Shun Classic Santoku

The hollow-ground indentations create small air pockets between the blade and the food. This significantly reduces friction, preventing ingredients like potatoes or cucumbers from sticking to the knife as you slice.

While the D-shaped handle is traditionally designed to fit the palm of a right-handed user, many left-handed cooks find the Shun Classic handle comfortable and secure. However, if you prefer a perfectly symmetrical grip, you may want to handle it in person to ensure it suits your specific hand shape.

VG-MAX is a proprietary, high-carbon stainless steel that holds a much sharper edge for longer than standard kitchen knife steels. It provides the hardness required for precise, thin cuts while maintaining enough durability to resist chipping during normal kitchen tasks.

Yes, the 68 layers of Damascus steel provide structural support to the hard VG-MAX core. This cladding adds significant strength and corrosion resistance to the blade, protecting the core from the stresses of daily use.

This Santoku is designed for precision tasks like slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, fruits, and boneless proteins. It is not intended for hacking through bone or frozen foods, which could damage the fine, sharp edge.

To keep the edge performing at its best, use a honing steel regularly to realign the blade. When it eventually loses its sharpness, we recommend using a whetstone or a professional sharpening service rather than a pull-through electric sharpener to preserve the integrity of the Damascus finish.