Shun Premier 8" Kiritsuke
In Japan, the kiritsuke is used for all the tasks for which you'd use a chef's knife. Known as the master chef's knife, it offers top cutting performance and versatility. With its straighter edge, the Shun Premier 8-in. Kiritsuke is ideal for slicing and push cuts. Julienne, dice, or brunoise vegetables with ease. It's also an excellent choice for cleaning and portioning boneless proteins, and particularly fish. It slices cooked proteins easily and gracefully. Once you try it, you'll find yourself reaching for your Shun Premier Kiritsuke more and more often.
The Shun Premier 8-in. Kiritsuke is part of the beautiful Shun Premier line, which calls to mind the hand-forged knives of ancient Japan. While each knife still takes at least 100 handcrafted steps to complete, the materials Shun uses are among the most advanced in the industry. Each blade has a cutting core of Shun's proprietary VG-MAX super steel to take and hold a precision edge. The layered Damascus cladding supports the core and provides additional stain resistance. Near the edge of the blade, where the steels meet, an undulating line is formedsimilar to the hamon formed when samurai swords are tempered using a traditional clay-baking technique. The hammered tsuchime finish acts like a series of hollow-ground cavities to reduce drag. The handles nestle comfortably in the hand, while the embossed end cap adds balance and beauty.
Features:
- A multi-purpose knife treasured by Japanese master chefs
- Hand-sharpened 16° double-bevel blade (32° comprehensive)
- Hammered tsuchime finish helps release food easily when cutting
- Steel: Proprietary VG-MAX cutting core, 34 layers each side stainless Damascus cladding
- Handle: Contoured walnut-colored PakkaWood®
- Blade length: 8 in. (20.3 cm)
- Handcrafted in Japan
Craftsmanship & Provenance
Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan
Every Shun Premier knife is handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, long considered the heart of the Japanese cutlery industry. Since 1908, Seki City has also been home to the makers of Shun fine cutlery, where ancient tradition continues to inform exceptional knives today.
A Legacy of Japanese Blade-Making
In the 13th century, Seki City was considered the heart of the Japanese cutlery industry, and it remains one of Japan’s most important blade-making centers today.
At Least 100 Steps, Handcrafted
Each knife takes at least 100 individual steps to complete, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship, premium materials, and modern technology. Premier also features a hammered Tsuchime finish and hand-sharpened blade for refined performance.
Why It Matters
The Shun name comes from the Japanese culinary tradition of shun: the exact moment when an ingredient is at its peak of freshness, flavor, and beauty. A very sharp knife helps preserve cellular structure for better texture, appearance, and taste, while premium blade materials help support lasting edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets modern culinary performance in a knife designed to stay sharper longer, resist wear, and bring lasting value to the kitchen.