THE SHUN KNIFE
Shun knives are constructed with an amazing array of technologies. Each knife is created for precision performance and a distinctive design, reflecting both elegance and functionality. Two of the methods used to construct the Shun Knives are the Kasumi Method and the Honyaki Method.
With the Kasumi Style of Japanese knife making, extremely hard carbon steel is used for the edge, and then clad on each side with a protective layer of stainless steel. This method is used in the Shun Classic Series.
With the Honyaki style of Japanese knife making, the blades are comprised of one piece of steel. This type of construction can be found in the Shun pro Series. The most prized of the high performance Japanese knives are made using this technique.
VG-10 “Super Steel’
Each individual blade is forged with VG-10 “super steel”, which is the perfect balance between carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese and other hardening metals. The VG-10 steel has a higher density which allows it to be tempered to a Rockwell hardness of 61, while retaining flexibility and strength and keep a perfect edge. The Rockwell scale is a hardness scale based on the indentation hardness of a material.
SG-2 Powdered Steel
The SG-2 Powdered steel is used by Shun in some of its Elite Knife series. SG-2 has incredible edge retention capabilities and hardness. This combination results in an extremely sharp and smooth edge with a higher density and grain structure, which eliminates imperfections and weak points.
Clad Construction
The wavy, or moiré pattern on the Shun blades is called the
The Cutting Edge
The Shun blades are ground to a 16 degree angle for maximum sharpness. The edge, combined with the Japanese steels used in the construction of the knives eliminates the need for excessive re-sharpening.
Getting a (Pakkawood) Handle on Shun Knives
Pakkawood consists of thin layers of white Birch that is dyed ebony black. These layers are then put between sheets of plastic resin then fused together under immense pressure and heat. The result is a durable handle that has the look and feel of wood. The handle is teardrop or “D” shaped, ergonomic design, to fit comfortably in the hand, for ease of cutting and control.
Please see the Links section for descriptions and purchase information of the most popular of the Shun line, and accessories to compliment your Shun purchase. The entire line may be seen at the Purchase Shun Knives Link.