Shun
Shun Classic Onyx Set: 9 Piece Chef's Choice
Best professional-grade knife collection for serious home chefs and culinary experts.
Elevate your culinary skills with the Shun Classic Onyx 9-Piece Chef's Choice Block Set. This collection features essential, professional-grade knives meticulously crafted in Japan. Each blade boasts a VG-MAX cutting core, reinforced by 68 layers of Damascus cladding for exceptional sharpness and durability. The set includes a versatile range of knives, a honing steel, and a bamboo block for convenient storage, making it ideal for both passionate home cooks and seasoned professionals seeking precision and performance.
$863.96
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
328
/ 1898
#328 in Kitchen Utensil Sets
Price vs Category Average
+730%
Above average
Blade Material
69
/ VG-MAX cutting core with layer Damascus cladding
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking long-lasting sharpness and precision
- Design-conscious chefs wanting a beautiful kitchen centerpiece
- Culinary enthusiasts needing a comprehensive, all-purpose blade collection
Who should skip it
- Users who frequently cut through bones or frozen foods
- Busy cooks who prefer the convenience of dishwasher cleaning
- Casual kitchen users on a strict budget
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
VG-MAX steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive daily use.
Ergonomic Balance
D-shaped PakkaWood handles provide a secure, comfortable grip for precision tasks.
Food Release
Damascus cladding minimizes friction, preventing ingredients from sticking to the blade.
Set Versatility
Covers every essential kitchen task from delicate paring to heavy-duty carving.
Maintenance Requirements
Hand-wash only care demands consistent attention to preserve the blade finish.
Build Craftsmanship
Handcrafted Japanese construction ensures exceptional structural integrity and long-term reliability.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-MAX cutting core with 69 layer Damascus cladding
Handle Material
Ebony color Pakkawood
Set Count
9 pieces included
Edge Angle
16° edge
Handle Construction
D-shaped
Tang
Full composite tang
Knives handcrafted in Japan
Dishwasher Safe
No
Features
- Razor-sharp 16° edge for precision cutting
- VG-MAX core for superior durability
- Damascus cladding aids food release
- Comfortable D-shaped PakkaWood handles
- Full composite tang for balanced feel
- Includes 7 essential cutting tools
- Handcrafted quality in Japan
- Comprehensive 9-piece set
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shun Classic Onyx Set for its exceptional craftsmanship and striking aesthetic. The Damascus cladding provides a sophisticated look while the hand sharpened edges offer precision for every kitchen task. Users appreciate the ergonomic D shaped handles which provide a secure grip and reduce fatigue during long prep sessions. This collection is often described as a lifetime investment because of its enduring sharpness and robust construction. It balances professional performance with a beautiful design that elevates any countertop.
Know before you buy
No, these knives are not dishwasher safe. To maintain the integrity of the Damascus cladding and the PakkaWood handles, you should always hand wash and dry them immediately after use.
The D-shaped handle is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, providing a secure, ergonomic grip that prevents the knife from rotating during use. It is specifically contoured to offer better control for traditional cutting techniques.
Because these blades are sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle, you should avoid using standard pull-through sharpeners, which are typically set to wider angles. We recommend using a whetstone or a Shun-specific electric sharpener to maintain the factory edge.
VG-MAX is a high-performance stainless steel that contains extra carbon, chromium, and cobalt. This allows the blade to hold a sharper edge for a longer period while remaining highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
Yes, beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Damascus cladding helps reduce friction when cutting. The layered steel creates microscopic air pockets that assist in food release, preventing ingredients from sticking to the blade.
The D-shaped handle is ergonomically optimized for right-handed users. While left-handed cooks can certainly use the knives, the handle shape may feel less natural compared to a symmetrical or ambidextrous handle.
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$864