Shun knives are one of the best knives on the market because they deliver everything you need in a kitchen knife. They’re razor-sharp, making them perfect for cutting vegetables and slicing sushi. They’re also well-built, that’s why they can handle different situations in the kitchen.
However, with the demands of everyday cooking, knife blades are prone to chipping and losing their sharpness. And if you own a knife as superior as Shun, it’s crucial that you take appropriate steps to polish it up.
Keep reading to know more about Shun knives and the best ways to properly take care of them.
RELATED: The 5 Types Of Kitchen Knives Every Home Cook Needs
Everything You Need to Know About Sharpening Your Shun Knives
About Shun Knives
Shun, pronounced as “shoon”, is the main concept in Japanese cuisine and culture. In Japan, shun is a term that refers to the exact moment when local produce, which is seasonal, has reached the “peak of its perfection”. This means that the food is in its most flavorful, freshest, and most ideal phase.
So, what then are Shun knives?
Shun knives take their name from this Japanese concept of eating the freshest meals at the perfect time. They’re Japanese knives that are admired globally because of their durability. Their sturdiness is made possible by high-carbon stainless steel construction.
Shun knives belong to the Shun cutlery series, which is recognized for its exceptional beauty and performance. This cutlery was developed and designed by the KAI Group, an enterprise established in Seki City, Japan, where the Shun knives are also produced.
Throughout the 20th century, the enterprise manufactured different types of cutlery under various brands. In 2002, the Shun brand was launched in the West. It’s distributed in the US by Kai USA.
Today, Shun knives are sold across more than 30 countries. And until now, Shun continues its tradition of handcrafting each knife. In fact, it takes at least 100 steps for Shun’s skilled artisans to finish one piece of the knife.
Shun Cutlery
Shun offers a wide range of knives in their collection. Each knife has its own design and value. But all of them still possess the classic Japanese style, molded through traditional Japanese techniques.
Each category consists of around five to 30 different knife types. This is equivalent to a total number of around 90 Shun knives!
Here are some basic facts about the Shun knife collection:
Shun Cutlery Classic Serrated Utility Knife 6", Narrow, Straight-Bladed Kitchen Knife Perfect for Precise Cuts, Ideal for Preparing Sandwiches or Trimming Small Vegetables, Handcrafted Japanese Knife
$119.95 in stock
Features
- UTILITY KITCHEN KNIFE: In between a chef knife and paring knife with a narrow, straighter blade, the Shun 6-inch Classic Serrated Utility Knife is the ideal tool cutting tough-skinned fruits and vegetables like avocado.
- SANDWICH KNIFE: Utility knives are sometimes called sandwich knives. They're perfect for preparing almost everything that goes into a sandwich – from thin-skinned vegetables like tomatoes to meats and cheeses.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, this kitchen utility knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users. Plus, it doesn't harbor bacteria.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Ebony PakkaWood handle
- Blade construction: VG-MAX cutting core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding
Shun Cutlery Kanso Asian Multi-Prep Knife 5”, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese Boning Knife, Trimming Knife, and Utility Knife - Easily Maneuvers Around Bone and Slices Tough Cartilage
Features
- JAPANESE BONING KNIFE: The Shun 5-inch Asian Multi-Prep Knife is a Japanese-style boning knife with a triangular blade perfect for maneuvering around bones and between joints.
- TRIMMING, SLICING & MORE: The 16-degree cutting edge not only removes breast from bone and cuts joint cartilage with ease, it's also ideal for trimming, slicing, and dicing fruits and vegetables.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from AUS10A high-carbon stainless steel refined with Vanadium, this Japanese boning and prep knife is strong, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, and razor-sharp.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: Made with contoured tagayasan, known as "iron sword wood," the full-tang handle construction is dense, durable, beautiful and offers a secure grip with precision balance.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Tagayasan (or wenge)
- Blade construction: AUS10A steel
Shun Cutlery Premier Grey Santoku Knife 7", Asian-Inspired Knife for All-Purpose Food Prep, Chef Knife Alternative, Handcrafted Japanese Knife
Features
- SANTOKU KNIFE: The Shun 7-inch Premier Grey Santoku knife is an Asian-inspired cooking knife that's a favorite among cooks for its ability to easily handle all the basic kitchen cutting tasks.
