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The 7-inch Kanso Asian utility knife has a tall, nearly rectangular blade in the style of a Chinese cleaver, but thin and light enough for slicing. It chops vegetables for a stir-fry, slices meat thinly for hot pot and scoops the cut food from the board on its broad face.The flat of the blade also crushes garlic or ginger with one press. Its single-steel AUS10A edge is keen and easy to maintain, and the contoured Tagayasan handle balances the tall blade. Cooks who prefer a cleaver-style knife for everyday work will find it a versatile primary blade, and it makes a distinctive gift.
Vegetable Knife OptionsThe 6.5-inch Hollow Ground Nakiri is a dedicated vegetable knife. Learn More

The largest Shun Hinoki board measures 20 by 14 inches and adds a juice groove around the edge, which keeps the liquid from a roast or a ripe tomato off the counter. It is the board to choose for carving meat, slicing brisket or prepping a full meal in one place.Because hinoki is a medium-soft cypress, the surface yields under the edge, so it is gentle on the fine edges of Shun knives. At an inch thick, it sits solidly on the counter, and both sides are usable. Shoppers search for this board by name, and it makes a substantial gift for a cook who has invested in good Japanese knives.
Without a GrooveThe Large Hinoki Board is lighter and slightly smaller. Learn More

The Shun Classic 8-inch Kiritsuke is the knife Japanese chefs call the master chef’s knife, and it handles every task a chef’s knife would. Its long, relatively flat edge is ideal for slicing and push cuts, so it julienne, dices, and brunoises vegetables with precision, and its angled tip reaches into fine detail work. It is an excellent choice for cleaning and portioning boneless proteins, particularly fish, and it slices cooked proteins cleanly. The edge carries a slight curve as well, so the kiritsuke still accommodates a rocking cut. Cooks who try it often find it becomes their first choice. It shares the construction and handle of the entire Shun Classic line.
FeaturesKiritsuke profile: The long, flatter edge keeps the blade in contact with the board for clean slicing and push cuts, while the angled tip allows controlled detail work.Slightly curved edge: A gentle curve lets the knife rock through herbs when needed, so it adapts to Western technique as well as Japanese.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel is strong, fine-grained, and resistant to wear and corrosion, and it holds a very keen edge through extended prep.Stainless Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports the core, adds stain resistance, and helps food release from the blade.Hand-sharpened double-bevel edge: The fine, symmetrical edge serves left- and right-handed cooks equally well.D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handle: The handle is comfortable in either hand, durable enough for daily use, and does not harbor bacteria.Full composite tang: The composite construction keeps the knife light and balanced.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun Classic knife requires at least 100 individual steps to complete in Seki City, one of Japan’s most important blade-making centers since the 13th century.Free lifetime sharpening: Shun offers free lifetime sharpening, so the knife can be professionally sharpened by the manufacturer whenever its edge needs restoring.
Tasks It Handles WellJulienne, dice, and brunoise cutsCleaning and portioning fishTrimming and portioning boneless meatsSlicing cooked roasts and proteinsSlicing vegetables and fruit with push cuts
Choosing Between the Kiritsuke and Its AlternativesThe Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife shares this knife’s length but has a more pronounced curved belly and a pointed tip, which favor a rocking cut. For a longer, narrower blade with a kiritsuke-style tip, the Shun Classic 9-inch Master Prep Knife brings the control of a utility knife to trimming and portioning. Cooks whose prep is mostly vegetables may prefer the fully straight edge of the Shun Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri. Learn More

Kanso takes its name from the Japanese design principle of simplicity, and the 8-inch chef’s knife is the series’ all-purpose blade. Shun shapes it for push cuts through vegetables, and the blade can also be rocked gently through fresh herbs.Kanso blades are made from a single steel, AUS10A, a high-carbon stainless refined with vanadium for a fine grain and a keen, durable edge. Shun notes that this mono-construction is easier to maintain than a layered blade. The rustic Heritage finish hides the scratches of daily use, which makes it functionally superior for cooks who dislike the upkeep of polished or Damascus finishes, and the contoured Tagayasan handle, a dense, dark wood, gives a secure grip. For a cook buying a first Japanese knife, it delivers Shun’s edge and craftsmanship in a plain, practical form, and it also suits professionals who want a hard-working blade.
Kanso AlternativesIf you want a showpiece knife for a magnetic rack, the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife or Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife may suit you better; the Kanso is built for the cutting board. For a flatter profile, see the 7-inch Hollow Ground Santoku. The Kanso 3-Piece Starter Set includes this knife. Learn More