Knives
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Shun Kanso 4 Pc. Steak Knife Set (SWTS0430)
Surgical Precision for the Perfect Cut: The Non-Serrated Advantage Standard steak knives rely on serrations to 'saw' through meat, a process that inevitably tears delicate protein fibers and allows flavorful juices to escape onto the plate. The Shun Kanso 4-Pc. Steak Knife Set challenges this convention by utilizing a razor-sharp, straight edge. This design ensures that every slice is a clean, surgical incision, preserving the texture and moisture of your steak exactly as the chef intended. Constructed from high-performance AUS-10A Japanese steel, these blades are engineered for those who demand more from their cutlery. While most Western sets use softer German or American steels that dull quickly, the Kanso series utilizes a high-carbon, vanadium-enriched alloy. This results in a blade that achieves a 59/60 Rockwell Hardness, allowing it to hold a 'wicked' edge through months of frequent use without needing a touch-up. The aesthetic is a tribute to 'Kanso'—the Zen principle of simplicity. By stripping away unnecessary ornamentation, Shun reveals the raw beauty of the steel and the iron-like durability of the Tagayasan (Wenge) wood handles. This wood, traditionally used in samurai sword handles, is prized for its extreme density and ability to develop a unique patina over time. Whether you are a professional chef hosting a private dinner or a home enthusiast who appreciates the ritual of a high-end steak night, the Kanso set provides a tactile connection to Japanese heritage and modern metallurgical excellence. Learn More$349.95 -
Shun Kanso 4-Piece BBQ Set (SWTS0450)
Precision Tools for the Serious Pitmaster Master the art of barbecue with the Shun Kanso 4-Piece BBQ Knife Set, a collection specifically curated for the high-intensity workflow of competitive and professional meat preparation. Guided by the Japanese principle of 'Kanso'—or 'essential simplicity'—this set eliminates the unnecessary, focusing entirely on performance, edge retention, and ergonomic control. Whether you are processing massive briskets for a weekend pop-up or navigating the intricate joints of poultry for a competition entry, this set provides the exact geometry needed. The blades are crafted from AUS10A high-carbon stainless steel, offering a refined grain structure that takes a razor edge but remains resilient enough to handle the physical demands of large-animal butchery. The 'Heritage' finish isn't just an aesthetic choice; it is a functional asset. In the world of BBQ, where knives encounter salt, pepper, and abrasive rubs, the rustic finish expertly conceals the scratches that characterize a well-loved tool. Paired with the contoured Tagayasan wood handles—historically known as 'Iron Sword Wood'—you get a grip that remains secure even when hands are slick from prep, ensuring surgical precision during every cut. From the 12-inch slicing power of the brisket knife to the nimble control of the honesuki, the Kanso series represents the intersection of Japanese tradition and the rugged realities of American barbecue. Learn More$469.95 -
Shun Kanso 6-Piece Knife Block Set (SWTS0600)
Heritage Japanese Sharpness Without the Fragility The Shun Kanso 6-Piece Block Set is a masterclass in functional minimalism, embodying the Japanese philosophy of 'Wabi-Sabi'—finding beauty in imperfection. While many Japanese knives are feared for their delicate, chip-prone edges, the Kanso series is built for the reality of a busy kitchen. By utilizing high-carbon AUS10 stainless steel, Shun has created a blade that retains the legendary 16-degree razor edge while offering significantly higher durability and chip resistance than traditional VG-10 or VG-MAX alternatives. This set is designed for the cook who demands performance but refuses to baby their tools. The 'Heritage' tumbled finish is not just an aesthetic choice; it provides a rugged, non-reflective surface that hide scratches from daily use and acidic food contact. Whether you are a professional line cook powering through 40 lbs of mirepoix or a home enthusiast looking for a 'forever' set, the Kanso delivers. The handles are crafted from Tagayasan wood, known in Japan as 'Iron Sword Wood,' providing an exceptionally dense, moisture-resistant grip that balances the blade perfectly. This set provides the four essential shapes needed for any culinary task: a precision parer, a versatile utility knife, a hollow-ground Santoku for effortless food release, and the flagship 8-inch Chef's knife for heavy lifting. Learn More$499.95 -
Shun Kanso 3-Piece Build-A-Block Set (SWTS2200K)
The Shun Kanso 3-Piece Build-A-Block Set is not just a starter kit; it is a strategic foundation for a lifetime of precision cutting. Kanso, a Zen design principle meaning 'simplicity,' is executed here by stripping away every non-essential feature to focus entirely on the edge. While other Japanese knives prioritize high-polish aesthetics, the Kanso series features a 'Heritage' finish—a rustic, matte look that intentionally hides scratches and fingerprints, making it the perfect choice for high-volume environments where tools are worked hard and fast. At the heart of this set is the 8-inch Chef’s Knife, forged from highly refined AUS10A Japanese stainless steel. By adding Vanadium to the alloy, Shun has created a blade that achieves a 59/60 Rockwell Hardness without the extreme brittleness found in some super-steels. This means you get a razor-sharp 16-degree edge that holds up through 40 pounds of mirepoix but remains easy to hone back to life. The handle is crafted from Tagayasan wood, often called 'Iron Sword Wood' for its incredible density. Unlike synthetic handles that can become slippery when wet, the natural grain of Tagayasan provides a secure, ergonomic grip that minimizes hand fatigue during extended prep shifts. This set provides the three most critical components: the primary cutting tool, the maintenance rod to keep the edge aligned, and the physical space to expand your collection as your skills evolve. Learn MoreRegular Price: $189.95
Special Price $150.00
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Shun Premier 4-inch Paring Knife
he Shun Premier 4-inch Paring Knife is a versatile and essential tool designed for tasks that require precision and control. Its small, sharp blade allows you to work closely with food, making it the ideal knife for a wide range of detailed kitchen preparations. This knife provides the maneuverability needed for in-hand work, like peeling and coring, as well as fine detail work on a cutting board. The hand-hammered finish on the blade helps reduce drag, allowing food to release more easily during slicing. The handle is shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, providing a secure grip for safe and accurate cutting. This knife is particularly well-suited for tasks such as: Peeling: Removing the skin from fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, and kiwis. Trimming: Cutting away unwanted parts, such as strawberry hulls, potato eyes, or excess fat from meat. Mincing: Finely chopping small ingredients like garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Detail Work: Deveining shrimp, scoring meats, or creating decorative cuts and garnishes. Learn MoreRegular Price: $149.95
Special Price $119.95
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Shun Premier 6.5-inch Utility Knife
The Shun Premier 6.5-inch Utility Knife is a versatile, all-purpose blade designed to handle a wide variety of kitchen tasks. Sized between a paring knife and a chef's knife, it is more nimble than a larger knife for trimming and slicing, while offering more length than a paring knife for cutting larger items. This knife is perfectly suited for situations where a chef's knife feels too large. The hand-hammered finish on the blade helps reduce drag, allowing food to release more easily. Its straight blade makes it proficient at slicing, and the pointed tip is useful for detail work. The handle is shaped to provide a comfortable and secure grip for precise control. This knife is particularly well-suited for tasks such as: Slicing: Cutting through sandwiches, meats, and cheeses. Trimming: Preparing vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. Cutting Produce: Slicing mid-sized fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, shallots, and citrus. General Prep: Handling everyday tasks that require more length than a paring knife. Learn MoreRegular Price: $159.95
Special Price $127.95
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Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku Knife
The Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku is a beautiful and highly versatile all-purpose kitchen knife. A Japanese take on the classic chef's knife, the word "Santoku" means "three virtues," referring to its ability to expertly handle slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its blade has a straighter edge than a traditional chef's knife and a curved tip, making it well-suited for a wide range of cutting tasks. The slightly shorter, wider blade makes the Santoku feel nimble and easy to control. The hand-hammered finish creates small air pockets that help reduce drag, allowing food to release more easily from the blade. This knife is a true workhorse, capable of handling everything from fine mincing to slicing large vegetables. This knife is particularly well-suited for tasks such as: Dicing: Preparing onions, celery, and carrots for stocks and sauces. Slicing: Making clean, thin slices of vegetables, fish, and boneless meats. Mincing: Finely chopping garlic, herbs, and ginger. Creating Julienne Strips: Easily creating thin, uniform strips of vegetables. Scooping: Using the wide blade to transfer chopped ingredients from the cutting board. Learn MoreRegular Price: $219.95
