Shun
Shun Premier Slicing Knife - 9.5″
Best slicing knife for home cooks preparing roasts and large vegetables.
Achieve perfect, thin, and even slices every time with the Shun Premier Slicing Knife. Its extended 9.5-inch blade allows for long, single-stroke cuts, minimizing tearing and preserving meat juices for enhanced flavor. The narrow profile and razor-sharp edge ensure a smooth glide through meats and larger vegetables with reduced friction. Crafted with a VG-MAX cutting core for exceptional edge retention and clad in 68 micro layers of Damascus steel, this knife combines beauty with performance. The hammered tsuchime finish aids in food release, while the contoured Pakkawood handle provides comfort and control.
$219.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 5007
#68 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+65%
Above average
Blade Length
9.5
/ inches
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking long-lasting sharpness and minimal maintenance
- Aesthetic-focused chefs wanting effortless, drag-free cutting performance
- Culinary enthusiasts preparing large roasts and delicate proteins
Who should skip it
- Beginners prone to cutting on hard surfaces or bones
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing value over premium craftsmanship
- Left-handed users requiring a truly ambidextrous handle design
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
The VG-MAX core maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive heavy use.
Food Release
Hammered tsuchime finish effectively prevents delicate slices from clinging to steel.
Ergonomic Control
Contoured Pakkawood handle offers a secure, comfortable grip for precise maneuvering.
Slicing Precision
Extended blade length enables clean, single-stroke cuts for perfect, uniform portions.
Structural Integrity
Sixty-eight layers of Damascus steel provide exceptional durability and lateral strength.
Maintenance Demand
Requires careful hand washing and honing to preserve the premium finish.
Key Specs
Blade Length
9.5 inches
Handle Material
Composite
Dishwasher Safe
No
Edge Type
Straight Edge
Weight
7.3 oz
Country of Origin
Japan
Blade Finish
Hammered, Damascus Pattern
Handle Length
5.0 inches
Features
- Delivers thin, even slices with a single stroke.
- Preserves meat juices and flavor with clean cuts.
- VG-MAX core for superior edge retention.
- 68 layers of Damascus steel for strength and beauty.
- Hammered finish reduces food sticking to the blade.
- Comfortable, contoured Pakkawood handle for control.
- Handcrafted in Japan for exceptional quality.
- Versatile for meats and large vegetables.
What customers say
This Shun Premier slicing knife earns high praise for its exceptional performance and striking design. Users consistently report effortless slicing through large proteins thanks to its immediate, razor-sharp edge. The hammered finish is admired not only for its beauty but also for practically reducing food sticking. Comfort is another key feature; the contoured PakkaWood handle offers excellent control and reduces fatigue during extended use. The knife feels perfectly balanced, becoming an extension of the user. While the premium price is noted, the consensus is that the superior craftsmanship and elevated carving experience make this a worthwhile, long-term investment for serious cooks.
Know before you buy
The extended length allows you to slice through large roasts or briskets in a single, fluid motion. By minimizing the number of strokes, you prevent tearing the meat fibers and keep the juices inside, which significantly improves the texture and flavor of your food.
The hammered finish creates small air pockets between the blade and the food. This reduces surface tension and prevents ingredients from sticking to the side of the knife, allowing for faster, more efficient slicing.
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The high-heat, harsh detergents, and physical movement of a dishwasher can damage the Damascus steel finish and dull the razor-sharp edge. Always hand wash and dry it immediately after use to maintain its performance.
VG-MAX is a high-performance, high-carbon stainless steel that is exceptionally hard. This allows the blade to hold a much sharper edge for a longer period compared to standard stainless steel knives, meaning you won't need to hone or sharpen it as frequently.
Yes, the narrow profile and sharp edge make it excellent for slicing large vegetables like eggplant, squash, or cabbage. However, it is not designed for heavy-duty tasks like chopping through bone or frozen foods, which could chip the blade.
Pakkawood is a moisture-resistant composite, but it should still be kept dry. Avoid soaking the handle in water, and occasionally apply a food-safe mineral oil to the wood if it begins to look dry to keep it in top condition.
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