Shun Steel 7-Inch Santoku Knife with Scallops

By admin on February 21st, 2010

Shun Steel 7-Inch Santoku Knife with Scallops

Seamless stainless steel construction produces this stunning collection. Features the look and benefits of Damascus steel, yet without it’s rusting problems. Made from VG-10 stainless steel, Shun knives are specially constructed to be harder, less brittle, but also more flexible than traditional steel formulations. The VG-10 core is clad with 16 full layers of SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel on each side, for a total of 33 layers. These layers not only protect the VG-10, they create an exquisitely-detailed surface reminiscent of Damascus or pattern-forged steel, the kind once used for Samurai swords. As a result, the knives are simply stunning to look at–much like antique Damascus knives but without their tendency to rust.

Ideal for chopping fruits and vegetables, this santoku knife features a 7-inch high-carbon stainless-steel blade with a scalloped edge that helps slice rather than crush delicate foods and keeps cut food from sticking to the blade. Its seamless one-piece stainless-steel bolster, D-shaped handle, and end cap provide ergonomic comfort and maximum safety. As sturdy as it is lovely, the knife is officially safe to put in the dishwasher–although it’s so good-looking you might find yourself hard-pressed to do so. Shun knives carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Product Features

* 7-inch santoku knife with scallops for chopping fruits and vegetables
* Made from VG-10 stainless steel clad with 32 layers of high-carbon stainless steel
* Patterned, layered surface; stunning look of Damascus steel with added rust resistance
* Seamless stainless-steel bolster, D-shaped handle, and end cap offer comfort and safety
* Measures approximately 12 by 2 inches; limited lifetime warranty

Shun Steel 7-Inch Santoku Knife with Scallops Review

Very Versatile Knife!
If you’re reading this review, you are probably familiar with Shun knives so I won’t elaborate on how great/sharp they are.

This Santoku is excellent! It’s just the right size for most chopping and mincing jobs. Also, it’s just small enough that I use it as my “utility” knife when I need to cut something small (for slicing up limes). I also use it as a carving knife for smaller cuts of meat (chicken breast, sausage).

I’m not sure if the grantons (scallops) really offer much advantage. I still get some food bits sticking on the blade (not sure anything can help this). I did notice a repeated “swooshing” sound as I carved chicken breasts, no doubt from the creation of multiple air pockets. The grantons do look nice, and don’t really get in the way when you are using the flat end of the blade to “squish” something (like turning minced garlic into a paste).

Also, this santoku does have a bit of a “rocker” to it. What I mean is that there is a slight curve from the belly to the tip of the blade. This allows you to use it like a traditional chef’s knife by “rocking” the blade, but it does a great job with chopping as well.

The stainless handle is well constructed, has a good heft (but not too heavy), and is all one piece with no seam. If you’re a germaphobe (like I am), this is a great knife for you. The handle is not like the handles on most stainless knives on the market, that are SO hollow that the knife loses its balance. The heft of the Shun handle (though slightly hollowed) keeps your knife nice and balanced.

I used to be a strict chef’s knife user, but this knife has become my most frequently used. I love the knife’s construction and razor sharp edge as it cuts through most things with ease and can make any knife job fun and easy.