Shun Classic 6 Inch Utility Knife

Leveraging a 90-year history of superior workmanship, Shun knives are precision-forged in Japan by renowned blade manufacturer KAI. Using technologically advanced processes, a VG-10 "super steel" core is clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus-look blade. The Damascus detailing not only enhances the knife's aesthetic appeal, it also prevents morsels from sticking and avoids crushing or damaging foods. Forming a comfortable D-shaped hold, a fused blend of hardwood veneers and resin comprise the unique ebony Pakkawood handle. A traditionally offset stainless-steel bolster protects knuckles while a steel end-cap finishes the piece. Although dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. This product includes a lifetime warranty. -- Amy Arnold

Product Description
The Shun Classic 6" Utility Knife features 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel pounded to 3/1000th of an inch and clad on each side of a VG10 super steel core, producing a 33-layer, rust-free Damascus pattern. This combination of materials gives the blade strength, stain resistance, and incredible cutting performance. Shun's cutting edge is ground to an angle of 16 degrees, making the knife extremely sharp. The exotic Japanese steel used in the cutting core allows the knife to hold its razor sharp edge without excessive re-sharpening. With the beauty of genuine wood, the black PakkaWood handle is made by fusing layers of birch with a waterproof resin that results in a durable, dishwasher safe material. All Shun Classic series knives also feature the uniquely stable D-shape handle design that rests precisely in the curve of your fingers. The asymmetrical bolster is ground out more on the right side to provide proper finger placement and an easy, secure grip. The knife is balanced perfectly, with the pivot point just ahead of where the handle sweeps out of the blade. Shun Knives can be sent back to the Kai, USA facility in Portland, Oregon to have the factory edge restored to the blade, for the life of the knife, at no cost to you. Shun Knives are dishwasher safe, however, as with any lifetime investment, its important to take the best care possible in order to prolong the life of your knife. For multiple reasons, Shun does not advise you put your knives in the dishwasher. Hand-washing is recommended. Shun Knives are hand-made in Seki City Japan - the home of Samurai swords. NSF approved. Limited lifetime warranty.

Back before guns, a lot of effort went into making steel sharp for swords. The Damascus technique involves folding steel tens or hundreds of times to achieve the ultimate in sharpness, and it dates back hundreds of years.

This knife is a reference to those ancient swordmakers, but not exactly. Unlike true Damascus knives, Shun knives are laminated: the inner layer is a high-tech piece of expensive super-steel (called VG-10) and the outer layers (protecting the inner and bringing down the cost) are a more ordinary stainless steel. Unlike the swords of old, only the outer layers on this knife are folded. The VG-10 inner part, the part the edge is made from and the part that cuts, is a single forged piece. So in this knife, the Damascus pattern is more for looks than performance. Perhaps it also helps keep food from sticking.

However I don't care what it is for - it looks fantastic. It also gives an exotic, handmade look to your kitchen cutlery. Normally Damascus knives are much, much more expensive.

As for cutting, the VG-10 super steel combined with the Japanese obsession with ultra-thin, ultra-sharp edges make this knife wickedly sharp. The VG-10 core is designed to keep an edge for a long time, however all straight edged knives will need sharpening. If you never bother to sharpen your knives, get a serrated knife instead.

The handle is a wood product. It is based on wood, but resin-injected and sealed so it repels water. Shun advertises it as dishwasher safe, but that would be like putting your fine china in the dishwasher - you could do it, but why take the chance? If you do dishwash it, you might want to take it out before the drying cycle, and keep the blade away from anything that could nick it.

This knife is very light and sharp. The 6" length is very useful to me. I use it sometimes as a slicer, sometimes as a parer, and sometimes as a sandwich knife. It has become my main go-to knife for small jobs. Unlike other, duller knife brands, this straight-edge knife has no problem cutting bread or tomatoes.

All in all, this is my ideal balance of performance and looks. There are cheaper knives on the market that perform just as well (some 1/3rd the price) but none that look as good, at any price. It is worth it to me, especially since knives generally last for decades, sometimes lifetimes.