In the last half decade, Shun knives have completed the change from relative unknown to coveted top kitchen cutlery. Their climb up the ladder of success has been amazing to observe and Shun has received ongoing defections from popular brands like Henckels and Wusthof.

Their prominence is well earned. Though Global first introduced many Western restaurant professionals to ultra-sharp Asian knives, Shun brought the concept to the home kitchen. Shun proved a lot of non-believers wrong when it proved that America was ready for premium knives that were razor sharp and lightweight. Shun blades were more expensive than competitors and in need of more preventative care but once hobbyist cooks got their hands on them, they never went back.

Kershaw and Shun

Kai Cutlery is a Japanese maker of cutlery, which makes Shun cutlery. In 1978, Kai acquired Kershaw Knives and formed Kai USA to sell in the American establishment. When Japanese style cutlery became popular in the US, Kai was able to blend legendary Asian knife making with their knowledge of the American market. This enabled Kai to become forerunners in the market.

The Shun Knife was first unveiled in 2003. Stores such as Williams-Sonoma and Crate and Barrel have since then selected it as one of their premier cutlery products.

Shun Classic Knives

Shun Classic blades are the hottest selling of the Shun lineup. They are primarily intended for the amateur home cook.

 

They use a Asian alloy called VG-10, which is a lot harder and sharper than most European steels. Many people agree that the sharpness, joined with a lightweight feel and a classical Western grip makes for an excellent combination.

It's beneficial to treat these blades with caution as they will become discolored and forfeit their sharpness if left in a sink filled with water or washed inside the dishwasher.

The handle are created from pakka wood, a resin-injected hardwood, and given a teardrop design that allows them to fit easily in almost any hand.

People will say that Shun Classic knives are expensive. And it's true that, with a Cook's knife starting in the $100 range, these knives are not for the spendthrift. But Kai feels that first class materials and premium performance are worth a premium price tag. And these knives absolutely deliver that.

Shun Elite Knives

The Shun Elite series is Kai's second most purchased culinary line. At first look, the set may appear similar to the Classic cutlery. But there are a few crucial distinctions . The most important is the steel. Elite knives are made of SG-2, the finest "powdered" alloy.

 

Powdered steels are created by a unique method that allows even dispersal of elements throughout the material. This forms a steel that can be created extremely hard and, consequently, sharp.

These utensils have pakka wood handles, much like the Classic line. It's crucial to handle the Elites with the same treatment as the Classics.

Shun Ken Onion Knives

Ken Onion endures as likely the most well-known knife inventor living presently. Mr. Onion invented "Speed Safe", a revolutionary instant knife-opening mechanism. Ken designed various ground-breaking knives at the request of Kershaw, including the Chive, the Leek and the Blackout.

 

Ken Onion had no previous skill in designing kitchen cutlery, but decided to seize the job regardless. This rawness was in reality helpful to Ken as it made him question some of the fundamental concepts behind kitchen cutlery crafting.

The result featured damascus-styled blades, hardwood handles and, most distinctively, an ergonomic shape intended to limit upper body fatigue in the face of long slicing and dicing sessions

Not all are fans of the Elite's unusual shape. A few complain that the ergonomic design works nicely exclusively for some types of hands. But many industry professionals swear by them, and they've gained quite a substantial following.

Shun Steel, Pro 2 and Others

The Shun brand consists of a wide variety of cutting implements which include several more obscure products. Shun Steel arrives equipped with a stainless steel grip. Shun Pro blades feature a single-bevel blade which makes a narrower edge and a sharper blade. The Shun Pro II is a stand out with a decorated grip and marginally thicker and sharper blades.

 

Kai also offers value knives, distributed under the Kershaw Wasabi name.

More Info

Shun's web page is jam packed with excellent information on their cutlery, technology and designers. The Wikipedia also has short but good information.