Universal knife SHUN CLASSIC WHITE 15 cm, KAI

Product detailed description

When you hear the term 'handcrafted japanese knife', it is easy to imagine something you would want to admire rather than use. SHUN CLASSIC WHITE quickly dispels this impression. It boasts premium craftsmanship, a Damascus blade and traditional roots, but at the same time, it is a tool designed for a real kitchen, not a glass display case.

Main advantages:

• KAI SHUN CLASSIC WHITE is a premium range of handcrafted Japanese knives that combines traditional knife-making heritage with contemporary manufacturing technologies - featuring a Damascus blade, a VG-MAX core, and a light pakkawood handle.
• The range builds on KAI's knife-making know-how from Seki, where the brand has been developing blade production since 1908, and in the SHUN CLASSIC WHITE version, translates it into an elegant and technically advanced premium series.
• SHUN CLASSIC WHITE combines manual craftsmanship in Japan with highly precise modern manufacturing and edge control, so it is not just about an impressive Damascus look, but above all a knife built for demanding daily work.
• The DM-0701W universal knife with a 15 cm long blade is a practical intermediate step between a small knife and a large chef's knife - it handles vegetables, fruit, smaller cuts of meat, and a variety of quick prep tasks well.
• The 15 cm length gives you plenty of space for smooth cuts, while the knife retains the agility and precision that you might not need from a large chef's blade during finer work.
• The core of the blade is made of VG-MAX steel with a hardness of 61 ±1 HRC, which extends to the very edge and provides the foundation for extreme sharpness and long-lasting edge retention.
• The VG-MAX core is surrounded on each side by 32 layers of Damascus steel, so the blade combines a hard cutting core with a more flexible and durable multi-layer construction.
• The characteristic Damascus pattern is not just a visual ornament - it is created by the multi-layered construction of the blade itself and gives each knife the typical look of the SHUN series.
• The double-beveled edge allows for a natural cutting style without the need to adapt your technique to a traditional single-edged Japanese grind.
• Weighing just 78 g, the 15 cm knife is kept exceptionally light and agile, so it does not feel cumbersome during longer preparation and responds well to subtle changes in cutting direction.
• The light pakkawood handle is shaped in a traditional Japanese chestnut profile and, thanks to impregnation with high-quality resin, resists moisture well.
• The typical handle shape with a subtle ridge on the right side supports a secure and stable grip, which you will especially appreciate during more precise work with a shorter blade.
• The integrated tang running through the handle increases stability and helps create a balanced whole that feels secure even during faster work on a cutting board.
• The 11 cm handle length complements the 15 cm blade well, creating a compact knife that is easy to control when cutting on a chopping board as well as during more detailed work.
• The light pakkawood and the delicate pattern of the Damascus steel give the knife a lighter and more elegant appearance than the classic dark SHUN CLASSIC version, but the technical foundation of the range remains equally focused on performance and precision.
• The knife is handcrafted in Japan, and KAI provides a ten-year warranty against defects in materials, construction, and workmanship when purchased from an authorised dealer.
• SHUN CLASSIC WHITE belongs to the premium KAI category and, compared to utility ranges like WASABI BLACK, adds a harder VG-MAX core, Damascus construction, manual craftsmanship, and significantly more sophisticated materials.

Additional information:

• blade length: 15 cm
• handle length: 11 cm
• blade material: VG-MAX steel core, 32 layers of Damascus steel on each side
• steel hardness: 61 ±1 HRC
• handle material: pakkawood (impregnated with high-quality resins)
• award: German Design Award 2021
• not dishwasher safe

Caring for the KAI SHUN CLASSIC WHITE knife:

• Wash the knife by hand in warm water with a mild detergent and dry it immediately after washing.
• Do not put it in the dishwasher, as high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage both the blade and the handle.
• Ideally, cut on a wooden or plastic chopping board. Glass, stone, ceramics and metal dull the edge unnecessarily quickly.
• Do not use the knife on bones, frozen food, or for prying, twisting or other lateral stress on the blade.
• After cutting acidic or salty foods, rinse and dry the knife as soon as possible.
• To restore sharpness, it is best to use a water sharpening stone suitable for Japanese knives.
• Store the knife so that the edge does not touch other metal objects – for example, in a block, on a magnetic strip or with a protective blade cover.
• Do not leave the pakkawood handle wet or submerged in water for a long time; always dry it thoroughly after washing.