Shun Kanso 8" Chef's Knife SSWT0706

The Shun Kanso 8” Chef’s Knife is a powerful tool built with simplicity, durability, and performance in mind. Inspired by the Zen philosophy of Kanso—meaning “simplicity”—this chef’s knife strips away the unnecessary and focuses on what truly matters: quality materials, exceptional functionality, and timeless design. It’s crafted in Japan to meet the demands of serious home cooks and culinary professionals alike.

The 8” blade is forged from high-performance AUS-10A stainless steel, a premium Japanese steel known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Finished with a rustic heritage-style coating, the blade has a rugged aesthetic that hides scratches and maintains its appearance through years of hard work in the kitchen. At 1/8” thick, this full tang blade offers a solid feel with just the right amount of flex and precision. The wide blade profile makes it ideal for scooping up ingredients from the cutting board while maintaining excellent control during slicing, chopping, and mincing.

The handle is made from Tagayasan wood—also known as “iron sword wood”—a traditional hardwood valued for its density, durability, and striking grain. The simple, contoured shape of the handle, secured with dual rivets, provides a comfortable grip and excellent balance, letting the blade do the work while your hand stays relaxed and in control. Its traditional profile fits a variety of grip styles and is optimized for long prep sessions without fatigue.

With a 13.5” overall length, this knife feels substantial without being unwieldy. It’s a kitchen workhorse capable of handling everything from dense root vegetables to delicate herbs. Whether you're dicing onions or slicing proteins, the Kanso 8” Chef’s Knife delivers clean, efficient cuts every time.

Built to be both functional and long-lasting, the Kanso line focuses on performance over polish, making it a perfect choice for those who value straightforward reliability over flashy aesthetics. Made in Japan by skilled craftsmen, this knife reflects generations of blade-making tradition and practical design. Order it today from SMKW!