SHUN CUTLERY BLOG: NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Shun Kagerou Honored with 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design
At Shun, we believe that form and function should exist in perfect harmony, and the world has taken notice. We are proud to announce that our Kagerou 8" Chef Knife, part of our exclusive collaboration with Sur La Table, has been awarded a 2025 Red Dot Award for Product Design, one of the most prestigious honors in global design.
This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and purposeful beauty. It reinforces what our customers already know: a Shun knife is more than a tool. It is an extension of your creativity and a testament to thoughtful design.
Key Takeaways
- The Red Dot Award recognizes excellence in product design and innovation.
- The Kagerou series reflects refined craftsmanship, aesthetics, and performance engineering.
- Award recognition highlights the intersection of functionality and artistic design in premium cutlery.
Designed to Inspire, Engineered to Perform
Kagerou, meaning “heat haze” in Japanese, captures the shimmering elegance and meticulous detail of this exceptional knife. The blade features a bold ladder-bar Damascus pattern, created with a refined blend of Japanese steels. These materials are layered with intention, focusing high-performance steel precisely where it is needed most. A distinctive copper seam separates the cutting edge from the stainless upper, creating a striking visual contrast.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese Gyuto style, the Kagerou’s shape flows smoothly from blade to handle. Its contoured grip is crafted for comfort and balance, helping to reduce fatigue during extended prep work. Every detail, from the angled handle end to the subtle engraving, adds to the knife’s refined appearance and superior function.
Each knife in the Kagerou series features a hand-sharpened 16-degree cutting edge on both sides. This delivers the precise cuts that preserve the flavor, texture, and integrity of ingredients.
A Global Celebration of Design
The Red Dot Award is recognized worldwide as a benchmark for product design excellence. Judged by an international panel of experts, the award considers innovation, functionality, quality, and sustainability. This latest recognition places Shun alongside some of the most forward-thinking manufacturers and designers in the world.
The Kagerou 8" Chef Knife joins the ranks of our previous Red Dot winner, the Premier Tim Mälzer Kiritsuke Anniversary Edition, and continues Shun’s tradition of excellence and innovation.
We will be honored at the Red Dot Gala on July 8, 2025, at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.
Available Exclusively at Sur La Table
The Kagerou 8" Chef Knife is available now through an exclusive partnership with Sur La Table. It is ideal for professional chefs and passionate home cooks who seek a perfect balance of artistry, performance, and craftsmanship in their tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Red Dot Award?
The Red Dot Award is an internationally recognized design competition honoring products that demonstrate outstanding innovation, functionality, and visual excellence.
What distinguishes the Kagerou series from other knife collections?
The Kagerou series blends advanced blade technology with distinctive visual design elements. Its balance of performance and artistry reflects modern Japanese cutlery craftsmanship.
Why do design awards matter in culinary tools?
Awards validate not only aesthetics but also ergonomics, usability, and engineering. Recognition signals that a product meets high standards for both form and function.
Does award recognition impact performance?
While awards focus on design, they often reflect thoughtful engineering and user-focused innovation that enhances real-world performance.
Recent Articles
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | What You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears are one of the most overlooked tools in the kitchen. Explore how they bring speed, control, and precision to everyday prep, and why they deserve a place alongside your knives.
BEHIND THE BLADE | Refined Over Time: Chef Avery Hardin on Tools, Technique, and Growth
With 25 years in the kitchen, Chef Avery Hardin shares how experience, consistency, and the right tools continue to shape his craft.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | 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.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | 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.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | 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.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | 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.
KNIFE KNOWLEDGE | 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.