Shun and Wusthof both are the best knife brands so far. Shun basically belongs to Japan while Wusthof originated in Germany. So, people are often confused about which ones to choose. When doing a comparison between Wusthof knives and Shun knives, frankly speaking, both are great with high-level excellence in their performances. But the decision to choose one of these is totally up to you. You know your needs better than anyone else.
People are often interested to know; How do the Wusthof and Shun blade angles differ? Wusthof knives have edges that are cut at an angle of 14° on both sides, while Shun knives have edges that are cut at an angle of 16° on both sides. That’s the major difference between the two.
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What’s the Difference between Wusthof and Shun Knives?
Wusthof basically makes German-style knives. They have a 14° angle on both sides. The majority of Wusthof knives are precision-forged, with the exception of the Gourmet, Silverpoint, and Urban Farmer lines, which are laser-cut or you can say stamped.
In addition to their solid reputation, Wusthof knives offer excellent value, they have extremely sharp edges and they retain their edges well.
There is no doubt that Shun knives are more attractive than German cutlery. Wusthof blades are thicker, heavier, and made of a softer steel than those produced by Shun. The Shun knives come with razor-sharp blades that are extremely sharp right out of the box. Moreover, they are only 16 degrees wide at the edge.
About Shun Knives
Design
The unique, sharp angles and sleek finishes of Shun knives make them ideal for comfort and ease of use. There are many knives in the collection that have Damascus designs, forged from different alloys.
Steel
The Shun knives are made using Damascus Steel. VG-MAX steel is used in conjunction with 36 layers of Damascus steel to create the Shun Classic series. Additionally, it is high-carbon stainless steel. The material is tough, holds an edge, and resists stains.
Hardness
Different Shun knives have different Rockwell hardness. Generally, shun hardens VG10 and VG-Max steels to 60-61 Rockwell, whereas SG2 is hardened to 61-62 Rockwell.
Thickness
Shun knives are thinner and lighter. They are made of harder steel as compares to that of Wusthof knives. This is why Shun’s edges chip more frequently than Wusthof’s.
Weight
Shun Knives are thinner and lighter in weight. They are not very useable for heavier tasks. They can easily be used for cutting and chopping meat and vegetables but not on bones.
Blade Angle
Shun blades have edges that are cut at an angle of 16° on both sides. Shun knives sport blades that are thinner, lighter, and harder. Because they have thinner blades, they can be used with less pressure to slice food.
Handle Design
Shun handles have round ends that are bolstered with thin steel and end-capped with thick steel. For balance and durability, shun handles either have steel tangs or composite tangs.
Blade Material
The blades of Shun knives are made of Stainless Steel. It is a blend of iron and carbon, resulting in the ideal material for long-lasting, high-quality kitchen knives.
Handle Material
The handles on Shun products are made of a variety of materials, including PakkaWood, Tagayasan, Micarta, thermoplastic elastomer, and polypropylene.
Are Shun Knives Good?
Shun Knives are great. They are super comfortable in hands and easy to use because of their amazing design. They have very fine edges that make your everyday cutting, chopping, and slicing way more easy and convenient.
Best Shun Knife
Out of so many extraordinary Shun knives, the best one so far is the Shun Cutlery Premier 8” Chef’s Knife.
Shun Cutlery Premier 8” – Chef’s Knife
About – With its 8-inch Chef’s Knife, Shun Cutlery makes a lightweight and nimble item. The knife provides an extremely comfortable grip, making it the ideal choice for many different kitchen needs. It’s definitely the best choice you’d make for your everyday kitchen use.
Qualities
- The blade has a sharp edge that is ideal for slicing all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and other foods.
- Contoured handle in walnut PakkaWood fits comfortably in one or both hands.
- The handle has a hammered finish that makes slicing food quick and effortless.
Specifications
- Maker: Shun
- Size: 8 inch
VG-MAX cutting core combined with 34 layers of Damascus coating per side gives this knife the edge over its competitors. It has a hand-sharpened double-bevel blade and is extremely strong.
About Wusthof Knives
Design
Wusthof knives are designed with a traditional look. They have a full tang, which also adds to their balance and durability. Several of their products feature full bolsters, which reduce hand slippage and provide balance.
Steel
The Wusthof knives are made of Molybdenum-Vanadium Steel. The company’s special steel formula, X50CRMOV15, can be found on all of its blades.
Hardness
Wusthof blades have a Rockwell hardness of 58 and a softer composition. Shun’s knives hold their edge better, but Wusthof blades are significantly more durable.
Thickness
Wusthof knives are not as thin as the Shun knives. They are comparatively thicker and are great for even heavier tasks in the kitchen.
Weight
Wusthof knives are heavier in weight than Shun knives. This is what makes them ideal for heavy tasks such as easier cutting through large pieces of meat and thick vegetables without cracking them.
Blade Angle
European-Style knives of Wusthof have blade edges that are 28 degrees; making them 14 degrees on each side. While Asian-style knives have a 20-degrees angle; making it 10 degrees on each side.
Handle Design
Wusthof has five product lines, each with its own unique, handle designs. A fully exposed tang adds greater balance while the triple rivets enhance the classic western look of almost every one of them.
Blade Material
In all Wusthof knives, molybdenum and vanadium are added to X50CrMoV15 in order to make the steel harder, more durable, and more corrosion-resistant.
Handle Material
Polyoxymethylene and Polypropylene polymerize into the handles of Wusthof products except for its Epicure and Ikon lines.
Richlite, which is made from recycled wood fibers, is the material used in Wusthof Epicure handles. While Blackwood is used to making the handles on their Ikon lines.
Are Wusthof Classic Knives Good?
Wusthof knives are definitely amazing for what they offer. They are great in their performance and durability. Neither too heavy nor too light in weight; perfectly balanced for all kitchen works. Their edges are super sharp and remain the same for a long time. Hence, ideal knives for every home as well as a professional kitchen.
Best Wusthof Knife
The best Wusthof knife is so far the Classic 8-inch knife.
WUSTHOF Classic 8 Inch – Chef’s Knife
About – The classic chef’s knife from Wusthof is the workhorse of the kitchen. It is a multipurpose kitchen knife that can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing. Due to its perfect balance and weight, it is perfect for heavy-duty work such as cutting thicker vegetables and meats.
Qualities
- Three riveted handles make it possible for every home cook or professional chef to choose from a wide range of cutlery in the classic collection.
- Durable, ergonomic handle made from a durable, long-lasting synthetic material that will not fade or discolor over time.
- Exceptional durability and the full hygienic fit are provided by a triple-riveted full-tang fitting to a polymer handle.
- With Wusthof’s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec), the blade is 20% sharper and its edge retention is twice as good.
Specifications
- Maker: Wusthof
- Size: 8 inch
Shun vs Wusthof – Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | Shun Cutlery Premier – 8 inch | Wüsthof Classic – 8 Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shun | Wusthof |
| Department | Unisex Adulto | Cookware |
|
Model No/ASIN
|
B003B66YKA | 1040100120 |
| Dimensions | 13.25 x 0.82 x 1.82 inches | 2.79 x 19.05 x 10.92 cm |
| Weight | 7.7 ounces | 226.8 grams |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Blade Angle | 16° on both sides |
|
| Date First Available | 5th March 2010 | 8th July 2024 |
Conclusion
Both the Shun and Wusthof Knives are of great value. You can simply say they are almost very similar in what they offer. Before you make a purchase, we recommend you to research well on either of these and then go for the one that suits your needs.
