Shun
Shun Premier 7 Piece Essential Block Set
Best premium cutlery set for home cooks seeking professional-grade precision.
Elevate your kitchen with the Shun Premier 7-Piece Essential Block Set, inspired by Japan's legendary sword smiths. Each knife is meticulously handcrafted through a 100-step process, ensuring peak perfection. The set features durable VG-Max steel blades that hold an exceptional edge longer, crafted from 34 layers of stainless steel. Walnut Pakkawood handles offer ergonomic comfort and balance for both left and right-handed users. Blades are double-beveled and hand-sharpened to a 16° angle, promoting clean cuts and preserving food's natural flavor. This comprehensive set equips you for various kitchen tasks, including a honing steel to maintain blade sharpness.
$739.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
9
/ 1849
#9 in Kitchen Utensil Sets
Price vs Category Average
+611%
Above average
Blade Material
VG-Max Steel
/ VG-Max Steel
Who it's for
- Home cooks prioritizing precision cutting and elegant kitchen aesthetics
- Culinary enthusiasts seeking comfort during extended meal preparation
- Aspiring chefs building a professional-grade foundation for their kitchen
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for more affordable cutlery options
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe kitchen tools
- Users needing heavy-duty blades for hacking through bone or cartilage
Performance breakdown
Edge Retention
VG-MAX steel maintains a razor-sharp edge through extensive daily kitchen use.
Ergonomic Comfort
D-shaped Pakkawood handles provide a secure, natural grip for precision cutting.
Food Release
Hammered Tsuchime finish effectively prevents ingredients from sticking to the blade.
Build Quality
Meticulous 100-step construction results in a professional-grade, heirloom-quality toolset.
Versatility
Essential knife selection covers nearly every standard culinary preparation task.
Maintenance Demand
Requires hand washing and regular honing to preserve the delicate edge.
Key Specs
Blade Material
VG-Max Steel
Handle Material
Walnut Pakkawood
Blade Finish
Hammered Tsuchime
Blade Grind
Double-bevel, flat ground
Cutting Angle
16° per side
Set Includes
4" Paring Knife, 6.5" Utility Knife, 6" Chef’s Knife, 9" Bread Knife, Herb Shears, 9" Honing Steel, 11-Slot Bamboo block
Core Material
VG-MAX steel
Cladding
68 layers of stainless steel
Features
- Handcrafted by skilled artisans for exceptional quality.
- Hammered Tsuchime finish aids food release.
- Ergonomic Pakkawood handles offer comfort and control.
- VG-MAX steel ensures superior edge retention.
- 68-layer Damascus cladding for beauty and support.
- Includes essential knives for diverse culinary tasks.
- Bamboo block provides organized storage.
- 16° cutting angle per side for sharp, clean cuts.
What customers say
This Shun Premier block set earns high praise for its exceptional quality and performance. Users consistently highlight the razor sharp edge provided by the VG-Max steel, noting how effortlessly the knives cut through ingredients. The design is also celebrated; the hammered finish and comfortable PakkaWood handles are frequently mentioned as beautiful and ergonomic. Reviewers find the balance reduces fatigue during long prep sessions. While the initial cost is significant, customers view this set as a worthwhile lifetime investment due to its superior craftsmanship and durability. It successfully blends exquisite Japanese artistry with professional functionality, leading to very high user satisfaction.
Know before you buy
No, these knives are not dishwasher safe. To preserve the integrity of the VG-MAX steel and the walnut Pakkawood handles, you should hand wash them with mild soap and dry them immediately after use.
Yes. While the handles feature a traditional D-shape, the blades are double-beveled, making them suitable and comfortable for both left- and right-handed users.
The hammered Tsuchime finish is more than just an aesthetic choice; it creates small air pockets that help reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade while you slice.
You should use the honing steel regularly—ideally before or after each use—to realign the edge of the blade. This helps maintain the knife's sharpness and extends the time between professional sharpenings.
VG-MAX is a high-performance, proprietary steel that contains extra carbon, chromium, and cobalt. This composition allows the blade to hold a much sharper edge for a longer period compared to standard stainless steel.
The blades are highly rust-resistant due to the stainless steel cladding. However, because they are high-carbon steel, it is essential to keep them clean and dry to prevent any potential spotting or corrosion.
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