This was my first "nice" knife. Before it, I had only owned dull, cheap knife sets that were always such a frustration to use. When I received this one as a gift, it was quickly and effortlessly incorporated into most all of my food prep routines.
I particularly like this Shun's little 6" size. While it is a chef's knife, it's small enough that it's easy and unintimidating handling for a non-pro like me. And I almost never find myself needing to get out something bigger or smaller.
Now, I also must get around to this knife's looks. The handle is made of a very dark wood whose grains just faintly show. This perfectly complements the moire effect visible in the hammered layers of steel in the blade. Seems a little funny to so admire a kitchen utensil's appearance, but it's just another reason that this one's my favorite.
- Find It: Shun DM0723 Classic 6-Inch Stainless-Steel Chef's Knife, $125 at Amazon
Related: Knife Storage: Five Ways To Store Your Knives Safely
(Images: Regina Yunghans)



TW Salt Mill by Wil...

I received this Shun knife and a few others as a wedding gift (we didn't even register for them!) and I have loved them ever since. These are also my first nice knives and they are fabulous! Even my non-cooking husband is obsessed with them--if I don't wash it within a minute after use, he chastises me.
I also received the larger version of this chefs knife for wedding gift and have found that it rusts and chips along the blade. Thinking about bringing it back to Sur la Table where it was bought...
Does anyone else have a rust / erosion problem with Shun?? I care for it well, wash it immediately esp. after cutting acidic foods. My Wustof Grand prix chefs knife has never given me trouble so I tend to use it more often.
I am going crazy over demascus steel pattern in these knifes. I know some day I will indulge in one or two. Whats is the right blade length? I feel, 5-6" is comfortable and good enough. Larger ones may look good but not so comfortable. I have seen the same steel in Kasumi, Wustof and Shun as shown here. They cost a fortune but worth it to cherish over decades.
Lizzie-
I've never had any problems with Shun knives rusting or chipping, in fact, they've held up exceptionally well. Also, Shun is supposed to be very good about customer service (you can even send them your knives for a free sharpening), so if Sur la Table won't replace them, it's probably worthwhile to go to Shun directly.
Lizzie:
Are you washing the knife in the dishwasher?
I love Shun. I have the exact same knife : )
Love my Shun 8" chef knife and 4" paring knife combo. Glad I chose to get them as my first set of good cutlery.
Lizzie -
SLT will almost certainly replace them. But stop dishwashing them.
I've the the 8" and I love it.
I have this knife and I LOVE IT. I do have to be careful with it - it's super sharp.