Shun kitchen knives are made out of a special type of steel called VG-MAX. This steel is made with a variety of metals, including cobalt for strength and durability, molybdenum for sharpness retention, and vanadium for wear and chip-resistance.
VG-MAX holds an incredibly sharp edge and is extremely strong, meaning it will perform beautifully and last for a long time. In addition, the blade has a Rockwell Hardness of 61-62, making it both flexible and tough.
To ensure maximum durability and strength, the edge is ground to a 16° double-beveled blade making it ideal for both right-handed and left-handed cooks.
What kind of steel are Shun knives made of?
Shun knives are made of superior high-carbon Japanese steel. This steel is designed specifically for kitchen knives, as it stays razor sharp even after heavy use and prolonged exposure to water and acidic foods.
The steel used in Shun knives is also highly rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the knife tarnishing or developing spots of corrosion. As an added bonus, the steel itself is extremely durable, so it won’t chip or fracture easily with regular use.
Are Shun knives forged?
Yes, Shun knives are forged, meaning the process of making them involves heating a piece of metal and then shaping that metal using a hammer or press. Forged knives are generally more durable and have a higher-quality feel than those that are simply stamped.
Shun knives feature a 3-step, hand-hammering process that brings out a unique, beautiful pattern in the steel, as well as VG-MAX steel, which is comprised of several different layers of super steel surrounding a cutting core of harder VG-10 steel.
This makes it extremely hard yet still flexible, and provides excellent sharpness, edge retention, and stain resistance. The handles are made from Pakkawood, which has the look and feel of real wood but with the durability of plastic.
Why are my Shun knives rusting?
It is not uncommon for high-end knives to rust over time, including Shun knives. This can typically occur due to prolonged exposure to moisture or salt, or if the knives are not cared for and stored properly.
To avoid rusting, you should always dry your knives completely after washing them and store them away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Also, avoid leaving the knives out for long periods of time or placing them in the dishwasher.
Furthermore, consider applying a thin layer of mineral oil to the blades occasionally to help protect them against corrosion. Finally, be sure to sharpen your knives regularly, as a dull blade can cause food to stick and create a damp environment that may encourage corrosion.
Is Japanese steel better than stainless steel?
The quality of steel varies from country to country. Japanese steel is often considered to be superior to stainless steel in terms of strength and durability. Japanese steel is known for its high-performance characteristics, excellent workability, corrosion resistance, and economical cost.
It is also noted for its cleanliness, which is why it is a popular material to be used in medical and food processing industries. In addition, Japanese steel is also highly resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for a variety of applications.
However, it is important to keep in mind that stainless steel has its own advantages, such as its resistance to scratching and chemical exposure, excellent temperature endurance, and its highly reflective surface.
Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which type of steel they prefer based on their needs and preferences.
Are Shun knives made in China?
Yes, Shun knives are indeed made in China. Shun knives are produced by the Kershaw Knife Company, which is based in Tualatin, Oregon. However, the knives are actually manufactured in Seki City Japan, as well as in Yangjiang, China.
While the knives themselves may be made in China, the design and quality control is done in Japan. All Shun knives must pass rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest quality standards. Along with the Japanese-style knives, Shun also produces a line of Chinese-style cleavers, which are made and sourced in Yangjiang, China.
Is Shun a carbon steel?
No, Shun is not a carbon steel. Shun is a high-performance Japanese steel that is laminated at multiple layers around a core of VG-10 stainless steel. It is known not only for its toughness and hardness but also its ease of sharpening.
The layers are made up of various levels of carbon, allowing the blade to maintain a sharp edge for a long period of time. The layered construction also results in a blade that is lighter and more balanced.
Shun knives are often considered superior to many carbon steels due to their superior hardness, edge-holding ability, and corrosion resistance.
Can you sharpen Shun knives?
Yes, you can sharpen Shun knives. To properly sharpen your Shun knife, it is best to use a manual or electric knife sharpener. For manual sharpeners, a quality steel rod or knife sharpening stone is recommended.
Begin by positioning your Shun knife at a 15-20 degree angle to the sharpener and draw the sharpener along its length using smooth, even strokes. If using a sharpening stone, hone the blade lightly with a few strokes in one direction.
Repeat on the other side of the blade. For electric sharpeners, it is best to follow the instructions that come with the product. When sharpening, make sure the blade is centered on the slot and use the force needed to pull the knife down in a single stroke with each time it smarts the wheel.
Use light to medium pressure to avoid damaging the blade.
Do Shun knives have a lifetime warranty?
Yes, Shun knives do have a lifetime warranty. Shun has a strong commitment to the superior craftsmanship of their products, which is why they offer a lifetime warranty for any defects in material or workmanship.
