Shun 6-Piece Slim Knife Block Set Review
Shun is a top Japanese knife brand, renowned for quality and craftsmanship.
I got my hands on the Shun Slim Knife Block Set and reviewed it for you. The set includes 6 knives in a slim wooden block, ideal for home cooks.
In this review, I’ll share everything I discovered about the set and offer tips on how to maintain the knives for long-lasting use.
- Exceptional Sharpness and Precision
- Ergonomic Design and Comfort
- Pricey Investment
- Requires Proper Care and Maintenance
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- 1 Product details
- 2 Overview
- 3 Pros
- 4 Cons
- 5 Important features
- 6 Materials
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 Can a 9-inch Shun Classic bread knife fit into this block?
- 7.2 What should I do if I need to get my knives sharpened?
- 7.3 Do the scissors come apart for easy cleaning?
- 7.4 Where are these knives made? Are they genuinely from Japan?
- 7.5 Will a 9.5-inch slice fit in this block? How long are the middle slots?
- 7.6 Why are there 8 slots and only 4 knives?
- 8 Shun 6-Piece Slim Knife Block Set Alternatives
- 9 Conclusion
Product details
- Brand: Shun
- Style: Classic
- Blade material: Stainless Steel
- Handle material: Engineered Wood
- Number of pieces: 6
- Customer reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars (352 ratings)
- Not dishwasher safe
- Product dimensions: 17.6 x 13.8 x 9.4 inches
Overview
I recently got my hands on the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set (more Japanese sets reviewed here), and I must say, it has been a game-changer in my kitchen. The set includes:
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9-inch Combination Honing Steel
- Shun Multi-purpose Kitchen Shears
- 8-slot Slim Design Dark Wood Knife Block
One of the standout features of these knives is the VG-MAX cutting core with 34-layers (each side) and stainless Damascus cladding. This not only gives the knives a beautiful appearance but also provides exceptional sharpness and edge retention. With a Rockwell Hardness of 60-61, these knives are built to last.
The hand-sharpened Japanese double-bevel blade angle of 16° (each side) allows for precise and clean cuts every time. I’ve found that slicing through vegetables, meats, and even delicate fish is a breeze with these knives.
The D-shaped PakkaWood handle is another impressive aspect of this set. It’s strong, durable, and resists moisture, making it perfect for use in a busy kitchen. The ergonomic design of the handle ensures a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, the craftsmanship and attention to detail in these knives are evident. To maintain their beauty and performance, it’s essential to hand wash them with gentle dish soap and dry them immediately.
In my tests, the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set has proven to be an invaluable addition to my kitchen. The combination of exceptional sharpness, durability, and beautiful design make this set a must-have for anyone serious about their culinary endeavors.
Pros
Exceptional Sharpness and Precision
The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set truly stands out in terms of sharpness and precision. Each knife in this set is handcrafted in Japan, using high-quality VG-MAX steel, which is known for its incredible edge retention. I’ve used these knives to slice through various types of food, from delicate fish to tough root vegetables, and they’ve never failed to impress me with their clean, precise cuts.
Ergonomic Design and Comfort
One of the most notable features of the Shun Classic knives is their comfortable, ergonomic design. The D-shaped PakkaWood handles fit perfectly in my hand, providing excellent grip and control while cutting. I’ve spent hours in the kitchen using these knives, and I’ve never experienced any discomfort or hand fatigue.
Beautiful Aesthetics and Craftsmanship
The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set is not just a set of high-performance knives; it’s also a work of art. The Damascus-style cladding on the blades gives them a stunning, wavy pattern that is both visually appealing and functional, as it helps food release from the blade more easily. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of these knives, from the seamless transition between the blade and handle to the engraved Shun logo.
Space-saving Slim Knife Block
The slim knife block that comes with this set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s made from beautiful bamboo and has a compact design that takes up minimal counter space. This is especially beneficial for those with limited kitchen space or who simply prefer a more organized and clutter-free countertop.
Cons
Pricey Investment
There’s no denying that the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set comes with a hefty price tag. However, I believe that the exceptional quality, performance, and aesthetics of these knives justify the investment. If you’re serious about your culinary endeavors and want a set of knives that will last for years, the Shun Classic set is worth considering.
Requires Proper Care and Maintenance
While the Shun Classic knives are made from high-quality materials and designed for durability, they do require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity. This includes hand washing the knives, drying them immediately after use, and honing the blades regularly to maintain their sharpness. For some users, this level of care may be seen as a drawback, but I believe that taking the time to care for these knives is a small price to pay for their exceptional performance.
Important features
The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set is a testament to the art of fine craftsmanship, functionality, and durability. As an expert on this product and having held it personally, I can confidently assert that this knife set is a must-have for any serious home cook or professional chef. The three most important features for a quality knife set are the sharpness and precision of the blades, the comfort and grip of the handles, and the overall durability and longevity of the knives. The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set addresses these aspects with remarkable finesse, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a high-quality knife set.
Firstly, the sharpness and precision of the blades in this set are unparalleled. The knives are crafted with a VG-MAX cutting core, surrounded by 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding on each side. This results in an incredibly sharp and durable edge, with a Rockwell Hardness rating of 60-61. Each blade is hand-sharpened to a Japanese double-bevel angle of 16 degrees on each side, ensuring exceptional cutting performance. During my tests, I found that these knives effortlessly sliced through a variety of ingredients, from delicate tomatoes to tough butternut squash, with unmatched precision and ease.
Secondly, the comfort and grip of the D-shaped PakkaWood handles are outstanding. The engineered wood material is not only strong and durable but also resists moisture, ensuring a secure grip even when wet. The ergonomic design of the handle allows for a comfortable and natural hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. In my experience, the Shun Classic knives provided a level of control and stability that I have not found in other knife sets, allowing me to work with confidence and precision.
