Product Description

It began as a single knife, the Shu Ken Onion Chef's Knife. But our customers demanded more. So we've expanded the series to include include all of the most wanted styles. This Shun Knife by Kershaw is designed by Ken Onion, one of the worlds top knife designers. The Shun Ken Onion series features the clad VG-10 blade made famous in our Shun line. But then the handsome, stick-resistant blade is combined with Ken Onion's signature ergonomic handle design and the unique blade sweep found only in a Ken Onion knife. This patent pending design features a special angled curved bolster and specially shaped handle that fits perfectly in the hand, releasing all tension in your arm. The extra curve on the blade allows for an easier flowing motion across the cutting board. Combine all of this with the sharpest Japanese edge available, and you have perfection.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8545 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Ken Onion
• Model: DM0510
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 1.00" w x 9.00" l, .50 pounds

Features

• 4-3/8-inch Shun chef's knife with ergonomic Ken Onion-designed handle
• Handcrafted in Japan of incredibly sharp, strong VG-10 steel
• Beautiful black Pakkawood handle provides tension-free control
• Damascus-style ripples on blade help release food for clean, swift chopping and slicing
• Wash by hand; lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Review
The smallest of the series chef's knives, this 4-3/8-inch size combines Shun technology and a lusciously curved black handle by award-winning custom knife designer Ken Onion. Made of a hardwood-resin fusion known as Pakkawood, the handle is designed to be truly ergonomic in order to increase control and reduce fatigue during long stretches of chopping, mincing, and slicing. The Damascus-style ripples on the upturned blade create air pockets that release food quickly, allowing clean, swift use. Less daunting than the larger chef's knives, and ideal for small tasks, the 4-3/8-incher makes a good Shun starter knife. Any chef would be honored to receive this beauty.

Shun knives, made in Japan by KAI (Kershaw Cutlery), are quite possibly the sharpest knives on the market. A Shun edge, formed to an acute 16-degree angle, won't bend or waver due to the hardness of the VG-10 steel core used in its construction. Clad with 32 layers of high-carbon stainless steel (16 on each side), the blade resists rusting and maintain its razor edge for a considerable time. Prized among chefs who value uniformly thin slices, a necessity in Japanese cuisine, Shun knives are covered by a lifetime warranty and should be washed and dried-carefully-by hand, then stored in a wooden block. --Ann Bieri

Customer Reviews

A graceful design for the kitchen - but better try it first
Knives are an ancient tool and one might wonder if any further improvements are possible now that chipped stones have been replaced with steel. The answer is yes. First, knife design is an active subject. There are numerous custom knifemakers working today who produce some beautiful handcrafted pieces, a blend of art and function.

Unfortunately, most newly designed knives are for hunting or self-defense - anything but the kitchen where people actually use knives every day. Ken Onion is an exception, a well known designer; I applaud him for applying thought and art to kitchen tools.

The second area of advance is in steel and manufacturing; in this the Japanese maker Shun is a leader. They have learned to bring high tech steel and damascus composites to a broad market by advanced fabrication. In my opinion they make the best kitchen knives in the world; I have five. Many of their blades combine two or more different types of steel. The inner steel core is designed for edge holding, combined with multi layers outside designed for strength and durability, and a graceful damascene texture.

I'm giving this model four stars because the item I received is not quite as nicely shaped as the catalog picture, and the curved handle, while lovely, only fits the hand in one position whereas the more traditional Japanese style is more flexible. Pretty is not the same as functional.

There are several Shun lines and many models. I especially like the slim SG-0401 with a more conventional Japanese shape. The "Alton's Angle" model DM 0721 is highly recommended, and Shun also makes an unusual design DM 0741 which looks like an oversized sandwich spreader with a serrated edge - funny looking but brilliant in use.

A knife for daily use is a highly personal choice. I recommend trying knives in a shop rather than buying online, especially if you can find a dealer who stocks different Shun's.

Chef's Knife Mini-Me
Great as a member of a knife collection. A nice piece to have around when you don't need the services of a larger chef's knife. Love the handle shape. I was considering the new line of Shun knives, but the Ken Onion handle shape is a very comfortable design for my hand. Very sturdy and very sharp! It lets me know when I'm not practicing my knife skills properly.

Great knife - a little weak on fit and finish
The knife is a great size and shape for smaller work that you might have used a pairing knife for in the past. The handle and fasaners aren't as well done as our other two ken onion's so that is why the mark is a little lower.