicely sharpened to make every cutting task easy and enjoyable. The fine sharp edge glides smoothly through fruits and vegetables and gives a perfect slice.
- SG-2 cutting core steel.
- High chromium content of SG-2 protects Against corrosion.
- 32 layers of Damascus nickel clad on each side.
- Hand-sharpened; Japanese double bevel.
- Blade lies at a 16-degree angle.
- Premium charcoal-colored Pakkawood Handle.
- 64 degrees Rockwell Hardness.
- Durable and handcrafted in Japan.
- Multi-purpose knife.
Shun Kanso Chef’s Knife
Shun Kanso chef’s knife features an all-purpose blade knife that is handcrafted in Seki, Japan. Kanso knives are designed based on the principle of Zen philosophy.
The meaning of Zen philosophy is simplicity. Kanso knife possesses high-performance steel, razor-sharp edge, and is easy to balance.
The steel is Japanese AUS10A which is highly refined and contains extra carbon and vanadium. It provides protection against rust and stain and gives a razor-sharp edge. Full tang construction improves strength, cutting control, and balance.
The razor-sharp edge contains high carbon stainless steel. Kanso knife handle is made of Tagayasan wood which is used to make samurai sword handles.
Tagayasan wood is sometimes known as “iron sword wood” in Japan. The handle enables an easy and comfortable grip. Tagayasan wood handle is dense, durable, and beautiful. You won’t get tired of slicing and dicing foods.
Kanso is hand-sharpened at an angle of 16 degrees on each side to cut foods clearly. It is ideal for a wide variety of cutting tasks while cooking.
The razor-sharp edge glides smoothly through fruits, vegetables like onions, and proteins. From breakfast to dinner Kanso will make preparing every meal easier and enjoyable.
- Japanese AUS10A blade steel- high carbon and vanadium stainless steel.
- Double bevel blade has a 16-degree cutting edge on each side.
- All-purpose kitchen knife.
- Kanso knife is constructed with a full tang for easy balance and control.
- Handcrafted in Japan.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Handwash only with mild soap or detergent.
Shun Dual Core
This Shun dual-core knife is versatile and easy to use. The carbon is created from the combination of VG10 and VG2 high carbon stainless steel.
The combinations of high chromium steel further boost the strength, sharpness, and durability of the knife. The Shun dual-core knife features Damascus blade high carbon stainless steel which is made from two premium quality.
It works extremely well while cutting, slicing, and dicing fruits, vegetables, and proteins. It’s a good choice for cleaning and slicing boneless meat and fish.
Etched laminations in the blade help to release food from the blade. The Shun Dual Core blades are lightweight, thin, and strong. Dual-Core knife is hand-sharpened which has a 16-degree cutting edge.
Shun Dual Core knife handle is made of ebony Pakkawood which is traditional Japanese octagon-shaped. This handle provides a comfortable grip and a sharp blade glides through each cut quickly and easily.
- Dual Core construction features 71 alternating micro-layers of high chromium VG10 and VG2 stainless steel and high Carbon.
- The layers are welded together and then hot forged to create a herringbone pattern and produce extremely strong steel.
- Ebony Pakkawood handle which is traditional Japanese octagon-shaped provides a comfortable grip.
- Etched laminations in the blade help to release foods from the blade and reduce drag.
- The double bevel blade is hand-sharpened and has a 16-degree cutting edge.
- 60-61 Rockwell hardness.
- Features a long, thin, lightweight, and strong blade.
- Ideal for multi-purpose kitchen tasks.
Shun Blue Steel
Shun Blue Steel knives are among the most recent high-quality Japanese knives. The Shun Blue Steel series was created in collaboration with award-winning chef Chris Cosentino. Who is also known around the world for his “nose to tail” philosophy of utilizing the entire animal.
Shun Blue Steel traditional Japanese knives have a blue steel core. Which is a fine-grained carbon steel preferred by professional chefs for its blazing sharpness.
Blue steel is hardened to 61 Rockwell which is super hard, fine-grained carbon steel known for its extremely sharp edge. Traditional Japanese octagonal handles are made of grey Pakkawood and give a comfortable grip. Ideal for slicing a wide variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables.
The blade slices with a single, long-stroke, and razor-sharp edge help the blade to glide through meat, fruits, and vegetables with less friction and makes perfect slices. It works well with vegetables and is an excellent choice for portioning boneless proteins.
- Mirror-polished blades look beautiful and enhance stain resistance.
- 61 Rockwell hardness; improves sharpness and edge retention.
- Double bevel blade; hand-sharpened; 16-degree cutting edge.
- Traditional Japanese grey-colored Pakkawood handle; provides a comfortable grip.
- Long length, narrow blade, and sharp edge create thin, long, and even slices of foods.
- Hand wash with gentle dishwashing soap.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
You can also check the review of Japanese Kamikoto Knives.
Shun Premier and Shun Sora Comparison
Shun knives are beautifully crafted by highly skilled artisans. Both are ideal for slicing, cutting, and dicing foods.
Similarities
- Both the knives are Handcrafted in Japan.
- Shun knives are lightweight, strong, and durable.