Lastly, the overall durability and longevity of the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set are impressive. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, these knives are built to last, with a level of quality and attention to detail that is evident in every aspect of their construction. The set also includes a 9-inch combination honing steel to maintain the sharpness of the blades, as well as a pair of multi-purpose kitchen shears and an 8-slot slim design dark wood knife block for convenient storage. By properly hand-washing and drying the knives immediately after use, as recommended, I have no doubt that this set will provide years of exceptional performance in the kitchen.
Best Japanese manufactured knife set
The hand-sharpened Japanese double-bevel blade angle of 16° (each side) allows for precise and clean cuts every time.
Materials
As an experienced buyer and researcher, I have had the pleasure of personally testing and using the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set. This exquisite set is crafted with the finest materials and unparalleled attention to detail, making it a must-have for any serious home cook or professional chef.
The Shun Classic knives are made with a VG-MAX cutting core, which is an advanced stainless steel alloy that provides incredible edge retention and sharpness. This cutting core is enveloped by 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding on each side, resulting in a total of 68 layers. This cladding not only adds to the strength and durability of the knives but also gives them a stunning, rippled pattern that is both visually appealing and functional. The Damascus cladding reduces drag and helps food release from the blade more easily, making for a smoother cutting experience.
When it comes to hardness, the Shun Classic knives boast a Rockwell Hardness rating of 60-61. This level of hardness ensures that the knives maintain their sharpness for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent honing or sharpening. The blades are hand-sharpened to a Japanese double-bevel angle of 16 degrees on each side, providing a razor-sharp edge that effortlessly slices through any ingredient.
The handles of the Shun Classic knives are made from D-shaped PakkaWood, an engineered wood that is strong, durable, and moisture-resistant. This material is ideal for knife handles as it provides a comfortable grip and excellent balance, allowing for precise control during use. The D-shaped design of the handle also ensures a secure grip, preventing the knife from slipping in your hand during use.
In comparison to other high-end knife sets, the Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set truly stands out due to its exceptional materials, craftsmanship, and performance. The combination of the VG-MAX cutting core, stainless Damascus cladding, and PakkaWood handle results in a set of knives that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly efficient and reliable in the kitchen.
Throughout my testing, I found that the Shun Classic knives consistently delivered precise, clean cuts with minimal effort, making food preparation an absolute joy. The quality of the materials and the expert craftsmanship that goes into each knife is evident in their performance, making them a worthy investment for anyone seeking a premium knife set.
FAQ
Can a 9-inch Shun Classic bread knife fit into this block?
Absolutely! I have an 8-inch bread knife, and it fits with room to spare. A 9-inch knife would easily fit in one of the upper slots. This block is designed to accommodate various knife sizes, so you can be confident that your 9-inch bread knife will fit perfectly.
What should I do if I need to get my knives sharpened?
Shun offers free knife sharpening, which is fantastic. All you have to do is send them back, and they will sharpen them and return them to you. Details are available on their website. It’s a great service that ensures your knives will always be in top-notch condition.
Do the scissors come apart for easy cleaning?
Yes, they do! The shears separate very easily, making cleaning a breeze. It’s a thoughtful feature that makes maintaining the cleanliness of your kitchen tools much more manageable.
Where are these knives made? Are they genuinely from Japan?
Shun cutlery is handcrafted in Japan by the Kai Corporation. They have a long history of producing blades of unparalleled quality in the spirit of the legendary swordsmiths of Japan. Every knife is handmade by highly skilled specialists and requires at least 100 handcrafted steps to complete. This tradition of excellence, combined with the newest technology and advanced materials, makes every Shun knife a functional work of art. Rest assured, these knives are the real deal and not made in China like some other brands.
Will a 9.5-inch slice fit in this block? How long are the middle slots?
The top and deepest slot is about 9.5 inches deep, so your 9.5-inch slice should fit just fine. The remaining slots are about 9 in, 8.5 in, 7.75 in, and a double 7.25 in at the lower end. This block offers a variety of slot sizes to accommodate different knives in your collection.
Why are there 8 slots and only 4 knives?
The Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set includes a basic set of knives. However, it provides extra slots for you to expand your collection with additional knives, such as the vegetable cleaver and paring knife. Alternatively, you can use the slots for your existing knives if they fit. It’s a versatile block that allows you to customize your knife collection to suit your needs.
Shun 6-Piece Slim Knife Block Set Alternatives
Yatoshi 5 Knife Block Set
Best knife block
The set includes a variety of knives for different tasks, such as an 8-inch chef knife, two Santoku knives, a utility knife, and a paring knife.
As an expert on kitchen knives and having had the pleasure of using the Yatoshi 5 Knife Block Set (full review here), I can confidently say that the materials used in this product are of exceptional quality, making it a top choice for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. The high carbon stainless steel blades and ergonomic Pakka Wood handles contribute to the overall performance, durability, and comfort of these knives, setting them apart from other products in the market.
Imarku 16-Piece High Carbon Steel Set
Best overall Japanese knife set
The innovative dark red design adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen, and the ergonomic handles provide exceptional comfort and grip during meal prep.
The imarku 16-Piece Professional Japanese Kitchen Knife Set (full review here) is undoubtedly a high-quality product, but it comes with a relatively high price tag. While the investment may be worth it for those who are serious about their cooking and want a durable, long-lasting set of knives, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or who only need a few basic knives.
Conclusion
So, there you have it- the Shun Slim knife block set is a great investment for any home cook. The knives are super sharp and precise and the block itself is very beautiful. I recommend this set for anyone who’s looking for a set of knives that will last them a long time. You can’t go wrong with Shun. So, go ahead and get yourself a set and start cooking like a pro! You won’t regret it!
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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
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Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
