Shun Classic vs Premier Knives: Which Knife Collection Is Better?


There are a few different types of Shun classic vs premier knives available on the market. It can be tough to decide which one is right for you, but this article will help make the decision easier.

We’ll take a look at the main differences between these two styles of knives and help you figure out which option is best for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a knife that’s perfect for everyday use or one that’s ideal for special occasions, we’ve got you covered!

What are Shun classic knives?

Shun classic is a Japanese knife company that specializes in producing high quality kitchen knives. The company was founded in 2002 by Kenji Watanabe and has since become one of the most popular knife manufacturers in Japan. Shun Classic offers a wide range of kitchen knives, including Santoku knives, chef’s knives, paring knives, and bread knives. The company’s knives are known for their sharpness, durability, and elegant design. Shun Classic also offers a variety of other products, such as cutting boards, knife sharpeners, and knife storage solutions.

Top 3 Shun classic knives to buy in 2023

*Note: Score is based on our Editor’s Choice and rating

Features of Shun classic knives.

Blade: The blade is the most important factor to consider when buying a knife. The type of steel, the grind, and the edge all play a role in how sharp and durable the knife will be.

Handle: The handle should be comfortable to hold and should not slip in your hand. The material of the handle also affects the weight, balance, and feel of the knife.

Size: The size of the knife should be appropriate for the task at hand. A large chef’s knife is not necessary for slicing a tomato, but it would be useful for chopping vegetables.

Ease of use: The knife should be easy to use and comfortable to hold. A well-designed knife will feel natural in your hand and make it easy to perform tasks.

Design: The design of the knife should be pleasing to the eye and functional. The blade should be able to efficiently perform its intended task, and the handle should be comfortable to hold.

Style: The style of the knife should match your personal preferences. If you prefer a more traditional look, then you would want to choose a classic Santoku knife. If you prefer a more modern look, then you might want to choose a chef’s knife with a contemporary design.

Materials: The materials used in the construction of the knife affect its durability, weight, and feel. For example, a knife with a carbon steel blade will be sharper and more durable than a knife with a stainless-steel blade. However, it will also be more susceptible to rust and require more care.

Price: Shun classic knives range in price from $100 to $600. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose a lower-priced knife for basic tasks or an expensive knife for more advanced cooking.

Warranty: Shun classic offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their knives. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover normal wear and tear.

Customer Service: Shun classic has excellent customer service. If you have any problems with your knife, they will be happy to help you troubleshoot the issue or replace the knife if necessary.

Accessories: Shun classic offers a variety of accessories for their knives, including cutting boards, knife sharpeners, and knife storage solutions.

Maintenance: Shun classic knives require little maintenance. The blades should be regularly honed with a sharpening stone and can be cleaned with soap and water. However, the knives should not be put in the dishwasher as this will damage the blade.

Weight: The weight of the knife should be considered when choosing a knife. A heavier knife will be more durable, but it may be more difficult to use for some tasks.

Balance: The balance of the knife is important for both comfort and control. A well-balanced knife will feel natural in your hand and make it easy to perform tasks.

Edge: The edge of the knife should be sharp and able to efficiently perform its intended task. The type of steel, the grind, and the edge all play a role in how sharp and durable the knife will be.

Color: The color of the knife should be considered when choosing a knife. Some people prefer a more traditional look, while others prefer a more modern look.

Finish: The finish of the knife affects its durability and how it looks. A matte finish will be more durable than a polished finish, but it may not be as visually appealing.

Sharpness:  The sharpness of the knife is important for its performance. A sharp knife will be able to efficiently perform its intended task, while a dull knife will be more difficult to use.

Durability: The durability of the knife is important for its longevity. A durable knife will last longer and be able to withstand more wear and tear than a less durable knife.

What are Shun premier knives?

Shun Premier is a high-end line of kitchen knives produced by the Japanese knife company Shun. The Premier line offers a wide range of different knife types, including Santoku knives, chef’s knives, paring knives, and bread knives. The knives in the Premier line are made from high-quality materials and are designed for durability and precision. The Premier line also features a variety of other products, such as cutting boards, knife sharpeners, and knife storage solutions.

Top 3 Shun premier knives to buy in 2023

*Note: Score is based on our Editor’s Choice and rating

Features of Shun premier knives.

Blade: The blade is the most important part of any knife, and Shun Premier knives feature high-quality blades made from VG-10 stainless steel. The blades are designed for durability and precision, and they will retain their sharpness for a long time with proper care.

Handle: The handles of Shun Premier knives are made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Each type of handle has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Wood: Wood handles are traditional and have a classic look, but they require more care than other types of handles. Wood handles can crack and warp over time if they are not properly cared for.

Plastic: Plastic handles are more durable than wood handles, but they are not as esthetically pleasing. Plastic handles can also become slippery when wet.

Metal: Metal handles are the most durable type of handle, but they can be cold to the touch and uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Size: The size of the knife should be appropriate for the task you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a Santoku knife, for example, you will want to choose a size that is comfortable to hold and use.

Ease of use: Shun Premier knives are designed for ease of use. The knives have ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in the hand, and the blades are sharpened to a 16-degree angle for optimal cutting performance.

Design: Shun Premier knives are designed with both form and function in mind. The knives have a sleek and modern look, and they are available in a variety of colors to match your kitchen décor.

Style: Shun Premier knives are available in a variety of different styles, including Santoku knives, chef’s knives, paring knives, and bread knives. Choose the style that best suits your needs.

Materials: The materials used in Shun Premier knives are high quality and carefully chosen for durability and performance. The blades are made from VG-10 stainless steel, and the handles are made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

Price: Shun Premier knives are more expensive than other brands of kitchen knives, but they are still within the realm of affordability for most people. The price of Shun Premier knives reflects the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship involved in their manufacture.

