Shun Classic Pro 9.5 Inch Yanagiba Kitchen Knife, Stainless Steel, 9-inch, silver
A useful addition to any cutlery collection, this slicing knife by Shun features a narrow, tapered 9-1/2-inch blade with the traditional Japanese single-bevel edge and hollow-ground back. Use it for cleanly and effortlessly slicing through meat without any undue pressure required. Most often used for preparing sashimi, or sliced raw fish, the knife also works well for slicing honey baked ham, savory roasts, and other large cuts of meat.
Like other knives in the Shun Pro line, the knife features a marvelous graffiti-etched blade made of pure high-carbon VG10 steel, which holds a razor-sharp edge longer than other premium steels. The blade's acid-etched design is slightly different with each style of knife, while consistently and cleverly incorporating the Shun logo neatly into the overall arrangement for a distinct and professional look. The knife also comes equipped with a D-shaped PakkaWood handle for a comfortable, secure grip. Though dishwasher-safe, Shun recommends washing the knife by hand for best results. The knife measures 13-1/2 by 4/5 by 1-1/2 inches and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
For the true Japanese food aficionado, nothing compares to the scalpel-like precision of a single bevel blade. The newly updated Shun Pro line features the same incredibly sharp chisel edges as in the past, combined with D-shaped PakkaWood handles, which lend a secure and comfortable grip. The beautiful graffiti-etched blade is made with high carbon VG10 steel, which takes and holds an edge longer than comparable knives. The blade backs are gently hollow ground, creating an air pocket between the knife and the food being cut, so the knife glides through food with quick precision. For those chefs who are truly into the Japanese method of cooking, the wide Shinogi (or blade bevel) makes sharpening these knives on a whetstone practically effortless. Knife styles in this line include the Deba (a multi-purpose prep knife), the Yanagiba (a long slicing knife perfect for sashimi), and the Nakiri (a vegetable chopping knife). These knives are essential for cooks who are seeking to prepare true Asian cuisine.
Whereas a knife made by the kasumi method has a cutting core jacketed with another steel, honyaki knives are made from a single piece of steel--usually very hard, high-carbon steel. Honyaki-method knives can be sharpened to an exquisitely sharp edge and retain that edge for a longer period of time.
Because of the hardness of the steel and the precision of the processes needed to "treat" the steel properly, honyaki knives are more difficult to make and more labor-intensive than kasumi knives. As you might expect, this degree of difficulty makes honyaki knives the most prized and most expensive. The Shun Pro line, which features traditional single-beveled Japanese blade styles, is made by this method.
PakkaWood is a premium handle material made of genuine hardwood impregnated with resin. The resin makes it moisture resistant, strong, and durable. Sanding and buffing brings PakkaWood to a beautiful gloss finish. As with natural wood, no two pieces of PakkaWood are exactly alike.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Blade Material: | VG-10 hardened Japanese steel, made with 2.5 mm blade stock, brushed for a matte finish. |
| Bevel: | Single-beveled with hollow-ground back. |
| Cutting angle: | 16 degrees (comprehensive angle 16 degrees). |
| Handle Material: | Pakkawood (resin-impregnated hardwood); D-shaped handle, only available in right-handed version. |
| Sharpening recommendations: | Regular sharpening (as needed) with a whetstone. Soak the whetstone for about 20 minutes, set on a damp cloth for stability, and pull the knife's edge across the whetstone at a 16 degree angle. The wide Shinogi (bevel) on the knife can be used as a guide, making it easy to maintain the knife's sharpness. |