- Both knives have fine edge measures 16 degrees.
- Versatile, multipurpose knife, and easy to use.
- Shun knives have double bevel blades and also blades are hand-sharpened.
Differences
- Shun Premier is made of VG-MAX cutting steel. While Shun Sora knife contains a layer of VG-10 stainless steel.
- Shun Premier has 34 micro-layers of Damascus cladding on each side of stainless steel while Shun Sora has Japanese 420J stainless steel.
- They feature a hand-hammered texture which helps to release foods quickly.
- Shun Premier has a walnut-colored, Pakkawood handle. While Shun Sora has a traditional Japanese handle designed with PP/TPE textured polymer blend material.
Shun Classic and Shun Premier Knife Comparison
Shun Classic knife and Premier knife are widely used knives and have exclusive features. There are some similarities and dissimilarities between these two knives.
Similarities
- Shun Classic and Shun Premier knives are made of VG-MAX Cutting core steel. This steel increases the strength, durability, and sharpness of Shun knives.
- Each Shun knife is handcrafted at a 16-degree cutting angle on each side of the blade.
- Shun knives have double bevel blades and have a super sharp edge.
- They are lightweight, strong, and durable.
- Both have Pakkawood handle and full tang construction.
Differences
- Classic blade features Damascus stainless cladding while Premier blades have Damascus pattern on the lower part of the blade.
- Classic handles are straight and D-shaped which provides extra control and stability. Premier handles are slightly curved from blade to butt end and the grip is symmetrical and round.
- Although both the handles are made of ebony Pakkawood but the color is different. Classic knives have ebony Pakkawood handle while premier knife handles are elegant and natural brown.
- The premier knives are highly polished and have hammered tsuchime finish which helps to release food easily from the blade. These classic knives have no hammered tsuchime finish.
- Both collections are expensive but premier knives are 25% more expensive than Classic knives.
Both the Shun knives are great options due to their exciting features. It’s your personal choice which one you will choose among the shun knives. Both the knives’ performance is good. Shun Premier knives have a hammered tsuchime finish that reduces the sticking of food. For this reason, Shun premier is the better choice.
Shun Classic and Shun Hiro Comparison
Shun Classic and Shun Hiro knives are fantastic and widely used knives.
Similarities
- Shun Classic and Shun Hiro knife handles are made of symmetrical, Pakkawood handle.
- They are handcrafted and hand sharpened in Japan.
- Both have a 16-degree cutting angle.
- The Shun knives have a double bevel blade and a fine sharp edge.
- Multipurpose knife and versatile for any kitchen.
Differences
- Shun Classic has VG-MAX cutting core steel while Shun Hiro has SG2 cutting core steel.
- Shun Classic is covered by 34 layers of folded Damascus steel on each side of the blade. The blade of Shun Hiro knives features a hammered Damascus pattern.
- Shun Classic has an ebony Pakkawood handle of asymmetrical D-shaped. While Shun Hiro has dark charcoal Pakkawood Handle.
- Shun Hiro knife is a little bit costly than the Shun Classic knife.
Shun Hiro and Shun Sora Chef’s Comparison
Similarities
- The cutting angle of both knives is 16 degrees which enable to slice and dice foods smoothly.
- Both are hand sharpened and have a very sharp edge.
- Both blades are strong, durable, and handcrafted in Japan.
- Shun knives perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping foods.
- Shun knives have a limited lifetime warranty.
Differences
- Shun Hiro is made of SG2 Japanese cutting core steel. While Shun Sora is made of VG10 stainless steel.
- Shun Hiro has 64 degrees Rockwell hardness while 64 degrees Rockwell is absent in Shun Sora knife.
- Shun Hiro knife features a hammered Tsuchime finish which helps to release food from the blade easily. But in Shun Sora knife hammered tsuchime finish is absent.
- Shun Hiro knife has a premium charcoal-colored Pakkawood handle. Sora Knife is featured with a traditional Japanese handle design with PP/TPE textured polymer blend material.
Shun Kanso and Shun Blue Steel Comparison
Similarities
- Both the Shun knives have double bevel blades.
- Both the blades have a 16-degree cutting edge on each side.
- Shun knives are suitable for any kitchen task.
- Shun knives are handcrafted and hand-sharpened in Japan.
Differences
- Shun Kanso knife is made of Japanese AUS10A blade steel which contains high carbon and vanadium stainless steel. Shun Blue steel knives contain the Japanese san mai blade which is constructed with blue carbon steel.
- Kanso has a great finish looking pretty good. Shun Blue steel has mirror polished blades that look beautiful and enhance stain resistance.
- The Kanso is constructed with a full tang for easy balance. Shun Blue steel contains 61 Rockwell hardness.
- Shun Kanso has tagayasan wood handle. Blue Steel has a traditional Japanese grey-colored Pakkawood handle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can assure you that the shun knife is an excellent tool for any kitchen. It has a comfortable handle and razor-sharp blade which makes it easy to cut through meat or vegetables with no problem. The one downside of this product is its price point but you will not regret your purchase if you are looking for an all-purpose chef’s knife as long as you can afford it.