Premier 5.5" Santoku Knife, Handcrafted and Hand-Sharpened Japanese All Purpose Knife, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle, Versatile Japanese Cutting Tool

I bought this back around Christmas 2011 when it was on an Amazon holiday deal for $100. If you find it for that price nowadays, I'd pretty much try to yell through the computer screen at you to get it. :D At the current prices of ~$150 (depending on seller), I'd still say it's a good but not great value. Cost aside, it is a very nice knife. Aesthetically, the blade is simply exceptional. The polished hammered top half combined with the layered bottom half are beautiful. The pakkawood handle is also attractive, but I admit to not being as enamored with it as I was years ago. For some, the lighter weight may not be a preference, but it can be a real bonus when using this for a while because I think it helps prevent my arm and wrist from getting as tired as when I'm using my heavier knives. The build quality is outstanding. Of the four Shun knives that I've purchased, I've had one (a more expensive Reserve model) with an issue on the handle. Both of the Premier models that I bought (this and a paring knife) are perfectly made. The handle lines up just right with the blade, and there are no imperfections anywhere that I've noticed over years of use. Sharpness may go without saying, but I'll still say it :) - yep, it's sharp. It's not like cutting with this was a whole new experience for me. My less expensive Anolon knives are also pretty sharp - but I like using this knife more. Shun for me is more than just the functional value - it's the aesthetic value. It works great and looks great, and I like using it. There's something to be said for treating yourself or someone else now and again with a product that is just a cut above (sorry...no pun intended), and this is a knife that will stand out in most people's kitchen collection and make them feel good. I've attached some photos of this that hopefully convey some of the aesthetics. I think it's far more beautiful than the stock image here on Amazon conveys. Two big thumbs up from me for this knife.

Very good quality knife. Very sharp. Cutting is amazing. 7 inch blade is perfect for most kitchen cutting work.

I have a fairly large collection of knives. These include a full set of Shun classics, this premier, Wusthof Trident set, Henckels Twin 4 Star II, Gunter Wilheim, and a full set of Chicago Cuttlery's top of the line (which really should not be mentioned with the knives above... not a shot.at Chicago, but they are a great knife for that price). The Premier is truly the finest of these knives. It is well balanced and comfortable to use and hold. It feel heavier than the classic Shun to me... but that may just be my mind playing tricks. This knife, if you want a.truly fine knife that you will likely pass down, this certainly fits the bill. That being said... I would urge anyone to hold this knife and the Classics. It is a different feel in the hand and you may prefer the Classics over this knife. Small hands may especially prefer the Classics. Do note that the premier is made of a different (better) steel with 34 layers/side. Close inspection will show those over the classic. It mentions that it is encased in Damscus steel. I do question that. I thought Damascus steel was quite rare to have anymore. Perhaps a derivative of the original most likely? Also note that the knives, while some of the finest production cutlery in the world, are not great at everything. For chopping and slicing most things, they excel and are the best. However, I go to a German knife (my Tridents) for cutting up things like a bird or near bones. For chopping things like brisket, you are better having something heavy and sharp like the Gunther. I prefer my twin 4 Star for slicing up beef, though I believe a Shun would be perfectly acceptable for this use. The issue comes in how the knives are meant to be used to cut. Where a German knife appreciates a "pushing down or forceful chopping", typical Japanese cutlery prefers a slicing motion back forth. Understanding this explains why I have, and I highly recommend, a variety of knives for their own purpose. A few other comments: These knives must be sharpened at a different angle than German cutlery 16 degrees versus the typical German 20-22. This makes using these knives much easier to cut through things, explains why they require less effort, and in turn due to the type of steel used, makes them more brittle and easier to chip. I have not chipped any of mine but it is a common complaint. They will rust easier though most households (even on the coast) would be unlikely to have this issue. One last note: these knives come from the factory razor blade sharp. Until you get very familiar with them, use extreme caution. Especially with these knives, keep them away from children or elderly who are not sure with their hands. I sliced my finger to the bone with one of these where a German knife would not have gone so deep. All in all, this is one of the finest knives in the world and well worth the investment for lifetime of enjoyment.

Amazing knife. Cuts everything like butter and looks amazing as well.

This knife is a work of art and sharp sharp sharp. You will love it.

Excelente faca. Leve, precisa e um aço de extrema qualidade.

Love it. Clean cut with all meat even as an amateur cook

For a person who loves knives, and owns more than I will ever need in 3 lifetimes, the Shun brand is one of my all time favourites. The consistency, the standard of quality. Never any surprises in workmanship or quality. Having said all the above. This knife being the Premier line is a bit heavier with a slightly larger handle than the equivalent from the standard line. I also have this santoku knife in the 5 1/4" size in the Premier version and standard version, which do to it's smaller size blade also has proportionally sized smaller handles. The smaller version is extremely comfortable for both myself and my wife. This one (7" santoku), the handle is too big for her, and I will say that the size of handle for me is something I am still getting used to. Balance of course is terrific, and the profile is pretty spot on for a Japanese Santoku knife. Blade is excellent as to be expected. And the Premier version does have a aesthetically beautiful finish.