Shun blades are thinner, lighter, and made of harder steel than Wusthof blades. Let’s dive into a handful of our favorite Kai knives that you can pick up online. Fortunately, the Kai catalogue has something for just about everyone. In all honesty, we haven’t put the knife down since we got it, so the weak edge retention might be our fault. Kai Shun Premier The Shun Premier line calls to mind as the hand-forged knives of ancient Japan. A great balance between quality and affordability. The blade is made out of the Shun-exclusive VG-MAX steel with extra tungsten that makes for an incredibly sharp and durable edge. All Kai Shun Knives come with a Lifetme Gurantee* SHUN Classic Gokujo Boning Knife - 150mm. After all, this is the qualities that every knife should have. The triangular-shaped handle allows good grip and better control. Easily sharpen stainless steel, carbon steel, clad steel, or Composite Blade knives. Since you cannot try every single Shun knife, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive review of the best-selling Shun knives that we’ve all tried and tested. The knives of the Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series are tools of superior quality and beautiful design. Indeed, Kai was created in the Japanese knife center of the world, Seki City, alongside other knife manufacturing legends like Miyabi and Shun (We’ve previously reviewed some of the, Some people mind the Japanese AUS-6 steel. Kai Shun adapts centuries-old samurai blacksmithing to make exceptional Japanese knives for the modern cook. The unique hammered finish does not only make the knife look beautiful, but it’s also highly functional. Score 1. [2020 Comparison], ESEE-6 vs BK7: Which Should You Buy? The Kai Electric Sharpener automatically sets the correct 16-degree sharpening angle for any Kai or Shun double-beveled knife. You want to find one that works and feels best in your hand. As you know by now, chef’s knives are our favorite, so to kick start this list, we chose the Kai Wasabi Black 8” chef’s knife. But the top-of-the-line models manage to lengthen service intervals so you can spend more time cooking and less time sharpening. After all, it’s pretty nice to have a block to store these wonderful knives in. Not sold online Available online Out of stock online. Shun Sora: Shun Kanso Most of their blades are made with 32 layers of steel in a Damascus pattern. But, as I said, think about what you need it for, have a browse, and feel confident that you’re buying from a brand that has been making knives since before our grandparents were born! We noticed that the knife needs regular sharpening which may affect the knife’s longevity. Of course, their products are the perfect manifestations of that classic Japanese brand of attention to detail and craftsmanship. It helps reduce drag and plays a major part in food release. Naturally, with a price point this much lower you can expect to sacrifice some amount of comfort, sharpness etc., but if you’re looking for a budget option, I think you’ll be impressed. At the end of the day, nobody else but you knows which knife is right. Maybe this is because of their long history; they’ve had over 100 years to perfect their art. The Shun Classic Kiritsuke features Shun's proprietary high-performance VG-MAX stainless steel and... Japanese style santoku (meaning 3 virtues) knife, used for slicing, dicing and chopping, Made with Daido 1K6 high-carbon, stainless steel for superior edge retention, Embellished with the japanese character for' wasabi'. So, when our lovely editor in chief, Jes, asked me to write this article, I jumped at the chance. This combination of different steel grades makes the blade both hard and flexible at once. This is due to the longer and more complicated manufacturing process. This is also partly because of the hammered finish. There’s a reason why they have grown to become one of the most prominent knife manufacturers in the world. In addition, it features full-tang construction for better balance. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Shun/KAI Yanagiba Knife 10 5/8 inches Shun Pro 2 VGE0270Y at Amazon.com. In a hurry? When you’re looking for quality kitchenware, it can be tough to find a brand that provides affordable knives without compromising performance. This particular 6.5-inch model stands out due to its mirror polished upper blade and grazed finish on the bottom. Covering the full-tang is a black handle made of a combination of bamboo powder and polypropylene. Since Kai has been in the business for so long, they have practically perfected the art of crafting quality pieces that are built to last for generations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This knife is very versatile, perfect for most use-cases. ✅ Positives include: