Knives

The Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku is for cooks who want the versatility of a santoku in a smaller, lighter knife. In size it falls between a paring knife and a full-length santoku, which makes it the natural choice for medium-sized work: slicing carrots and shallots, mincing herbs, and cutting chocolate or butter. Cooks with smaller hands often find that it becomes their everyday knife, and some reach for it in place of a paring knife for board work or for cutting fruit at breakfast. Like every santoku, it is an all-purpose Japanese shape; its name means “three virtues,” often taken to mean meat, fish, and vegetables. It shares the construction and handle of the entire Shun Classic line.
FeaturesCompact santoku profile: The shorter blade and downturned tip give precise control on the board and keep the knife easy to handle through small and medium tasks.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 carrots, shallots, and small onionsMincing herbs and garlicCutting chocolate and butterCutting fruit for breakfast or snacksSlicing cheese and small boneless proteins
Choosing a Shun Classic SantokuThe Classic santoku is offered in two lengths. The Shun Classic 7-inch Hollow Ground Santoku is the full-sized choice for larger volumes of prep, and its hollow-ground indentations help wet and starchy foods release from the blade. Cooks who prefer a Western profile in a similarly compact size should consider the Shun Classic 6-inch Chef’s Knife, whose curved belly allows a rocking cut. For in-hand peeling and trimming, the Shun Classic 3.5-inch Paring Knife remains the better tool. Learn More