Shun knives are among the most beautiful knives, so when you’re looking for the right thing to buy, it might be wise to put your eyes away in your pocket for a moment and think about precisely what it is you need most. Often people might get fooled by an attractive piece of equipment and soon end up receiving an unsatisfactory quality item that seemed to be an excellent buy.
The appearance comes later; focus on the task at hand – your primary needs. So here’s a couple of factors that you could use to assess if your needs are met.
Blade Material
Shun knives represent so much tradition when it comes to Japanese cuisine. A great blade requires a great handle to support it, and so it’s essential to check what type of material is used in the hold. Pakkawood is treated with a resin that creates high water resistance and durability. Many other types of wood go through similar processes to make them stronger.
Handle Grip
The typical symmetrical grip type is excellent for both left and right-handed people. In contrast, an asymmetrical grip will favor right-handers, although often lefties have said that it feels more comfortable when using it.
Blade Composition
Japanese steel is usually very hard, making the blade edges incredibly sharp and retainable. VG-10 and VG-Max are top-of-the-range high carbon steels that you should look out for. While a high carbon content makes a blade razor-sharp, it sacrifices hardiness and strength. Japanese steel needs to be very well taken care of and used appropriately.
If you intend to use these blades like a hardcore samurai, then you might be sorely disappointed; but they certainly won’t disappoint you when it comes to effectiveness. Stainless steel blades will be more durable and stain-free, but the blade edge might need to be sharpened more regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What Does VG-10 Stand for?
A: V – “Gold” 10. The Gold represents the highest quality. 10 stands for 1% carbon, which is very high by western standards. This type of steel also contains Vanadium, Chromium, Cobalt, and other compounds.
Q: What Is the Best Blade Angle for a Shun Knife?
A: Anything from 14 – 17 degrees is perfect for Japanese steel blades. These blades are often double bevel, meaning they are sharpened on both sides of the blade.
Q: Is It Ok if the Handle Is Not Full Tang?
A: A full tang handle might provide a slight increase in strength, but a full tang is unnecessary for the most part. It might increase the overall attractiveness of the knife, but that’s unfortunately as far as it goes. A composite or half tang will be more than good enough.
Q: What Does Shun Mean?
A: Shun is a Japanese term that refers to a time when most types of food are at their peak development; for the sweetest and most delicious “shun” experience you’ll have in the year.
Also Read: Best Chinese Chef Knife – Helping You Get Better Results
Final Thoughts
Well done for taking the time and effort to get informed. You’re on the right path to getting the perfect knife for you. Remember to note down any features you think you’d need most and try to find knives that focus on those. We’ve looked at some awesome knives and have built up a clear idea of the kind of value you can expect at the different points.
All that’s left now is pick a knife that works for you. Choosing the best Shun knife won’t be as overwhelming as it was before – and soon you’ll have a blade that boosts your skills and pushes you toward your goals!