Dual Core: Sharpness Redefined. Meet the sharpest knives you'll ever own. Discover what sets Dual Core apart. Click to shop now.Dual Core: Sharpness Redefined. Meet the sharpest knives you'll ever own. Discover what sets Dual Core apart. Click to shop now.

Revolutionary Dual-Core Technology

The secret to Dual Core’s sharpness lies in its innovative blade construction, featuring 71 alternating micro layers of VG10 and VG2 steels. VG10 offers lasting edge retention, while VG2’s blend of elements enhances durability. The unique multiple forging processes first laminate the two steels together, then create the distinctive Damascus pattern. This pattern generates micro serrations as the steels wear differently, enhancing performance over time.

Close up of the detailed patterning on a Dual Core blade.Close up of the detailed patterning on a Dual Core blade.
A Dual Core Nakiri sits next to a shredded purple cabbage. Click to shop the Dual Core Nakiri.A Dual Core Nakiri sits next to a shredded purple cabbage. Click to shop the Dual Core Nakiri.

Unmatched Edge Retention

As you use your Dual Core knives, micro serrations form due to the different wear rates of the two steels. These micro serrations act like tiny saw teeth, enhancing cutting power and maintaining peak performance between blade sharpenings. This feature provides a consistently smooth and effortless cutting experience.

Exquisite Blade Design

Dual Core’s blade showcases a stunning Damascus pattern created by its alternating micro layers of steel, with the patterns extending to the cutting edge. This intricate design is the key to Dual Core's performance. It enhances the blade’s strength, promotes the formation of micro serrations as the steel wears, and aids in food release.

A Dual Core Kiritsuke points downwards on a tabletop, next to kiwi and citrus fruit. Click to shop the Dual Core Kiritsuke.A Dual Core Kiritsuke points downwards on a tabletop, next to kiwi and citrus fruit. Click to shop the Dual Core Kiritsuke.
A close up of the octagonal Pakkawood handle of a Dual Core knife.A close up of the octagonal Pakkawood handle of a Dual Core knife.

Superior Handle Craftsmanship 

The traditional Japanese octagonal handles of Shun’s Dual Core knives are crafted from ebony-colored Pakkawood, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Inspired by samurai swords, the rabbet tang construction controls the weight and enhances maneuverability. Pakkawood is water-resistant, durable, and won’t harbor bacteria, ensuring longevity and hygiene.

Elegant Blade Protection

All Shun Dual Core knives come with a beautifully crafted beech wood saya (sheath) to protect the blade—and your fingers—during storage. The wooden saya features a traditional locking pin tied with red thread, ensuring secure storage. The saya fits loosely to allow breathability and prevent moisture buildup. This elegant protection enhances both the knife’s aesthetic appeal and longevity.

A Dual Core Kiritsuke is being removed from its wooden saya. Click to shop the Dual Core Kiritsuke.A Dual Core Kiritsuke is being removed from its wooden saya. Click to shop the Dual Core Kiritsuke.

Explore Our Dual Core Blades

The Dual Core lineup offers a variety of blade shapes, each meticulously crafted to deliver  precision and durability for all your kitchen needs.

8” Kiritsuke

Shop the 8" Dual Core Kiritsuke.Shop the 8" Dual Core Kiritsuke.

Best Uses

  • Slicing vegetables
  • Portioning boneless proteins
  • Cleaning and slicing fish
  • Julienne, dice, and brunoise cuts
  • Slicing cooked meats

In Japan, the Kiritsuke is known as the master chef's knife, ideal for all the tasks of a traditional chef's knife. Perfect for vegetables, it excels at julienne, dice, and brunoise cuts, and is excellent for cleaning and portioning boneless proteins, especially fish.

10.5” Yanagiba

Shop the Dual Core Yanagiba.Shop the Dual Core Yanagiba.

Best Uses

  • Slicing sushi and sashimi
  • Cutting raw fish
  • Precision slicing tasks
  • Preparing delicate proteins
  • Traditional Japanese cuisine

The Dual Core Yanagiba has the length, weight, and a right-handed, single-bevel design of a traditional Japanese yanagiba. Its thicker blade stock provides the heft and rigidity needed to glide through cuts with ease. This knife is perfect for precise slicing, especially for sushi.

7” Santoku

Shop the Dual Core Santoku.Shop the Dual Core Santoku.

Best Uses

  • Slicing vegetables
  • Slicing meats
  • Dicing fruits
  • Mincing herbs
  • General kitchen prep

This beautiful, Asian-inspired chef's knife is designed to be your most versatile cutting tool. The Santoku excels in all basic kitchen tasks, with a slightly shorter, lighter, and more agile blade than a standard chef's knife. It's perfect for a wide range of cutting needs.

6.5” Nakiri

Shop the Dual Core Nakiri.Shop the Dual Core Nakiri.

Best Uses

  • Slicing and dicing vegetables
  • Preparing plant-based dishes
  • Cutting fruits
  • Mincing herbs
  • General kitchen prep

The Nakiri is a Japanese-style vegetable knife, renowned for its graceful yet practical blade shape. Loved by both professional chefs and home cooks, its blunt tip adds safety, while the edge excels at slicing and dicing with ease. This knife is perfect for plant-based cooking and a variety of cuisines.

6” Utility/Butchery Knife

Shop the Dual Core Utility/Butchery knife.Shop the Dual Core Utility/Butchery knife.

Best Uses

  • Trimming meats 
  • Butchery tasks
  • Preparing sandwiches
  • Cutting small to medium-sized fruits
  • Trimming vegetables

The Utility/Butchery Knife is a versatile blade, perfectly sized between a chef's knife and a paring knife. Designed primarily for off-the-board tasks, its slim, razor-sharp edge excels at butchery tasks like trimming meat and skin and removing bones.

Image of the Kohen Knife set propped on a table in front of its carrying case. Click to shop the Kohen Set.Image of the Kohen Knife set propped on a table in front of its carrying case. Click to shop the Kohen Set.

Limited Edition: Kohen Set

The Limited Edition Shun Kohen Set features the same revolutionary technology as our Dual Core series. Embodying exquisite craftsmanship and unmatched sharpness, it is a once-in-a-lifetime addition to your culinary collection.