- VERSATILE KNIFE: This kitchen knife is shorter than a standard chef's knife, light, agile and easy to maneuver with just enough belly curve for rocking cuts.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus with a hammered TUSCHIME finish, this knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: The grey, contoured Pakkawood handle resists moisture, is comfortable to use, and offers precise control.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Grey PakkaWood handle
- Blade construction: VG-MAX cutting core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding
Shun Cutlery Dual Core Santoku Knife 7", Asian-Inspired Knife for All-Purpose Food Prep, Chef Knife Alternative, Handcrafted Japanese Knife
Features
- SANTOKU KNIFE: The Shun 7-inch Dual Core Santoku knife is an Asian-inspired cooking knife that's a favorite among cooks for its ability to easily handle all the basic kitchen cutting tasks.
- VERSATILE KNIFE: This kitchen knife is shorter than a standard chef's knife, light, agile and easy to maneuver with just enough belly curve for rocking cuts.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: This cooking knife features 71 alternating micro-layers of high-carbon, high-chromium VG10 and VG2 stainless steel for a long-lasting, high-performance, razor-sharp cutting edge.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: The traditional octagon-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip. A rabbet tang controls weight and enhances maneuverability.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Ebony Pakkawood handle
- Blade construction: 71 micro-layers of high carbon, high chromium VG10 and VG2 stainless steel
Shun Cutlery Sora Chef's Knife 8”, Gyuto-Style Kitchen Knife, Ideal for All-Around Food Preparation, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese Knife, Professional Chef Knife
$79.95 in stock
Features
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 8-inch Sora Chef's Knife is perfect for preparing meat, vegetables, fruit and more! It's THE must-have kitchen knife.
- GYUTO-STYLE KNIFE: This Japanese kitchen knife is also called a gyuto. It is slightly less curved than a western chef's knife with a gentle roll off the tip, cutting more food with less lifting of the blade.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: The San Mai edge construction uses VG10 steel for a corrosion-resistant, razor-sharp cutting edge supported by 420J stainless steel on the blade upper.
- COMFORTABLE, DURABLE HANDLE: Full-tang handle design made from a textured PP/TPE polymer blend for an easy-to-maintain contemporary look and offers a secure grip with strength and balance.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Textured polypropylene/thermoplastic elastomer polymer blend
- Blade construction: VG10 steel on the cutting edge and Japanese 420J stainless steel upper
Shun Classic Blonde 7” Santoku Knife, Blonde PakkaWood Handle, Full Tang VG-MAX Blade
Features
- SANTOKU KNIFE: The Shun 7-inch Classic Blonde Santoku knife is an Asian-inspired cooking knife that's a favorite among cooks for its ability to easily handle all the basic kitchen cutting tasks.
- VERSATILE KNIFE: This kitchen knife is shorter than a standard chef's knife, light, agile and easy to maneuver with just enough belly curve for rocking cuts.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, this santoku knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The D-shaped, blonde Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, doesn't harbor bacteria, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Blonde PakkaWood handle
- Blade construction: VG-MAX cutting core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding
Shun Cutlery Premier 6”, Small, Nimble Blade, Ideal for All-Around Food Preparation, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese, Professional Chef Knife, 6 inch
Features
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 6-inch Premier Chef's knife is the perfect all-purpose kitchen knife. It's ideal for preparing fruit, vegetables, meat and more.
- SMALL, NIMBLE BLADE: This Japanese kitchen knife is small, light, and extremely maneuverable. It's wide enough to keep knuckles off the cutting board with a curved belly that can be "rocked" through herbs and spices.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus with a hammered TUSCHIME finish, this knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: The walnut-finished, contoured Pakkawood handle resists moisture, is comfortable to use, and offers precise control.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- Handle material: Walnut PakkaWood handle
- Blade construction: VG-MAX cutting core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding
As you may notice, most of Shun knives’ handles are built of PakkaWood, a material that combines resin and hardwood. It offers the natural beauty, durability, and strength of wood, which complements the stainless steel blade. It also provides you with an excellent grip, so you can easily maneuver the knife.
