Shun Classic 8-inch Chef's Knife (DM0706)

The Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is the one knife to own if a kitchen can hold only one. Its eight-inch blade covers the full range of daily prep, from fruits and vegetables to proteins, and it is long enough for larger foods without becoming unwieldy. Shun Classic blades are thinner than comparable European-style chef’s knives, which makes this knife lighter and less tiring to use through a long prep session. It is the anchor of the Shun Classic line and the natural starting point for a matching collection. Food & Wine named it the Best High-End Chef’s Knife.

Features

• Wide chef’s profile: The blade height keeps knuckles off the cutting board and makes it easy to carry cut food from board to pan.
• Curved belly: The gentle curve allows a rocking cut through fresh herbs and spices for a very fine mince.
• Thin, light blade: Less steel than a typical European chef’s knife reduces fatigue during repetitive cutting.
• 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 Well

• Dicing onions, carrots, and celery
• Mincing herbs, garlic, and spices with a rocking cut
• Slicing and portioning boneless meats and fish
• Slicing fruits, vegetables, and cheeses
• Transferring prepped ingredients from board to pan

Choosing a Shun Chef’s Knife

The Classic chef’s knife is offered in several versions. The Shun Classic 8-inch Hollow Ground Chef’s Knife shares this blade’s dimensions and adds indentations that help food release. The Shun Classic 8-inch Western Cook’s Knife has a taller blade and a stronger, less acute edge for dense foods such as winter squash. For more length and leverage, choose the Shun Classic 10-inch Chef’s Knife, and for a lighter, more nimble blade, the Shun Classic 6-inch Chef’s Knife.