Special Price $175.95
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Shun Premier 9.5 in. (240mm) Carving Knife
The Shun Premier 9.5-inch Carving Knife is an elegant and highly effective tool designed for slicing large cuts of meat with grace and precision. Its long, narrow blade is engineered to make clean, beautiful slices through roasts, turkey, brisket, and ham in a single, fluid pass. This ensures that juices and flavor are locked into each slice. The narrow profile of the blade reduces friction and surface tension, allowing it to glide through meat with minimal effort. The hand-hammered finish further reduces drag and helps the meat release cleanly from the blade. The pointed tip is useful for navigating around bones and joints. This knife is not just a tool, but a centerpiece for holiday meals and special occasions, turning the act of carving into a performance. This knife is particularly well-suited for tasks such as: Carving Poultry: Slicing turkey, chicken, and duck. Slicing Roasts: Carving prime rib, leg of lamb, and pork loin. Serving Brisket and Ham: Creating long, uniform slices of smoked and cured meats. Slicing Large Fruits: Effortlessly cutting through large melons like watermelon or cantaloupe. Learn MoreRegular Price: $219.95
Special Price $175.95
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Shun Premier 9 in. (230mm) Serrated Bread Knife
Slice through any loaf with precision and ease with the Shun Premier 9-inch Serrated Bread Knife. Designed for everything from rustic, crusty boules to delicate brioche, this knife preserves the integrity of your bread, ensuring perfect slices with minimal effort. The blade's performance comes from its wide, "low-frequency" serrations. Unlike smaller, more aggressive teeth that can tear soft interiors, these larger, undulating serrations gently glide through the bread, significantly reducing crumbs and preventing the loaf from crushing. At its core, the blade features Shun's proprietary VG-MAX "super steel," a high-carbon formula with added tungsten for a finer, sharper edge, chromium for corrosion resistance, and cobalt and carbon for increased strength and durability. This wear-resistant core is protected by 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which not only provides support but also contributes to the blade's stunning aesthetic. A key feature of the Premier line is the hand-hammered tsuchime finish. This traditional Japanese technique creates a beautiful, textured pattern that also serves a practical purpose: the indentations form small air pockets, reducing drag and allowing food to release easily from the blade for a smoother, quicker cut. The knife's exceptional balance and control are complemented by a contoured, walnut-finished PakkaWood handle. This durable, resin-impregnated hardwood is engineered to resist moisture and bacteria, offering a comfortable and hygienic grip for both right and left-handed users. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, through a meticulous 100-step process, the Shun Premier Bread Knife is a functional work of art, blending ancient sword-making traditions with modern material science. Learn MoreRegular Price: $229.95
Special Price $183.95
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Shun Premier 8-inch Chef's Knife
Hand-Hammered Precision: The Definitive Multi-Purpose Japanese Workhorse The Shun Premier 8-inch Chef's Knife (TDM0706) is the centerpiece of the modern kitchen, designed for those who demand both aesthetic elegance and uncompromising performance. While many knives rely on weight to push through ingredients, the Shun Premier utilizes a razor-sharp 16-degree edge angle and a thin 2mm spine to glide through proteins and produce with minimal resistance. At the heart of this blade is Shun’s proprietary VG-MAX 'super steel,' clad in 34 layers of stainless Damascus on each side. This creates a blade that is not only exceptionally hard (60/61 Rockwell) but also remarkably stain-resistant. The standout feature is the Tsuchime finish—a hand-hammered texture that creates tiny air pockets between the blade and the food. This functional design choice significantly reduces suction, ensuring that starchy potatoes and wet vegetables release instantly from the blade rather than sticking to the side. Whether you are a professional line cook managing 40 pounds of mirepoix or a home enthusiast preparing a delicate julienne, the contoured Walnut Pakkawood handle provides a secure, comfortable grip that accommodates both a traditional handle hold and a professional pinch grip. For those transitioning from heavier European knives, the agility and balance of the TDM0706 offer a revelation in hand fatigue reduction during long prep sessions.
For best results sharpen by hand, Knife Merchant recommends Naniwa Ceramic Stones to sharpen as they respond well with VG10 Damascus steel. Learn MoreRegular Price: $219.95
Special Price $175.95


