Choosing the best quality kitchen knives is an easy decision but the only thing that might be difficult for you is choosing the best brand of kitchen knives.
There are different varieties of knives available in the market that provide high-quality results but selecting an eligible brand might be hard for you. Moreover, you cannot decide which brand is sufficient as long as you have proper knowledge about all brands of kitchen knives that are available in the market.
In this article, we will discuss the two most popular kitchen knives brands that are easily accessible in the market. One of them is Shun, which is pronounced as shoon and the other one is Wusthof. They both are the two most prominent kitchen knives brands.
However, both of them are popular among other brands. But before you decide about purchasing one of them, you should first read the differences they include.
Also, the article is going to help you with the comparison of Shun Vs Wusthof, their different products, plus, advantages and disadvantages of both brands. But before we discuss them in detail, here is provided a short comparison chart between shun and Wusthof.
Short Comparison Between Shun Vs Wusthof
| Shun | Wusthof |
|---|---|
| Shun knives have a Japanese style. | Wusthof are German and western style kitchen knives. |
| They have extremely sharp and strong edges. | They are sharper than Shun knives. |
| The edges of the knives are cut at 16 degrees. | They are cut on each side at 14 degrees. |
| The blades of the knife are made of steel. | They are also made of steel. |
| The shape of the knife is thinner than the Wusthof. | The structure of Wüsthof knives is less thin. |
| The weight of the knife is lighter than Wusthof. | The weight of Wusthof knives is less light than shun. |
| The steel used to make shun knives is made of strong compositions yet it is hard to break their edges. | The high-quality steel of Wusthof knives lasts for a long period. |
| The set of shun knives comes with 11 knives lines. | The set of Wusthof comes with 5 different knives lines. |
| They have an elegant Japanese design. That provides high-quality performance. | They have a beautiful design but they have a formal western look. |
| You can wash them easily with your hands. | They can also be washed with hands. |
| The shun knives come with a limited lifetime guarantee. | They come with a lifetime guarantee. |
Though both products come with benefits yet they possess some differences. However, the massive difference between them is how they look and how you handle them in your hands. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Shun Knives
Shun knives are generated by a Japanese company. The company is manufacturing many other products since 1908. Shun brand belongs to a group which is known as the KAI group. The Shun as a brand of a Japanese company is producing high-quality knives in the city of Japan.
Shun has 11 different varieties of knives. However, each knife is made after a long process. The best thing about them is that they are made by hand. It means all the shun knives are handcrafted.
To know further about shun knives, let’s discuss their characteristics.
Features of Shun Knives
Shun makes high-quality knives that are being considered one of the top knives in the world. They possess elegant designs plus several benefits.
- Unique Design
Shun knives come with sharp and strong blades, moreover, they contain strong edges with glamorous structures.
The shun company struggles to make the design of the knives. They manipulate a Damascus design after putting different layers of metals and metallic substances jointly. That upgrades a ripple design that you can perceive easily.
As the Damascus design is made after layering different types of metallic elements and developing them into a single surface. That is how the ripples are created on the surface of the blade.
Moreover, the surface of the blade contains more than 32 layers of metals. Due to these strong metallic layers, the knives are highly protective from any kind of damage, plus, they contain stain resistance properties.
If we talk about the handles of the knives, they are made of hardwood blends. Similarly, different synthetic materials that come in different designs have been used to make the handles of shun knives.
- Awesome Steel Blade
As you know shun blades are famous for their Damascus design and hammered structures. The company uses different processes to manufacture hammered patterns, they put the layers of different metallic elements together, which gives rise to an attractive design.
The beautiful design of the blades is not only for the look, but it also provides you with different benefits.
- It generates an unequal texture of the blade, this helps to improve the performance of the knife.
- Moreover, it creates the chambers of air between the knife and food. This helps to make the process faster and easier.
- The blades of the knife are made of attractive styles. Also, they provide a sharp texture.
- Besides that, the blades of shun knives contain a large and thick steel ledge at the point where the blade meets the handle. That strengthens the balance.
- The full bolster feature of the blades makes it easy for you to maintain balance while using the knife, moreover, it prevents your hand from falling.
- Handle Style
The handles of shun knives fluctuate between their 11 products cords. Moreover, they have an ancient Japanese style.
In other words, the structure of shun knives is rounded. Moreover, they have huge and thick steel stubs at the end hood of the handle. The steel used to make the handles is composed of high-quality materials. Also, the handles contain thinner bolsters.
However, they can be easily adapted to your hands as all the shun knives include a steel tang that helps to create a balance and make it easy for you to handle the knife.
- Material Of Blade
The best thing about Shun knives blade is that they are made of ideal material. However, the mixture of both carbon and iron formulates a perfect material. If you prefer kitchen knives that come with long-lasting blades, shun knives are the best option for you.
