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.

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.

Top profile of the Shun Kagerou 8-inch Chef’s Knife displayed horizontally to show the sleek taper and full tang design from handle to tip.

Macro view of the Shun Kagerou Chef’s Knife tip highlighting the fine Damascus steel pattern and precision-sharpened 16-degree edge.

Damascus blade tip

Close-up view of the Shun Kagerou Chef's Knife blade showcasing the transition between the Damascus steel cutting edge and polished upper blade with copper accent.

Blade transition with copper accent

Detailed view of the Shun Kagerou handle endcap featuring the Shun logo engraved in brushed stainless steel and dark, contoured wood grain.

Engraved handle endcap

Top profile of the Shun Kagerou 8-inch Chef’s Knife displayed horizontally to show the sleek taper and full tang design from handle to tip.

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.