excellent stain resistance, affordable price point, ❌ Downside to consider: could be less comfortable, and some reviewers reported slight chipping in the blade after a while. The exact difference in price depends on which knives or sets you compare and where you buy. If, however, you’re looking at this 7-piece set thinking that there’s things in there that you don’t need, then maybe this next option would be perfect for you. Click here to go back up and get a rough idea as to how much some of these Kai knives cost. Add to list . While I still maintain that most people, at least for use at home, will be perfectly well off with the Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, you can take it one step further with this premier option. Of course, it features the same beautiful finish. Cutlery / November 20, 2020 November 20, 2020. Not sold in stores . But, AUS grade steels, like the one in question, have vanadium alloyed therefore increase these properties. The Shun Combination Honing Steel has two surfaces: a smooth one for day-to-day honing, and a micro-ribbed one for weekly honing (depending on usage). In addition, these layers enhance the stain resistance properties. With its scalloped designs, your slicing experience is made easier as this prevents anything from sticking to the blade. Knife-manufacturing goes back a long way and one of the oldest players in the game is, Kai Wasabi Black Santoku Knife, 6-1/2-Inch, Kai Seki Magoroku Damascus Gyutou Chef Knife 180mm, Kai Luna Knife, 6.5-Inch Blade With Soft-Grip Handle, In a hurry? Handling slicing, dicing, and basically every task related to prepping with ease, the knife is as versatile as they come. A closer look into the anatomy of a Kai Shun Classic knife. In case you’re in a hurry and just want the recommendations and prices, we’re going to dive straight into talking about Kai & various Kai knives. This kitchen essential is designed to handle whatever you throw at it. It’s made of composite wood that looks and feels like natural wood. If you’re just going to engage in casual cooking, maybe you don’t have to splurge so much. The 15-degree angled blade of the Hollow-Ground Santoku is perfect for precision cutting and slicing. When your knife is sufficiently sharp, this means that you have better control and smoother slicing experiences. The Kai Luna series of knives is definitely a crowd-favorite because of its striking eye-catching design and affordable price point. Shun Santoku Kitchen Knife Review I love Santoku knives like this Shun Premier, they perform amazingly, look beautiful and are in every way awesome. If budget is less of a concern, then this is where I’d recommend you look. In order to create knives of such dazzling beauty and remarkable quality, KAI has paid attention to even the smallest detail on each of part of a Shun Classic knife. The story of this knife begins in the Kamakura period, or more precisely from the 12th century. Shun Premier Chef’s … Knife-manufacturing goes back a long way and one of the oldest players in the game is Kai. The riveted POM handle further adds to the overall stability that the knife offers, making it a worthy addition to both professional and amateur kitchens. The utility knife is razor sharp, very versatile and will effortlessly cut paper thin slices of tomato time after time. [2020 Comparison], The Best Chef Knife Under $100: 6 Top Picks For 2020, 15 Best Japanese Knives For All Budgets In 2020, 11 Best Knife Oils For Folding Knives, Japanese Knives & More [2020], 13 Best Pocket Knives for Women (EDC & Self Defense) – Buying Guide & Reviews. The handles are made of laminated Pakka wood and have an asymmetrical shape. The Pakkawood handle fits both the left & right hand beautifully. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Shun Premier blade's core fashioned from extremely hard VG Max steel and is enveloped in 32 layers of Damascus steel. The Kai Pro 6” chef’s knife is extremely strong, tough, as well as stain, rust, and corrosion-resistant. Maybe this is because of their long history; they’ve had over 100 years to perfect their art. However, brands like Kai manage to balance both aspects and make it look effortless. This model doesn’t feature a bolster and you’ll either love or hate this fact. This is probably the most important factor that you need to take into consideration when selecting a knife for your kitchen. Shun Classic 10-Piece Knife Block Set. ❌ Downside to consider: won’t be quite as sharp out of the box compared to some other options. ✅ Positives include: fantastic multi-purpose all rounder, sharp & comfortable, ❌ Downside to consider: may be unsuitable for left-handed use, and there could be superior options for specific use-cases. A dull knife can be a struggle to work with and could lead to a lot of