10 Best Shun Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Classic 23 Piece Knife Block Set stands out for those who want a comprehensive collection of high-quality Japanese-style kitchen knives. Its blades are made from VG-MAX stainless steel with 34 layers of Damascus cladding, providing excellent sharpness and durability. The fine double-bevel edge sharpened at a 16° angle on each side makes these knives extremely precise for detailed cutting tasks. The set covers a wide range of knife types, from small paring knives to an 8-inch chef's knife and a 9-inch bread knife, making it versatile enough for most kitchen needs. Each handle is crafted from ebony PakkaWood, which is both sturdy and moisture-resistant, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip. Weighing around 19 pounds including the block, the set feels solid but is manageable for everyday use.

A notable plus is that the knives are handcrafted in Seki, Japan, a region famous for expert blade making. However, the knives are not dishwasher safe and require careful hand washing and drying. Additionally, the price and comprehensive size might be overwhelming for casual cooks who don’t need so many knives. The included bamboo block is a nice touch for organized storage but adds to the overall weight. For those seeking a long-lasting, sharp, and beautifully designed knife set suitable for serious home cooking or gifting, this set represents a strong option. Those who prefer something lighter or with fewer pieces might find it more than necessary.

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a solid choice for those seeking premium Japanese knives with professional-level performance. Its blades are made from VG-MAX steel layered 68 times in a Damascus pattern, offering excellent sharpness and durability. The 16-degree blade edge ensures precise cutting, which is great for tasks requiring accuracy. This set covers versatile needs with various blade lengths, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, 9-inch bread knife, and smaller utility knives, making it suitable for both everyday and specialized kitchen work.

One of the standout features is the hammered tsuchime finish on the blades, which helps reduce drag and food sticking, improving cutting efficiency. The pakkawood handles are ergonomically shaped and comfortable for both right and left-handed users, providing good grip and control. The knives are forged, giving them strength and balance, though the whole block set is on the heavier side at nearly 11 pounds, which might be a consideration if you prefer lighter tools. Care-wise, these knives require hand washing to maintain their quality, so they aren’t dishwasher safe. The set includes a honing steel and a bamboo block with 11 slots, which is practical for keeping the knives organized and sharp over time.

The serrated blade edge on some knives like the bread knife is excellent for slicing crusty breads, while other knives have straight edges better suited for precise cuts. This set suits serious home cooks or aspiring chefs who value traditional Japanese craftsmanship and desire a complete knife collection that performs reliably. Those looking for a lightweight or dishwasher-safe option might find it less convenient. The price and maintenance reflect the high-quality materials and handcrafted nature of the Shun brand.

The Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set is a premium collection ideal for home cooks who value quality and precision. The knives feature VG-MAX steel cores with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which not only gives them a beautiful look but also ensures strong durability and excellent sharpness with a 16-degree blade edge—great for detailed cutting and long-lasting sharpness. The set covers essential knife types, including chef’s, santoku, paring, utility, bread, slicing, and boning knives, offering versatility for a variety of kitchen tasks.

The handles are made of engineered Pakkawood shaped in a D-design, providing a comfortable, secure grip for both right- and left-handed users, which helps maintain good control during use. Weighing 11.6 pounds together with the 22-slot bamboo block, the set is well-balanced and organized for easy storage. These knives require careful hand washing and regular maintenance to keep their edge and appearance, as they are not dishwasher safe.

Although the price point is higher than average, the craftsmanship and included honing steel make this set a strong investment for those seeking authentic Japanese cutlery. Less experienced users might find the care needs a bit demanding but will appreciate the performance and elegance these knives bring to the kitchen.