Shun Premier Knives

An in-between sized knife for all those in-between sized tasks is how Shun introduces its 6.5-inch Premier utility knife. It trims green beans and broccoli where precision matters, and Shun also calls it a sandwich knife for slicing deli meats and tomatoes.It is light and nimble, and the hammered Premier finish helps thin slices release. Its narrow blade also makes it a good companion to a Premier santoku or chef’s knife.
Another OptionThe Premier 6.5-inch Master Utility Knife has a taller blade. Learn More

The Shun Premier 6.5-inch Serrated Utility Knife is often called a tomato or sandwich knife, but its edge makes it far more versatile than either name suggests. The blade is serrated at the tip and the heel, with a fine, straight edge in the middle. On the first push or pull, the serrations bite through a firm or slippery exterior; the fine edge then cuts cleanly through the softer interior. The result is a clean slice, without tearing or squashing, through foods that are firm outside and tender inside. It slices sandwich fillings such as meat, cheese, and tomato, and the serrations cut through a finished sandwich in one stroke. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut.
FeaturesHybrid edge: Serrations at the tip and heel start the cut through skins and crusts, and the fine center edge finishes it cleanly.Medium-length blade: The 6.5-inch blade gives control on small and mid-sized foods without the bulk of a chef’s knife.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellSlicing ripe tomatoes without crushing themSlicing deli meats and cheeses for sandwichesCutting finished sandwiches in halfSlicing citrus, peppers, and plumsSlicing sausages and cured meats
Choosing a Shun Premier Utility KnifeFor an all-plain edge in the same length, choose the Shun Premier 6.5-inch Utility Knife, which suits trimming and fine slicing where serrations would tear. For full loaves and crusty bread, the Shun Premier 9-inch Bread Knife has the length to cross a loaf in long strokes. Learn More

The Shun Premier 6.5-inch Master Utility Knife combines the agility of a utility knife with much of the range of a chef’s knife. Its blade is slightly longer and noticeably wider than a standard utility knife, and the extra width at the heel, together with a gently curved belly, lets you rock the blade to mince herbs and garlic. The downturned tip, similar to a kiritsuke’s, is especially durable, and a larger handle gives a more secure grip. The result is a compact knife that covers sandwich and trimming work along with many of the board tasks usually left to a chef’s knife. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut.
FeaturesWide heel and curved belly: The added blade height and gentle curve support rocking cuts that a standard utility knife cannot make.Kiritsuke-style tip: The downturned tip is durable and precise for detail work.Larger handle: The fuller handle gives a secure grip for board work.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Free lifetime sharpening: Shun offers free lifetime sharpening, so the edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellMincing herbs, garlic, and shallotsSlicing sandwiches, meats, and cheesesTrimming asparagus, green beans, and broccoliDicing small onions and peppersSlicing citrus and tomatoes
Choosing a Shun Premier Utility KnifeFor lighter trimming and slicing with a narrower blade, the Shun Premier 6.5-inch Utility Knife is the more nimble choice. For larger volumes, step up to the Shun Premier 6-inch Chef’s Knife. The same blade shape is available with a D-shaped ebony handle and smooth Damascus finish as the Shun Classic 6.5-inch Master Utility Knife. Learn More

The Shun Premier 7-inch Asian Cook’s Knife is the Japanese equivalent of the chef’s knife, known in Japan as a gyuto. It is an all-purpose blade that excels with meat and fish and works equally well on vegetables. The blade is narrower than a traditional Western chef’s knife, which makes it lighter and more agile in the hand, yet it still leaves enough height for knuckle clearance on the board. The gentle curve along the edge supports a rocking cut, and the pointed tip handles detail work. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut.
FeaturesNarrow gyuto profile: The slimmer blade is lighter and quicker in the hand than a Western chef’s knife of similar length.Knuckle clearance: The blade keeps enough height to keep your knuckles off the board.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellSlicing boneless beef, pork, and chickenPortioning fish filletsDicing onions, carrots, and peppersMincing herbs and garlicScoring meat and fine detail work with the tip
Choosing a Shun Premier Chef’s KnifeFor a wider blade with more weight behind each cut, the Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife is the Western-style option. For a flatter edge suited to push cuts, consider the Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku. The same shape is available with a D-shaped ebony handle and smooth Damascus finish as the Shun Classic 7-inch Asian Cook’s Knife. Learn More

The Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku is an Asian-inspired all-purpose knife that handles the basic kitchen cutting tasks with ease. It is especially well suited to the push cut, moving the blade down and forward through the food, which produces clean, even slices of vegetables and boneless proteins. Slightly shorter than a standard chef’s knife, it is light and easy to maneuver, yet it keeps enough curve along the belly for a rocking cut when you need one. The wide blade carries cut food to the pan. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut.
FeaturesSantoku profile: The flatter edge excels at push cuts, and enough belly remains for rocking.Compact length: The blade is shorter than a standard chef’s knife, so it is light and quick to maneuver.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellPush-cutting cucumbers, carrots, and zucchiniDicing onions and peppersSlicing boneless meat and fishMincing herbs and garlicScooping cut food from board to pan
Choosing a Shun Premier SantokuFor a smaller blade, the Shun Premier 5.5-inch Santoku suits smaller hands and boards. If you prefer a rocking motion, the Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife has more curve. For a dedicated vegetable knife with a fully flat edge, consider the Shun Premier 5.5-inch Nakiri. Learn More

The Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife is the knife you will reach for every day. It is light and agile, and its thinner blade makes it lighter and less tiring to use than comparable European-style chef’s knives, which matters over a long session of prep. The 8-inch length and keen edge handle slicing and dicing across fruits, vegetables, and proteins. The wide blade keeps your knuckles clear of the board and doubles as a scoop for moving cut food to the pan, and the curved belly lets you rock the blade to mince herbs and garlic finely. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut.
FeaturesThin, lightweight blade: Less weight in the hand reduces fatigue through extended prep.Wide blade: The blade height gives knuckle clearance on the board and carries cut food to the pan.Curved belly: The rounded edge supports a rocking motion for fine mincing.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellDicing onions, carrots, and celeryMincing herbs, garlic, and ginger with a rocking cutChopping cabbage, squash, and other large produceSlicing boneless meat, poultry, and fishMoving cut food from board to pan
Choosing a Shun Premier Chef’s KnifeFor smaller hands or a smaller board, the Shun Premier 6-inch Chef’s Knife is the more compact choice; for large volumes and big produce, the Shun Premier 10-inch Chef’s Knife covers more board per stroke. If you prefer push cuts to rocking, the straight edge of the Shun Premier 8-inch Kiritsuke suits that style. The same length is available with a D-shaped ebony handle and smooth Damascus finish as the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife. Learn More

The Shun Premier 9.5-inch Slicing Knife is made for carving and slicing meat. Its long blade lets you cut each slice in a single stroke, producing long, even slices without the tearing and sawing that a shorter knife requires. The narrow profile and keen edge reduce friction, so the blade moves smoothly through roasts and poultry. It suits a wide variety of meats and also slices larger vegetables and melons. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps each slice release from the steel.
FeaturesLong blade: Nine and a half inches of edge crosses wide roasts in one stroke, so slices stay intact.Narrow profile: The slim blade reduces friction for a smooth, clean cut.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps slices release from the blade.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellCarving roast turkey, chicken, and duckSlicing prime rib, pork loin, and leg of lambSlicing brisket and hamSlicing smoked salmon and cured meatsCutting large melons
Choosing a Shun Premier Slicing KnifeTo carve at the table with a matching fork, the Shun Premier 2-Piece Carving Set pairs this knife with the 6.5-inch Carving Fork. For a smooth Damascus finish and D-shaped ebony handle with hollow-ground indentations, consider the Shun Classic 9-inch Hollow Ground Slicing Knife. Learn More

The Shun Premier 9-inch Bread Knife is for cooks who slice bread of every texture, from crusty sourdough to tender brioche. Its wide, sharp, low-frequency serrations saw through bread without crushing it and leave fewer crumbs than a plain edge. Because the serrations are spaced farther apart than on a typical sawtooth bread knife, they cut rather than tear. The same smooth cut makes it well suited to cakes and pastries. The 9-inch length crosses a full loaf in long strokes, and the hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps slices release.
FeaturesLow-frequency serrations: Wide, sharp serrations cut cleanly through hard crusts without compressing the soft interior.Fewer crumbs: The serrations cut rather than tear, which keeps crumbing to a minimum.9-inch blade: The length crosses large loaves and layer cakes in long, even strokes.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps slices release from the blade.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Free lifetime sharpening: Shun offers free lifetime sharpening, including the serrated edge.
Tasks It Handles WellSlicing sourdough, baguettes, and rustic loavesSlicing brioche, challah, and sandwich breadCutting bagels and rollsLeveling and slicing cakesSlicing pastries and tarts
Choosing a Shun Premier Bread KnifeFor smaller jobs such as tomatoes and sandwiches, the Shun Premier 6.5-inch Serrated Utility Knife combines serrations with a fine center edge. The same bread knife is available with a D-shaped ebony handle and smooth Damascus finish as the Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife. Learn More

The Shun Premier 8-inch Kiritsuke is for cooks who favor a straight edge and push cuts over a rocking motion. In Japan, the kiritsuke is known as the master chef’s knife, and it handles many of the same tasks as a chef’s knife. Its long, straight edge meets the board along its full length, which makes it especially effective for slicing, julienne, dice, and brunoise. The same edge cleans and portions boneless proteins, fish in particular, and slices cooked meats neatly. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish on the Shun Premier blade helps food release as you cut, so slices fall away instead of clinging to the steel.
FeaturesStraight, extended edge: The flat profile makes full contact with the board on every push cut, which produces clean, uniform vegetable cuts.Angled tip: The kiritsuke’s signature tip is precise enough for fine scoring and detail work.VG-MAX cutting core: Shun’s proprietary steel resists wear and corrosion and holds a fine, keen edge through long prep sessions.Damascus cladding: Layered stainless steel supports and protects the core.Hammered tsuchime finish: The hand-hammered surface helps food release from the blade while cutting.Contoured walnut PakkaWood handle: The handle offers comfort and control and resists moisture.Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan: Each Shun 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 edge can be professionally restored whenever it needs it.
Tasks It Handles WellJulienne, dice, and brunoise vegetablesPush-cutting onions, carrots, and celeryCleaning and portioning boneless fish filletsSlicing cooked proteins such as roasts and chicken breastFine slicing of herbs and aromatics
Choosing a Shun Premier KnifeIf you prefer to rock the blade through herbs and garlic, the curved belly of the Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife suits that motion better. For a more compact all-purpose knife with a straighter edge, consider the Shun Premier 7-inch Santoku. The same blade shape is also available with a D-shaped ebony handle and smooth Damascus finish as the Shun Classic 8-inch Kiritsuke. Learn More