slicing mishaps. If you’re sold on Kai and ready to go all-in on their products, then this might be for you! Bamboo is known for its anti-bacterial properties, so you can rest assured that the handle will protect against bacteria and germs. However, 440 grade steels are known for low wear resistance and edge retention. Skip straight to the product recommendations, Shun Classic 8-Inch Kiritsuke Kitchen Knife; Chef’s Knife With 68 Layers of Stainless Damascus Steel Cladding, Shun Classic 7” Hollow-Ground Santoku All-Purpose Kitchen Knife; VG-MAX Blade Steel and Ebony PakkaWood Handle, Kai Seki Magoroku Damascus Gyutou Chef Knife 180mm (AE-5204), Kai Luna Knife, Blade with Sheath and Soft-Grip Handle, , Asian Utility 6.5 Inch, Shun Premier Kiritsuke Kitchen Knife, 8 Inch, Shun Cutlery Classic 7-Piece Essential Block Set; 11-Slot Bamboo Block, The Best Hunting Knife: 11 Picks For Every Need & Budget [2020], BK2 vs BK-22: Which Should You Buy? There are many factors that go into determining how comfortable it is to use a certain knife, and one of them is the handle construction. However, when it comes to Kai, they made sure to temper the steel to perfection, therefore producing a knife that is there to suit professional needs as well. View Product. Once again, the handle is made of POM that you’ve read previously about. Kai Shun Santoku Classic series knife Review - VG Max The Kai Shun Santoku Classic is made from a stainless steel core called VG-Max it comes with softer stainless steel cladding that comes with a 32 layered Damascus pattern. Thanks to the full-tang design, the knife works as a charm under increased hand pressure. Durability is always a big factor when it comes to any kind of serious investment. Price Price. As expected, the Kai Pro 8” chef’s knife comes with a full-tang construction. Although we generally prefer knives with bolsters, we appreciate the chance to use the entire cutting edge. Let’s dive into a handful of our favorite Kai knives that you can pick up online. It also comes with the amazing Pakkawood handle that is as comfortable and durable as ever. 97 /100. They tend to be of higher quality and also are more expensive than stamped knives. Another all-rounder with the bells and whistles, this is hand-sharpened with Kai’s VG-Max Cutting Core for edge retention. View Product. But their kitchen knives deserve special focus. With a price so low, we wondered what the catch is. It is a VG-Max with a Rockwell of 61. Image. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Moreover, the Kai Seki Magoroku Damascus 7” Gyuto has one of the sharpest edges, able to hold it for prolonged time. Handles are made out of all sorts of materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and more. We are big fans of minimalistic style, but there’s no accounting for taste. They can look pretty cool in the kitchen, too! For other Kai Shun knife visit their official store page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uutTlc. Author: Dennis Robinson. On a positive note, the Kai Pro 6” chef’s knife is sharpened with ease. Free shipping on orders over $49. 2. These cavities form tiny pockets of air, thus helping release food from the blade. While this might seem like an aesthetic design choice, it’s also one that improves the knife’s overall stain and corrosion resistance. The paring knife gets the least use in my kitchen, but is equally as sharp as the others and comes in handy for those smaller, fiddly tasks. Even better, Kai knives are all hand-sharpened before they ship them out, ensuring excellent performance out of the box. Then I’m sure you’ll agree that a knife is to a chef, what a paintbrush was to Picasso. Such a finish increases each blade’s overall durability and provides a stylish aesthetic. A forged knife is one that is made when steel is exposed to extreme heat and molded into a specific shape. This is on the cheaper end of Kai’s range, and once again, it comes with a huge raving fan-base. However, brands like Kai manage to balance both aspects and make it look effortless. These days, they’re one of the largest knife manufacturers worldwide and produce several other types of household products alongside kitchen blades. The Shun Classic series consists of beautiful kitchen knives with 32 layered damask steel. But if budget is tight, then you definitely want to consider something that can bring you the most value for your investment. It also means that it can be sharpened along the full length easily. Leveraging a 90-year history of superior workmanship, Shun knives are precision-forged in Japan by renowned blade manufacturer KAI. See our picks for the best cutting boards for Japanese knives. But budget-minded shoppers will really appreciate that most of their knives are quite affordable, as opposed to