From the Manufacturer

Shun Classic Cutlery

View larger. Why Buy Shun Classic:

Born of the ancient samurai-sword-making tradition and hand-finished for precision and beauty, Shun Classic is an ideal choice for anyone buying their first Japanese knife or 50th. The high-quality line of cutlery makes a worthwhile addition to any chef’s arsenal of tools–it’s used by professional chefs and home cooks alike. Produced in the widest variety of specialized styles, the Classic line features both traditional European blade shapes and innovative cutting-edge designs.

Shun Classic’s amazingly sharp blade is famous for both edge retention and ease of sharpening. Each blade has a core of VG-10 “Super Steel” with a Pattern Damascus cladding of 32 layers of high-carbon stainless steel–16 layers on either side. While the wood grain pattern enhances the knife’s beauty, it also adds durability and stain resistance, and reduces friction when cutting.

NSF certified for use in commercial kitchens.

Detailed Features

Blade core consists of high-carbon VG-10, a Japanese super steel known for its edge retention, allowing the knives to hold their sharp edges for years. Blades boast a 16-degree angle, making these the sharpest knives out of the box. This is sharper than traditional European blades, which are usually sharpened to 20-22 degrees. Clad with 16 layers of SUS410/SUS431 Pattern Damascus stainless steel on each side for strength and flexibility. This metal is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain. Damascus styling adds to the beauty of the knife while the microscopic air pockets created by the cladding process reduces friction during slicing. D-shaped handle fits in the palm and provides comfort and control, keeping the knife’s handle secure in the hand during use. Available standard in D-shaped handle styles or by special order in reverse D-shaped handle styles. Pakkawood handles, made of resin-impregnated hardwood, are NSF Certified for use in commercial kitchens. Produced in Seki City, Japan, the capital of samurai sword manufacturing. Rockwell hardness rating of 60-61 ensures that it takes and holds its incredibly sharp edge longer. Hand wash and dry recommended; limited lifetime warranty. Specifications Blade Material: VG-10 hardened Japanese steel cutting core, clad with 16 layers of SUS410/SUS431 Pattern Damascus stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers of metal. Bevel: Double-beveled Cutting angle: 16 degrees per side (comprehensive angle 32 degrees). This is sharper than European knives, ground to 20-22 degrees per side. Handle Material: PakkaWood (resin-impregnated hardwood); D-Shaped handle available in right and (by special order) left-handed versions. Sharpening recommendations: Weekly honing to maintain the blade, sharpening as needed with professional sharpener or Asian-style electric sharpener.

Professional Manufacturing

View larger. View larger. View larger. View larger. 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 then 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. As an additional benefit, the slight patterning helps slice rather than crush delicate foods and keeps cut food from sticking to the blade.

The large 8-inch blade of this Shun chef’s knife makes it ideal for versatile slicing, chopping, dicing, and more. Like many Asian-style knives, the knife’s handle is especially suited to smaller users. In contrast to the traditional round profile, however, Shun’s are D-shaped to prevent the knife from twisting in the hand, providing 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. As sturdy as it is lovely, the chef’s knife is officially safe to put in the dishwasher–although it’s so good-looking you might find yourself hard-pressed to do so. Shun knives carry a limited lifetime warranty. –Mary Park

Product Features

• 8-inch chef’s knife for versatile slicing, chopping, dicing, and more
• Made from VG-10 stainless steel clad with 32 layers of high-carbon stainless steel
• Patterned, layered surface; stunning look of Damascus steel with added rust resistance
• Black laminated PakkaWood D-shaped handle provides maximum comfort
• Measures approximately 12 by 2 inches; dishwasher-safe; limited lifetime warranty