If the product was damaged due to misuse or abuse, it will be covered under the warranty. In order to submit a warranty claim to Shun, customers need to fill out a warranty claim form and send it into Japan accompanied with an image of the damaged item.
Customers who are unable to submit the form online or are unable to send an image can contact Shun directly in order to discuss their needs. They will be able to provide an address for returning the damaged product if necessary.
Once the claim is received, Shun will then determine if the product is eligible for repair, replacement, or credit. Customers will receive an email notification with the outcome of their submission.
Which is better carbon steel or cast steel?
The choice between carbon steel and cast steel really depends on the particular application. If the goal is a strong, long-lasting metal for a particular application, there are advantages and disadvantages to both materials.
Carbon steel is generally more affordable, is fairly strong and is more sensitive to heat treatment than cast steel. It’s also highly malleable and easily forms into shapes. However, carbon steel is more susceptible to corroding over time and is not as durable as cast steel.
Cast steel has a much higher tolerance for heat and is much stronger and more resistant to corrosion than carbon steel. It’s more expensive and difficult to shape, but its superior strength and durability make it ideal for certain applications such as bridges and machines.
Choosing between carbon steel and cast steel really depends on the application, budget, and available resources. If you’re on a tight budget and working with structural components, carbon steel may be the better choice.
However, if strength, durability and maximum protection from environmental elements are higher priorities, cast steel is usually the best option.
What grade is Japanese steel?
Japanese steel grade is a complicated topic that depends on a variety of factors, including the type of steel alloy, its purpose, heat treatment and manufacturing method. Generally speaking, Japanese steels are known for their exceptional quality and strength and are often favored by tool and knife makers.
There are a variety of grades ranging from ultra-high carbon or “super steel”, to softer stainless and low alloy steels. The most popular grade of Japanese steel is generally sk4 and sk5 carbon steel, which desirable for tools, especially those used for hard materials like wood, plastic and metal.
It is also the preferred grade for heavy-duty cutlery, since its ability to hold an edge and resist wear is superior. Another popular grade is VG-10 stainless steel, which is extremely corrosion-resistant and holds an exceptionally sharp edge.
Many other grades of steel are available to choose from, so it is important to discuss the application and desired outcome with a knowledgeable supplier or manufacturer.
What is the toughest knife steel?
The toughest knife steel is a highly subjective topic. It depends heavily on what the intended use for the knife is and the preferences of the user. Some of the toughest knife steels are CPM-20CV, ZDP-189, S35VN, and M390.
All of these offer excellent edge retention, very good wear and corrosion resistance, and are relatively easy to sharpen. CPM-20CV is an exceptional steel, but its relative rarity keeps it from being widely available.
ZDP-189 is well-known for its extreme edge retention and has great corrosion resistance. S35VN is widely available and well-loved for its strengthened edges and good corrosion resistance. M390 is widely regarded as the top tier of super steels that offer excellent edge retention and wear resistance.
All of these steel types will offer good toughness, but which one is truly the toughest is up to personal preference and the intended use of the knife.
How is a Shun knife made?
A Shun knife is made with Damascus-clad blades for an exceptionally sharp and long lasting edge. The blades are constructed with multiple layers of high-carbon VG-MAX steel and stainless Damascus steel, resulting in a beautiful pattern on the blade.
For a comfortable and secure grip, each Shun handle is contoured and made with the highest-quality materials like PakkaWood, wood-fiber composites, and resin-impregnated hardwoods. Finally, each knife is inspected by hand to ensure it meets Shun’s high standards.
Do Shun knives break easily?
No, Shun knives are incredibly durable and well-made, so they typically do not break easily. They feature a full-tang design so that their blades are properly supported and stabilized, and their blades are made from VG-MAX cutting cores that are clad in 34 layers of high-carbon stainless steel.
This makes them robust and resistant to breaking, as long as they are used and maintained properly. Shun knives also come with a lifetime warranty, so if you do ever experience a problem with one it can be taken care of.
What should you not cut with a Shun knife?
You should not cut excessively hard or extremely tough foods with a Shun knife. This includes bones, frozen foods, hard squash, or any other similarly tough items. Shun knives are sharp, but they are designed for precise cutting of softer to medium-strength foods.
Cutting excessively hard foods can damage the blade and cause it to become dull more quickly. Additionally, some substances such as frozen foods can cause the blade to become brittle or chipped if not cut properly, potentially rendering it useless.
Therefore, it is recommended to limit the use of a Shun knife to slicing and dicing lighter, softer foods such as fruits, vegetables, fresh meats and fish, and cooked foods.