Shun Knife and Its Stainless Steel Blade
In order for you to properly take care of your Shun knives, you must first understand the steels found in the core of each knife.
The blades of Shun knives are made of premium Japanese steel. These steels are surrounded by layers of Damascus steel, which has a wave pattern. This wavy design doesn’t only give Shun knives their stylish appearance, but it also lessens drags and prevents food from sticking to the knife. This fabrication also makes Shun knives rust-resistant.
The steels used in Shun knives include:
- VG10 steel: The elements and metals in this steel contribute to the Shun knives’ firmness as well as their wear and corrosion resistance.
- Dual-core VG10/VG2: These metals are piled then forged together to produce smooth stainless steel.
- Proprietary VG-MAX: The VG-MAX steel is an improved version of VG10 steel. It consists of tungsten, carbon, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium. These elements make Shun knives solid and long-lasting.
- AUS10A: This high-carbon steel is the most low-priced among the other Japanese stainless steel.
Pro Tip: Sharpen the blades to a 16-degree angle to make your Shun knives remarkably pointed.
Shun Knife and Its Edge
Shun knives feature the following edges:
- Double-bevel: With double-bevel, both sides of the knife are sharpened. Most Shun knives have this type of edge. It’s the most common type since it’s the simplest to sharpen.
- Single-bevel: Unlike double-bevel, a single-bevel edge features a blade that’s sharpened only on one side. It’s sharper than double-bevel, that’s why it’s perfect for slicing raw meat and fish. However, it’s more prone to chipping.
- San Mai: This type is somehow similar to double-bevel, but its center is made of hard metal steel surrounded by milder steel.
RELATED: 5 Tips For Slicing And Chopping Food Like A Pro
Sharpening Shun Knives
Now that we’ve talked about blades and edges, how do you sharpen them for efficient cutting?
Here are some techniques you need to learn to make your Shun knife as sharp as it can be.
1. Use a Honing Tool
“Honing” isn’t exactly the same as “sharpening”, but it’s still an important part of Shun knife maintenance.
Honing refers to the procedure of adjusting the edge of your knife blade to keep its sharpness. Doing this regularly will also extend the lifespan of the blade. And when we say “regularly”, we mean doing it weekly to ensure that the edge delivers consistent performance.
Meanwhile, sharpening isn’t done as regularly as honing. You do the sharpening occasionally, depending on your knife usage.
With sharpening, you take the metal off the blade, unlike honing wherein you only realign the blade. So basically, “honing” refers to maintaining the “sharpening” you’ve already done.
But of course, to hone your Shun knife, you need to have honing steel.
Shun Cutlery Classic Combination Honing Steel 9", Gently Corrects Rolled Knife Edges, Smooth & Micro-Ribbed Honing Rod, Built-In Angle Guide, Professional Japanese Honing Steel
Features
- SHUN HONING STEEL: Keep your knife collection in perfect condition with the Shun 9-inch Classic Combination Honing Steel.
- PROFESSIONAL KNIFE SHARPENING: All knives naturally develop tiny bends through normal use. This honing tool corrects those bends – ensuring the sharpest part of your knife makes contact with the food.
- COMBINATION HONING ROD: This stainless steel knife sharpener features a smooth side for weekly honing and a micro-ribbed side for monthly honing.
- BEAUTIFUL, COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The durable, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is comfortable for both left- and right-handed users. Features a built-in angle guide to help you keep the perfect honing angle.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
How To:
- Hold the honing steel in a vertical and downward position. Make sure that the tip of your honing steel is stabilized on a cutting board or countertop.
- Hold your Shun knife against the honing steel, then drag the knife downwards, as if you’re slicing the honing rod.
- Do this for five to 10 minutes, while keeping a 16-degree angle. If your Shun knife has a double-beveled blade, don’t forget to hone both sides.
- Afterward, wash your knife with warm water.
2. Use a Whetstone
This is another method you can do to sharpen your Shun knife. In fact, it’s one of the oldest techniques used in knife sharpening.