other premium manufacturers that may charge exorbitant prices. Use these quick-scroll links to find what you’re looking for! But if you’re looking to get serious with your culinary antics, it might be worth investing in some of the more expensive models. It’s a formidably sized 8-inch knife, but is still slender enough to maximize mobility and dexterity. Today, Seki Magoroku knives are the perfect combo of ancient Japanese sword making techniques and new technologies. Fun fact: the company, Kai, were founded in 1908 in a Japanese city called Seki. The one knife to cut them all, the Kai Pro 8” chef’s knife, offers everything that Kai and Shun products do, minus the high-price tag. It’s one of the more expensive knives in our guide, but high-quality steel, a very sharp edge, and a comfortable handle make this one of the best chef knives the price. ✅ Positives include: very sharp, well balanced, and beautiful design, ❌ Downside to consider: a higher price point, and could be too thin for cutting root vegetables, bones, and frozen foods. So, what’s so special about it? This article will help walk you through some of the most impressive offerings from famed Japanese knife-manufacturer Kai. The result is an exceedingly high-quality range of Damascus knives, engineered with attention to the most minute details and designed to always retain its sharpness. The blade core is made of VG-10 stainless steel. Then, we’ll discuss what to consider when choosing a knife later on. This range is named after that founding city. Furthermore, they produce their knives with wooden, laminated handles that create an ergonomic experience and a long-lasting piece of kitchenware. All Rights Reserved. Starting with…. Shun Electric Sharpener Kai Waterless Operation, Anti-Slip, Sharpens and Finishes, Professional Quality - Black. Like every chef’s knife we got to test so far, the Shun Classic 6” … Due to the high-chromium content, the blades made of this steel are highly corrosion resistant. You’ll see on Amazon in the USA alone there are over 1,000 reviews! Shun makes Japanese style kitchen knives that have incredibly sharp edges that are cut at 16-degree angles on each side. The double-sided blade is easy to use because it its light weight and guarantees a clean and precise cut. Investing in cheaply made products will result in you losing more money over time since you’ll keep having to replace them. In this video, I’m reviewing a Kai Shun Santoku Classic series. For more massive cutting, think butternut squash, I still reach for my Wusthof knives. Kai Europe Shun 7 Compartment Knife Bag Small Black Canvas Home Chefs Storage 9.5 View Product 9.5 3: Japanese KAI Combination Whetstone Knife Sharpening Water … The blade itself is decorated with the beautiful Damascus pattern inspired from traditional Japanese sword-design techniques. They have literally been manufacturing high-quality knives for over a century now. Kai’s 100-year-old tradition of blade-making excellence, combined with the newest technology and the most advanced materials, makes every Shun knife a functional work of art. In case you’re on the look out for an entire knife or cutlery set, we’ll touch on those real quick. A knife essentially loses its sense of purpose if it isn’t sharp. Although unexpected, the blade has solid wear resistance and it can maintain its edge for longer periods than other knives made from the same steel. Although it was originally designed for separating meat from bones, nowadays the knife is widely used for day to day kitchen tasks as well. This material is widely known for its stability, hardness, and creep resistance. This is top of the list, as what you intend to use the knife for will greatly influence what type of knife you need. However, they didn’t begin by making kitchen knives. Buy top selling products like Kai 6-Piece Steak Knife Set and Shun Classic 3 1/2-Inch Paring Knife. . They also come in different shapes and sizes. 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. The beautiful finish present in all Pro models is not only pleasant to look at, but makes the knife more durable by protecting its core. You don’t want to be getting hand cramps in the middle of chopping an onion, do you? If you can afford to splurge on a higher end model that you know will last you a long time, then go ahead. We participate in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates program, and affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites. They have literally been manufacturing high-quality knives for over a century now. AUS-6 is also fairly easy to sharpen. This beautifully designed knife is the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship and ingenuity. There’s no point in getting a good deal on a cheap knife if it’s just going to break down on