Whether you are a world-class chef or someone who just loves to cook, having durable kitchenware is important. So, why settle for anything less than the best? Shun knives are commonly considered to be the best knives among professional cooks, and chefs around the world. They are famous for their durability, strength, and razor sharpness that will easily help you cut through anything. When you say “Shun” think of rhyming it with “moon”—“Shoon.” In Japanese, Shun encompasses the Japanese idea of eating fresh, local, and in-season. The making of Shun knives actually originated from the ancient craft of samurai sword making. In other words, Shun knifes have been a long time in the making!
Though German steel is commonly considered to make the best knifes in the world, it is very much overrated when compared with the quality of Shun knives. Shun knives are definitely much more superior when it comes to the cutting performance as well as edge holding ability. The Shun Classic line also uses better steel, called the VG-10. This modern type of steel posses a higher density, which balances both flexibility as well as strength. The VG-10 type edge also reduces any drag, and enables the blade to cut through much smoother. As a result, no matter what you are cutting, it will feel like butter! But in order to maintain this sharpness, it is important how you use your Shun knife on a daily basis. To start, make sure you don’t press straight down on your blades as this will both make cutting more difficult, and will be damaging to your blades. When cutting, think of a locomotive motion moving the blade in a steady forward or backward motion. Another unique quality about the Shun knife is that it is also stick resistant. The Shun knife undergoes a process called bead blasting, which creates several thousand little indentions on the blade. This, in turn, enables the knife to cut cleanly through all kinds of food.
The handle of the Shun knives is crafted to where it is accessible to both right and left handlers. Though they were designed to fit into the palm of a right-hander, many left-handers find that the handle works just as easily for them as well. Whether left or right, the handle gives you more safety as well as control by leaving less space between the handle, and the hand. The handles are made of Pakka wood, which is renowned for its high-quality, and long-lasting beauty. As it is made under intense heat pressure, multiple layers are fused together into one solid block. This fused material is not only stable, but also weather and moisture resistant. Though it may look and feel like genuine wood, it is safe for the dishwasher. But as Kai, the makers of Shun, will tell you themselves, it is important to make sure you actually hold the knife when purchasing to make sure its right for you.
Though they are found in some of the finest kitchens of world-class chefs around the world, Shun knifes are very accessible. Though you can order directly through Kai USA, they charge the Manufacturer’s Recommended Selling Price. So, it is much cheaper to buy indirectly through a buyer. For instance, Williams-Sonoma offers great deals on 3-piece knife starter set, and Shun Classic 7-piece Knife block set. Though Shun classics typically run from $400 to $700, you can get deals from about $200 to $500. But you know that you are truly getting a deal, because Shun products sold through dealers are backed by a lifetime guaranty.
