{"product_id":"shun-classic-8-chefs-knife-8-inch-vg-max-core-with-68-layer-damascus-d-shaped-pakkawood-handle","title":"Shun Classic 8\" Chef's Knife — 8-inch VG-MAX Core with 68-Layer Damascus, D-shaped Pakkawood Handle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Shun Classic 8-inch Chef's Knife is a versatile, handcrafted Japanese chef's knife with a VG-MAX core and 68-layer Damascus cladding built for precise, long-lasting cutting performance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHandmade in Japan, the Shun Classic 8\" Chef's Knife blends time-honored blade-smithing with modern metallurgical advances. Its slightly curved 8-inch blade supports rocking and slicing motions, while the VG-MAX core combined with 68 layers of stainless Damascus cladding gives the blade notable edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The D-shaped Pakkawood handle balances comfort and control for everyday kitchen work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the blade construction affect sharpness and durability?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife uses a VG-MAX steel cutting core surrounded by 34 alternating layers of stainless cladding on each side (68 layers total). This multi-layer assembly protects the core, improves toughness, and adds aesthetic Damascus patterning without sacrificing performance. Edge geometry is ground to a fine 16-degree angle, helping the knife hold a keen edge longer than typical stainless blades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVG-MAX core: more carbon, chromium, tungsten, and cobalt for strength and edge retention\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e68-layer Damascus cladding: added toughness and corrosion resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e16-degree edge: finely honed for precise slicing and controlled cuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat kitchen tasks does the 8\" chef's knife handle best?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8-inch chef's blade is an all-purpose workhorse suitable for proteins, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Its length and belly make it well-suited to rocking chops and long slicing motions, while the width provides knuckle clearance and scooping capability to transfer cut ingredients. It’s equally at home breaking down chicken, dicing onions, or mincing herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSlicing proteins: clean long strokes for even portions\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDicing and chopping: comfortable rocking action via the curved belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMincing herbs and garlic: fine control for uniform results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow comfortable and user-friendly is the handle and balance?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D-shaped Pakkawood handle offers ergonomic contact points that fit naturally in right- and left-handed grips, reducing wrist fatigue during repetitive tasks. The handle-to-blade balance is tuned to give controlled cutting feel without being blade-heavy or handle-heavy. Pakkawood is stabilized for moisture resistance and finished for a smooth, secure grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eD-shaped profile: consistent hand placement and comfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStabilized Pakkawood: durable, water-resistant handle material\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBalanced design: improves control for precision cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I care for and maintain this knife to preserve performance?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo keep the Shun Classic performing at its best, hand-wash and dry immediately; avoid dishwashers and harsh detergents. Regular honing maintains the edge between sharpenings, and professional or guided sharpening restores the 16-degree geometry when needed. Proper storage—knife block, magnetic strip, or protective sheath—prevents edge damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHand wash and dry promptly to protect cladding and handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHone regularly; sharpen with a 16-degree angle when necessary\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore safely to prevent nicks and maintain blade profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for? The Shun Classic 8\" Chef's Knife suits home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who want a premium, all-purpose blade that balances traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern steel technology. It’s ideal for cooks who value a sharp, resilient edge, an attractive Damascus finish, and a comfortable, ergonomic handle for frequent kitchen use. If you seek a long-term primary chef's knife that performs across proteins, produce, and delicate prep, the Shun Classic 8\" is designed to meet those needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is the Shun Classic 8\" knife dishwasher safe?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: No. Hand wash and dry immediately to protect the blade’s Damascus cladding and Pakkawood handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How often should I sharpen the VG-MAX edge?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Hone weekly with normal use; sharpen professionally or with proper stones when you notice reduced cutting performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Shun","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49217350533339,"sku":"B0000Y7KNQ","price":232.52,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/1188\/3483\/files\/shun-classic-8in-front-view.jpg?v=1788425341","url":"https:\/\/homelypantry.co.uk\/products\/shun-classic-8-chefs-knife-8-inch-vg-max-core-with-68-layer-damascus-d-shaped-pakkawood-handle","provider":"The Homely Pantry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}