The Shun Classic 5.5” Santoku Knife is designed to bring precision, beauty, and everyday functionality to your kitchen. Carefully crafted with a balance of traditional Japanese artistry and modern materials, this cooking knife is a trusted companion for home chefs and professionals alike. Its compact size makes it versatile enough for daily meal prep while still powerful enough to handle bigger cutting tasks with ease.
At the heart of this Santoku is a plain 5.5” blade forged from premium VG-Max stainless steel. Known for its superior edge retention and durability, VG-Max is the latest evolution in the VG line, fine-tuned to hold a razor-sharp edge while resisting corrosion. With a hardness rating that allows for ultra-thin slicing, this steel delivers precision cuts that reduce drag and preserve the freshness of your ingredients. The satin finish adds refinement, enhancing the blade’s sleek look while providing smooth, clean cuts every time.
This knife is built with a hidden tang construction, giving it both strength and a seamless transition into the handle. The overall length of 10.2” and a featherlight weight of only 5 oz. make it extremely comfortable to maneuver, even during longer cooking sessions. Whether you’re dicing onions, chopping herbs, or preparing vegetables for stir-fry, the size and balance of this Santoku give you excellent control without tiring your hand.
The handle is made from ebony-colored Pakkawood, a material prized for its durability, moisture resistance, and elegant appearance. Pakkawood combines the natural warmth of wood with the resilience of resin, offering a smooth, polished finish that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Shun has shaped the handle into a comfortable, traditional Japanese “D” profile, allowing for a secure grip that feels natural in your hand. This handle not only complements the steel blade aesthetically but also enhances the overall performance by ensuring stability and balance with each slice.
Santoku knives are widely regarded as some of the most versatile tools in any kitchen, and this 5.5” version excels in that role. The shorter length makes it more approachable than larger chef’s knives, especially for cooks who prefer precision over heft. The blade’s slightly curved belly allows for rocking cuts when needed, while the flat edge is ideal for straight chopping motions. That versatility, combined with the knife’s sharpness and balance, makes it a reliable go-to piece for almost any meal you prepare.
Owning a Shun knife means investing in craftsmanship that blends centuries of Japanese tradition with modern innovation. The Classic Santoku is part of a lineup that’s trusted by chefs worldwide for its quality, consistency, and stunning design. It’s more than a tool—it’s a piece of artistry designed to elevate your cooking experience, making preparation as enjoyable as the meal itself.
You’ll find the Shun Classic 5.5” Santoku Knife at the world’s largest knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works. As the best online knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works offers not just the finest selection of cutlery but also the expertise to help you find the perfect piece for your kitchen. This knife is an exceptional addition to any collection, whether you’re just starting your culinary journey or adding to a carefully curated set. It embodies quality, beauty, and performance—everything a cooking knife should be.