Shun knives come with blades that are made of different elements. As the company does not only use steel to make the blades but also includes different ingredients to enhance the quality of the blades. Moreover, here are some of the popular types of shun blades.
- VG-Max
- VG10 Stainless Steel
- SG2 Stainless Steel
- Blue Steel With High Carbon
- Material Of Handle
The materials used to make the handle of this product are following:
- PakkaWood
- Tagayasan
- Polypropylene
- Micarta
- Thermoplastic Elastomer
Among these materials, PakkaWood is the most popular one. PakkaWood and Tagayasan contain the same properties. Though they both are types of wood yet they are made with resin.
The resin contains the power to make the material strong. Also, it makes the wood moist resistant. That is the reason why the elegance of the wood handle never fades away.
Besides that, the Micharta, Polypropylene, and Thermoplastic Elastomer are unnatural substances. They are suitable for the handles as they are easy to handle. Also, they are weightless.
- Hardest Blades
The blades of shun knives are made of advanced and high-quality material. As the steel used to make blades is made of high-quality substances, a mixture of carbon and iron makes the blades harder. The harder blades are sharper as well.
Moreover, they are heat resistant and protect the knife from any damage. Thus, you can use this product for a longer time.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The best thing about Shun knives is that they come with a limited lifetime warranty. The brand confirms that their products will be unrestricted of any damage. Moreover, as the products come with a warranty thus they will be free of manufacture’s damage.
- Number of Product Lines
An aspect that makes the shun brand different from Wusthof is the number of product lines. Shun comes with 11 product lines. However, Wusthof contains a fewer number of product lines.
- Cleaning Method
Though shun knives are made of high-quality materials yet they require proper care. They need to be cleaned every time you use them.
However, if we talk about their cleaning method then the brand suggests you use the handwashing method. They can be cleaned with only water. Still, if you want to use soap, using a gentle soap would be suitable.
Moreover, you would need to dry the knives immediately after you wash them. If the moisture is left behind, it may cause micro-corrosion.
Wusthof Knives
Wusthof knives are manufacturing their products for a long time. The Wusthof brand has formulated its knives in a region of Germany. However, all Wusthof knives contain outstanding quality plus they provide long-lasting results. Let’s discuss their features in detail.
Features of Wusthof Knives
Wusthof is a combination of German and Western styles. Wusthof like Shun brand creates incredible kitchen products. However, the features of Wusthof knives are given below.
- High-Quality Material
All Wusthof knives are made with superb quality substances. One of the best materials used to make Wusthof knives is Steel. The steel is prepared with elevated carbons. Moreover, the rust-resistance steel contains different alloys and ingredients that work against the destruction of materials.
Besides, the other materials used to make the Wusthof knives include mythical and polyoxymethylene material, which gives rise to a tight molecular structure.
- Perfect Design
Wusthof knives are not as stylish as Shun. However, the brand uses different methods and techniques to design its products. The structure of the knives is comfortable and safe to use.
Moreover, many Wusthof products contain a reinforcement that helps you to maintain balance and stave off slipping. They contain an element that adds stability and thickness to the product. After all, each product contains a handle that is comfortable to handle. So that, you can deal with the product easily.
- Unique Handle
Every Wusthof product contains a different handle style. However, all of them include a tang. Tang is made of steel that moves with the handle. It helps to create balance.
Moreover, three rivets are attached to the handle. Rivets that are made of pure steel provide the handle a traditional western design.
Also, the handles are made with such a design that feels great in your hands. They are more comfortable and easy to carry than shun knives.
- Design Of Blades
As the Wüsthof brand is manufacturing the products for centuries, thus, they produce the traditional designs. However, the blades of Wüsthof knives are also traditionally designed as well as they contain a smooth finish.
The blades contain strong features including a thick steel lip at the end of the blade. Hence, the place where the blade and handle meet is made with outstanding materials that help you to build balance.
Moreover, that enhances the thickness of the product, this helps to avoid slipping by adding the balance in the knife. After all, Wusthof provides you a classic blade style without having a fancy structure.
- Material Of Blade
Wusthof blades are made with stainless steel that also contains rust-resistance power. However, if we talk about the materials that have been used to make blades then different substances contain different details. Here are the functions of materials that make Wusthof knives blade.
- Carbon is used to improve the hardness of the blade.
- Chromium works for stain resistance. In other words, it avoids the pigments and tints from appearing in the blade.
- Molybdenum expands the hardness of the blade. Moreover, it works as corrosion resistance. It assists to avoid the breakdown of the blade.
- Vanadium is being used to improve the stability and strength of the blade.
