Collection: Shun Classic

If there is one knife that you simply can't be without, it's this one. The Shun Classic 8-in. Chef's Knife is an all-purpose blade ideal for a wide variety of cutting tasks. The eight-inch length is perfect for preparing fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other foods. The wide blade keeps knuckles off the cutting board and is extra handy when transferring cut food from board to pan. With its curved belly, the Chef's knife can be gently "rocked" through fresh herbs or spices to produce a very fine mince. Shun Classic's thinner blades makes it lighter and less tiring to use than comparable European-style Chef's knives.

Key Features

• THE must-have kitchen knife; beautiful looks, high performance
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 8 in (203mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, BBQ, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Chef

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

In size, the Shun Classic 6-in. Utility Knife is between a chef's knife and a paring knife, but its blade is narrower and straighter. It's perfect for a multitude of small tasks where more precise cuts are needed, such as trimming broccoli, green beans, or other smaller vegetables. Others like its smaller size as an alternative to the chef's knife. Utility knives are sometimes called sandwich knives because they work well on almost everything that goes into a sandwich—from thin-skinned vegetables such as tomatoes, to meats and cheeses.

Key Features

• A multipurpose knife between a chef's knife and a paring knife in size
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 6 in (152mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie

Blade Shape

Utility

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Shun Classic Paring Knife is a must-have for every kitchen. Think of it as the mini version of the chef's knife because, like the chef's knife, the paring knife is quite versatile. It gets its name from its main function—removing or "paring" away things like peels or pits from fruits and vegetables. Its small size gives you complete control over the tip and edge of the blade. Generally, you use this knife in your hand rather than against a cutting board, though paring knives can also be used for cutting small foods, such as garlic cloves or ginger. For peeling, trimming, coring, and more, this knife is essential.

Key Features

• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 3.5 in (89mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Peeling & Paring

Blade Shape

Paring

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Perfect Mid-Size Santoku for Everyday Cooking

The Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku strikes the ideal balance between our small and full-sized santoku knives, making it the perfect choice for medium-sized kitchen tasks and cooks who prefer a lighter, more maneuverable blade.

Ideal For:

• Slicing carrots, shallots, and vegetables
• Mincing fresh herbs with precision
• Cutting chocolate, butter, and cheese
• Preparing fruit for breakfast
• Charcuterie board preparation
• Perfect for cooks with smaller hands

Why You'll Love It:

This in-between size makes it incredibly versatile - substantial enough for serious prep work yet nimble enough for delicate tasks. Many home cooks tell us this becomes their go-to knife, reaching for it instead of a paring knife for detailed work or as their primary prep knife for everyday cooking. The lighter weight reduces hand fatigue during extended use.

Exceptional Japanese Craftsmanship:

• VG-MAX Cutting Core: Proprietary steel that's wear and corrosion resistant, exceptionally strong, and fine-grained to hold a razor-sharp 16° edge on each side
• 69-Layer Damascus Construction: 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding on each side (68 total) support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• Stunning Damascus Pattern: Each knife features a unique, beautiful wavy pattern
• Handcrafted in Japan: Made by skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques

Ergonomic Design:

• D-Shaped Pakkawood Handle: Ebony-finished handle is comfortable for both left- and right-handed users
• Durable & Hygienic: Pakkawood won't harbor bacteria and stands up to daily use
• Perfect Balance: Full composite tang provides light weight with ideal balance point
• Beautiful Finish: Elegant ebony color complements any kitchen

Performance Features:

• Razor-sharp 16° edge angle for effortless cutting
• Superior edge retention means less frequent sharpening
• Food release design prevents ingredients from sticking
• Corrosion-resistant for long-lasting beauty
• Lightweight for reduced hand fatigue

Specifications:

• Blade Length: 5.5 inches (140mm)
• Blade Steel: VG-MAX cutting core
• Construction: 69-layer Damascus (34 layers each side + core)
• Edge: Non-serrated, 16° angle each side
• Handle Material: Ebony-finished Pakkawood
• Blade Shape: Santoku
• Country of Origin: Japan
• SKU: 1-132762
• Brand: Shun by KAI USA
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

What is a Santoku?

The santoku is a Japanese-style knife that excels at three essential tasks: slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its shorter, wider blade and flatter edge make it ideal for the up-and-down chopping motion preferred by many home cooks.

Known as the master chef's knife, the kiritsuke is used for all the tasks for which you would use a chef's knife and offers top cutting performance and versatility. The striking looking Shun Classic 8-in. Kiritsuke is ideal for slicing and push cuts. Julienne, dice, or brunoise vegetables with ease. It is also an excellent choice for cleaning and portioning boneless proteins, and particularly fish. It slices cooked proteins easily and gracefully. The Shun Classic Kiritsuke also features a slightly curved edge so that it even works well with rocking cuts. Once you try it, you will find yourself reaching for your Shun Classic Kiritsuke more and more often.

Key Features

• A multipurpose knife treasured by Japanese master chefs
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 8 in (203mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, BBQ, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Chef, Kiritsuke, Specialty

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

If you have only one kitchen knife, the Shun Classic 8-in. Hollow Ground Chef's Knife is the one to have. In addition to top Shun performance, what make this one special is the hollow-ground indentations on the side of the blade. They create small air pockets that reduce friction when cutting, making it easier to glide through the cut. If you've had problems with sticking, try a hollow-ground blade. Otherwise, use the Shun Classic 8-in. Hollow Ground Chef's Knife as you would any other chef's knife—for slicing and dicing small to medium-sized fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

Key Features

• THE must-have kitchen knife, with hollow grinds on blade to help food release more easily
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 8 in (203mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, BBQ, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Chef

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

With each use of your knife, the razor-sharp edge naturally bends over just a tiny bit. The edge is still sharp, but the sharpest part isn't making contact with the food. The answer is honing with the Shun Classic Combination Honing Steel. It gently realigns the edge of the blade, prolonging the knife's sharpness. The Shun Classic Combination Honing Steel has two surfaces: a smooth one for weekly honing, and a micro-ribbed one for monthly honing. While fine European knives can require honing after each use, Shun's harder steel means you can hone just once a week or so, depending on your level of use. To make honing to the correct 16° Shun angle easier, the Shun Classic Combination Honing Steel has a built-in 16° angle on the handle. The premium Pakkawood handle provides a secure grip and matches the handles of the rest of the beautiful Shun Classic line.

