Question 1

DO I HAVE TO USE YOUR HONING STEEL AND/OR ELECTRIC SHARPENER?

Accepted Answer

As long as the honing steel or electric sharpener is equivalent to the Shun products, no. The advantage of a Shun Honing Steel is that the handle includes a built-in angle guide so that you can be sure you’re honing to the correct 16° angle; and, of course, it matches your set. (We do not recommend using a honing steel that has diamond grit on it. A diamond-grit rod will take material off your knife, not just hone it.)

If you choose an electric sharpener other than Shun, please make sure it will sharpen your knives to the correct 16° angle.

Question 2

WHAT IS THE ROCKWELL HARDNESS OF THE DIFFERENT STEELS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Accepted Answer

The Rockwell scale provides a convenient way to compare the hardness of two materials, such as types of steel. It measures hardness based on the depth of penetration of a diamond cone pressed into the material at a constant pressure. Put simply, the higher the number, the harder the material.

In general, Shun hardens VG10 and VG-Max steel to 60-61 Rockwell and SG2 to 61-62. An increase of 1 degree Rockwell equates to an increase in hardness of about 10% as well as an increase in edge-holding ability. These degrees of hardness enable Shun knives to be thin, hard, and precise without being overly brittle.

Question 3

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VG10, VG-MAX AND SG2 STEEL?

Accepted Answer

VG10, VG-MAX, and SG2 are three different types of advanced “super steels” that Shun uses to make our blades. In blades with Damascus cladding, the cutting core—the inner layer of steel that actually does the cutting—may be made of one of these advanced steels. Blades with no cladding may be composed entirely of one of these steels. These three steels go far beyond the typical “good, better, and best” categorization. Instead, think of them as “excellent, superb, and ultra-premium.”

VG10 is a highly refined stainless steel with excellent edge retention and stain resistance.

VG-MAX has more chromium and vanadium than VG10, which provides even better edge retention and corrosion resistance, and enables Shun to harden the steel so it will take an amazingly sharp edge. VG-MAX is only available in Shun knives.

SG2 is powdered steel; this means it is even more refined than VG10 or VG-MAX and it remains more ductile (less brittle) even though it is very hard. It offers superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, with less chipping.

Question 4

CAN I WASH MY KNIVES IN THE DISHWASHER?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you do not wash your knives in the dishwasher. Here’s why: The dishwasher can be hard on all your dishes, but it can be especially hard on knives because they tend to get knocked around during the cycle. Conversely, sharp knives can put “dings” in your dishwasher, too. In addition, when you wash different grades of metal together, brown spotting may occur on the higher quality metals (such as Shun blades). These spots can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Finally, many dishwashing detergents contain corrosive agents, such as citrus extracts. Not only can this cause unnecessary wear on your dishes, it can also cause pitting or corrosion on your Shun knives.

For all these reasons, we recommend that you protect your investment by handwashing your knives with a gentle dish soap.

Question 5

WHAT ARE APPROPRIATE CUTTING SURFACES?

Accepted Answer

One key to keeping a Shun (or any other knife) sharp and avoiding chips is to use an appropriate cutting surface. These include wood and polypropylene, which are softer materials and will “give” under the blade. If the knife can leave a cut line in the board, your cutting board is sufficiently soft. Please do not cut on tile, ceramic plates, marble, granite, or acrylic. All of these surfaces will dull and chip your blade very quickly.

Question 6

HOW SHOULD I STORE MY KNIVES?

Accepted Answer

Store your knives in a block, a knife case, an in-drawer knife holder, a sheath, a magnetic bar, or in the original box. If your knives are just thrown in a drawer, they can get dulled or chipped, as well as being a potential hazard when you reach into the drawer.

Question 7

DO SHUN KNIVES COME WITH WARRANTY?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Shun items come with a lifetime manufacturer warranty and guarantee.