Shun Classic Blonde 5 Piece Starter Block Set
- 5-piece set: chef, paring and utility knives, honing steel, bamboo block
- VG-MAX steel, 68 layers of Damascus cladding
- 16 degree edge on the blades
- D-shaped Pakkawood handle for left or right hand
- Handcrafted in Japan, with free sharpening and honing
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A starter block set with chef, paring and utility knives plus a honing steel, in a bamboo block with room to grow. Only three knives come in the set, so most of the block is room for later additions.
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ASIN: B086PWHS6LCategory: Knife Sets
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Overview
Damascus-clad VG-MAX steel forms the blades in this Shun Classic Blonde set, which pairs three knives with a honing steel in a slimline bamboo block. The D-shaped Pakkawood handles suit left and right hand users alike.
The reason to buy is the combination of three core kitchen knives, a honing steel and a block made to hold far more than comes in the box. The limitation is the narrow range of knives at the start, and the listing gives no total weight.
Who it's for
Someone outfitting a first serious kitchen can work from the chef, paring and utility knives and add more over time, since the block is sized for many more pieces. Households wanting a full complement in the box, or a block with fewer slots for a small counter, should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
- Damascus cladding over VG-MAX steel
- Handle shaped for left and right hands
- Honing steel included for upkeep
- Block has room for added knives
- Only three knives in the set
- Weight and block size not listed
- Most block slots stay empty at first
Performance notes
A narrow edge angle lets the blade part food with less pressure, which suits fine slicing and trimming. The honing steel in the set realigns the edge between sharpenings, while the D-shaped handle gives either hand a fixed grip position for control.
Specifications
| Brand | Shun |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| BladeLength | 8 incheshigher than 52% of 28 knife sets |
| Paring knife blade | 3.5 inches |
| Utility knife blade | 6 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Block capacity | Up to 22 pieces |
| Construction & materials | |
| Blade Material Type | VG-MAX with 68 layers of Damascus cladding |
| Handle Material | Pakkawood, D-shaped, blonde |
| Holder material | Bamboo, slimline |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | 8 inch chef's knife, 3.5 inch paring knife, 6 inch utility knife, combination honing steel, slimline bamboo block |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty | Free sharpening and honing |
| Other details | |
| Edge angle | 16 degrees |
| Country of origin | Japan, handcrafted |
| Block slots | Six 1.3 inch, four 1.2 inch, three 1.5 inch, two 2.4 inch, five 2.1 inch, plus spaces for honing steel and shears |
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Frequently asked questions
What sizes are the knives in the Shun Classic Blonde 5 piece block set?
The chef's knife is 8 inches, the paring knife 3.5 inches and the utility knife 6 inches. The set adds a combination honing steel and a slimline bamboo block.
How many knives can the Shun Classic Blonde block hold?
It is designed for up to 22 pieces, with slots in several widths plus designated spaces for a honing steel and shears. Only the five pieces of the set come with it.
Is the Shun Classic Blonde set comfortable for left-handed cooks?
The listing says the D-shaped Pakkawood handle suits both left and right-handed users.