Knives

The Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife is for cooks who bake regularly or simply enjoy a slice of sourdough with breakfast. Its wide, low-frequency serrations do a much better job of slicing bread than a straight edge: they provide the bite to saw gently through a crusty loaf without tearing the tender interior, and they work equally well on very soft breads and pastries. The nine-inch blade supports long, full strokes, which reduces compression and keeps each slice clean. After a chef’s knife and a paring knife, a bread knife is one of the most valuable additions to a kitchen, and it shares the construction and handle of the entire Shun Classic line.
FeaturesWide, low-frequency serrations: Broad, undulating serrations bite into hard crust and then glide through the crumb, so loaves slice cleanly with fewer crumbs and no squashing.Nine-inch blade: The length completes each slice in long, gentle strokes, which protects soft breads from compression.Single-bevel serrated edge: The razor-sharp serrated edge is sharpened on one side for clean, controlled slicing.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel is strong, fine-grained, and resistant to wear and corrosion, so the serrations stay sharp over time.Stainless Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports the core, adds stain resistance, and helps food release from the blade.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 crusty artisan loaves and sourdoughSlicing soft sandwich bread and brioche without crushingCutting baguettes and rollsSlicing cakes and delicate pastries
Choosing a Shun Classic Bread KnifeThe Shun Classic 8.25-inch Offset Bread Knife places the handle above the blade, which adds knuckle clearance and positions the hand for a more powerful cut; choose it if you regularly slice large, crusty loaves all the way down to the board. For tomatoes, sandwiches, and other small serrated tasks, the Shun Classic 6-inch Serrated Utility Knife is the more compact tool. Learn More

Effortless Slices, Perfect Crumbs: The Shun Classic Blonde 9-inch Bread Knife Conquer the crustiest artisan loaves and the most delicate cakes with the Shun Classic Blonde 9-inch Bread Knife. This masterfully engineered blade is designed to slice through bread without tearing the tender interior or compressing its delicate structure. Combining breathtaking aesthetics with unparalleled performance, it’s the essential tool for any kitchen that values perfect results. The knife’s secret lies in its unique, wide-set serrations. These low-frequency "scallops" act like a saw, gently gliding through tough crusts with minimal pressure. This clean cut preserves the bread’s texture and produces fewer crumbs than a typical serrated knife. At its core is Shun's elite VG-MAX steel, clad in 68 layers of Damascus steel, ensuring a blade that is not only beautiful but exceptionally sharp and durable. Learn More

The Shun Classic 8.25-inch Offset Bread Knife is for cooks who find themselves hovering over the edge of the cutting board to keep their knuckles clear at the bottom of each stroke. Its offset handle sits above the line of the blade, which creates additional knuckle clearance and positions the hand for a more powerful, and therefore easier, cut. The scalloped serrations bite into a loaf without skidding, however crusty it is, and slice through without crushing or tearing the interior. It shares the construction and handle of the entire Shun Classic line.
FeaturesOffset handle: The raised handle keeps knuckles off the board through the full depth of the cut and lets the cook press down with more control.Scalloped serrations: The serrations grip hard crust without skidding, then pass through soft crumb cleanly.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel is strong, fine-grained, and resistant to wear and corrosion, so the serrations stay sharp over time.Stainless Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports the core, adds stain resistance, and helps food release from the blade.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 large, crusty loaves down to the boardSlicing sourdough and rustic breadsHalving sandwiches and rollsSlicing soft breads without crushing
Choosing a Shun Classic Bread KnifeThe Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife has a straight, in-line handle and a longer blade, which supports long, full strokes through wide loaves and suits cooks who prefer a traditional bread knife. Choose the offset model for added knuckle clearance and a more powerful downward cut. Learn More

Master the Crust Without Crushing the Crumb The Shun Kanso 9-inch Bread Knife is a definitive tool for those who understand that bread is as much about texture as it is about taste. Guided by the Japanese principle of 'Kanso'—or essential simplicity—this knife strips away the unnecessary to focus on what truly matters: a flawless cut. Whether you are a professional pastry chef managing a high-volume brunch service or a home baker perfecting your weekend sourdough, the SWT0705 offers a level of precision that standard serrated knives simply cannot match. Engineered for More Than Just Bread While most serrated knives rely on aggressive, jagged teeth that tear at the fibers of your food, the Shun Kanso features wide, low-frequency serrations. These act more like a precision saw, biting into the toughest artisan crusts while gliding through the soft interior without the friction that leads to crushing. This unique geometry makes it an indispensable 'utility slicer' in the kitchen. It excels at tasks that frustrate straight-edged blades, such as halving a ripe pineapple, portioning a delicate angel food cake, or slicing through the waxy skin of a winter squash with absolute control. Professional-Grade Materials At the core of the blade is AUS10A high-carbon stainless steel, refined to a Rockwell hardness of 59/60. This ensures that the tips of the serrations remain sharp through thousands of slices. The 'Heritage' finish isn't just aesthetic; it is a practical feature designed to hide the scratches that inevitably come with years of dedicated use. The handle is crafted from Tagayasan wood, known in Japan as 'Iron Sword Wood.' This dense, durable material is contoured to fit the hand comfortably, providing a secure grip even during long prep sessions. With full-tang construction, the balance is shifted toward the center, giving you a nimble feel that belies its 9-inch length. Learn More