Photo: Shun
Shun is a cutlery brand of Kai Group that dates back to 1908. They launched Shun brand in the year 2002 with its most modest collection of knives and other cutlery products. With such heritage, if you think finalizing one model as the best Shun knife is easy then you are highly mistaken.
Shun exploits some of the finest materials and techniques of knife making. You can segregate its collection into premier and classic range, with the latter being the economical and former being the exclusive collection of the brand.
Without further ado, here are all the individual models and knife sets on the market.
In this post:
- 10 Best Shun Knives – Review
- 1. Best Overall: Shun Classic DM0706
- 2. Best Budget: Shun Sora VB0723
- 3. Best Classic Chef Knife: Shun Classic DM073
- 4. Best Premier Knife: Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706
- 5. Best Knife Block Set: Shun Classic 6-Piece
- 6. Best In Warranty: Shun DMS284
- 7. Best In Durability: Shun Cutlery Kanso SWT0706
- 8. Best for Gifting: Shun Premier TDM0723
- 9. Largest Shun Knife: Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0707
- 10. Standard Shun Knife: Shun Sora VB0706
- How to Buy the Best Shun Knives
- Conclusion
10 Best Shun Knives – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Shun Classic DM0706 (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Shun Sora VB0723 (Best Budget) |
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 | 3. Shun Classic DM073 (Best Classic) |
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 | 4. Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706 (Best Premier) |
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 | 5. Shun Classic 6-Piece (Best Block Set) |
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 | 6. Shun DMS284 (Best In Warranty) |
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 | 7. Shun Cutlery Kanso SWT0706 (Best In Durability) |
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 | 8. Shun Premier TDM0723 (Best for Gifting) |
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 | 9. Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0707 (Largest) |
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 | 10. Shun Sora VB0706 (Standard Design) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Shun Classic DM0706 (Best Overall)
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2. Shun Sora VB0723 (Best Budget)
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3. Shun Classic DM073 (Best Classic)
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4. Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706 (Best Premier)
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5. Shun Classic 6-Piece (Best Block Set)
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6. Shun DMS284 (Best In Warranty)
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7. Shun Cutlery Kanso SWT0706 (Best In Durability)
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8. Shun Premier TDM0723 (Best for Gifting)
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9. Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0707 (Largest)
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10. Shun Sora VB0706 (Standard Design)
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1. Best Overall: Shun Classic DM0706
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 7.13 ounces
The strength of VG-MAX blade is the shining point of this model that makes it the best overall product on the list. It is far from corrosion due to additional chromium and the cobalt and carbon give more strength while safeguarding durability of the knife.
The 8-inches blade size is ideal for all kinds of kitchen needs. Moreover, the curviness of the blade also assists in easy chopping of vegetables, fruits, and meat.
Furthermore, the ebony PakkaWood handle has enhanced features that make this model strikingly beautiful. Since it is infused with resin, you can expect water-resistance, and durability of the knife.
The price is affordable, given the high-quality of the product. It certainly makes one of the best options for gifting your loved ones. But lack of warranty might disappoint some of the buyers.
Pros:
- Exceptional strength
- Smart looks
- Water-resistant handle
- Suitably priced
Cons:
- No warranty
2. Best Budget: Shun Sora VB0723
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: TPE
- Weight: 4.30 ounces
If you want to buy an affordable knife from Shun brand, then this is the most considerable model. It is the best budget product but has amazing features to offer.
First of all, this is a 6-inches chef knife with carbon steel blade to increase the durability. Since it is layered with carbon, the blade will not corrode, even after years of continuous usage. The robustness of blade makes it completely ready for outdoor use.
The 16-degree blade is hand sharpened and has a curved belly for versatile usage like chopping, mincing, etc. Not to forget, the blade also holds its edge for the longest time. Plus, the overall weight of 4.30-ounces makes it quite usable.
As far as the handle is concerned, the TPE handle is comfortable as well as robust. However, on the downside, it is not water-resistant. You might have to carefully hold while using wet hands.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Very durable
- Suitable for chopping and mincing
- Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Handle is not water-resistant
3. Best Classic Chef Knife: Shun Classic DM073
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 4.66 ounces
The Shun Classic DM073 is the best classic model with all the necessary features of being affordable, durable, and razor-sharp blade manufactured with advanced steel.
Among other things, its lightweight and amazing manoeuvre help in convenient usage of the knife. It will not tire your hand at all. In fact, the working is so smooth that knife will very comfortably chop or mince the meals.
It has VG-MAX steel, derived with an innovative and exclusive formula to give increased strength and sharpness to the product.
The ebony PakkaWood handle is genuinely infused with resin to offer durability and water-resistance. Furthermore, the D-shape grip will encourage people for comfortable usage with left or right hand.
The drawback is the thinness of blade that could result in chipping.