A whetstone, sometimes called sharpening stone, comes in different grits:
Shun Cutlery Combination Whetstone, 1000 & 6000 Grit - Ideal for Sharpening Moderately Dull Blades, Includes Rubber Tray for Sharpening Stability
Features
- KNIFE SHARPENING STONE: Keep your Shun knife collection in pristine, razor-sharp condition with the Shun 1000/6000-Grit Combination Whetstone.
- FINE & EXTRA-FINE GRITS: This whetstone knife sharpener features a fine 1000-grit side and extra-fine 6000-grit side ideal for sharpening your Shun knives when they aren't very dull. For exceptionally dull knives, try our 400/1000-grit whetstone.
- EASY TO USE: Thoroughly soak the whetstone before use. Use the 1000-grit side to put a keen edge on your knife, then polish it to perfection with the 6000-grit side.
- RUBBER TRAY INCLUDED: The included rubber tray holds the whetstone firmly in place for improved stability when sharpening.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- 300-grit: can fix small chips and repair minor imperfections
- 1,000- to 1,500-grit: can sharpen dull knife blades that aren’t extremely cracked or chipped
- 4,000- to 6,000-grit: can do knife blade polishing with a mirror-like finish
Some sharpening stones also have two sides, wherein one side is used to grind your knife and the other is for smoothening the blade.
How To:
- Place your sharpening stone in water for around 10 minutes.
- After soaking your whetstone, put it on a damp towel. Place them on a stable counter or table. Make sure that the surface is slip-free.
- Get your Shun knife. If it’s double-beveled, hold it at a 16-degree angle. For single-beveled, angle it at 45 degrees.
- Then, move your knife up and down against the slightly wet stone. Put light pressure as you do this movement, and keep going until the blade is sharp.
- Lastly, clean your knife before using it.
3. Use a Manual Sharpener
If you’re looking for a knife sharpening tool that’s relatively cheap, you may opt for a manual sharpener. It’s also much easier to use than a whetstone.
Chef'sChoice 4643 Manual Knife Sharpeners 15 and 20-Degree for Serrated and Straight Knives Diamond Abrasives, 2-Stage, Gray
$47.99 in stock
5 used from $42.17
Features
- CHEF'SCHOICE - Professional 3-stage sharpener for super sharp edges on your 15 and 20-degree class knives
- DIAMONDS - 100 percent diamond abrasives are used in all three stages. The initial stages sharpen and hone using 100 percent diamond abrasives while the third stage polishes the edge with micron sized diamond abrasives
- KNIVES - Sharpen straight edge and serrated knives as well as sports and pockets knives
- RAZOR SHARP - Chef’sChoice advanced CrissCross sharpening technology delivers an extremely sharp edge by using diamond abrasive wheels which sharpen simultaneously for a superior burr-free edge that cuts effortlessly
- EASY TO USE - Precise bevel angle control creates ultra-sharp 15 and 20-degree edges
However, take note that you may need to practice your knife sharpening skills before you can use this tool. You may find it a bit difficult to get the angle right on your first try. But with some practice, you can still achieve razor-like sharpness for your Shun knives.
How To:
- Put the manual sharpener on a table or countertop for your safety as well as to balance the sharpening tool.
- Insert your knife into the slot, with heel first, then pull it towards you.
- Repeat this around three to four times.
4. Use an Electric Sharpener
If you don’t wish to sharpen your Shun knives manually, you may use an electric sharpener.
![Kai House The sharpener [AP-5301] electric knife sharpener](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tC6XPA13L._SL500_.jpg)
Kai House The sharpener [AP-5301] electric knife sharpener
Features
| Part Number | AZS0101 |
| Model | AZS0101 |
The good thing about electric knife sharpeners is that everything’s automatic. It features a grindstone that’s already adjusted to a 16-degree angle.
It may be a bit pricey compared with other tools, but it sharpens faster and is easier to operate. You don’t need to be a pro in sharpening knives before you can use them.
However, since there are different types of Shun knives, keep in mind to read the instructions carefully before using one.
5. Use a Leather Strop
Another method to keep your Shun knife at its peak performance is to use a leather strop. This tool has a surface that can smoothen the edge of your Shun knife.
SHARPAL 204N Leather Strop (Genuine Cowhide) 8" x 3" Kit with 2 Oz. Polishing Compound & Angle Guide, Knife Stropping Block for Sharpening & Honing Knives, Straight Razor, Woodcarving Chisels
Features
- ✅Genuine Cowhide: This leather is genuine cowhide. We use vegetable tanned and fine ground process for smooth and flat leather surface.
