Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
- 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
This stunningly beautiful line of cutlery features the look and benefits of Damascus steel, yet without its rusting problems. The Damascus-look blade profile reduces sticking and results in less damage to the food being cut and faster prep times.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 th… More >>
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Having a knife that fits your hand and is balanced makes prep a snap. The angle and type of steel keeps it sharp and easy to keep sharp. The fact it looks good is a bonus…
I took a chance in buying this knife, first, because of the expense, and second, the purchase was sight unseen (which I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing at this price point). I’m happy and relieved it paid off! I’ve been having a lot of trouble finding a knife with a comfortable grip, and therefore having some trouble holding the knife properly and consistently for long periods of time. I settled last year for a Santoku from Henckels, which I still really like, but it just wasn’t, you know, *it*. The first time I grasped the Shun out of the box, it just fit — it was like it was made for my hand. It almost dares me to hold it incorrectly. I’m still adjusting to losing the smooth and easy food release of the Santoku blade, but, the trade-off in comfort is worth it. (Of course, now I’m eyeing the 7″ Santoku from Shun….) Very happy with this purchase, and I’m looking forward to a long veggie prep, canning and soup season this year.
As the title says, this blade isn’t for everyone. For anyone who’s used to heavy knives, this knife might be disappointing. It’s very light, but something not to be missed, very well balanced.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love my Shun and use it quite often, paired with my hollow ground Viking chef. While I’m on that note, as many have said in the reviews here, it’s a beautiful tool to use for cutting up delicate meats, fish and poultry, but as far as cutting through veggies, it leaves something to be desired. But on one hand, you do also have to realise that it IS an Asian style knife and not ment for brute work (which is where my Viking comes in at).
Asthetically, it’s beautiful. Its very appealing and pleasing to the eye. Functionallity speaking, for what I use it for, it works wonders. HEAVY ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER. I’m seriously concidering getting a set of these to (again) pair with my Viking set. Between the two, I’d be ready for just about any culinary situation that may come my way.
One thing to note is that I work in a very high paced and demanding kitchen. Since I got my Shun a few months ago, it (like any quality knife) hasn’t failed me. It hones and keeps an edge very well and I really only steel it once a day before I clock in. I’ve used it a lot within a 12 hour shift. Sometimes I use it more than my Viking, sometimes not. Sometimes I’ll just use it all day and keep the other put away. Either way, it keeps its edge and ready for me to use.
Unlike most European blades that use a 20 degree sharpening angle, it’s IMPORTANT to remember that with these knives, it takes a 16 degree angle and it does take some getting used to, along with actually useing the knife itself.
All in all, I love my Shun as much as I do my Viking. It takes some getting used to when transitioning to an Asian blade, but worth it. It’s sharp and stays that way for a long while. The only thing that would make me move from this knife would probably be a different Shun all together. I’m extremely picky about what I use in the kitchen and I Shun has deffinitely impressed me with their most basic of knife line. It’s very worth looking into for their more professional cutlery. But for now, the Shun Classic suits my needs and as I said, the only thing I may possibly trade it for would be something else from Shun’s line up.
My Shun Chef knife (8 inch blade) feels comfortable to use and is well balanced. It is the sharpest knife I have used. It has changed how I feel about food preparation; it is fun and interesting now with the Shun knives that I have bought from Amazon. They come in a plastic container that is easy to open and close and store the knife if one needs to travel with it.
The handles come in the Left and Right handed shapes. I have large hands and the handle fits excellent well with my hands. It is not so thick that it would be uncomfortable for someone with small hands. The cutting edge is polished steel; but the rest of the blade has the Damascus like patterns which look interesting; beautiful. I plan to buy a Classic Steel to keep my Shun blades true; but other than that I am satisfied with the 3.5 inch (cutting blade) Shun Paring knife and 8 inch Chef Knife. I also like that Shun will accept any of their knives for free sharpening at the Oregon facility and they will mail or ship it back free. I read about the Shun Knives in Cooking for Engineers website article [...] as well as some other places like Amazon. I think these knives would make excellent gifts. Shun also makes more expensive Chef knives; but the Classic line are perfect for my home cooking uses. I cook daily (all meals) and the Chef knife is a joy to use. It really makes food preparation easy.
VERY SATISFIED WITH THIS KNIFE. THE WEIGHT IN YOUR HAND FEELS NATURAL, AND THE SHARPNESS IS EXCELLENT.