Shun Premier 6" Chef's Knife

I had been debating for months what kind of knife I should get and how much I was willing to spend. I always l//eaned towards Shun because they had a good reputation and my favorite chef, Alton Brown, loves them. (see youtube for Shun Training Video - this explains what is so great about Shun knives via AB himself). I bought this knife because it was an excellent deal, and I've been needing a decent knife very badly. I'm leaping from Chicago Cutlery to a Shun, and the experience is unbelievable. This knife cuts like a dream. I had to cut half-frozen flank steak into thin strips to make jerky, and while my Chicago Cutlery (after a fresh hone) needs to saw its way through the meat - so hard I have to push that I get a callus on my knuckle - my Shun almost effortlessly glides right through it. I haven't used it much so far, but I think it's well-balanced, and the handle is superb. It's warm and comfortable and fits in my hand just right. The blade was shorter than I expected, but that's okay. I'm not sure if the "dimples" in the blade really help with drag or not, I haven't tried cutting cheese or an onion yet, but it definitely doesn't hurt. I don't like the sheath that came with the blade - it's a uniform sheath that fits all the lengths, and 6 inches is much too small for it. I just took my Chicago Cutlery "StorEdge" and use it instead. Works perfectly. Oh, also, if you are purchasing your first Shun (no matter what style) I would suggest getting their honing steel. Since its bevel is at 16 degrees, you will need a steel that angles you at 16 degrees.UPDATE 8/29/12 - Well, it's been a year, and with moderate use, it's still just as sharp as ever. With an occasional honing, I still don't need to send it off to be professionally sharpened yet. I love it so much... it's such a beautifully crafted knife. One of the best purchases I've ever made. I've even bought a 2nd Shun - a 10" slicer. Beautiful.

Like some, I collect different kitchen knives as I see fit, all high quality and well reputed. I'd started with Wustof years ago. I have a nice high carbon knife I ordered direct from Japan, and several other knives with each having a specific purpose. I worked in kitchen retail with cutlery as my focus and received a Shun "Classic" paring knife as a "try me" piece. At one point it was the only knife I used in my kitchen. I worked with it exclusively for 4 years and it never needed sharpening (though I've had it professionally sharpened since because it seemed the thing to do). I also own the original Ken Onion Shun Chef's Knife.The last knife mentioned, and my 8" Wustof Classic Chef's knife were too large, heavy and not super agile for my female hands. I very much wanted a 6" Chef and fell in love with the Premier the instant I saw it. Covered my female sensibilities (shiny! pretty! quality feel! really the design is amazing.), and my practical sensibilities (super sharp! durable- as known by reputation and experience! easy to handle and light as a feather!). It is an extremely impressive knife. Though it is not technically "hollow ground" the texturing design very much acts as a "non-stick" surface. The handle fits beautifully in one's hand. However, I'll point out that this knife is not exactly comfortable to hold as one traditionally holds a chef's knife (slightly on the blade) as the bolster does not have a rounded finish at the back end (as does my Wustof)- so I hold it by the handle only and it seems to work best this way, for me. I'm in love!

This knife is 5 Stars plus. I admit it, I am Stupid. Should have done this years ago, Heay, I was busy trying to build a family houses cars businesses, etc. So, I've been sick lately lots of hospital time. So, I watch a lot of cooking shows. I'm a 65 yr old male. Anyhow. I hadn't bought anything for my self in over 6, 7 yrs. One day I said screw it, I'm gonna get a great Chef's knife. So, I read my but, off on line, I watched you tube vids you name it. The wife thought I was nuts. I like the knifes I use...... your crazy, spending money......., we don't need it. Well, i know what i doing, ( I think) I didn't have the heart to tell her it was a $207.00 knife. I got the 6' cause she cant use our 8' crappy one it's to heavy and long for her little hands. So, the 6' was ordered. I checked for the best price everywhere. I got a way better than average price on sale for it. Anyhow, the knife is so KILLER there are no words for it. This knife is a weapon, it's architecture is stunning, Actually, I still take it out just to look at it often. Cut up a Cantelope, Water Mellon, and Honey Dew the first day. WOW. That was stupid easy. The knife does the work. I also used 2 new band aids. My fault, showing off cutting paper to a friend. I turned my head to fast and caught my finger. So, after a few days the wife comes into the living room and goes I hate to admit it but, I really like that knife. I played it off, Oh, yeah , it's great. The next day she got out her magazine cook books and went for the one pan meals that require many items cut and she went to the store. Hell, she chopped for over 45 minutes and she started singing to herself. She was on her way. LOL. This knife and this company is totally.... maybe the best. ............. I want their matching steak knives problem is there $400.00 for 4. Yikes. I want them so bad. In 4 , 5 yrs there mine. LOL. Any extremely well to do people out there that want to send a nice X-mas gift. Send to Grexa, 304 Clinton, St. Greenville, Pa. 16125 Heay. I'll love ya, forever. And yes, I'm serious. Ok, guys Love ya Later. The knife is Killer Great. The quality is Superb .

As expected, shun knife doesn't deceive. Knife was in perfect condition. Thank you