Shun Premier Blonde Western Cook's Knife

Most Japanese knives are ground to a steeper, thinner angle for delicate slicing. By using a 22-degree angle, this knife is intentionally more robust, allowing you to tackle tougher ingredients like winter squash or dense root vegetables without worrying about edge chipping.

While the hammered finish is visually striking, its primary function is practical. The indentations create small air pockets between the blade and the food, which helps prevent ingredients from sticking to the side of the knife as you slice.

No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The high heat, harsh detergents, and abrasive environment of a dishwasher can damage the Pakkawood handle and dull the precision edge of the VG-MAX steel core. Hand wash and dry immediately to maintain its condition.

VG-MAX is a high-performance stainless steel known for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. It allows the blade to stay sharp through heavy use while remaining easier to maintain than traditional high-carbon steels.

The contoured Pakkawood handle is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a secure, comfortable grip for a wide range of hand sizes. Its balanced weight and shape provide good control, though it is a substantial knife at 8.3 ounces.

Because of the harder steel and specific edge angle, it is best to use a whetstone or a high-quality honing steel designed for Japanese-style blades. Avoid pull-through electric sharpeners, as they can be too aggressive and may damage the Damascus cladding.