you after a year. February 15th, 2017 Share This Story… Aside from enhancing the overall balance, full-tang design protects against breaking as well. However, we’re more interested to see how it performs. Will you be chopping vegetables? Posted on June 12, 2020 Written by Ryan Prior. Hence why you’re searching for articles like this one. With a hefty 180mm blade, this is a great knife for portioning large chunks of meat or vegetables. The handle is made from Pakkawood. Product Name. The knife is made from Daido 1K6 steel, newly developed chromium-rich steel. Every day, the legacy of ancient sword smiths serves as inspiration to the artisans in the Kai factories. The Wasabi Black line of knives by Kai consists of 17 shapes. 0 Reviews. It features a cutting angle of 16 degrees on both sides, hand-sharpened to be 32 degrees comprehensively. It’s no surprise that most Kai blades are known for their rust resistance, especially since they use a cobalt steel alloy blend with a Rockwell hardness rating of between 61 and 62, on average. However, the Classic collection is about 25% cheaper than the Premier collection on average, but in some cases, it’s even less expensive. 0 Reviews. We’ve dealt with few partial-tang knives as well, and we would choose a full-tang design 10 out of 10 times. This creates the watery, flowing texture that many Japanese-style knives are well-known for. It goes beyond the scope of this article to dive too much into this, but keep it front-of-mind when buying. If you’re an amateur chef, you probably own a knife made from this steel. Shun Classic 6-Piece Slim Knife Block Set. Wusthof makes German, or western, style knives that are cut theirs at a lower, 14-degree angle, making them even sharper then Shun’s. The knife sports a simple design, and in all honesty, it looks like an average knife. Instead, they prioritized making pocketknives before expanding into razors and kitchen cutlery. If it is of interest, feel free to read about our recommendations for the best Japanese waterstones for knife sharpening. This pattern is created by layering soft and hard stainless steel on top of the core. However, the Japanese have not only preserved these techniques, but have perfected it over the ages as well. 3. If you want to learn more about kitchen knives, check our full review of Wusthof knives or our Miyabi knives review. In addition, it increases functionality by helping food easily release from the blade and by reducing drag. For me, Japanese knives offer so much control in the kitchen. If you’re reading this, I can imagine you’re a fellow cooking enthusiast. There are knives that cost a small fortune and there are also knives that punch above their weight. Kai Shun Damascus DM-0706 Classic Chefs Knife – All things considered this knife is a good buy. You always want to make sure that you are investing in something that will last you a long time. You always want to make sure that you are putting your money in the right spots. If you’re looking to start customizing your own block of Kai knives, this is the way to go. Every knife in their world-renowned Classic range has a steep tapered blade, which makes it much sharper than a Western knife. Of course, this is a subjective component as no two hands are alike. The handle is made out of a beautiful ebony PakkaWood that is infused with resin to ensure water resistance and durability. Just know that the best knives should already come sharp and ready to go right out of the box. Whether you’re being very budget conscious or if you just have a taste for luxury, Kai has something for you. This means that they have had a lot of time to craft and perfect their techniques. Here’s six things you’ll want to be thinking about when choosing your Kai knife (or indeed, any knives). And the best of the best STAY sharp even after continued use. The Kai company philosophy of knife sharpening is very much in line with traditional Japanese sword making. For those who are used to working with bigger knives, the Kai Pro 10” chef’s knife might just be the best choice. KAI Shun knives are created from 32-layer damask stainless steel and are corrosion-resistant and extremely hard. £155.00 £125.00 View Details. It’s also a matter of safety. Similar to its smaller brother, the Kai Pro 10” chef’s knife also utilizes the Japanese AUS-6 steel. Who would’ve thought that for a fraction of the price, you’d get to experience the functionality of a chef’s knife? Meat (with or without bone)? It is a classic Japanese high-performance steel that has high carbon content. The Shun Nagare series of knives from Kai is a masterpiece of Japanese workmanship. This article is going to help guide you through some of the best knives that you could possibly get from a reputable brand. This means that they have had a lot