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Shun Classic 5 1/2" Santoku Knife
Purchase options and add-ons
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Brand | Shun |
Color | Black |
Handle Material | Pakkawood |
Blade Edge | Plain |
About this item
- ALL PURPOSE KITCHEN KNIFE: The Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku Knife is expertly designed for all the basic kitchen cutting tasks and is shorter than a standard chef’s knife for increased agility and maneuverability.
- PIONEERING EXCELLENCE: Bring home a piece of the renowned Classic Series – the original authentic Japanese cutlery line introduced to the United States. Enjoy superior craftsmanship and innovative design.
- SUPERIOR SHARPNESS: Crafted with VG-MAX steel and 68 layers of Damascus cladding, this knife delivers razor-sharp precision with a 16-degree edge, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: The D-shaped Pakkawood handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, providing optimal control for both left and right-handed users.
- JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality. Supported by free sharpening and honing.
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From the manufacturer


16° VG-MAX Cutting Edge
Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core is wear and corrosion resistant, strong, and fine grained to enable a razor sharp, long lasting 16 degree edge on each side.
68 Layer Damascus Steel
68 layers of stainless Damascus steel cladding supports the cutting core, adds stain resistance, and helps food release from the blade.
Sloped Bolster and Choil
The sloped bolster and choil supports a more comfortable and controlled pinch grip while making the knife easier to clean.
Pakkawood Handle
The D-shaped Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, and comfortable to use for both left and right handed users.

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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars 2,190
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4.8 out of 5 stars 1,151
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4.7 out of 5 stars 2,344
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4.6 out of 5 stars 369
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4.6 out of 5 stars 152
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5.0 out of 5 stars 6
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Price | $149.95$149.95 | $199.95$199.95 | $89.95$89.95 | $129.95$129.95 | $329.95$329.95 | $229.95$229.95 |
Blade Steel | VG-MAX | VG-MAX | VG10 | AUS10A | Dual Core VG10 / VG2 | Blue II Carbon |
Steel Layers | 68 Layer Damascus | 68 Layer Damascus, Tsuchime Finish | 3 Layer Japanese 420J | 1 Layer Solid Steel | 71 Layer Dual Core | 3 Layer San Mai |
Handle | Pakkawood | Pakkawood | PP/TPE Polymer Blend | Tagayasan Wood | Pakkawood | Micarta |
Product information
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
---|---|
Brand | Shun |
Color | Black |
Handle Material | Pakkawood |
Blade Edge | Plain |
Blade Length | 5.5 Inches |
Construction Type | Forged |
Blade Color | Silver |
Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
Item Length | 11.13 Inches |
Manufacturer | Kai |
Size | 5.5" |
Global Trade Identification Number | 04260358991498 |
Item Weight | 7.7 ounces |
ASIN | B000QEGFR2 |
Item model number | DM0727 |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank |
|
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Hand Wash |
Number of pieces | 1 |
Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
Batteries required | No |
Included Components | Classic 5.5" Santoku Knife |
Import | Imported |
Warranty & Support
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Shun Classic 5 1/2" Santoku Knife
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Product Description
The Shun Classic 5.5-inch Santoku Knife is a multipurpose knife used for just about every cutting job in the kitchen. Slightly shorter than the standard chef's knife, this Japanese steel knife is easy to maneuver and works well as a fruit, protein and vegetable knife. As part of the pioneering Classic Series, the first Japanese cutlery line introduced to the United States, this knife combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Featuring a VG-MAX steel core and 68 layers of Damascus cladding, the Shun Santoku knife offers exceptional sharpness with a precise 16-degree edge. The D-shaped Pakkawood handle ensures a comfortable, secure grip for both left and right-handed users. Supported by free sharpening and honing. Handcrafted in Japan, the Shun Classic Santoku Knife embodies centuries of knife-making expertise and a commitment to superior quality.
