Kanso knives embody a design principle based on Zen philosophy. Meaning "simplicity," the Kanso collection focuses on the essentials that make a knife superior. Featuring razor-sharp blades of high-carbon stainless steel, Kanso knives are constructed with a full tang for balance and precise cutting control. Contoured handles are made of tagayasan wood, the same material used for samurai sword handles. Like all Shun knives, Kanso is sharpened to 16 degrees on each side. Asian-inspired santoku knife handles all basic kitchen tasks and its hollow-ground blade releases food easily. Slightly shorter than a standard chef's knife, it is easy to maneuver with just enough curve for rocking cuts.

Each exquisite Shun knife is carefully crafted in a 100-step process inspired by ancient sword smiths. The amazing razor-sharp blades are created in Seki City, Japan's 700-year-old center for samurai swords.

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Shun sharpening services available; view program details (PDF format).