Product Description

This stunningly beautiful line of cutlery features the look and benefits of Damascus steel, yet without its rusting problems. The Damascus-look blade profile reduces sticking and results in less damage to the food being cut and faster prep times.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50788 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Size: 7-inch
• Brand: Shun
• Model: DM0712
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 3.80" w x 12.10" l, .90 pounds

Features

• 7-3/4-inch Chinese chef's knife; suitable for cutting meat and poultry bones
• Precision-forged stainless-steel blade; rectangular cleaver shape; razor-sharp edge
• Clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus look
• Durable D-shaped Pakkawood handle; comfortable offset steel bolster
• lifetime warranty; manufactured in Seki City, Japan

Amazon.com Review
A member of the stylish Shun Classic line, this heavy-duty Chinese chef’s knife comfortably handles hearty kitchen tasks ranging from cutting through poultry bones to chopping vegetables. Essentially a cleaver, this tool features a wide, rectangular blade measuring 7-3/4 by 3-3/8 inches. The slightly curved cutting surface rocks gently and maintains its razor-sharp edge.

Leveraging a 90-year history of superior workmanship, Shun knives are precision-forged in Japan by renowned blade manufacturer KAI. Using technologically advanced processes, a VG-10 "super steel" core is clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus-look blade. The Damascus detailing not only enhances the knife’s aesthetic appeal, it also prevents morsels from sticking and avoids crushing or damaging foods. Forming a comfortable D-shaped hold, a fused blend of hardwood veneers and resin comprise the unique ebony Pakkawood handle. A traditionally offset stainless-steel bolster protects knuckles while a steel end-cap finishes the piece. Although dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. This product includes a lifetime warranty. -- Amy Arnold

Customer Reviews

Very nice Chinese Chef Knife...
I've been cooking for over 15 years (I'm not that old), and I grew up in a Chinese family. A Chinese Chef knife is exactly that, it is not a cleaver, despite the resemblance. This is the one knife a Chinese chef will use in the kitchen for just about everything.

Trust me, I've tried cleavers, they are not a replacement for a real Chinese Chef knife. I've also used many of the Chinese Chef knives that you can pick up in many Chinatown shops and Asian specialty shops. (BTW, I'm from the largest Chinese community outside of Asia, so we are not lacking the "goods").

The Shun classic....is amazing. It is perfectly weighted, and the grip is fantastic. I can grip the knife with confidence even when wet or dealing with meats.

The blade is the sharpest I've used of _any_ Chinese Chef knife. The first time I used it, I was mystified why it took so much effort to cut (it was supposed to be sharp, wasn't it?). The reason was, I had already sliced through everything without noticing and was already pressing on the cutting board!

One problem is that it also cuts into my cutting board with relative ease. If I don't remove the blade straight up, I hear a sound which makes me think the thin edge is being knicked. However, so far, no real problem, the edge is still perfect.

I have still been a bit wary to use it to hack at bones, but I think that fear will go away. (When I say Chinese chef's use it for everything, I mean everything).

I don't care about a Damascus steel look, but I can attest that the surface has no problems with releasing food. Slides off easily.

Superb, spendy knife
I bought this knife a year ago. It rapidly became my favorite cutting implement. I postponed reviewing it to make sure initial infatuation was not coloring my opinion.

The balance is near perfect, the blade shape works well for cutting, slicing, mincing, and chopping. The steel readily takes a sharp edge and holds it well. This cleaver excels at both moderate cutting and delicate work. The wood handle is warm and easy to grip even with wet hands. The strong blade allows using the side for mashing and as a spatula, the back as a scraper and tenderizer, and the end of the handle to pulverize.

Whether this knife is worth the price of admission depends on the depth your pocketbook and your intended use. For those wanting a fancy knife to display, the Damascus edge makes for a striking appearance. That did not rate high on my list, but I presume it does for some. I use this knife on a daily basis; it is a pleasure to work with and does the job with a minimum of drama. The build quality is such that I see this knife lasting for many a year to come. After having used, abused, and worn out a number of lesser cleavers, my only regret is not purchasing this one sooner.

Addressing several comments made by previous reviewers:
D. Symanski's cleaver came with a sharp spine. Mine did not, nor did ones I have handled in several stores. I do agree with the mention of the asymmetric handle. This knife comes in left or right hand versions. Using the Shun with your off hand is uncomfortable at best. If, like me, you are used to wielding two cleavers at once for mincing meats and veggies, you will need to pay attention to which hand holds the Shun. My cleaver came sharp - for a factory edge. A few minutes with stone and strop brought out a wickedly sharp edge, but the out-of-the-box blade was serviceable. That's a rarity for most cutlery.

DAL notes that the edge notches when cleaving a chicken. This is a medium cleaver, weighing the shy side of 12 ounces. Heavy cleavers start at a pound and a half and go up from there. The VG-10 steel used for the cutting edge is not the best choice for whomping on thick bones. The Vanadium content makes for a fine-grained metal (i.e. easy to sharpen and takes a razor edge) but it can bend or nick, particularly with the thin working edge this knife has.

rl123 compares the Shun to a Dexter cleaver. Owning one of each, my preference is strongly for the Shun. If you are not going to use this knife often, a cheaper one should suffice. As a daily workhorse, I know of none better than this baby.

As Bobo mentions, this knife slices into soft cutting boards. A good end-grain wood block solves that problem.

Great knife - but only if price is no object
I agree with the previous reviewer: this is the sharpest, most well made Chinese chef's knife out there. However, I guarantee you won't find this knife in any authentic Chinese kitchen because this knife is just too expensive.

If you want to get a good Chinese chef's knife, you should buy the high-carbon stainless Dexter-Russell cleaver (costs around $40). It is only slighly less sharp but the difference is not noticeable, especially if you are chopping rather than slicing.

There is nothing wrong with the Shun knife; it's just way too overpriced. It's just a knife, and no mass-produced kitchen knife is worth $170, no matter how sharp it is.