Shun Premier Santoku Knife, 7-Inch

Having read a couple of less than stellar reviews on Shun knives, I am writing to say that I do not understand any of those comments. I am a professional in the restaurant business and I have used my Classic 10 inch chef and 8 inch Premier Shun knives for a couple of years. Being so impressed with both knives, I just recently bought this 7 inch Santoku and used it for the past two nights in the restaurant for prep. A few of my colleagues on the line in the restaurant also use Shun knives. I also own four Global and several Henckels from when I began in the business.They are all fine products and their edges will all break or chip if abused. All knives dull with use and need to be re-edged. But like any finely built tool, each knife has its own personality based on design, weight, and quality of steel.I, along with other professionals I regularly talk with, consider Shun to be the current "gold standard" in cutlery. I truly enjoy using all of the brands I that I own and have mentioned, but Shun knives do stand out - IMO. Why? (1) Insane sharpness and retention of original manufacture's edge angle. BTW -It is worth it to purchase the Shun honing steel as it guides the knife with the correct angle. Used properly a Shun knife when dull is better than other standard kitchen knives right back from the sharpener. (2) Heft and hand-feel. Your hands move when chopping and balanced movement is key to precise work as well as safety. I do not own another knife that feels as good in my hands as do my Shun knives. Add to this the well-researched shape of their handle and my hand does not tire nearly as quickly using a Shun. (3) Beauty. Why not own a functional tool that surpasses the day to day demands of a professional kitchen AND looks like a piece of art? Functional art. Look, there are many great knives out there. Buying (and using) a Shun is a life-time purchase. Assuming you do not abuse it, the Shun knife will last and serve you well for a very long time. Whether a conversation piece with guests as you prep dinner or in a professional kitchen setting these knives impress.

Excelente cuchillo.. súper filoso y delgado.. muy bueno, 10/10

This was a gift for my mom. She is a lifelong chef and has been formally trained in french cuisine. She loved this knife. I haven't seen her prioritize any of her knives as much as she has this one. (All her other knives are on a similar price point in a french style.) The knife is balanced, beautiful, on the lighter end and sharp. Hard for a kitchen knife to do much more.

Love it. Clean cut with all meat even as an amateur cook

For a person who loves knives, and owns more than I will ever need in 3 lifetimes, the Shun brand is one of my all time favourites. The consistency, the standard of quality. Never any surprises in workmanship or quality. Having said all the above. This knife being the Premier line is a bit heavier with a slightly larger handle than the equivalent from the standard line. I also have this santoku knife in the 5 1/4" size in the Premier version and standard version, which do to it's smaller size blade also has proportionally sized smaller handles. The smaller version is extremely comfortable for both myself and my wife. This one (7" santoku), the handle is too big for her, and I will say that the size of handle for me is something I am still getting used to. Balance of course is terrific, and the profile is pretty spot on for a Japanese Santoku knife. Blade is excellent as to be expected. And the Premier version does have a aesthetically beautiful finish.