Warranty: Shun Premier knives come with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Customer Service: Shun offers excellent customer service and is available to answer any questions you may have about their products.

Accessories: Shun Premier knives come with a variety of accessories, including knife sharpeners, cutting boards, and knife storage solutions.

Maintenance: Shun Premier knives require little maintenance other than occasional sharpening and cleaning. The blades are made from VG-10 stainless steel, which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

Weight: The weight of the knife should be appropriate for the task you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a Santoku knife, for example, you will want to choose a size that is comfortable to hold and use.

Balance: The balance of the knife should be appropriate for the task you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a Santoku knife, for example, you will want to choose a size that is comfortable to hold and use.

Edge: The edge of the knife should be sharpened to a 16-degree angle for optimal cutting performance.

Color: Shun Premier knives are available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, and green.

Finish: The finish of the knife should be smooth and even. Shun Premier knives have a mirror-polished finish that is easy to clean and maintain.

Sharpness: The sharpness of the knife should be appropriate for the task you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a Santoku knife, for example, you will want to choose a size that is comfortable to hold and use.

Durability: The durability of the knife should be appropriate for the task you plan to use it for. If you are looking for a Santoku knife, for example, you will want to choose a size that is comfortable to hold and use.

The similarities between Shun classic and premier knives

-Both are designed for ease of use and have ergonomic handles

-Both have blades that are sharpened to a 16-degree angle

-Both have a sleek and modern look

-Both are available in a variety of colors

-Both have VG-10 stainless steel blades

The differences between shun classic vs premier knives

-Shun Premier knives are more expensive than Shun Classic knives

-Shun Premier knives come with a limited warranty, while Shun Classic knives do not

-Shun Premier knives include accessories such as knife sharpeners and cutting boards, while Shun Classic knives do not.

-The weight and balance of the two types of knives may be different, depending on the style of knife you choose.

-Shun Premier knives have a mirror-polished finish, while Shun Classic knives do not.

Shun classic vs premier knives: The Winner

The winner of this comparison is the Shun Premier knife. While it is more expensive than the Shun Classic knife, it comes with a number of features that make it worth the extra cost. These features include a limited warranty, accessories, and a mirror-polished finish. If you are looking for a high-quality kitchen knife, the Shun Premier is the way to go.

FAQs about Shun classic vs premier knives

What is the primary difference between a shun classic and premier?

The primary difference between a Shun Classic and Premier knife is the price. Shun Premier knives are more expensive than Shun Classic knives, but they come with a number of features that make them worth the extra cost. These features include a limited warranty, accessories, and a mirror-polished finish.

Which one should I buy that is right for me?

The right knife for you depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-quality kitchen knife, the Shun Premier is the way to go. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Shun Classic may be a better option.

How often should you sharpen Shun?

If you are just doing light cutting, like trimming vegetables and herbs for example then the regular honing steel may be enough. But if your culinary knives get very dull from use or require sharpening more often than once every few weeks it is worth looking into a professional grade hone such as those by Shun which features an adjustable 16-degree angle so that all types of blades can have their edges maintained properly!

Can you sharpen Shun knives with an electric sharpener?

When you’re ready to put your knives through their paces, don’t hesitate! Use a whetstone or Kai electric sharpener for quick results. But if it’s not quite time yet and they need some extra attention from an expert sharpener- send them off with our compliments – we know how much pride Shun kitchen cutlers take in providing top quality products so let us help ensure that everyone gets delivered safely back home.

Can I use any honing rod with my Shun knife?

No, you should not use just any honing rod with your Shun knife. You should only use a honing rod that is specifically designed for use with Shun knives. This will ensure that your knife is properly cared for and maintained.

Do Shun knives rust?

This is what happens when you combine high-quality materials with some of the sharpest blades on earth! The VG10 or SG2 core steel will never rust, while stainless provides plenty of protection against corrosion. With proper care your Shun knife can last a lifetime – all it needs now are just good old fashioned cleaning techniques for those tricky spots that seem to multiply faster than anything else in our homes!

Are Shun knives made in China?

All Shun blades are handmade by craftsmen in Seki City, Japan. The wooden Saya (or sheath) accompanies some of the knives we make for them which can be found with an identifying sticker on their handle wrapping; however, a genuine white blade will state ‘MADE IN JAPAN’.

Does Shun offer free sharpening?

You’ll be able to enjoy your Shun knives for years after purchase with our FREE expert sharpening services! And if you live in the area, we offer free pickup too. All it takes is two hours of labor from one of our experts while they wait; more than that and will put them back together again right away.

Is there a Shun knife for every type of cook?

No matter what your cooking style, chances are good that we have a Shun knife that’s just right for you. Our selection of more than 100 different models offers something for everyone. And because each one is handmade by skilled artisans, you can be sure it will perform beautifully and last a lifetime.

What is the best way to store my Shun knives?

The best way to store your Shun knives is in a block or in a drawer insert. This will protect your knives and keep them within easy reach. If you opt for a block, make sure it is made of wood or another material that will not dull your knives.

A final thought to Shun Classic and Premier knives

In short, it’s best to avoid comparing the Shun Classic and Premier knives. Both are great in their own ways and perform admirably as kitchen tools. If you need a lightweight knife that can do just about everything, go for the Classic. On the other hand, if you want a heftier option with a beautiful Damascus blade, then Premier is your best bet. No matter which one you choose, you really can’t go wrong – both offer superb quality at a reasonable price.

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Ken Onion

Ken Onion is an innovative knifemaker whose work has revolutionized the industry. Born in 1963, he hails from Kaneohe, Hawaii, and invented the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism for Kershaw Knives - earning him a position as Premier Knife Designer with them.

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