Shun Knives: Classic, Elite, and More Cutlery

Shun knives have quickly become one of the top names among high-end cooking knives during the last half decade. During this spectacular improvement numerous cooks have abandoned such industry household brands as Wusthof and Henckels for Shun.

Their prominence is well earned. While Global first introduced numerous North American restaurant professionals to sharp and lightweight Japanese knives, Shun brought the idea to the home. Shun proved a lot of doubters wrong when it showed that America was ready for premium knives that were razor sharp and feather-weight. Shun knives were more costly than their predecessors and in need of more preventative care but once hobbyist cooks got their hands on them, they didn't go back.

Kershaw and Shun

Kai Cutlery is a Japanese maker of cutlery, which produces Shun knives. During 1978, Kai acquired Kershaw Cutlery and formed Kai USA to sell in the American market. When Asian style cutlery became popular in the US, Kai was able to mix legendary Japanese knife making with their familiarity of the US market. This enabled Kai to become leaders in the market.

Their Shun Cutlery were first introduced in 2003 and have now become the knives of preference at several retailers like Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table and Crate and Barrel.

Shun Classic Knives

Aimed squarely at the aficionado home cook, Shun Classic Knives are the most commonly purchased of the Shun series.

They use a Japanese alloy named VG-10, which is significantly harder and keener than most European alloys. Some agree that the sharpness, joined with a lightweight feel and a traditional Western grip makes for an excellent combination.

These knives should not be put in the dishwasher, or to be left soaking in dishwater. The thin, sharp blades can with no difficulty be blunted or stained by this method.

The handle are created from pakka wood, a resin-injected hardwood, and given a teardrop design to allows them to fit easily in almost any hand.

A few people will say that knives from the Shun Classic product line are too expensive. Despite the fact that these cutting tools are not inexpensive, carrying a $100 price tag for an eight inch Chef's knife, Kai was of the belief that the premium components and performance which these implements delivered more than made up for their above average cost. These utensils definitely produce the level of excellence that the buyer is paying for.

Shun Elite Knives

Shun Elites are the next most purchased line of Kai's catalog. While the Shun Elite line might resemble the Classic knives, there are a few critical differences. The largest difference is the steel. The Elites possess SG-2, a superior "powdered" alloy.

Powdered steels are created through a unique process that permits uniform distribution of elements throughout the alloy. This forms a steel that can be created extremely tough and, consequently, sharp.

These knives have pakka wood handles, much like the Classic series. It's critical to handle the blades with the same preventative maintenance as the Classics.

Shun Ken Onion Knives

Ken Onion is probably the most decorated blade inventor living today. Mr. Onion designed "Speed Safe", a revolutionary instant knife-opening tool. Ken implemented various ground-breaking cutting instruments at the request of Kershaw, some of which are the Chive, the Leek and the Blackout.

Though Ken Onion had never made a cooking blade before, he signed up for the task. Ken says that his new thoughts about kitchen knife design really stem from this inexperience, because it made him question some of the inspirations leading to usual kitchen knife blueprints.

, pakka wood handles and, most distinctively, an ergonomic form designed to minimize arm fatigue in the face of extended chopping sessions

Not all are fans of the Elite's unique form. A few complain that the ergonomic design works nicely exclusively for some types of hands. But numerous industry professionals swear by them, and they've developed quite a significant group of followers.

Shun Steel, Pro 2 and Others

The Shun line is made up of a large range of knives including some more obscure lines. Shun Steel comes made with a stainless steel grip. Shun Pro knives are enhanced with a single-bevel blade which creates a narrower edge and a keener blade. The Shun Pro II is a stand out with an embellished grip in addition to marginally wider and keener edges.

Kai also offers value knives, sold under the Kershaw Wasabi name.

More Info

Shun's website is filled with great tidbits on their cutlery, technology and designers. The Wikipedia also is short but good reading.

Article Source: http://www.109b.com/artdash

About the Author

Greg K. Roy is a kitchen cutlery aficionado and longtime journalist. He has tried out an endless array of kitchen cutlery and can tell you which knives give you the best value.

Read his recent renowned post on the Best Kitchen Knives on Any Budget so you can add a little edgin

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