Japanese knives are famous for their fine craftsmanship, sharpness, and functionality.
Of the different types of Japanese knives, Shun knives are very popular because of their special qualities, like incredibly sharp angular cutting blades.
So, where are Shun knives made?
Manufacturing of Shun Knives
Shun is a well-known Japanese brand producing exceptionally high-quality knives.
The parent company, Kai Group, operates from Tokyo.
Their knife manufacturing happens in Seki City, the hub of traditional Japanese sword and knife experts.
In 2002, the brand expanded its operations to over 30 countries.
However, the Shun knives are exclusively manufactured in Seki City in Japan.
Characteristic Features of An Authentic Shun Knife
Shun knives are a sterling example of Japanese craftsmanship.
The design of original Shun knives has been perfected through centuries-old practices of Samurai sword and knife-making.
They are unique because no other manufacturer uses the same winning combination.
Here are the different factors that make Shun knives stand out.
1. High-Performance Stainless-Steel Body
Many brands use stainless steel in the body of their knives because the alloy is strong and corrosion-resistant.
Shun knives also have a stainless-steel body.
However, the difference is that they use “super-steel,” which is superior-quality stainless steel.
This steel combines the rigidity of carbon steel with the high-performance features of stainless steel.
The knife blade is durable, strong, and hard. The sharp edge can be sharpened easily.
2. Kasumi Forging Technique
Samurai sword-making is a traditional Japanese art that has evolved over centuries.
It uses various techniques to improve the agility, efficiency, and reliability of swords.
Many of these practices have also made their way into knife-making. Kasumi is such a technique.
Shun knives are made using Kasumi forging principles, where the blade has a hard internal steel core and a softer outer steel layer.
This method of cladding two types of steel produces a strong and rigid but unbreakable blade.
3. San Mai Blade Forging
Sain Mai is another traditional forging method used to make Shun knife blades.
This is also a century-old process that was traditionally used in Samurai swordmaking.
In this technique, extreme heat and pressure are used to bind hard carbon steel between two layers of stainless steel.
This makes the core of the knife strong, while the stainless steel makes it durable and corrosion-resistant.
Such knives aren’t completely rust-resistant, but they are easier to maintain than pure carbon steel knives.
4. Damascus Steel
One of the easiest ways to recognize Shun knives is by the pattern on the blade.
These knives have a unique ripple or marble-like detail on the surface.
This effect is produced by layering several metal alloys. Shun knives use over 30 metal alloys in a single blade.
When different alloys combine, the color variations appear like ripples on the blade.
The design becomes evident when the blade undergoes grinding.
During the grinding process, the artisans move from the spine to the edge of the blade.
Then, they add an acid etch or bead blast to each blade.
During this process, the different metal alloys react differently with the acidic agent.
Some of them darken, while others become bright.
This produces a marbling effect on the surface that enhances the visual appeal of the knife.
5. Tsuchime Finish
In Japanese, the word Tsuchime means “hammered.” It refers to the finish of the blade.
Premium-quality Shun knives have a Tsuchime finish. The blade isn’t smooth.
It has slightly raised pockets along the entire length because the craftsmen hammer the blade by hand.
It makes the surface uneven but creates a beautiful finish.
The purpose of making such a blade is to create small air pockets or cavities.
These divots prevent ingredients from sticking to the blade while slicing.
It makes it easier to make neat and precise cuts. It also reduces the drag and makes cleaning easier.
6. Patented Composite Blade Technology
Most of the attractive features of Shun knives are due to the presence of different types of steel alloys in the blade.
This is possible due to the composite blade technology that the company employs for manufacturing knives.
This technology is patented, and hence it isn’t available in other brands. So you can use it to identify Shun knives.
If you observe the edge of the blade of a Shun knife, you will see that it’s lighter than the rest of the surface.
The edge will also have a rippled design. It’s because different types of laser-cut steel are combined in a single blade.
Most Shun knives have 34 layers on each side, forming a total of 68 layers.
7. Easy to Hone
One of the biggest problems with most types of knives is that the blades become dull over time.
You must sharpen the blade using a whetting stone or knife sharpener to restore sharpness.
However, whetting the blade grates the metal edge.
The construction technique of Shun knives is different from typical knives. So they don’t need frequent sharpening.
Instead, you will have to hone these knives to keep them working efficiently.
When you continuously use a Shun knife for cutting, the cutting edge tends to bend over time. Bending makes the blade dull.
Honing is the process of aligning these misshapen strands back into position.
It barely takes a few minutes, and material from the blade isn’t lost during it.
You can hone a Shun knife with a honing steel and make it good as new.
8. Sharpness and Lightness
Shun cutlery produces a variety of kitchen knives for all purposes.
They come in different sizes, shapes, and designs to meet different needs.
However, all Shun knives are sharp and light.
While the size and shape of the handles and the design of the knives differ, they are all easy to handle.
They have ergonomic designs. They are easy to balance in hand and don’t slip to cause accidents.
While strong and sharp, the blade is light and easy to move.
This makes chopping, slicing, peeling, and food preparation easy.
The knives are versatile, and you can use them to prepare fruits, vegetables, meat, and all types of cooking ingredients.
Additionally, the composite material is strong and waterproof.
The use of stainless steel alloys in the blade reduces the risk of rusting.
With proper care and maintenance, these knives last forever.
Most Shun knives are also dishwasher-friendly.
However, it’s always better to handwash them to retain the luster and sharpness of the blade for longer.
9. High-Quality Standards
One of the reasons why Shun knives are highly prized is that they are handcrafted specialty Japanese cutlery.
These knives are still made using traditional Japanese knife-making techniques with close attention to detail.
They also use premium steel alloys for high-quality results.
A hundred different steps go into producing a single knife. This keeps true to its heritage and expected quality.
Shun cutlery now employs modern technology to construct Shun knives.
But despite using state-of-the-art equipment and innovative processes, Shun knives still bear the enduring signs of tradition.
The quality and design have not been compromised in any way.
They are still constructed with precise attention to detail and have all the characteristic features of the original Shun knives.
