Explore Premier | Shun Cutlery

There are many reasons to adore Premier, from its hammered finish to its brilliant edge. Yet when all these remarkable details come together, the experience is greater than words can capture. Premier transforms the act of preparation into something effortless and joyful, filling the kitchen with both beauty and ease.

Hammered for Brilliance

Premier’s hammered Tsuchime finish isn’t just beautiful; it makes the blade stronger. That added strength allows for a thinner grind, which glides through food with exceptional ease. The result is a knife that feels sharper in use, offering effortless precision and control. With each cut, you’ll notice the difference: food releases cleanly, prep feels smoother, and your knife becomes a brilliant extension of your hand.

Image of two Premier Chef's Knives, one with a walnut and one with a blonde handle, standing vertically on a table.

A chef slices a steak with a Premier Chef's Knife.

Agility in Every Slice

Where heavier German knives can wedge and stick, Premier’s quick taper grind pushes food apart with ease. This unique geometry gives the blade a lighter, more agile feel that many describe as sharper and more precise. The difference is immediate: instead of fighting your knife, you flow through ingredients with confidence and speed. It is the brilliance of Japanese design, transforming everyday prep into a smooth, refined experience.

Strength at the Core

At the heart of every Premier knife is a VG-MAX steel core, Shun’s proprietary formula for edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance. Protected by 69 layers of Damascus cladding, the core stays sharper longer while the Damascus adds resilience and beauty. Together, they create a blade that performs brilliantly day after day and looks as striking as the food it helps you prepare.

A Premier Chef's knife points downwards on a table.

Close up image of the stainless steel endcap of a Premier knife.

Refined Comfort and Balance

Premier handles are crafted from resin-infused Pakkawood, available in rich walnut or sleek blonde finishes. Contoured for a secure, comfortable grip, they reduce hand fatigue during extended prep. The embossed endcap, finished with a brass trim, balances the knife perfectly in hand while adding a touch of luxury. Each detail reflects brilliance in design, giving you a tool that feels as good as it looks.

A Knife That Stands Out

From the hammered Tsuchime finish to the shimmering Damascus and polished Pakkawood handles, Premier is designed to shine both in use and on display. With one of the most extensive shape lineups in the Shun collection, it offers the right knife for every culinary task. Whether you are a passionate home cook, a professional chef, or a collector, Premier delivers brilliance in every slice.

A Premier Vegetable cleaver lies next to finely sliced watermelon radishes.

Explore Our Premier Blades

Premier Walnut

Richly grained walnut Pakkawood offers a warm, traditional look with modern durability. Resin-infused for water resistance, it combines natural beauty with long-lasting performance.

Explore Premier Walnut

Premier Blonde

Light, elegant, and contemporary, the blonde Pakkawood handle brings a fresh sophistication to your kitchen. Durable and moisture-resistant, it balances style with everyday practicality.

Explore Premier Blonde