Shun Premier Blonde 5 Piece Starter Block Set, Chef's, Utility, Paring, Honing Steel, Bamboo Block, Blonde PakkaWood

The Shun Premier Blonde 5-Piece Starter Block Set starts a Premier Blonde collection with the three most-used kitchen knives, the 8 in Chef's, 6.5 in Utility and 4 in Paring, plus the Shun 9 in Combination Honing Steel to keep the edges aligned between sharpenings.

Everything fits in a 6-slot bamboo slimline block (3 x 8 x 9.5 in, W x H x D) with room for one more knife and a pair of kitchen shears. The stainless honing steel has a smooth side and a micro-ribbed side and a built-in angle guide.

Set includes:

• Premier Blonde 8 in Chef's Knife (TDM0706W)
• Premier Blonde 6.5 in Utility Knife (TDM0701W)
• Premier Blonde 4 in Paring Knife (TDM0700W)
• Shun 9 in Combination Honing Steel (SS0790)
• 6-Slot Bamboo Slimline Block (DM0845)

Blades and handles: Every Premier blade has a core of VG-MAX, Shun's proprietary stainless steel, which builds on VG10 with more carbon, chromium and tungsten for strength, wear and corrosion resistance and a very fine edge. It is clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, 34 per side, and finished with a hammered tsuchime pattern that reduces drag and helps food release. Edges are hand-sharpened to 16 degrees per side. The contoured blonde PakkaWood handles are hardwood impregnated with resin for moisture resistance and durability.

Specifications

• Model: TDMS0540W
• Pieces: 5
• Blade steel: VG-MAX stainless steel core, 68-layer stainless Damascus cladding (34 per side)
• Edge: Double bevel, 16 degrees per side
• Finish: Hammered tsuchime
• Handles: Contoured blonde PakkaWood, embossed end cap with brass trim
• Set weight: 4.8 lb (Kai catalog)
• Country of origin: Knives handcrafted in Seki City, Japan; 6-Slot Bamboo Slimline Block made in China; Shun 9 in Combination Honing Steel made in China
• Warranty: Knives: limited lifetime; block or tray: 90 days

Care: Hand wash the knives with mild dish soap, rinse and towel dry right away. Do not put them in the dishwasher or leave them in a sink of soapy water. Cut on a wood board, not glass, stone, tile or ceramic, and do not use the knives on bones, frozen food or fruit pits. Wipe the block or tray with a damp cloth, dry it right away and never soak it; rub in a little mineral oil if the wood looks dry.

About Shun: Shun knives are made by Kai in Seki City, Japan, a center of Japanese blade-making since the 13th century; Shun's makers have worked there since 1908. Each Premier knife takes at least 100 handcrafted steps. The series is known for its hammered tsuchime finish, VG-MAX steel and contoured PakkaWood handles in walnut or blonde. Kai sharpens Shun knives bought in the US, Canada or Mexico free for the life of the owner (you pay shipping).

Key Product Features

• Set includes: Premier Blonde 8 in Chef's Knife; Premier Blonde 6.5 in Utility Knife; Premier Blonde 4 in Paring Knife; Shun 9 in Combination Honing Steel; 6-Slot Bamboo Slimline Block.
• VG-MAX steel core: Shun's proprietary VG-MAX stainless steel, clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus (34 per side) that support the core and add stain resistance.
• 16 degree edges: Double-bevel edges hand-sharpened to 16 degrees per side, with a hammered tsuchime finish that reduces drag and helps food release.
• Blonde PakkaWood handles: Contoured, moisture-resistant resin-impregnated hardwood with an embossed end cap with brass trim.
• Storage and origin: 6-slot block, about 3 in wide, with one open knife slot and one shears slot. Knives handcrafted in Japan; block and honing steel made in China. Hand wash knives; not dishwasher safe.