Shun Classic 7-inch Santoku

The Shun Classic 7 inch Santoku is a premium Japanese-style kitchen knife designed for cooks who want precision, balance, and effortless cutting performance in a single blade. Crafted with the brand's signature VG-MAX steel core, the blade is clad in 34 layers of Damascus stainless steel on each side, producing the flowing, rippled pattern that Shun is known for. This construction isn't just about looks; the layered steel adds flexibility and corrosion resistance while the harder VG-MAX core, sharpened to an edge of roughly 16 degrees per side, holds a keen, long-lasting edge that slices through vegetables, fish, and boneless meats with minimal resistance. The Granton-style hollowed divots along the blade edge further reduce friction and help prevent food from sticking as you cut, making it especially useful for thinly slicing produce or cheese.

The handle is made from PakkaWood, a resin-infused wood composite that gives the knife a warm, polished look while standing up to repeated washing and kitchen use far better than untreated wood. Shaped in Shun's signature D-shaped profile, the handle is ergonomically contoured to fit comfortably in the hand, offering secure control whether you're using a pinch grip or a full-handed hold. The knife's weight is thoughtfully balanced between the blade and handle, so it doesn't feel blade-heavy during repetitive chopping tasks, and the santoku's shorter, wider blade shape with a flatter edge profile makes it ideal for a rocking or push-cutting motion, excelling at dicing, mincing, and slicing with clean, straight cuts straight down to the cutting board.

As part of Shun's Classic line, this santoku is handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, a region with centuries of bladesmithing heritage, and each knife reflects that attention to detail in its fit, finish, and performance. The full tang construction extends through the handle for added strength and stability, while the blade's lightweight profile, typically under six ounces, reduces fatigue during extended prep sessions. It pairs well with other pieces in the Shun Classic collection, making it a natural addition for home cooks or professionals building out a cohesive, high-quality knife set. With proper care, including hand washing and honing on a ceramic steel, this santoku is built to remain a dependable, precise workhorse in the kitchen for years of regular use.