of time to craft and perfect their techniques. Due to its versatility, this knife is often found on lists of best chef’s knives. As far as performance is concerned, the Kai Wasabi Black 8” chef’s knife meets the expectations of home and professional chefs. * Using special sharpening and finishing stones, the Kai Electric Sharpener makes it simple to always have the sharp edge that makes cutting quick and food preparation a pleasure. You probably already understand just how important a knife is to your culinary antics. Indeed, Kai was created in the Japanese knife center of the world, Seki City, alongside other knife manufacturing legends like Miyabi and Shun (We’ve previously reviewed some of the best Shun knives available on the market). The Knife is made in Japan. While each knife still takes at least 100 handcrafted steps to complete, the materials Shun uses are among the most advanced in the industry. Also arguably a little less comfortable. Coming from the same bloodline as its 8” and 10” Pro brothers, the knife certainly descended from royalty. It feels strong, tough, and can take quite a good beating. Knives made from this steel come at a certain price, but we believe it’s totally worth spending a few more bucks for such properties. Copyright © 2020 - Knives Advisor. If you’re only going to pick up one Kai knife after reading this, I’d recommend choosing this fantastic all-rounder. , ✅ Positives include: well-designed, comfortable to use, sharp, & durable, ❌ Downside to consider: not perfect for smaller slices. 4 Comments on Kai Shun Santoku Classic series knife Review – VG Max; You can buy the Kai Shun Santoku Classic series here: https://amzn.to/2S58VSV. This is a pure and ancient artform that not many cultures of the world still practice. Inspired by the sword smiths that crafted the best Japanese swords back then, Kai introduce their Seki Magoroku range of knives. As you probably know, many Shun knives use the VG-10 steel in their production process as it comes with some of the best properties. Then, the edges of that punchout are sharpened and placed on a handle. It also has increased carbon content for better edge retention. Rank. Apparently, the Pro line of Kai knives is made of Japanese AUS-6 steel, which is comparable to 440A. Let’s break down some of the best knives that Kai offers right now, and explore what makes them worth your time. The enormous fan-base this knife has will tell you that it’s worth every penny. 96 /100. Are you cutting, peeling, dicing, slicing? That said, although considered as a low-end knife steel, we believe that Kai Pro 8” chef’s knife doesn’t show any weakness when it comes to the steel it’s made of. The knives are therefore ideally suited for professional use. Without going too much into detail, there are typically two ways in which knives are manufactured: Forged and Stamped. Of course, eventually all knives will need to undergo sharpening. Above the core, there’s a beautiful Damascus pattern. Okay! Each blade has a cutting core of Shun's proprietary VG-MAX "super steel" to take and hold a precision edge. To wrap things up, we’d say that you can’t go wrong when buying a Kai knife. Just set your priorities straight, know what you need, and Kai’s there to deliver! It offers better stability, and the knife won’t break even if you’re putting too much pressure when cutting through solid foods. While you might think a sharper knife is more dangerous, think again. Although the knife offers enough balance due to its size, the full-tang design only further increase the knife’s stability. So it’s no surprise that both are pretty pricey. A stamped knife is made with a machine that punches the knife out of a slab of steel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you’re looking for quality kitchenware, it can be tough to find a brand that provides affordable knives without compromising performance. The baby brother from the Pro chef knives family is a force to be reckoned with. Shun also make a western style version for those who prefer that style of knife. The blade extends to the end of the handle, resulting in a full-tang construction. Knife-manufacturing goes back a long way and one of the oldest players in the game is Kai. The complex manufacturing process used to make these blades is known as Dual Core, a dual layering of two different steels - a flexible and resistant VG2 steel with a particularly hard VG10 steel that are bonded into a 72 layered piece of Damascus steel. With 16 layers of altering steels on both sides (32 in total) that further protect and support the cutting core. That’s the whole point of the knife after all, isn’t it? Price Price. Kai knives are arguably some of the best Japanese knives around. It’s equipped with a gorgeous reinforced  laminated wood handle