Shun Classic 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

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

The Shun Classic 6.5-inch Master Utility Knife combines the agility of a utility knife with much of the range of a chef’s knife. Compared with a standard utility knife, its blade is slightly longer and significantly wider, which gives the knuckles clearance above the board and lets a compact knife handle full prep work. Extra width at the heel and a slightly curved belly support a rocking cut for mincing herbs and spices, and the downturned tip, similar to a kiritsuke, is designed to be extra durable. It suits cooks who prefer a shorter knife for bulk prep.
FeaturesWide blade with knuckle clearance: The added height keeps fingers off the board, so the knife can chop and dice like a chef’s knife while staying nimble.Curved belly: The slight curve allows a rocking motion for mincing herbs, garlic, and spices.Downturned kiritsuke-style tip: The reinforced tip is built for durability during detail cuts.Larger handle: The D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handle is sized for a secure, comfortable grip, is comfortable in either hand, and does not harbor bacteria.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.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 WellMincing herbs and garlic with a rocking cutTopping bell peppers and cutting out the white membraneSlicing mushrooms and halving cherry tomatoesDicing and shredding vegetablesPortioning meats and cheeses
Choosing a Shun Utility KnifeThe narrower Shun Classic 6-inch Utility Knife is better suited to trimming and close work where a slim blade is an advantage. For the same kiritsuke-style tip on a full-size blade, see the Shun Classic 8-inch Kiritsuke, and for a traditional chef’s profile, the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife. Learn More