Pros:
- Best in classic series
- Increased sharpness
- Comfortable handle
- Suitable for right- or left-hand usage
Cons:
- Blade might chip
4. Best Premier Knife: Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
Apart from the mesmerizing looks, this premier 8-inches chef knife comes with hammered tsuchime finish to prevent the food from sticking the blade. Also, the premier range is meant to provide exceptional agile handling.
The carbon-steel blade comes with multiple carbon coatings for keeping corrosion, rusting, and staining at bay. The blade is particularly lightweight and razor sharp so that you can put it for versatile use, without tiring your hand. You can use it for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
The PakkaWood handle is in contoured shape that comfortably sits inside your hand and does not tire it while using. If you are planning to gift someone a superior knife, then this is an unmissable option.
Speaking of the drawback, the only one is the lack of warranty on the product. Other than that, it is an unbeatable option for purchase.
Pros:
- Comes with tsuchime finish
- Versatile
- Suitable for gifting
- Very comfortable to hold
Cons:
- No warranty
5. Best Knife Block Set: Shun Classic 6-Piece
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 3.5, 7, 8, 9 inches
- Blade Material: Damascus Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 142 ounces
Well, with the 6 individual components, this is the best Shun knife block set containing 3 knives, a honing steel, and kitchen shears. The blades are available in 3.5, 7, and 8-inches length. Plus, there is a 9-inches combination honing steel and an 8-inch dark wood block to store the knives.
The product is enhanced in quality due to Damascus steel layered 34-times on each side. It has ultimate strength and cutting edge. Also, the knives are extremely suitable for outdoor use as they can handle the abuse.
The blade thickness makes it more durable and better in usability. To further uplift the product’s superiority, you get D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handle. It is water-resistant and extremely durable.
The overall product is pretty great, except the shears as they are too difficult to hone and might lose their edge sooner than the blades.
Pros:
- Available in a set
- Exceptional cutting edge
- Comfortable handle
- Great overall quality
Cons:
- Shears are not as superior
6. Best In Warranty: Shun DMS284
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 4, 8 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 19.2 ounces
The Shun DMS284 gives you maximum peace of mind as it comes with lifetime warranty. This way, you can enjoy carefree usage because if anything goes wrong with the product, the brand will take full responsibility.
Well, the construction is done with carbon stainless steel and there are 16 layers of carbon clad on each side, making the blade exceptionally suitable for all kinds of use.
Since this product is available in pair, you get precision-forged 8-inches and 4-inches knives in it. These knives are available in Damascus rust-free looks.
As far as the handle is concerned, it has D-shaped ergonomic grip PakkaWood handle for more strength, stringent grip, and exceptional durability.
The pair is a suitable purchase but with it, you might have to sharpen the knives time and again. This is the only drawback of this model.
Pros:
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- Rust-free looks
- Firm grip
Cons:
- Might have to sharpen the blade a lot
7. Best In Durability: Shun Cutlery Kanso SWT0706
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Blade Material: Vanadium Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Tagayasan
- Weight: 7 ounces
The Kanso collection is among the most durable collections from Shun brand. This model has got vanadium stainless-steel blade construction which is one of the finest steel qualities to offer maximum robustness to the knife.
Furthermore, being full tang product, the chances of this knife breaking apart is negligible. This all-purpose knife is a suitable purchase for all those who take multiple uses of a knife.
It comes in an overall length of 8-inches and have stunning appearance. Also, it has scratch-resistant heritage finish to add to its glory.
This model is fashioned with authentic PakkaWood handle in slightly contoured shape to boost comfort and increase usability. This is a great product but might need a bit of practice before you can confidently and comfortably start using it.
Pros:
- Amazing durability
- Great looks
- Comfortable to hold
- Scratch-resistant
Cons:
- Might need some practice before you get comfortable
8. Best for Gifting: Shun Premier TDM0723
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 4.9 ounces
The Shun Premier TDM0723 is an ideal combination of good looks and quality. Therefore, this is the best giftable knife on the list that you can pick for your siblings, parents, or kids to present on Christmas, birthday or other occasions.
This is a carbon steel hand-sharpened 6-inches blade with great strength to withstand abuse. Moreover, the knife only weighs 4.9-ounces and creates a comfortable balance to control it throughout the chopping duration.
It is a suitable product for all except that it is a bit expensive than other premier knives. However, it is worth every penny spent.
Pros:
- Stunning look with high quality
- Suitable for abuse
- Comfortable balance
Cons:
- A bit expensive
9. Largest Shun Knife: Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0707
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Weight: 8.6 ounces
Well, this is a large chef knife, available with 10-inches blade length. The product is absolutely suitable for versatile usage. It supports all kinds of chopping, mincing, dicing, and other related activities.
It drives the strength from carbon steel construction that makes it suitable for corrosion-resistant, and staining. Also, the hammered tsuchime finish helps in conveniently releasing the food and gives no sticking annoyance.
