If you’re looking for a high-end chef knife with a hefty weight and a sharp, fine edge, then the Shun Classic is a fantastic choice. Shun Knives have a well-deserved reputation for quality and are an ideal way to get into the world of high-end kitchen knives. This Shun knife is a brilliant performer and made our best chef knife list.
Why We Like It – Shun Classic
The Shun Classic chef knife has a sharp edge and is very durable. It’s made from super-strong and corrosion-resistant VG-MAX stainless steel in an elegant Damascus pattern. The handle is made from Ebony Pakkawood. This 10-inch knife is bigger than most chef’s knives and delivers great cutting power. If you need to complete your knife collection you should also read our review of the SpreadThat butter knife.
- Holds its edge
- The 10-inch blade is versatile
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Very pricy
- Might be too big for certain tasks
- Could be too big to fit in your knife block
Performance
Japanese knives are generally known for sharpness and durable blade steel. The Shun Classic continues this tradition with this 10-inch kitchen knife. Its fantastic sharpness means that you always get clean cuts with minimal effort required. Thanks to the extra-long blade, this chefs knife allows you to cut more products using fewer strokes. This means you can save time and increase efficiency by cutting through multiple products on your cutting board. Shun Classic knives also feature thin blades with less cutting resistance. This Japanese knife is strong and can hold its own against German rivals like the Wusthof Ikon 8-inch.
Related: If you like this knife, you might be interested in our Wusthof 7 Inch Santoku Knife review.
Design
Shun Cutlery uses VG-MAX steel for their chef knives. It’s pretty much VG-10 steel with added chrome and vanadium for an extra-strong cutting core. The blade of the Shun chef knife boasts a beautiful Damascus pattern with 34 layers. For the Classic knife Shun has chosen a black Pakkawood handle. Pakkawood is a composite resin that’s stronger and more water-resistant than regular wood. It holds up better to heavy use and also features on the MAC Knife Hollow Edge. Like most knives, the Shun Classic needs regular attention with a honing steel to keep its edge perfectly sharp.
Related: Also check out our Shun Classic Chef Knife review.
Value
Thanks to the 10-inch blade and high-quality steel, the Shun Classic can be used for a variety of tasks including cutting meat, vegetables, and anything else in your kitchen. If you add a cleaver and a paring knife, you’ll have a knife set that can do anything. When you consider that this kitchen knife is handcrafted from premium materials, and has a limited lifetime warranty, the price makes total sense. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, the Victorinox Fibrox Straight Edge Chef Knife is a superb alternative.
Shun Classic Wrap Up
The Shun Classic’s long blade makes cutting much easier and more efficient. It’s also durable and holds its edge well. One of the minor drawbacks is that it may be too big to fit into your knife block. Otherwise, it’s a fine blade that could work well both in a home or professional environment.