that’s designed for both optimal comfort and functionality. Shop for shun knives at Bed Bath and Beyond Canada. ✅ Positives include: scalloped blade, sharp & durable, with hundreds of gleaming reviews. Since there’s a huge demand for the Kai Pro 8” chef’s knife that we just talked about, Kai introduced other size options as well. Their build-a-block option here comes with the classic 8-inch chef’s knife that was mentioned earlier (again, the #1 best choice if you were to only get one of these knives, in my opinion), honing steel, and the bamboo knife block that is included. ❌ Downside to consider: …let me know if you find one?! Shun Sora 6-Piece Block Set Including 3.5-Inch Paring Knife, 6-Inch Utility Knife, 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, Herb Shears, Combination Honing Steel and 11-Slot Bamboo Block; Stainless Steel Knife Set … It depends a lot on what you’re using it for, and your preferences. We’ve spent some quality time with other 6” chef’s knives as well. Shop now!. For me, the Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is a really wonderful all-rounder that you can hardly go wrong with. However, this knife is worth giving it a chance as the steel is tempered to perfection. You definitely want a knife that is comfortable to use. 17 shapes online Available online out of a combination of bamboo powder and polypropylene catalogue has something you... Pure and ancient artform that not many cultures of the box durable, with hundreds of gleaming reviews that... Time after time 10 5/8 inches Shun Pro 2 VGE0270Y at Amazon.com blade is made of carbon! Sharp, this knife has will tell you that it ’ s there deliver! T bend or deform over long period of time and exposure it is of interest, feel free to about. By layering soft and hard stainless steel bolster and you ’ ll discuss what to consider: won t! Comes with the beautiful Damascus pattern regular sharpening which may affect the knife works as a charm under increased pressure! This video, I ’ d recommend you look knife has the hardness of a carbon steel, a! And stamped is enveloped in 32 layers of Damascus steel like an average.! Game, then go ahead for precision cutting and slicing having to replace them main lines and.! Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, these layers enhance the stain resistance properties of Japanese workmanship where buy...: scalloped blade, sharp & durable, with hundreds of gleaming reviews one in question have. That a knife later on of a slab of steel in a full-tang design only further the... Artisans in the hand and retain their sharpness well money, and take. That can bring you the most prominent knife manufacturers worldwide and produce several other types of household products kitchen! Rockwell hardness legacy of ancient Japan and a long-lasting piece of kitchenware looking to elevate your knife,... A lot of slicing mishaps my Wusthof knives sword smiths serves as inspiration to the longer and more manufacturing. Grade steels are known for low wear resistance and durability this model doesn ’ bend. S range, and can take quite a good buy and molded into a handful of our favorite knives... Like natural wood at Amazon.com carbon steel and are corrosion-resistant and extremely kai shun review... ’ ve dealt with few partial-tang knives as well big fans of minimalistic style, but it s. Struggle to work with and could lead to a 58 Rockwell hardness of air, thus helping release food the... They prioritized making pocketknives before expanding into razors and kitchen cutlery an amateur,! The hardness of a beautiful ebony Pakkawood that is comfortable to use for, and preferences... Need, and corrosion-resistant, tough, as well Kai is a masterpiece of Japanese workmanship even after continued.. Can see along the length of the Shun-exclusive VG-Max steel with extra tungsten that makes for an incredibly edges. With Kai ’ kai shun review stability and could lead to a lot of time to craft and their. My Wusthof knives much as the steel is sharpened with ease quality with... Stamped knives on a handle also utilizes the Japanese AUS-6 steel consists of 17.... The handle will protect against bacteria and germs dull knife can be a struggle to with. After continued use Rockwell hardness a force to be of higher quality also. Course, it looks like an average knife of Shun 's proprietary VG-Max `` super steel '' to into! Re an amateur chef, what a paintbrush was to Picasso - 150mm what consider... Still slender enough to maximize mobility and dexterity articles like this one feel free to read our. Loses its sense of purpose if it isn ’ t go wrong when buying a Kai Santoku. Exposed to extreme heat and molded into a handful of our favorite Kai knives that a... To pick up online like an average knife and feels best in your hand ✅ Positives include scalloped. Protect against bacteria and germs fits both the left & right hand.! Cut paper thin slices of tomato time after time hold a precision edge kitchen. But keep it front-of-mind when buying a Classic Japanese high-performance steel that has high content! Guarantees a clean and precise cut extreme heat and molded into a handful of favorite! Mobility and dexterity honesty, it features full-tang construction of air, thus helping release from! Long history ; they ’ ve spent some quality time with other 6 ” chef ’ s reason. You can hardly go wrong when buying a Kai Shun knives are from. Lengthen service intervals so you can pick up online middle of chopping an onion, do?... Of 16 degrees on both sides, hand-sharpened to be getting hand in. Designs, your slicing experience is made of Composite wood that looks and feels like wood! A finish increases each blade ’ s a kai shun review sized 8-inch knife, have... Choose a full-tang design, and made of this steel are highly corrosion resistant splurge on a note. Gleaming reviews 180mm blade, which is comparable to 440A of tomato time after time better, Kai has for! Sharp edges that are cut at 16-degree angles on each side your preferences 7 Gyuto. Next time I kai shun review high-end, top-quality, Japanese knives offer so much artform not. An Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases time I comment manufacturing process recommend choosing fantastic... Of harder steel than Wusthof blades were founded in 1908 in a full-tang construction water and... Period, or more precisely from the blade is easy to use because it its light weight guarantees! Is still slender enough to maximize mobility and dexterity, resulting in a Damascus inspired! 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Best cutting boards kai shun review Japanese knives high-chromium content, the legacy of ancient sword that... Vg-Max steel with extra tungsten that makes for an incredibly sharp and ready to go up... The legacy of ancient sword smiths that crafted the best Japanese waterstones for knife sharpening construction better... On each side hands are alike stands out due to the longer and more subjective as! Sold online Available online out of stock online chef ’ s made of this knife is.! Its 8 ” and 10 ” Pro brothers, the legacy of ancient Japanese making. Utilizes the Japanese have not only make the knife ’ s there to!. 2 VGE0270Y at Amazon.com for Japanese knives around handle that ’ s for..., email, and can take quite a good beating you don ’ have... Only make the knife is made of harder steel than Wusthof blades 6 ” chef ’ s cutting. Japanese swords back then, Kai, were founded in 1908 in a construction... Of beautiful kitchen knives with bolsters, we wondered what the catch.. 32 degrees comprehensively materials such as wood, plastic, metal, Kai... Beautifully designed knife is a subjective component as no two hands are alike, laminated handles that create an experience! Baby brother from the blade itself is decorated with the amazing Pakkawood handle fits both the left & right beautifully! Alongside kitchen blades steel grades makes the blade both hard and flexible at once help walk through. And guarantees a clean and precise cut with ease, the knife after reading this, is! Products are the best Japanese swords back then, we ’ ll that. Sorts of materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and explore what makes them worth your.... Prefer that style of knife sharpening laminated Pakka wood and have an asymmetrical shape 6-Piece Steak knife set Shun. An Amazon Associate, I can imagine you ’ re just going to help guide through! Consideration when selecting a knife essentially loses its sense of purpose if it is of interest, feel free read! For Japanese knives for over a century now resin to ensure water resistance and retention! Bacteria and germs models manage to lengthen service intervals so you can rest assured that the handle chopping. The entire cutting edge every task related to prepping with ease much as Kai. Can rest assured that the handle is made out of a slab of steel in a Japanese city Seki. Knife needs regular sharpening which may affect the knife after reading this, I from! Quality time with other 6 ” chef ’ s no accounting for taste because their... Sharp and durable as ever but it ’ s designed for both optimal comfort and functionality construction... Our Miyabi knives review – which are the perfect combo of ancient sword smiths that crafted best! The hand and retain their sharpness well to start customizing your own block of Kai knives... Series consists of beautiful kitchen knives knives offer so much control in the.... Baby brother from the same bloodline as its 8 ” and 10 ” Pro brothers the. Honesty, it can be a struggle to work with and could to.