Shun
Shun Premier 5.5" Santoku Knife
Best versatile blade for home cooks seeking precision and effortless vegetable prep.
Experience the Shun Premier Blonde Santoku Knife, a versatile 5.5-inch blade perfect for everyday kitchen tasks. From finely chopping shallots to slicing delicate vegetables, this knife offers exceptional control. Inspired by ancient Japanese craftsmanship, it boasts a VG-MAX steel core for superior sharpness and a beautiful 34-layer Damascus cladding. The hammered tsuchime finish minimizes sticking, while the ergonomic walnut PakkaWood handle ensures a comfortable grip. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, this knife embodies precision and artistry.
$199.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
368
/ 5041
#368 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+50%
Above average
Blade Construction
34410431
/ -layer Damascus SUS/SUS stainless steel with VG-MAX core and hammered Tsuchime finish
Who it's for
- Aesthetic-focused chefs wanting non-stick, beautiful kitchen tools
- Home cooks seeking effortless, precision slicing performance
- Frequent meal preppers needing ergonomic, fatigue-reducing handles
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable kitchen essentials
- Casual users preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe cutlery
- Home cooks needing a robust blade for heavy-duty chopping
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
VG-MAX steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive daily prep.
Food Release
Hammered tsuchime finish effectively prevents delicate vegetables from clinging to the blade.
Ergonomic Comfort
Contoured PakkaWood handle provides a secure, natural grip for extended cutting sessions.
Blade Maneuverability
Compact 5.5-inch length offers superior control for intricate chopping and slicing tasks.
Structural Balance
Full tang construction ensures a stable, well-weighted feel in the palm.
Aesthetic Craftsmanship
Damascus cladding and blonde wood create a stunning, heirloom-quality kitchen centerpiece.
Key Specs
Blade Construction
34-layer Damascus SUS410/SUS431 stainless steel with VG-MAX core and hammered Tsuchime finish
Handle Construction
Contoured Walnut Pakkawood with stainless steel endcap
Rockwell Hardness
60-61 degrees
Edge
Approximately 16 degrees, double bevel
Blade Length
5.5 inches
Blade Height
1.75 inches
Overall Length
10.75 inches
Weight
5.5 oz. (156g)
Features
- VG-MAX steel core for lasting sharpness
- 34-layer Damascus cladding for strength
- Hammered tsuchime finish reduces food drag
- 16° double-bevel Japanese blade angle
- Comfortable, contoured walnut PakkaWood handle
- Full tang construction for balance
- Handcrafted in Seki, Japan
- Limited lifetime warranty
What customers say
The Shun Premier Blonde 5.5 inch Santoku earns high praise for its blend of stunning aesthetics and exceptional performance. Reviewers consistently note the outstanding out-of-the-box sharpness, making detailed cutting tasks feel effortless. The hammered Tsuchime finish is admired for its beauty and drag reduction, paired with an elegant PakkaWood handle. Users frequently highlight the superb balance and comfortable grip, finding the size highly maneuverable. While the premium price reflects its luxury status, owners who adhere to proper maintenance view this functional work of art as a worthwhile, long-term investment that significantly elevates the cooking experience.
Know before you buy
The hammered tsuchime finish creates small air pockets between the blade and the food. This reduces drag and prevents ingredients from sticking to the side of the knife while you chop.
At 5.5 inches, this Santoku is more compact and agile than a traditional 8-inch chef's knife. It is ideal for smaller cutting boards, precise vegetable prep, and users who prefer a lighter, more maneuverable tool.
PakkaWood is a composite of wood veneers and resin, making it highly water-resistant and durable. While it is more resilient than natural wood, you should still hand wash and dry the knife immediately to maintain the handle's finish and integrity.
Because this knife features a precise 16-degree double-bevel edge and high-hardness VG-MAX steel, pull-through sharpeners are not recommended. We suggest using a whetstone or a professional sharpening service to maintain the blade's specific geometry and sharpness.
No. The VG-MAX steel is hardened to 60-61 on the Rockwell scale, which allows for a razor-sharp edge but makes the blade brittle. It should be used for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, fruits, and boneless meats only.
Full tang construction means the steel extends through the entire length of the handle. This provides superior balance, stability, and durability, ensuring the knife feels solid and secure in your hand during use.
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