The Seki Kanetsugu Shiun series embodies the precision and tradition of Japanese knife-making, paired with modern innovation. Forged in Seki City, Japan’s historic blade-making capital. At their core lies ultra-sharp VG-10 stainless steel, renowned for its edge retention, corrosion resistance, and cutting performance.

Each knife in the Shiun line balances beauty and function: the mirror-polished Damascus finish evokes flowing clouds, while the ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control for both professional chefs and passionate home cooks.

· The Utility Knife, or Petty Knife, is a compact, versatile blade designed for precision tasks that a larger chef’s knife may find cumbersome. Perfectly sized between a paring knife and a Santoku, it excels at peeling, trimming, slicing fruits, herbs, and small cuts of meat or fish.

· The Nakiri is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife, designed for precision and efficiency in plant-based cooking. With its straight-edged, rectangular blade, the Nakiri makes clean, smooth cuts through vegetables without rocking—ideal for thin slices, uniform cubes, and delicate herbs. Its tall profile also provides knuckle clearance, making repetitive chopping comfortable and controlled.

· The Santoku is one of Japan’s most versatile and essential kitchen tools. Its name means “three virtues”—referring to its ability to slice, dice, and chop with ease. Featuring a wide, slightly curved blade, the Santoku excels in precision cutting of vegetables, fish, and meat.

· The Chefs Knife, or Gyuto, is inspired by the profile of a traditional European chef knife. Gyutos are a multi-purpose knife with a slight meat cutting bias. “Gyuto” translates to “cow sword.” If you want one knife to do it all, this is it. For the at-home or professional cook, we recommend a Gyuto which measures between 210mm and 270mm long.

The handle material is made of domestic oak wood and is octagonal, making it easy to grip. You can choose your favourite combination from four different handles. The blade has a hammered pattern that reflects traditional knife-smithing techniques and has a high blade separation effect, so you can enjoy both appearance and functionality.

Please note, every knife handle design in the Shuin Burnt Lacquer Range will be different.

Blade materials: “Three-layer blade’’ has high hardness and excellent sharpness

The core of this knife features VG-10 high-carbon stainless steel infused with cobalt, boasting a hardness rating of 60-61 HRC. This composition makes it an ideal choice for producing a sharp, durable blade. Surrounding the core are three layers of stainless steel on each side, finished with a hammered mirror texture for both strength and aesthetic appeal..

Heat treatment: Sub-zero process

The sub-zero treatment involves cooling the knife to below minus seventy degrees, enhancing its hardness and durability to ensure exceptional sharpness and resistance to bending.

Handle material: “Domestic oak, lacquered by craftsman”

Crafted from domestic oak, the handle is individually lacquered by a single artisan. Available in four distinct colors, each features a unique lacquer technique. This coating enhances both the aesthetic appeal and durability, ensuring long-lasting use.

...........

Timeless design combined with the sharpness, strength and durability of a Samurai sword - KANETSUGU Knives bring functional elegance to your kitchen.

Kanetsugu has been a renowned maker of Samurai swords and blades for more than 170 years. Since 1849, their tradition of Samurai sword making has been passed down through generations of legendary bladesmiths and is still reflected in the quality of the knives they make today.

When the demand for swords diminished after 1870, Kanetsugu continued as a maker of fine kitchen knives incorporating their unique "HAMAGURI" (clam shape) blade - known to be razor sharp yet highly durable.

Since then, Kanetsugu has advanced the sharpness, durability, and performance of their knives with cutting-edge technology while staying true to their elegant aesthetic. To this day, Kanetsugu’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship has remained the same.

...........

Blade:　Core material VG10 3-layer steel, Double Bevel

Handle: Oak wood lacquered

Care: Hand washing recommended directly after use. Store in a cool, dry place.

The Set: SHIUN Utility Knife 15cm, Santoku 17cm, Nakiri 17.5cm, Chef's Knife 20cm

PLEASE NOTE: NO STAND IS INCLUDED, ONLY THE 4 KNIVES.

Seki Kanetsugu SHIUN 4-Piece Knife Set - Burnt Lacquer (No Stand)

Reviews