Explore Dual Core | Shun Cutlery

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Shop Now for an 8-inch Dual Core Kiritsuke

10.5” 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.

Shop Now for a 10.5-inch Dual Core Yanagiba

7” 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.

Shop Now for a 7-inch Dual Core Santoku

6.5” 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.

Shop Now for a 6.5-inch Dual Core Nakiri

6” 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.

Shop Now for a 6-inch Dual Core Utility/Butchery Knife

Shop All Dual Core

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.

Shop The Kohen Set