Shun DM0718 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Hollow Ground Knife
by Shun
List Price:
Our Price: $113.95
You Save: $99.05 (47%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Category: Kitchen
See more product details
Product Summary
Manufacturer: ShunBrand: Shun
Model: DM0718
Color: Silver
Product features:
- 6-1/2-inch Japanese Santoku knife; ideal for chopping, mincing, dicing and slicing
- Precision-forged stainless-steel blade; scalloped edge prevents food from sticking
- Clad with 16 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
- Shun Classic 8-Inch Offset Bread Knife
- Shun DM0716 Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife
- Shun DM0750 Sharpening Steel
- Shun DM0712 Classic 7-Inch Chinese Chef's Knife
- Shun 14-by-14-Inch Bamboo Cutting Board
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Shun DM0718 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Hollow Ground Knife
Customer Review: Sharp, very very sharp, but not a true santoku
Summary: 5 Stars
I should start by saying this is not a true santoku. The reason I say this is because the edge has a considerable rocker to it (curve), unlike the traditional and much flater santoku blade. In fact, the rocker is much closer to the shape of a regular chef's knife. The good news is that this means people accustomed to western chef's knives can jump right into this knife. The bad news? If you're used to a flater santoku this knife will not chop as much (since less of the blade is in play) and it's a little harder to use this blade to scoop the things you've just cut. If you like to rock-and-chop, this knife will do it better than any other santoku. If you like to drop-chop, then this knife isn't going to get quite as long a chop. I like both, so I'm quite happy the knife can perform both jobs.
As advertised, this knife comes with one of the sharpest factory edges you could ever ask for. So far the edge holds up extremely well, a few stroke on the steel and knife edge remains razor sharp.
The knife comes in a nice presentation box, which although pretty, does not present a good way to carry the knife. If you plan on using this outside your house, buy a blade guard or a carrying case. Also, if you're buying a knife this nice, let me recommend that you get a hardwood edge-grain cutting board (or plastic, for you germaphobes). Don't cut on glass or tile, and any other such silly new-tech board. If you're going to pay big bucks for an nice knife, do what it takes to keep it nice.
About actual use: The knife is extremely well-balanced, although I find that the location of the balance take a little getting used to. If you use a standard chef's pinch grip, you will find there are actually two places you could grip the knife. The first place is where the handle curves into the blade. If you look at the picture, you will see this is actually a half inch or so back from the full face of the blade. If you pinch the knife here, you will find the balance to be off slightly, and your index finger will probably fatigue from being wrapped where it is. Also, since you will not be pinching the full face of the knife, you won't get the fine control that the chef's pinch is designed to give.
So, why would you do this? If you're not used to this knifes design you might because of the short part of the tang that extends from the pakka handle. On most chef's knives, your middle finger would wrap around the very front of the handle. You need to break that habit with this knife, because your middle finger actually wraps around the protruding tang, and your ring finger is the first one to wrap around the pakka handle.
If you do this, and pinch the full portion of the blade, the balance of the knife is wonderful. It is lightweight, and chops and slices extremely well. Unfortunately, the knife was definitely made for right handers (good for me, since I'm right handed, but bad for you lefties out there). Not only does the "D" shape of the handle favour a right handed palm, but the blade of the knife is actually off-set from center to the left. That means if you look straight down at the spine of the blade, it is set slightly to the left. This is good for right-handers since it makes the pinch easier (more room to curl the index finger along the face of the blade, and less power needed from the thumb to hold the knife balanced). I tend to think this off set would probably adversely affect left handed use. But, if you're thinking about getting this knife and you're left handed, I'd say go ahead and order it from Amazon. If it doesn't work out, send it back (and post your comments for other left handers!).
As for the scallops, a lot of people ask me if they work. This is what I say: if you're looking for some magical solution that will keep *all* thin-sliced tomatos or mushrooms from sticking to your knife during quick chopping, no, they don't work. If you're looking for something that will help decrease the stickage factor, then yes, they work. Is it worth the $20 price difference? Well, it was for me, but then, I cut a lot of stuff that tends to stick to the blade, so even a little extra help is appreciated.
Overall, for ease of use, Kershaw/KAI has created a superlative product in their Shun line. The knives look great. They are well-balanced. The factory edges are razor sharp. The handles fit a right-handed person extremely well. The materials used are absolutely top notch, and should stand up to a lifetime's worth of residential kitchen use. And, since they are stainless steel, cleaning and maintaining them is a breeze.
I would recommend this knife to anyone who really wants to have a great knife in their kitchen.
Description of Shun DM0718 Classic 7-Inch Santoku Hollow Ground Knife
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, this tool features a wide blade measuring 6-1/2 inches in length. The scalloped detailing along the knife?s cutting edge creates air pockets during use to prevent food from adhering its steel surface.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
Kitchen and Housewares
Most talked about in Shun
Shun Ken Onion Chef's Knife: 4 1/ 2"Shun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $99.95
Price in other shops:
Kai Wasabi Black Yanagiba Knife, 8 1/ 4-InchShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $27.98
Price in other shops:
Classic Ultimate Steak Knife (Set of 4)Shun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $359.95
Wasabi 6716N Black Nakiri Knife, 6-1/ 2-InchShun; Kai; Kitchen
Best price: $27.09
Price in other shops:
Kai Wasabi Black Paring Knife, 4-InchShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $24.48
Price in other shops:
Shun Pro 11-4/ 5-Inch Stainless-Steel Yanagiba KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Shun Classic Left-Handed 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Santoku with ScallopsShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $168.00
Price in other shops:
Shun 11-Slot BlockShun; Shun; Release date: 2004-05-15; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0700 Classic 3-1/ 2-Inch Paring KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $85.00
Price in other shops:
Similar Kitchen and Housewares Products
Shun Classic 6-1/ 2-Inch Stainless-Steel Nakiri KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $149.99
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0701 Classic 6 Inch Utility KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $105.00
Price in other shops:
Shun Kitchen ShearsShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $74.95
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0705 Classic 9-Inch Bread KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $129.95
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0700 Classic 3-1/ 2-Inch Paring KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $85.00
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0741 Classic U2 (Ultimate Utility) KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $99.95
Price in other shops:
Shun 11-Slot Bamboo BlockShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $59.95
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0750 Sharpening SteelShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $49.95
Price in other shops:
Shun DMS300 Classic 3-Piece Boxed Cutlery SetShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $299.95
Price in other shops:
Shun DM0716 Classic 4-Inch Paring KnifeShun; Shun; Kitchen
Best price: $59.95
Price in other shops: