Shun
Shun Premier Santoku 7"
Best versatile knife for home cooks seeking precision and effortless handling.
Experience the Shun Premier Blonde Santoku, a versatile 7-inch Asian-inspired chef's knife perfect for all your essential kitchen tasks. Its lightweight and agile design, coupled with a slightly shorter profile, ensures effortless maneuverability. The subtle belly curve facilitates easy rocking cuts, while the forward cutting motion offers precision and comfort. Crafted with a VG-MAX cutting core and 68 layers of Damascus cladding, it boasts exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The hammered TSUCHIME finish minimizes food sticking, and the blonde Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable, secure grip. Handcrafted in Japan for lasting quality.
$199.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
578
/ 5007
#578 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+50%
Above average
Blade Material
68
/ VG-MAX cutting core with micro layers of Damascus cladding
Who it's for
- Home cooks prioritizing long-lasting sharpness and minimal honing
- Visual enthusiasts seeking effortless food release during prep
- Frequent meal preppers needing comfort during extended cutting tasks
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks wanting low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe cutlery
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level kitchen tools
- Culinary beginners prone to rough handling or heavy-duty tasks
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
VG-MAX steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through heavy daily prep.
Food Release
Hammered Tsuchime finish prevents stubborn ingredients from clinging to the blade.
Ergonomic Comfort
Contoured Pakkawood handle offers a secure, fatigue-free grip for extended sessions.
Maneuverability
Lightweight profile makes quick, agile work of delicate herbs and vegetables.
Corrosion Resistance
Damascus cladding provides a robust shield against rust and kitchen moisture.
Versatility
Ideal for push cuts and rocking, though limited by its shorter length.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-MAX cutting core with 68 micro layers of Damascus cladding
Blade Finish
Hammered, Damascus Pattern
Handle Material
Composite (Pakkawood)
Blade Length
7 inches
Blade Angle
16° each side
Origin
Handcrafted in Japan
Dishwasher Safe
No
Knife Type
Santoku Knife
Features
- Versatile Asian-inspired chef's knife
- Light and agile for easy handling
- Allows for rocking and push cuts
- Superior wear and corrosion resistance
- Damascus cladding for strength
- Hammered finish reduces sticking
- Comfortable, moisture-resistant handle
- Handcrafted in Japan
What customers say
This Shun Santoku is celebrated as a premium culinary tool delivering exceptional performance and beauty. Users consistently praise its razor sharpness right out of the box, a result of expert Japanese craftsmanship. The hammered finish reduces food drag while adding artisanal appeal. The Blonde PakkaWood handle offers a comfortable, balanced grip, enhancing the overall cooking experience. While the investment is significant, owners feel the precision and speed it brings to prep work justify the cost. The core sentiment is that this knife is a functional work of art that demands careful hand washing and storage to maintain its professional edge.
Know before you buy
The Santoku features a shorter, flatter blade profile that is designed for precise, downward chopping motions rather than the deep rocking motion typical of a chef's knife. Its lighter weight and agile design make it particularly well-suited for quick, repetitive tasks like dicing vegetables.
Yes, the hammered finish creates tiny air pockets between the blade and the food, which significantly reduces friction and prevents ingredients from clinging to the steel while you slice.
Because this knife is sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle, you should use a whetstone or a pull-through sharpener specifically designed for Asian-style blades. Avoid using standard serrated knife sharpeners, which can damage the delicate edge.
Yes, Pakkawood is a composite material made of layers of hardwood impregnated with resin. This process makes the handle highly durable and resistant to moisture, ensuring it won't warp or crack even with frequent use in a busy kitchen.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The high heat and harsh detergents can dull the blade and compromise the integrity of the handle; we recommend hand washing and drying it immediately after use.
VG-MAX is a high-performance stainless steel known for its exceptional hardness and edge retention. It allows the blade to be ground thinner for a sharper, more precise cut while remaining resistant to corrosion and wear.
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$200