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This Item Shun Classic 5 1/2" Santoku Knife | Recommendations | |||||
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Price | $122.95$122.95 | $39.99$39.99 | -5% $12.34$12.34 Typical: $12.99 | $128.00$128.00 | $159.58$159.58 | $94.95$94.95 |
Delivery | Get it Jul 14 - 16 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 9 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 9 | Get it Jul 14 - 16 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jul 9 | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sold By | HAS BRANDS | Cooking on Mars | Plys kitchenware | Angel Seller | The Act of Living | Sur La Table (dba) |
number of pieces | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — |
blade edge | Plain | Plain | Plain | Plain | Hollow | Hollow |
blade material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | High Carbon Stainless Steel | VG-MAX Core, Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding | Alloy Steel | Stainless Steel |
blade length | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches | 15 centimeters | 6 inches | 5.5 inches | 5 inches |
blade color | Silver | Silver | Silver | Silver | Silver | Silver |
handle material | Pakkawood | Stainless,Stainless Steel,Steel Handle,Steel | Wood | Pakkawood | Micarta | Stainless Steel |
construction type | Forged | Forged | Stamped | Forged | Forged | Forged |
dishwasher safe | ✗ | ✓ | — | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the knife's fantastically sharp blades and its ability to cut through vegetables with ease. They appreciate its perfect fit for medium-sized hands and excellent balance, with one customer noting how it prevents knuckles from hitting the board. While the knife has a nice feel, some customers report issues with the blade chipping from end to end.
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Customers praise the knife's sharpness, describing it as fantastically sharp and beautiful, with one customer noting it's better than the Classic Santoku knife.
"...Overall, though, it is an excellent knife and cuts through vegetables with ease. The craftsmanship and design are both first rate...." Read more
"I was looking for a short chef knife. This is a well made knife at a good price. I’ve used it several times and like the feel and sharpness...." Read more
"...The quality is unsurpassed and she's very happy with it!" Read more
"...These knives arent too thin or too thick in width, and the handles are very sturdy. Totally recommend the brand." Read more
Customers praise the knife's cutting ability, noting it handles vegetables with ease and slices through anything, with one customer specifically mentioning its effectiveness with fine brunoise cuts.
"...Overall, though, it is an excellent knife and cuts through vegetables with ease. The craftsmanship and design are both first rate...." Read more
"It slices tomato, leafy vegetables and fruits with ease." Read more
"...whetstones and this knife cannot hold an edge for long which leads to dull cutting...." Read more
"Beautiful knife. Great for veggies" Read more
Customers like the knife's feel, with one mentioning its ergonomic grip and another noting it's a delight to hold.
"...I’ve used it several times and like the feel and sharpness. Time will tell how it holds an edge. I will hone it every few uses...." Read more
"...And it deserves those reviews, this knife is incredibly sharp, comfortable, and holds an edge better than my Wusthofs...." Read more
"...Changing my review to two stars. Although a delight to hold, the blade chipped from end to end on my ceramic sharpening rods the first time I tried..." Read more
"...6-1/2-Inch Single Bevel Usuba Knife", it's more sharp and comfortable than another one...." Read more
Customers appreciate the knife's size, noting it fits well in medium-sized hands.
"...There is a perfect fit for my medium sized hands and the balance and design keep my knuckles from hitting the board...." Read more
"...It was like cutting through butter. In addition, the knife fits my hand perfectly, and it is well balanced. So glad I made the investment!" Read more
"...It was the perfect size for her and he enjoyed using it but would prefer a larger- 7 in. for himself." Read more
"Great knife. Fits nicely in the hand, specially knowing this one is for right-handed cooks (I'm left-handed) - go figure! Good heft/weight...." Read more
Customers like the knife's balance, with one mentioning that it prevents their knuckles from hitting the board.
"...The balance is perfect. Shape of the blade allows constant contact with the knuckles of the left hand. Absolutely sweet." Read more
"...fit for my medium sized hands and the balance and design keep my knuckles from hitting the board...." Read more
"...In addition, the knife fits my hand perfectly, and it is well balanced. So glad I made the investment!" Read more
Customers report issues with the knife's blade chipping.
"...The tip has chipped already from light maintenance sharpening on whetstones and this knife cannot hold an edge for long which leads to dull cutting...." Read more
"...My blade has small chips in the blade after only a month or two of light use...." Read more
"...Although a delight to hold, the blade chipped from end to end on my ceramic sharpening rods the first time I tried to sharpen it...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseShun knives remain a solid buy in this price range. However, their price has increased substantially over the past few years and they have now priced themselves into a more competitive segment of the market.