Key Features

• The right tool for prolonging the sharpness of your edge
• Built-in angle guide makes precision honing easy
• Stainless steel with smooth and micro ribbed sides
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Rod length: 9 in (22.9 cm)

Specifications

Length: 9 in (22.9 cm)
Material: Stainless steel
Surfaces: Smooth and micro-ribbed
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

After a chef's knife and a paring knife, some cooks say that the knife they most can't live without is their bread knife. It's a crime to ruin a fresh loaf of bread by smashing it beneath the blade of a dull knife. The wide, "low frequency" serrations on the Shun Classic Bread Knife are not only razor-sharp, but they do a much better job slicing any type of bread than a straight-edged knife. The undulating serrations provide the power you need to gently saw through a crusty loaf without tearing the tender interior. And it works equally well on very soft breads and even pastries.

Key Features

• Slice tender or crusty breads with no ripping, squashing, or tearing
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting, single-bevel 16° edge
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 9 in (229mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Bread

Blade Shape

Bread

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

In Japan, this knife style is known as a gyuto. It is the Japanese equivalent of the chef's knife. In other words, it is an all-purpose knife. Ideal for meat and fish, it performs beautifully on vegetables, too. Although the blade profile is narrower than the traditional chef's knife, it still offers plenty of knuckle clearance when cutting on a board. If you are looking for a lighter, more nimble multi-purpose kitchen knife, the Shun Classic Asian Cook's Knife is sure to become your go-to knife for a wide range of food preparation tasks.

Key Features

• A traditional Japanese all-purpose knife
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 7 in (178mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Chef, Specialty

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Also called a tomato knife or a sandwich knife, the Shun Classic 6-in. Serrated Utility Knife is a blade with many uses. In size, it's between the chef's knife and the paring knife, but its blade is narrower and straighter. The serrated edge makes it ideal for slicing foods with somewhat tough skins and soft interiors—such as avocados. It works well on sausages, especially those with tougher casing, and with hard cheeses. The Shun Classic Serrated Utility Knife is wonderful for a multitude of small tasks where more precise cuts are needed.

Key Features

• This multi-purpose knife features serrations to cut through tougher foods without tearing
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting, single-bevel 16° edge
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 6 in (152mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie

Blade Shape

Utility

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

A santoku is a Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife. Like a chef's knife, the santoku is used for just about every cutting job in the kitchen. The name means "three virtues" and may refer to the three types of foods it works well with—vegetables, proteins, and fruit. This santoku also features hollow-ground indentations on the blade to help reduce friction so the blade glides through the food more easily. When we first introduced the Shun Classic Hollow Ground Santoku to the market, it was named "Kitchen Knife of the Year" by BLADE MAGAZINE.

Key Features

• Add this award-winning knife to your kitchen
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 7 in (178mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Santoku

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

For a chef's knife that is particularly lightweight and highly maneuverable, try the Shun Classic 6-in. Chef's Knife. Like all chef's knives, it is an all-purpose blade ideal for a wide variety of cutting tasks. While the 6-in. length is perfect for slicing and dicing small to medium-sized fruits, vegetables, and other foods, many cooks prefer this smaller size for its sheer nimbleness. The wide blade keeps knuckles off the cutting board and is extra handy when transferring cut food from board to pan. With its curved belly, the Chef's knife can be gently "rocked" through fresh herbs or spices to produce a very fine mince.

Key Features

• A smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable chef's knife
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting 16° edge each side
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 6 in (152mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Slicing, Cheese & Charcuterie, Vegetable & Fruit

Blade Shape

Chef

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty

This unusual-looking knife is a Shun original. The cutting edge of this amazingly useful knife features a wide serration that makes it just right for slicing delicate thin-skinned foods like tomatoes or foods with a thicker skin and delicate interior like avocados. The Ultimate Utility Knife's curved belly enables you to rock it on the cutting board, while the wide blade with its rounded tip makes it great for spreading mayo on a sandwich. When you are ready to cut the sandwich in half, the wide serrations glide through without tearing. It may not look traditional, but the Shun Classic Ultimate Utility Knife is about performance where it counts—in your kitchen. Once you use it, you will be amazed at how often you find yourself reaching for this multifunction knife.

Key Features

• Unusual looks, amazingly versatile, multifunction kitchen knife
• Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and very fine-grained to enable a razor-sharp, long-lasting, single-bevel 16° edge
• 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding each side (68 total); support the core, add stain resistance, and help food release from the blade
• D-shaped ebony-finished Pakkawood handles are comfortable for both left- and right-handed users; durable, beautiful, and won't harbor bacteria
• Full composite tang for light weight and perfect balance
• Handcrafted in Japan

Specifications

Blade Length: 6 in (152mm)
Blade Steel: VG-MAX
Blade Steel Layers: 69 layer Damascus
Blade Edge: Serrated
Handle Material: Ebony color Pakkawood
Country of Origin: Japan

Best For

Use: Cheese & Charcuterie, Bread
Blade Shape: Utility, Bread, Specialty

Warranty

Limited Lifetime Warranty