Shun Classic 2 Piece Starter Knife Set
- 8 inch chef knife and 3.5 inch paring knife
- VG-MAX core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding
- 16 degree edge angle
- D-shaped Pakkawood handle, left or right hand
- 0.59 kg, forged, handcrafted in Japan
Last refreshed Sep 25, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A two-knife kit that covers most daily cutting with a large and a small blade. It is a starter pair, so carving, bread and boning work still need other knives.
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ASIN: B0DTXT6X6HCategory: Knife Sets
Overview
A new cook assembling a first Japanese knife kit gets two forged knives here: a chef knife for board work and a paring knife for small jobs. Each has a VG-MAX core wrapped in Damascus cladding and a D-shaped Pakkawood handle.
The pairing covers the two knives most kitchens use daily, and the Classic Series is described as the first Japanese cutlery line sold in the United States. The limitation is that hard steel and a fine edge angle ask for gentle handling and regular honing.
Who it's for
A home cook who wants two well-made knives and is happy to hone them and use the free sharpening offer. A cook who prefers a heavy German-style blade, or who chops bone, should look at a sturdier knife.
Pros and cons
- Two core kitchen knives
- VG-MAX core with Damascus cladding
- Fine sixteen degree edge
- Handle suits left and right hands
- Only two knives
- Hard steel needs careful handling
- Weight given only as one total
Performance notes
The VG-MAX core can hold a narrow edge angle, which lets the blades slice with little force, and the Damascus layers support the core on each side. The D-shaped handle gives a repeatable grip position for either hand. Honing between sharpenings matters, because a fine edge angle rolls or chips sooner than a blunt one.
Specifications
| Brand | Shun |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| BladeLength | 8 incheshigher than 52% of 28 knife sets |
| Item Length | 15.5 inches |
| Paring blade length | 3.5 inches |
| Item weight | 0.59 kg |
| Construction & materials | |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Handle Material | Pakkawood |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | 8 inch chef knife, 3.5 inch paring knife |
| Other details | |
| Blade Edge | VG-MAX core, Damascus stainless steel cladding |
| Edge angle | 16 degrees |
| Country of origin | Japan |
Closest rivals on specs
Wüsthof Gourmet 4-Piece Chef's Knife Set- Item Length 15.5 vs 14 inches (+11%)
Cangshan L Series 1026917 Starter Knife Set 3 Piece- Item Length 15.5 vs 14 inches (+11%)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shun Classic 2 piece set suitable for left-handed users?
Yes, the seller copy says the D-shaped Pakkawood handle gives a comfortable grip for left and right-handed users.
Does the Shun Classic starter set include a bread or boning knife?
No. It holds only the chef knife and the paring knife.