Shun
Shun Premier 7" Santoku
star
4.7/5
(980 reviews)
Reviewed by Marcus Chen · Last reviewed July 7, 2026
Hand-hammered tsuchime finish, VG-MAX steel at 60-61 HRC, 68-layer Damascus, 16-degree edge. The Premier line's handle works for both right- and left-handed cooks.
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Est. Price
Best for: Vegetable-forward cooking, fish prep, left-handed cooks, extended prep sessions Check Current Price on Amazon
Price may vary. Check Amazon for current pricing.
Who It's For
Home cooks who primarily prep vegetables and want a premium santoku, especially left-handed cooks who need an ambidextrous handle.
Why We Love It
The tsuchime finish is not just for looks; the hammered texture can help release some foods from the blade during prep.
thumb_up Pros
- check VG-MAX steel holds an acute edge well for home prep
- check Tsuchime hammered finish can help reduce food sticking
- check Ambidextrous handle works for right- and left-handed cooks
- check 16-degree edge angle per side
- check Free lifetime sharpening from Shun/KAI USA
thumb_down Cons
- close Price premium over the Classic for largely the same steel
- close More brittle than German steel; avoid cutting bones or frozen food
- close Requires hand washing and immediate drying; no dishwasher
- close Overkill if you want one all-purpose chef's knife
list_alt Specifications
brand Shun
model Premier
material VG-MAX steel core, 68-layer stainless Damascus cladding
dimensions 7-inch (178mm) blade
weight 7.1 oz (201g)
warranty Limited Lifetime + free factory sharpening
origin Seki, Japan
