10 Best Shun Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set is a well-crafted collection designed for home cooks who appreciate quality and variety. The blades are made from VG-MAX high carbon stainless steel with 34 layers of Damascus cladding, which means they are sharp, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Each blade is hand-sharpened at a precise 16° angle, offering excellent cutting performance and precision. The set includes a wide range of knives, from a small 3.5-inch paring knife to a versatile 8-inch chef's knife and a 9-inch carving knife, covering most kitchen needs. The hollow edges on some knives help reduce food sticking, making slicing smoother.

Handles are made of D-shaped ebony PakkaWood, which is strong and moisture-resistant, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Weighing about 11.75 pounds for the whole set including the bamboo block, the knives have a balanced feel that should suit most users. These knives require careful hand washing to maintain their quality, as they're not dishwasher safe. While the set is a bit of an investment and might be more than necessary for casual cooks, it is an excellent choice for anyone aiming to upgrade their kitchen tools with professional-grade Japanese knives.

The included honing steel and kitchen shears add extra value, helping keep the knives in good shape and increasing versatility.

The Shun Classic Blonde 8 Piece Block Set is a well-crafted collection of Japanese kitchen knives designed for people who appreciate quality and sharpness in their cooking tools. Each knife features a VG-MAX steel core wrapped in 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel, giving the blades durability and impressive sharpness with a fine 16-degree plain edge. This means you can expect precise and long-lasting cutting performance, suitable for various kitchen tasks from chopping vegetables with the 8" chef’s knife or 6.5" nakiri to fine work using the 3.5" paring knife.

The handles are made from blonde Pakkawood, an engineered wood known for being comfortable and providing a secure grip, which helps with control and safety during use. The D-shaped design suits both left- and right-handed users, which adds to its versatility. The set also includes useful extras like multipurpose shears and a honing steel to maintain blade sharpness.

Weighing just under 10 pounds with the block, the knives feel well-balanced and comfortable, although the set is meant to be hand washed only, so it requires some care to keep the blades in top condition. It’s not dishwasher safe, so some upkeep is necessary. While the craftsmanship is excellent and the knives are handcrafted in Japan, the price might be higher than average, reflecting the premium materials and design. This set is ideal for home cooks looking to invest in a reliable, sharp, and durable knife collection that covers all essential kitchen tasks. It may be less suitable for those seeking a budget option or who prefer dishwasher convenience. The set combines traditional Japanese knife-making skills with modern materials, making it a strong choice for anyone serious about cooking.

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.