Shun Ultimate Utility Knife

By / Food / August 13th, 2013 / 3

A kitchen utility knife, measuring somewhere between five and seven inches, is larger than a paring knife but smaller than a chef’s knife. Ideal for slicing thin skinned veggies and cutting through bread without tearing, it is sometimes referred to as a sandwich knife.

Shun knives are hand-crafted by Japanese manufacturer KAI using traditional samurai sword-making methods. The Ultimate Utility Knife’s super sharp, six inch blade features a VG-10 Japanese stainless steel core and 16 layers of padded stainless steel on each side. The scalloped edge blade is topped off by a rounded tip, ideal for spreading condiments. The knife’s D-shape handle is made of a durable resin-wood combination, known as PakkaWood.

Pros

Comfortable handle. A special order can be placed for a reverse D-shape design for left hand users.

NSF certified, meeting the highest safety standards of commercial kitchens.

Stainless steel construction is corrosion-resistant, maintaining the razor sharp edge for a longer period of time.

Sharper than any European competitor.

Limited lifetime warranty.

Users almost unanimously agreed that the Shun Ultimate Utility knife is by far the best sandwich knife, cutting effortlessly through meat, tomatoes and bread. Its rounded tip is a bonus, adding to the knife’s overall function and versatility.

Cons

Rather expensive for a utility knife, retailing at about $100 USD.

The scalloped blade, although sharp, is fragile; not the best knife for thicker-skinned fruits and veggies.

Blade is too short to cut across larger loaves of bread.

Should be hand-washed and dried; dishwasher use has been reported to cause rusting and chipping although the knife is marketed as “dishwasher safe”.

 

It was difficult to find a bad review on this knife. If you have some extra cash to spend on a utility knife, we definitely recommend this Shun. If you are purchasing your first high-quality Japanese knife, go with the Chef’s knife instead. The longer blade and pointed tip will give you a little added versatility in the kitchen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shannon is an urban soul living (and loving) a small-town, country life. Short term goals include always keeping her wine glass, and outlook on life, half-full. Long term goal…taking her three boys on a 6 month south Pacific adventure. We’ll keep you updated.

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