Shun Premier Knives

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 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