Aside from the less attractive pricing, there is one other negative aspect and that is the smell. The resin they use to stabilize the wood handle smells awful. It's so strong that the smell transfers to your hand after even briefly using the knife.
Overall, though, it is an excellent knife and cuts through vegetables with ease. The craftsmanship and design are both first rate. This wasn't the first Shun knife in my collection and it won't be the last.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseI was looking for a short chef knife. This is a well made knife at a good price. I’ve used it several times and like the feel and sharpness. Time will tell how it holds an edge. I will hone it every few uses. My other knives hold a sharp edge that way and I hope this one will too.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2024Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseI purchased this all-purpose Japanese kitchen knife for my daughter many years ago and now her daughter has been begging for one. The quality is unsurpassed and she's very happy with it!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseI've gone through thousands of dollars of knives and this one is so good for garlic, ginger, onion...My 8 inch are Wusthof and Miyabi and this is my small prep
- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseWe have all the other sizes and were looking for an easier to handle vegetable slicer and this is perfect. These knives arent too thin or too thick in width, and the handles are very sturdy. Totally recommend the brand.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseBest knives ever...
- Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2021Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseI gave this as a gift to my fiancée (not as an engagement gift; just a gift because it's fun to give stuff to people you love, right?!) and I'm almost jealous. I loved this knife so much! Super versatile and I miss not having this one in my home. But that is, fortunately, temporary.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2022Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseGot this as a gift for a family member. They enjoyed it and I enjoyed it as well when I visited. I own several Shun knives and have not been disappointed.
Top reviews from other countries
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ハンドルケンReviewed in Japan on August 15, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars 美しい
Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified Purchaseマイ包丁3本目で、ダマスカスの2本目です。
手が小さいので135センチでちょうど良い大きさです。
今回の旬は、より模様が浮き出ていて、料理が楽しくなります。
- faeriemessReviewed in Canada on July 8, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing knife! Worth every penny
Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseI was given the 8" Western Chef Knife for my birthday, and with birthday money gifted to me by someone, I decided to buy this baby to go with it. This is my third Shun knife- along with the intimidating chef knife, I also own the Shun Ultimate Utility (the first Shun knife I got, some 2 years ago)
This has the classic D handle, which is comfortable even for a lefty like me. It slices perfectly wafer thin apples and dices onions with ease and precision. The 5.5 inch blade is that perfect size for slicing veg like cucumbers or carrots, and it is perfectly balanced. Of course, I have some minor issues with sticking due to using the knife in the wrong hand - I have used it with my right hand for a few items (I am at least somewhat ambidextrous, albeit slow) and nothing sticks to the correct side of the blade. Thats okay I can live with it because these bad boys slice and chop so well.
On top of everything else all of the Classic collection showcase these gorgeous Damascus blades. I admire them, they look so elegant and beautiful. Obviously thats not functional, per se, but it simply adds to the knife's perfection.
Comes shipped in a sturdy cardboard with protective sleeve. Shipping from Amazon was fast, as always.
For any enthusiast cook, I highly recommend the Shun knives. They are so well balanced, sharp, and so beautifully crafted that they make prep work a breeze.
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Odiel CribeiroReviewed in Italy on July 1, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Super
Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseChe dire, La shun non delude mai....
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Like a hot knife on butter, except it's not hot and tomatoes are not butter
Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseThey say a Japanese knife last a lifetime. We'll see.
Excelent sharp blade. Cuts veggies and meat like a breeze.
Back off tomato skin!
Amazon CustomerLike a hot knife on butter, except it's not hot and tomatoes are not butter
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2020
Excelent sharp blade. Cuts veggies and meat like a breeze.
Back off tomato skin!
Images in this review
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jaumeReviewed in Spain on May 19, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Buena calidad
Color: BlackSize: 5.5"Verified PurchaseBuen cuchillo con un corte muy bueno de origen, muy bonitos casi sabe mal usarlos y provocarles algún desperfecto, pero resistentes al uso que les corresponde.
jaumeBuena calidad
Reviewed in Spain on May 19, 2024
Images in this review