- ✅STURDY BEECH BLOCK: Beech is of high quality wood. The beech base is very durable and the natural wood grain is beautiful.
- ✅NON-SLIP: We installed anti-slip mats on the bottom of the block. The wood does not move when you sharpen the knife. This reduces the difficulty of sharpening the knife and improves safety.
- ✅POLISHING COMPOUND & ANGLE GUIDE: We additionally provide polishing compound and angle guide. You don't need to waste money to buy honing compound alone. Angle guide provides 4 different angles to suit your different knives
- ✅3 YEARS Warranty and Superior After-Sale Service: Sharpal headquarters in CA, US with overseas branches in Germany and Australia, aiming at providing consumers with an easy and cost-effective way to obtain a sharp edge. Manufactured and field-tested to the highest standards.
Generally, leather strops come with polishing cream. This polishing compound adds up to the strop’s effectiveness to make your knife look like it just got out of the factory.
How To:
- Rub the polishing cream onto the leather strop, then let it dry.
- Stroke your knife on the strop to sharpen the blade. Ensure that you’re doing it at the right angle.
- Repeat this for about a dozen times to leave the knife with a polished look.
6. Use a Ceramic Mug
If you urgently need to sharpen those blades, but there’s no available knife sharpener around, you may use a ceramic mug. This may sound absurd, but you may actually sharpen a chef’s knife using this household object that’s readily available.
Porcelain Sublimation Mugs Set of 6, Farielyn-X 12 oz White Coffee Mugs, Ceramic Coffee Cups, Classic Drinking Cups with Handles, Mugs for Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte, Cocoa, Milk, Tea, Mug DIY Gifts
Features
- Excellent Value - Set of 6 White Sublimation Mugs. This classic white ceramic mug has 12oz capacity. The colors are beautiful, bright, with a bit of gloss. it is also a kind of durable and sturdy mugs for everyday drinks, chip-resistant.
- Perfect for DIY - Our Sublimation Series Mugs are designed with a Double Coating Application, so you can print anything on it through heat press! Easily to get permanent and colorful outcomes with dry sublimation ink. You can also design some personalized mugs by waterslide decal paper.
- comfortable handle - This white ceramic mug with large handle, easy and comfortable to hold. There’s plenty of room between the handle and cup itself, the large handles make these cups a perfect choice for coffee, soup, tea, milk, latte, hot cocoa and more.
- DISHWASHER and MICROWAVE SAFE - 100% lead and cadmium free, these large mugs are made using the highest and safest quality stoneware ceramic. Withstand both the dishwasher and microwave, the image can still stay intact.
- PERFECT GIFTS - Sublimation white ceramic mugs are perfect for making photo mugs, promotions, gifts, personal keepsakes, artwork showcasing, and much more. You can print any image you like on the mug, as a perfect gift for someone you think is important, your creativity and love makes it unique. Pefect and personalized gift!
How To:
- Flip the ceramic mug upside down. Put it on a flat surface.
- Look for the part of the mug that’s raw. This is usually the rough part at the bottom that keeps the mug from slipping.
- Run your knife across this part until you achieve your desired sharpness, just like how you use a whetstone. While doing this, you’ll notice some discoloration on your mug, which means that you’re effectively sharpening the knife.
7. Go to the Professionals
If you find sharpening knives too inconvenient, Kai USA offers their sharpening services for free! You may either drop off or mail in your Shun knives, and they’ll sharpen them until they look brand new.
Shun knives are adored by home cooks and professional chefs alike. They’ve earned incredible reputation and popularity in the cutlery world because of their handcrafted design and high quality.
But keep in mind that you should also know how to sharpen your Shun knives properly, as it plays a critical role in preserving the life of the edge. Besides, who likes blunt knives after all? They’re not only troublesome, but they’re also ineffective when it comes to meal preparation.
So, follow these tips and practices to revive your dull knives, and enjoy their sharpness for a lifetime.
Want to learn more tips on how you can maximize your kitchen? Check out our website for more clever ideas!
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