Shun Cutlery Blog

Chef Vitor Mendes preps a whole fish with precision using the Shun Premier Blonde Boning & Fillet Knife at Theodora.Chef Vitor Mendes preps a whole fish with precision using the Shun Premier Blonde Boning & Fillet Knife at Theodora.

BEHIND THE BLADE

Meet Chef Victor Mendes

From the Amazon to NYC’s culinary forefront, Chef Vitor Mendes blends bold flavors and masterful knife work. Discover his journey, inspirations, and why the right tools make all the difference.

Read the Interview

Knife Knowledge

Close-up of a chef slicing carrots with a Shun Premier Chef’s Knife, showcasing its hammered tsuchime finish and razor-sharp edge on a wooden cutting board.Close-up of a chef slicing carrots with a Shun Premier Chef’s Knife, showcasing its hammered tsuchime finish and razor-sharp edge on a wooden cutting board.

Shun 101 Part 1: Why Shun Knives Feel So Different

Discover why Shun knives stand apart through centuries of Japanese craftsmanship, superior steel, and precision engineering. This article explores what makes Shun knives lighter, sharper, and more intuitive for effortless, elevated cooking every day.

Hand demonstrating the claw grip technique while holding half an onion on a hinoki cutting board.Hand demonstrating the claw grip technique while holding half an onion on a hinoki cutting board.

Shun 101 Part 2: Knife Anatomy and the Perfect Chef’s Grip

Learn the anatomy of a Shun knife and how to hold it like a pro. This guide covers each part of the knife and demonstrates the chef’s grip, giving you better control, comfort, and cutting precision in the kitchen.

Chef slicing ginger with a Shun Dual Core Nakiri knife on a hinoki cutting board, showcasing the layered Damascus pattern and flat blade profile.Chef slicing ginger with a Shun Dual Core Nakiri knife on a hinoki cutting board, showcasing the layered Damascus pattern and flat blade profile.

Shun 101 Part 3: Essential Knife Cuts Every Home Chef Should Master

Mastering a few core knife cuts can transform your time in the kitchen. Whether you're prepping for a quick weeknight stir-fry or plating a dish with precision, the right cut enhances both flavor and presentation. With a Shun knife in hand, you’ll find each movement smoother, sharper, and more satisfying.

Shun Dual Core Nakiri knife on a hinoki cutting board beside a halved red onion with clean, even slices, next to a fresh citrus salad.Shun Dual Core Nakiri knife on a hinoki cutting board beside a halved red onion with clean, even slices, next to a fresh citrus salad.

Shun 101 Part 4: Knife Techniques for Everyday Ingredients

Learn essential cutting techniques for common kitchen staples like onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. This guide walks you through simple, effective steps to prep vegetables with confidence—using the right Shun knife for the job.

Shun Premier Blonde Kiritsuke knife resting on thinly sliced red cabbage atop a charred wood surface.Shun Premier Blonde Kiritsuke knife resting on thinly sliced red cabbage atop a charred wood surface.

Know Your Knife: Mastering the Kiritsuke Knife

Discover the story behind the kiritsuke—its heritage, purpose, and what sets each Shun version apart. Precision, tradition, and performance come together in this iconic blade..

 

 

Behind the Blade

Chef Vitor Mendes filleting a whole fish with precision using a Premier Boning & Fillet knife on a marble counter at Theodora in Brooklyn. He is wearing a navy apron and black gloves, focused intently on his technique.Chef Vitor Mendes filleting a whole fish with precision using a Premier Boning & Fillet knife on a marble counter at Theodora in Brooklyn. He is wearing a navy apron and black gloves, focused intently on his technique.

From Brazil to Brooklyn: A Culinary Conversation with Chef Vitor Mendes

Chef Vitor Mendes shares his journey from Brazil to Brooklyn, his love for culinary craftsmanship, and how meaningful tools—like a great knife—help him express creativity and honor the flavors of the Amazon.

 

 

 

 

News and Announcements

Shun Kagerou 8-inch Chef's Knife displayed on charred black wood with sliced citrus fruits. The blade showcases a striking ladder-pattern Damascus steel design with a copper accent seam and a dark contoured handle.Shun Kagerou 8-inch Chef's Knife displayed on charred black wood with sliced citrus fruits. The blade showcases a striking ladder-pattern Damascus steel design with a copper accent seam and a dark contoured handle.

Shun Kagerou Honored with 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design

The Shun Kagerou 8" Chef Knife has just received a 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design. See what sets this exclusive, limited-edition knife apart from the rest.