Knives

The Shun Classic 7-inch Hollow Ground Santoku is a Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife for cooks who want one blade for nearly every cutting job. Like a chef’s knife, it handles vegetables, proteins, and fruit; its name means “three virtues,” which may refer to those three types of food. Its flatter edge and downturned tip suit straight up-and-down chopping and push cuts, and a row of hollow-ground indentations along each side reduces friction so the blade passes through food more easily. When Shun first introduced it, Blade Magazine named it “Kitchen Knife of the Year.” It is the full-sized santoku of the Shun Classic line.
FeaturesHollow-ground indentations: The indentations create small air pockets that reduce friction, so wet and starchy foods such as potatoes fall away rather than clinging to the blade.Santoku profile: The flatter edge keeps more of the blade in contact with the board through push cuts and chopping, while the downturned tip remains easy to control.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 WellSlicing potatoes, cucumbers, and other wet or starchy vegetablesDicing onions and peppers with push cutsSlicing and portioning boneless meats and fishMincing herbs and garlicSlicing fruit and cheese
Choosing a Shun Classic SantokuFor a smaller, lighter santoku sized for medium tasks and smaller hands, choose the Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku. Cooks who prefer a rocking cut will find the curved belly of the Shun Classic 8-inch Hollow Ground Chef’s Knife more natural, with the same food-release indentations. The Shun Classic 7-inch Asian Cook’s Knife offers the same length in a gyuto profile with a pointed tip, and for vegetable-focused prep, the straight edge of the Shun Classic 6.5-inch Nakiri meets the board along its full length. Learn More