Shun
Shun Premier Kiritsuke Knife - 8″
Best versatile master knife for home cooks seeking professional precision.
Master every culinary challenge with the Shun Premier 8″ Kiritsuke Knife, blending ancient Japanese design with modern performance. Revered as the "master's knife," this versatile blade effortlessly handles slicing, dicing, and chopping with precision. The unique straighter edge and angled tip are ideal for intricate prep work, while the hand-hammered tsuchime finish reduces drag. Crafted with Shun’s exclusive VG-MAX cutting core, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and strength. The ergonomic PakkaWood® handle ensures a comfortable, secure grip, making this handcrafted Japanese work of art a timeless tool for your kitchen.
$229.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
578
/ 5091
#578 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+72%
Above average
Blade Length
8
/ inches
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking long-lasting sharpness between professional sharpenings
- Culinary enthusiasts who value both aesthetic beauty and functional performance
- Busy chefs needing comfort during extended meal preparation tasks
Who should skip it
- Casual users who prefer low-maintenance, durable kitchen tools
- Cooks who rely on traditional Western rocking chopping techniques
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for entry-level kitchen cutlery
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
VG-MAX steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive daily prep.
Cutting Versatility
The Kiritsuke profile excels at both delicate slicing and heavy chopping.
Ergonomic Comfort
PakkaWood handle provides a secure, natural grip for extended kitchen sessions.
Release Performance
Tsuchime hammered finish effectively minimizes drag and prevents food from sticking.
Balance and Weight
Full tang construction offers a substantial, well-balanced feel in the hand.
Maintenance Ease
Requires diligent hand washing to preserve the integrity of the blade.
Key Specs
Blade Length
8 inches
Blade Material
VG-MAX Steel Core with Damascus Cladding
Edge Type
16° Double-Bevel Edge
Handle Material
Walnut color PakkaWood
Construction Type
Forged
Item Weight
7.7 ounces
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Care Instructions
Hand Wash
Features
- Master chef's knife for versatile prep.
- Ideal for slicing, dicing, and fine detail.
- VG-MAX core for superior sharpness and durability.
- Hammered finish reduces food sticking.
- Razor-sharp 16° double-bevel edge.
- Ergonomic PakkaWood handle for comfort.
- Full tang construction for balance.
- Handcrafted in Japan with traditional techniques.
What customers say
This Shun Premier Kiritsuke knife earns high marks for its exceptional cutting ability and sophisticated design. Users consistently praise its incredibly sharp VG Max steel edge, which effortlessly slices through ingredients. The knife's lightweight feel and the comfortable Pakkawood handle offer precise control, simplifying detailed tasks. While it represents a significant investment, its superior cutting performance makes it a valuable addition for dedicated home chefs. This beautiful tool delivers outstanding results, making it a joy to use for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and performance.
Know before you buy
The Kiritsuke is a traditional Japanese 'master's knife' that features a straighter edge and an angled tip. This design makes it exceptionally precise for intricate prep work, slicing, and dicing, offering more control than the curved belly of a standard Western chef's knife.
Yes, the hammered 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.
No, this knife is designed for precision prep work. The VG-MAX steel is extremely hard and sharp, which makes it brittle; using it on bones or frozen items can cause the edge to chip.
Because of the 16-degree double-bevel edge, you should use a whetstone or a Shun-approved honing steel to maintain its sharpness. Avoid using pull-through sharpeners, as they can damage the delicate Damascus cladding and the specific edge angle.
PakkaWood is a high-quality composite of wood veneers and resin, making it highly resistant to moisture and heat. It is significantly more durable and stable than traditional wood handles, ensuring it won't warp or crack with proper care.
No, you should always hand wash and dry this knife immediately after use. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can dull the blade, damage the PakkaWood handle, and lead to corrosion.
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