Shun
Shun Premier Boning Fillet Knife - 6″
Best precision tool for home chefs preparing meat and fish.
Experience precision with the Shun Premier 6-inch Boning Fillet Knife. Its VG-MAX steel core, clad in 34 layers of Damascus stainless steel, ensures exceptional sharpness and durability. The hand-hammered finish minimizes food adhesion, while the ergonomic PakkaWood handle provides a comfortable grip. Expertly handcrafted in Japan, this knife is ideal for detailed tasks like boning poultry, trimming fat, and filleting fish. It requires hand washing and careful drying to maintain its superior quality and longevity.
$189.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 5007
#68 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+42%
Above average
Blade Material
VG-Max steel, Stainless steel
/ VG-Max steel, Stainless steel
Who it's for
- Professional chefs needing long-lasting sharpness for intricate butchery tasks
- Home cooks prioritizing comfort and effortless food release during prep
- Culinary enthusiasts seeking precision when deboning or skinning delicate proteins
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable, high-volume kitchen workhorse
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance tools and standard sharpening methods
- Anglers requiring extreme blade flexibility for navigating complex fish anatomy
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
The VG-MAX super-steel core maintains a razor-sharp edge through heavy use.
Maneuverability
The narrow, curved profile navigates complex joints and bones with ease.
Release Performance
Hammered finish effectively prevents meat from sticking during delicate filleting tasks.
Ergonomic Balance
PakkaWood handle provides a secure, comfortable grip for extended prep sessions.
Construction Quality
Multi-layered cladding ensures long-term structural integrity and professional-grade durability.
Maintenance Ease
Requires careful hand washing and honing to preserve the premium finish.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-Max steel, Stainless steel
Handle Material
Walnut PakkaWood
Blade Length
6 inches
Blade Hardness
61 HRC
Finish
Damascus, Hammered
Construction
Forged, Handcrafted in Japan
Care
Hand Wash Only
Edge Angle
16 degrees
Features
- VG-MAX steel core for superior sharpness
- 34-layer Damascus cladding for beauty and strength
- Hammered finish reduces drag and prevents sticking
- Ergonomic PakkaWood handle for comfortable grip
- 16° double-bevel edge for razor-sharp precision
- Full tang construction for balance and control
- Handcrafted in Japan by master artisans
- Lifetime warranty with complimentary sharpening
What customers say
This Shun Premier Boning Fillet Knife earns high praise for its exceptional performance and stunning design. Users consistently highlight the incredible sharpness of the VG-Max steel, which enables remarkably precise and clean cuts for tasks like filleting and deboning. The hand-hammered Tsuchime finish is admired for its beauty and its functional ability to reduce drag. Furthermore, the Pakkawood handle provides excellent balance and comfort during extended use. While it is a premium investment, reviewers feel the professional grade quality and superior craftsmanship fully justify the cost. Diligent hand washing is recommended to maintain this precision instrument.
Know before you buy
The 6-inch blade is specifically narrow and curved, allowing it to maneuver closely around bones and joints where a wider chef's knife would be too cumbersome. Its fine, sharp tip is designed for precision work, such as trimming silver skin or deboning poultry.
Yes, the hand-hammered finish creates small air pockets between the blade and the food. This reduces friction and prevents delicate proteins from sticking to the steel while you cut.
Because this knife is hardened to 61 Rockwell, it holds a very sharp edge for a long time. We recommend using a honing steel regularly to realign the edge and professional sharpening or a high-quality whetstone when it eventually dulls.
No, you must hand wash this knife. The high-carbon steel and PakkaWood handle can be damaged by the harsh detergents and high heat of a dishwasher, which will lead to corrosion and handle degradation.
PakkaWood is a composite material made of genuine hardwood veneers and resin, making it highly water-resistant and durable. It provides the aesthetic of natural wood while standing up much better to the moisture of a busy kitchen.
A 16-degree angle is significantly sharper than the 20-to-25-degree angles found on many Western-style knives. This thinner edge allows for cleaner, more effortless slices through meat and fish without tearing the fibers.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.