Shun Classic 9-Inch Bread Knife

Leveraging a 90-year history of superior workmanship, Shun knives are precision-forged in Japan by renowned blade manufacturer KAI. Using technologically advanced processes, a VG-10 "super steel" core is clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus-look blade. The Damascus detailing not only enhances the knife's aesthetic appeal, it also prevents morsels from sticking and helps avoid damaging foods. Forming a comfortable D-shaped hold, a fused blend of hardwood veneers and resin comprise the unique ebony Pakkawood handle. A traditionally offset stainless-steel bolster protects knuckles while a steel end-cap finishes the piece. Although dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. This product includes a lifetime warranty. -- Amy Arnold

Product Description
This 9-inch Shun Classic bread knife offers the typical serrated blade, but is unique in that, while narrower than a standard German knife, it's so sharp and precise, that it can produce thick or thin slices of even the most crusty loaves and hearty artisan breads without leaving a lot of crumbs or broken crusts in its wake.Made in the ancient city of Seki, Japan, Shun knives rely on extremely sharp blades, made of Japanese VG10 steel clad with 32 layers (16 on each side) of a proprietary blend of high-carbon stainless pounded so thin, it delivers precision slicing, cutting and chopping that is unprecedented by any of its German competitors. Imagine, a knife made the same way as ancient Samurai swords, handcrafted still today. Sharper out of the box than other knives, the Shun Classic maintains its sharpness longer, since the finely-polished blade edge has a natural tendency to remain straighter, yet when required, it can be honed using a standard steel or sent to the factory for free sharpening. The wavy, Damascus-look pattern on the blade creates minute air pockets that offer stick resistance, so food releases easier and prep time is reduced--plus it's rust-free. The ebony Pakka wood handle, a highly durable combination of layers of white birch wood and resin, is designed in a ???D??? shape to fit firmly and comfortably in the hand, with the bonus of being dishwasher safe and NSF

Based on that previous experience, this breadknife didn't look terribly impressive. The serrations are smooth and rounded rather than aggressive and toothy. It didn't look like something that would bite into bread. But I'd read a rave review of it, and everything else I read about Kai knives was overwhelmingly positive. I've also had very good luck with Japanese cutlery, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

It cuts like a laser. Slides right through breads and salami (which I end up using it for all the time) very smoothly and with very little effort. The blade is razor sharp, which I learned when I got a little careless (didn't used to have respect for breadknives, remember) and it sliced off the end of a fingernail without the slightest resistance. THAT left me very respectful. The gentle serrations let it dig into it's target without tearing or throwing loose a crumb. It also has a nice, meaty asymmetrical D-shaped handle that really fits in the palm. This may not be for everyone, so give it a whirl before you commit to buying, but I think it's great.

If you need a breadknife and want a quality piece (and if you get a good knife and take care of it you should only need to buy one, ever) this is the hands down obvious choice. It's a bit more expensive than the Major German Brand cutlery, but easily worth it.

As a general comment, I think anyone looking for good kitchen cutlery should consider the Japanese brands first. I've used knives from Global, Kai and Kasumi, and up against Henckels and Wusthof there is just no comparison. We have the Kai breadknife, a Kasumi chef's knife, a Henckel's 4-star chef, Henckel's 4-star santoku, Henckel's 4-star slicer, Wusthof Grand Prix utility, Wusthof Grand Prix parer, Wusthof Classic granton slicer, and a Kyocera ceramic chef's. When I look at the knife block I really just see the Kai breadknife, my Kasumi chef and Those Other Knives.

Any knife shopping I do in the future, I will be looking at Kai first. Kasumi is also an incredible brand, and a bit finer and sharper than Kai, but they run about 50% more. I got my Kasumi chef's as a gift, and it's a treasure, but if I were laying down my own money it's such a close call I'd probably go with Kai, especially since I prefer their handles.