KAI Shun Classic 5.5" Santoku Knife

Ideal mid-size santoku

The Shun Classic 5.5-inch santoku sits between the small and full-sized models in the Classic line. Its VG-MAX steel core is clad in Damascus stainless steel and bead-blasted to reveal the layered pattern. The D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handle provides a secure grip. This knife handles medium kitchen tasks such as slicing vegetables, mincing herbs and cutting butter or chocolate.

Cooks who prefer a lighter blade

The reduced length and weight suit cooks with smaller hands or anyone who finds a full-sized santoku unwieldy. Some users reach for it instead of a paring knife for detail work or for preparing breakfast fruit. Buyers who need a larger blade for heavy chopping or portioning big cuts of meat should consider a longer chef's knife instead.

Ready to use, keep it sharp

The knife arrives factory-sharp and requires no assembly. Hand-wash and dry immediately to protect the Damascus cladding and wooden handle; dishwashers will damage both. Regular honing maintains the edge, while occasional whetstone sharpening restores peak performance. Avoid twisting the blade or cutting frozen foods to prevent chipping the hard VG-MAX steel.