Although different materials have been used to make the blade of Wusthof knives, still they are high-quality materials that possess different functions.
- Sharp Edges
The sharp edges of Wüsthof knives make it possible for you to cut the food in seconds as well as you would not need to put the effort as they slice the food more productively. As they can cut the food and creatively make the pieces thus, it requires less power and effort.
- Number Of Product Lines
Unlike shun, Wusthof contains five numbers of product lines. In other words, Wüsthof comes in five different products.
Some Top Products of Shun Brand
Shun is considered one of the top brands available in the market. It is best for making Japanese knives. They produce different types of knives with high-quality and long-lasting results.
Moreover, here are provided some of the top products of shun brand. They contain different components made of high-quality substances. However, let’s discuss their characteristics in detail.
1. Shun Classic Blonde 8’ Chef’s Knife
Key Features:
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Blonde
- Handle Material: PakkaWood
- Brand: Shun
- Blade Edge: Plain
The product contains a steel cutting core that is made of high-carbon VG Max steel. The VG Max steel is sharp enough to cut the food easily. Moreover, the product comes with several coatings of Damascus cladding. It almost contains 32 layers of Damascus cladding.
After all, the product is above the most prominent French kitchen knives. It contains a very beautiful and modern style of handle. The handle of shun classic blonde is made of blonde PakkaWood. Moreover, the D-shaped handle encases the blade of the knife.
The PakkaWood handle of the product improves the balance and reduces the chances of undesirable turning or rotation. Also, it helps you to maintain a strong grip on the knife. That is why it is the first choice of all kitchen chefs. They can use this knife with their both right and left hand.
The shun classic blonde kitchen knife contains the shape of traditional western knives. Moreover, it comes in the Japanese knives structure with an adequate form.
Also, the product is incredibly lightweight thus, it provides excess strength as well as great cutting power. Using this product, you can easily do quaking, chopping shredding, and mincing. Furthermore, it provides you an easy cutting method.
This product was generated in Japan. However, the best thing that you should know about this product is that it is a handcrafted product. Moreover, though it is a handmade product still it contains a sharp edge.
Though the product comes with a limited lifetime warranty still the shun company will sharpen the knife for free only if it is not working well. Thus, you would not face any trouble while using the shun knives. Moreover, you can use them forever as the company can repair the edge of the knife as long as you keep their knife.
Shun knives not only come with an attractive structure but also provide a comfortable and safe handle. Though the handle is designed for the right hand it can be used with the left hand as well.
If you are a leftie and having a problem with using the knives then shun is the best option for you. It is safe to use and can be dealt with easily. Also, you would not face any troubles with it. As the other knives come with thick blades, thus, you may have to handle the problems while cutting the vegetables or fruits with them. However, shun provides knives with extremely sharp blades.
Shun knives cut all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and other kitchen materials easily. Also, they take seconds to chop the soft fruits and make their pieces perfectly.
2. Shun Premier Chef Knife, 6 Inch, VG Max Steel
Key Features:
- Brand: Shun
- Color: Brown
- Material: Steel
- Product Dimensions: 11 widths, 0.75 inches Height
- Product Weight: 0.14 Kilograms
The product is incredibly sufficient for those who want a lightweight knife. It is adequate for the cooks who prefer to work with a short blade.
However, shun premier chef knife contains a small blade still it provides all the qualities that you expect from a knife. It can cut all types of things plus it fulfills all the needs of a chef.
If we talk about its performance, you can accomplish several types of chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing within a few seconds. Thus, it saves your time and effort and gives you incredible results in a short time.
The knife contains a modern walnut-colored handle. Moreover, it is a beautifully formulated PakkaWood handle. Whether you are right-handed or leftist, you can hold the handle easily in both cases.
You can get this beautiful product at a suitable price. It is popular among all the chefs. Moreover, it can be used on any occasion.
For example, chefs use this knife on several events like Christmas, weddings, house festivity, birthday celebrations, and diners.
3. Shun Classic 8- Inch Kiritsuke Kitchen Knife
Key Features:
- Brand: Shun
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Silver
- Blade Edge: Non-Serrated
- Handle Material: Pakkawood
It can be used for multiple purposes. Thus it is a universal product. However, the best thing about this product is that you can use it for several purposes. Moreover, the knife has a narrowly rounded belly, thus it is perfect for rocking cuts.
The kritisuke kitchen knife is being considered a seniors’ chefs knife. It is one of those perfect knives that can be used for all cooks. It is suitable to cut all types of foods.
Besides its performance, the classic kritisuke kitchen knife is made of high-quality ingredients. All the features provide high performance. However, if we talk about its handle, it is made of VG-MAX stainless steel.
