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Shun DM0702 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Knife by Shun
Product SummaryManufacturer: Shun Brand: Shun Model: DM0702 Product features: - 6-1/2-inch multipurpose Japanese knife; ideal for chopping, mincing, dicing and slicing
- Precision-forged high-carbon stainless-steel blade; holds a razor-sharp edge
- Clad with16 layers of stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus look
- Durable D-shaped Pakkawood handle; comfortable offset steel bolster
- lifetime warranty; manufactured in Seki City, Japan
Accessories:
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Shun DM0702 Classic 7-Inch Santoku KnifeCustomer Review: Buy this knife Summary: 5 Stars
Alright. First read all the other reviews and see what they think. Chances are, they're right.
I've been looking for a knife like this all my life.
I like the thinness of American knives like Chicago Cutlery (the original Walnut, not the cheap ones they sell now), but am envious of the heft of the German knives (I had a full set of Henckels Professionals).
The problem? The thin knives are too light, the heavy ones are too thick.
Now, we have the best of both worlds with Shun.
Wait, I know what you're saying. They're too expensive. No. Listen: if you pick and choose, you can get a lifetime of cutlery pleasure out of just a few samples.
First, buy the 7-inch Santoku. You can get the Granton edge (the scalloped thingies) if you want, but it will just mess up the beauty of the Damascus steel finish. This is your workhorse; a little hotrod that will lightly and competently saw through most of your daily chores.
Then, you need a little parer--the 3-1/2 inch or 4 inch will do nicely.
Big, small.
But, we need bigger still, so get a ten-inch chef's. You'll like this knife. Owing to it's fairly small profile (height), it does double duty as a slicer. Chop up heads of cabbage and slice a turkey or ham, your choice.
Get one of the six-inch slicers (utility or tomato) and you're done.
That's all the expensive cutlery you will ever need.
Anything else: serrated, bread slicers, or other novelty knives, just by cheap stuff.
Now, you need accessories. Get the Shun sharpening steel for sure. It's got a cool magnetic angle on the hilt that supposedly gives you the correct angle for sharpening. You can do it the wussy way--blade down--or pick it up like I do and steel toward yourself in a grand, flourishing manner.
We're not done yet.
You've got a lifetime investment here (You think I'm kidding? Any time you want, send your knife to warranty service and they'll either fix it or send you a brand new one, and they'll always sharpen it. Don't tell them I said so, but that's a pretty sweet way to keep your knives sharpened. I don't think I'd trust any local shop to touch these blades).
But, let's talk wood.
Don't even think about slamming these things down on just any crappy surface. Use a poly board for yucky meat, but you must have a good end grain board for chopping. One word: Boos. Their best (and trust me, I've researched this) is a 12X18 reversible hard maple. Don't be put off by the flatness of this. What I did was buy some little stick-on nylon bumpers and put them on the bottom to prevent sliding and water damage underneath. After, say, ten years, flip it over for a brand new board. If you've got a bigger kitchen, I'm envious, and I recommend the Totally Bamboo 22X16.5 board. It's got feet on it and, hey, it's like a renewable resource to boot.
You know what you'll get for your trouble? The most beautiful ringing sound you've ever heard each and every time you put edge to board. I'm not kidding...it's melodic. And, it protects your knives.
Whichever one you pick, get some Boos Mystery Oil. I don't know what's in it (hey, it's a mystery) but it will keep your rock maple or bamboo boards seasoned and like new for years. Of course, you can use regular mineral oil or some other cooking-safe wood protectant, but that's like, I don't know, just too weird. Not to mention not product-specific.
Finally, one small caveat.
While these Pakkawood handles are truly an exquisite thing (and, despite what they say, NEVER put them in the dishwasher), they have one drawback: they're slippery. There's virtually no ergonomics evident from the hilt to the butt, and, while sleek and sexy-looking--and very comfortable in your hand--they don't provide much traction. On more than one occasion, I've found one of the larger knives sliding right out of my hand. It was frightening to think what devastation these sharp blades could have done to my bare foot as it hit the deck. Maybe I'm just clumsy (or drunk), but as any cook knows, food prep requires a lot of water, and your hands get dried and slick. Be careful. And, I don't know, maybe wear shoes.
But, if you can keep them in your hands (and really, I know you can), you will never for one minute in the rest of your life regret this purchase.
Description of Shun DM0702 Classic 7-Inch Santoku KnifeThis stunningly beautiful line of cutlery features the look and benefits of Damascus steel, yet without its rusting problems. The Damascus-look blade profile reduces sticking and results in less damage to the food being cut and faster prep times. A member of the stylish Shun Classic line, this multipurpose Santoku knife comfortably handles any kitchen cutting need from chopping to mincing, dicing, and slicing. Resembling something between a chef?s knife and a cleaver, the tool features a wide blade and measures 6-1/2 inches in length. Versatile at its core, this high-quality piece chops walnuts as easily as it slices apples. 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 avoids crushing or 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
Asian Knives
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