# Best Shun knives: Classic, Premier, Dual Core, Sora and Kanso Source: https://edgeandhaft.com/best/best-shun-knives Publisher: Edge & Haft. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://edgeandhaft.com/how-we-pick Shun sells the same shapes across several series, so the real choice is the line, not the knife. Classic and Premier share VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding and a 16 degree edge; they differ in finish and handle. Classic has a D-shaped handle and a smooth blade, while Premier adds a hammered tsuchime finish and a contoured handle. Dual Core moves up to 71 micro-layers of VG10 and VG2 with an octagon handle. Sora and Kanso are the entry points, using VG10 san mai and AUS10A steel, and they come as 3-piece starter sets in this guide. Every listing here states a 16 degree edge, and Shun's listings mention free sharpening and honing. This guide compares the 8 inch chef's knife from each main series plus two starter sets, using only listing facts. ## Picks ### 1. Shun Classic 8" Hollow Ground Chef's Knife Steel: VG-MAX, 68-layer Damascus cladding; Hardness (HRC): Not stated; Blade length: 8 in; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: D-shaped Pakkawood Shun's best-known Damascus chef's knife: a VG-MAX core under 68 layers with hollow-ground indentations. A dependable pick with free sharpening support. What the listing offers: - VG-MAX core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding is stated in the listing. - Hollow-ground indentations are listed for food release while slicing. - The listing mentions free sharpening and honing support. Limits to know: - No Rockwell hardness is stated, which makes the core hard to compare with the Miyabi knives. - A 16-degree edge is less acute than the 9.5 to 12 degrees Miyabi lists. ### 2. Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife Steel: VG-MAX core, 68-layer Damascus cladding; Hardness (HRC): Not stated; Blade length: 8 in; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: Contoured Pakkawood A hammered tsuchime gyuto-style chef knife with a VG-MAX core and a stated 16-degree edge. A good fit for cooks who want a Western-feel handle and less food sticking. What the listing offers: - The listing states a 16-degree edge on VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding. - Hammered tsuchime finish is described as reducing drag and food sticking. - The listing says it is supported by free sharpening and honing. Limits to know: - HRC is not stated in the listing, so hardness cannot be compared directly. - Check the current terms of the free sharpening service on the listing before counting on it. ### 3. Shun Classic Blonde 8" Chef's Knife Series: Classic Blonde; Steel: VG-MAX, 68-layer Damascus; Blade length: 8 in; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: D-shaped blonde Pakkawood; Pieces: 1 The Classic chef's knife with a blonde Pakkawood D handle and a plain edge. The lowest listed price for a Shun VG-MAX chef's knife in this guide. What the listing offers: - VG-MAX steel, 68-layer Damascus and a 16 degree edge, matching the Classic spec. - D-shaped blonde Pakkawood handle, per the listing, for a lighter look. - Lowest listed price among the VG-MAX chef's knives compared here. Limits to know: - No hollow ground indentations, unlike the Classic hollow ground version above. - Hardness and warranty terms are not stated on the listing. ### 4. Shun Sora 3 Piece Starter Set Series: Sora; Steel: VG10 edge, 420J upper (san mai); Blade length: 8 in chef, 6 in utility, 3.5 in paring; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: PP/TPE polymer, full tang; Pieces: 3 The lowest-priced set here, with Shun's composite blade: a VG10 cutting edge joined to a 420J stainless upper. A budget-minded entry to Japanese knives. What the listing offers: - Same 8 in, 6 in and 3.5 in lineup as the Shun Classic starter for less money. - The listing states VG10 at the edge with a 16-degree angle. - Full-tang polymer handle with a textured grip, per the listing. Limits to know: - Only the edge section is VG10; the upper blade is 420J stainless. - No block or storage, and HRC is not stated. ### 5. Shun Dual Core 8" Chef's Knife Steel: 71 micro-layers of VG10 and VG2; Hardness (HRC): Not stated; Blade length: 8 in; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: Octagon Pakkawood A different take on Damascus: 71 alternating layers of VG10 and VG2 run all the way to the edge rather than wrapping one core. Comes with a sheath. What the listing offers: - The listing states 71 alternating micro-layers of high-carbon, high-chromium VG10 and VG2. - A sheath for storage and transport is included, per the listing. - Octagon Pakkawood handle is described as suiting both hands. Limits to know: - Hardness is not stated, which is a gap at this price. - The 16-degree edge is no finer than the far cheaper Shun Classic. ### 6. Shun Kanso 3 Piece Starter Set Series: Kanso; Steel: AUS10A high-carbon stainless; Blade length: 8 in chef, 6 in utility, 3.5 in paring; Edge angle: 16 degrees; Handle: Tagayasan wood, full tang; Pieces: 3 Kanso strips the design back to AUS10A steel and a tagayasan wood handle. This 3-piece set suits cooks who want Shun shapes without Damascus styling. What the listing offers: - AUS10A high-carbon stainless refined with vanadium and a 16 degree edge, per the listing. - Full-tang tagayasan handle; the butt doubles as a bottle opener and hanging hook. - Same chef's, utility and paring trio as the Sora set. Limits to know: - Costs more than the Sora set for the same three shapes. - No block or storage is listed; hardness is not stated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.