The sharp blade of the knife also works great. It is the main reason why the knife is considered among the top knives in Japan. The blade encompasses approximately 68 layers of Damascus enveloping.
Moreover, the razor-sharp edges of the knife enhance the incredible striking beauty of the shun knives. The handle of the knife is formulated with PakkaWood. Besides that, it provides a beautiful jet finish.
The product comes with a moisture resistance property. The PakkaWood is made with an attractive ebony finish. Moreover, it is made with hardwood that is infused with resin. Thus, the property of rasin reduces the moisture and maintains the product’s quality to save it forever.
The shape of the handle is circular mostly like a D-shape. Also, the handle is comfortable to use for right and left hands. It can be controlled easily.
After all, the product is suitable for those who want professional results. It can be used for professional restaurants as well as for home parties.
Moreover, if you are planning to invite your friends to dinner and the menu includes meals then using shun classic kritisuke would make the meal preparation easy for you.
Some Top Products of Wusthof Brand
All Wüsthof products are formulated with extraordinary materials. There are almost five numbers of the product line. Each of them encompasses different styles. However, Wusthof knives are popular for their sharpness.
Moreover, to know more about their characteristics, let’s discuss Wusthof products in detail.
1. Wusthof 1040100116 Classic 6 Inch Chef’s Knife
Key Features:
- Brand: Wüsthof
- Color: Black
- Material Of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 14.8× 5.1 inches width, and 1.5 inches height
- Construction Type: Forged
The product works as the kitchen’s workhorse. However, it is perfect to prepare all kinds of meals. If you want to chop any meat, you must need a Wüsthof classic knife.
Moreover, it can be used for several purposes, you can use it to cut, chop, and mince. Also, it can be used to make pieces as well as it works great for dicing.
The handle of this product includes a full tang, also it contains three rivets that give a large span of cutlery.
Due to its several benefits, the classic line has become every chef’s first choice. Also, it can be used for home cooks. Moreover, the Wusthof knives are famous among people for centuries. Everybody prefers to buy them because of their extra sharp property.
The basic reason why Wusthof classic knives have become popular among chefs is their sharpness. Moreover, they are rust-resistance and maintain the quality of the product. Thus, the product becomes long-lasting.
The materials used to make this product do not fade away with time. That helps to make the product long-lasting.
The blade of this product is double sharper than all other Wusthof products. It contains a Precious Forged Technology. This makes the blade 20% sharper.
The Wusthof classic stainless steel knives are fulfilling the necessities of people plus satisfying their quality standards for centuries.
2. Wusthof Classic Two Piece Prep Set
Key Features:
- Material Of Handle: Polypropylene
- Brand: Wusthof
- Color: Black
- Material Of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Length Of Blade: 6 Inches
The best thing about Wusthof Classic Two-Piece Chef Knife Set is that they come with a synthetic handle made of polypropylene. Moreover, the handle of this product contains a resist property. It maintains the knife’s color, and performance. Also, it protects the blade from heat, thus the knife works longer.
The Classic Two Piece Knife Set includes Two knives, both are created with full tang. Moreover, they both contain triple rivets as well. That maintains the stability of the product. Both knives are created with a single piece of stainless steel that also includes high carbon. Moreover, they both are regulated to 58- degree HRC.
If we talk about the blade, the precious edge technology gives rise to an extremely sharper blade. The blade is 20% sharper than the other products also it involves twice the edges.
The set includes two knives. Both are made with high-quality elements. Moreover, one of them is a paring knife and the other is a cook’s knife.
Wusthof cutlery is made with materials that resist pollution and also protect the knives from dulling. It means, both knives will last longer because of their durability.
3. Wusthof Classic Seven Piece Knife Block Set
Key Features:
- Brand: Wusthof
- Style: Knife Block Set
- Material Of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 12×10 inches width, and 12 inches height
Wusthof Classic Seven-Piece Knife Set includes seven different products.
- A utility knife that is 6 inches long.
- 8 inches long bread knife.
- A cook’s knife that is also 8 inches long.
- 9 inches long honing steel.
- Kitchen shaves
- The last one is a storage slab with 13 openings.
Moreover, each product comes with full tang and triple padlocks. Though the handle is artificial, still it can maintain balance and extra strength.
Wusthof Classic Seven Knife Set is formulated in Germany. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The cleaning method of the knives is quite easy. The brand recommends you wash them by hand. However, you do not need any soap or detergents to make them clean.
Conclusion
After the comparison of Shun Vs Wusthof, it might be hard for you to buy one of them as both brands provide high-quality products. Both of them offer long-lasting performance. However, Shun products are best for those who want to buy stylish designs and those who are more worried about edge retention.
I prefer Wusthof as they provide you traditional designs plus extraordinary sharpness. Moreover, they are famous for their durability as well.