The product is pretty strong and hand-sharpened, following the Japanese knife making tradition. This is a well-balanced model, giving you suitable control over the knife.
Plus, the PakkaWood handle is very well crafted to give the most comfortable grip. However, the only drawback is that there is no warranty with this model.
Pros:
- Large blade
- Extremely durable
- No sticking of food on the blade
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- No warranty
10. Standard Shun Knife: Shun Sora VB0706
Photo: Shun
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: PP/TPE
- Weight: 6.65 ounces
The Shun Sora VB0706 is a standard model from the brand that comes with VG10 stainless-steel single layer on both sides of the blade. It is non-staining and made with proprietary composite blade technology.
The 8-inch blade is pretty suitable for all kinds of kitchen related activities. The hand-sharpened, 16-degrees, double bevel blade is superior in usage.
While it is not full-tang but the steel is permanently joined to increase the strength of the knife.
As far as the handle is concerned, this is a Sora version and comes with PP/TPE handle for suitable grip.
Well, this model is decently priced but the single stainless-steel coating leaves it susceptible to rusting and corrosion. This one will demand a lot of maintenance.
Pros:
- Non staining blade
- Superior usage
- Permanently joined steel
- Decently priced
Cons:
- Needs a lot of maintenance
How to Buy the Best Shun Knives
Photo: Shun
1. Purpose
Each collection of Shun knives hail for a different purpose. When you establish the purpose, half of the work is done. Allow us to explain how?
Quality with Affordability
If the purpose of purchase is to find a high-quality utility/all-purpose knife at a minimal price, then Shun Sora is the best collection. This is the most cost-effective collection and the brand only invests high-cost material on this collection where absolutely necessary.
The Shun Sora VB0723 is the best cheap Shun knife from the brand with extreme quality standards.
Performance & Looks
People who are unsettling for the cutlery with basic looks will admire the Kanso range from Shun. It has the dreamiest appearance with ultimate features that include durability, maximum edge retention, and ultimate comfort.
The Shun Cutlery Kanso SWT0706 has stunning looks, scratch-resistance heritage finish, and durability to life up to everyone’s expectations.
Classic
Classic is among the most popular knife lines from Shun, with a budget-friendly price range and appreciable robustness. It features VG-MAX super steel for its cutting core. The ergonomic and comfortable knife design impresses the buyers whole-heartedly.
If you have your heart set on this collection then go with the Shun Classic DM073 with comfortable size of 6-inches, and high-quality PakkaWood handle to add more luxury to the product.
Premier
For the admirers of luxury and unbeatable quality, there is no better range than Shun’s Premier collection. Everything about these knives speak volumes for their functionality, durability, and performance.
The Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706 will give you everything you expect from a top-notch quality chef knife. From being lightweight to agile, it will offer exceptional hold and control for maximum usability.
All these models are derived with a purpose. Be sure to select wisely based on your needs.
2. Blade Size & Material
As far as sizes are concerned, you can get a knife with a minimum of 3.5-inches and it goes up to 10-inches on the higher side.
If someone has versatile needs then prefer buying a block set that contains differently sized knives for versatile use.
Now, the blade material is a crucial part to consider while purchasing. It comes in a lot of different varieties of steel like AUS10A, VG10, VG2, VG-MAX, SG-2, etc.
All these steel varieties are heat treated to perform at their best capacity. Plus, you get a common feature of corrosion-resistance among all these models.
Among these, VG-MAX has high strength because of maximum layers of carbon. Also, it has better edge retention as well.
3. Handle
The next important factor to consider is the handle of a knife. This is the place from where you will hold the knife. Therefore, the usability of the product will also largely depend on how comfortable and firm the handle is.
Most of the knives have PakkaWood handle as it is non-slipping, gives you great control, and has incredible strength and firmness. Also, if your hand sweats while chopping or using the knife, the handle will not adapt the odor, unlike conventional wooden handles.
Other than that, Shun also gives plastic handles in its Sora range. You should note that the PP handle is equally diligent and comfortable to use. It will not compromise on the strength required by the knife.
Lastly, you get another exclusive variety of Tagayasan wood handle with ultimate strength that makes a knife highly useful and durable.
4. Sharpness
Knives come in major use, irrespective of the purpose they are being purchased. That is why, you should focus on the sharpness of the knife as well as how long it can retain the sharpness. This factor directly relates to the performance of knife.
Conclusion
This Shun knife review is purposed to help you find the best model that relates to your need completely. All the models mentioned above are the choicest products in every range launched by the brand.
The Shun Classic DM0706 is an ideal combination of performance, strength, and affordability. It features PakkaWood handle and has decent weight to promote prolonged usage.
At the same time, if you need the best premier model then go with the Shun Cutlery Premier TDM0706 for a high-strength chef knife in 8-inches size and carbon steel blade.
Our motive is to give you best of all the series so that you can make an uncompromised purchase. Hope you find these models useful.
Happy Shopping!