Yaxell VS Shun Knives | Which Japanese Knife Worth to Try?

By Gias

We know having a Japanese kitchen knife in your kitchen is like a dream comes true. If the knife is from a reputed brand, the joy and interest for cooking become twice. So, among many of the Japanese knife brands, many fell in confusion, Yaxell or Shun? Well, the confusion is real and we understand the dilemma. Thus, only for your convenience, we have come up with a review on Yaxell Vs Shun.

Since you are on this site, you must be looking for detailed reviews of these two knife brands. Well, till now, Japanese knife brands are upholding their knife-making policies with pride. Yaxell and Shun are not any exceptions. Being produced in Japan’s most famous knife-making city, Seki, the Yaxell and Shun knives have their individual properties to offer. 

Going beyond expectations, both brands offer some of the best performative and efficient knives. However, if you go in-depth of their knife features, your decision-making might get a little easier. 

Shun Knives: Awesome Combination of Technology and Tradition

No wonder why Shun knives are Japan’s great pride. Even though the knives are made by using the best technology possible yet you will find tradition in them. With a thin and super sharp blade, the Shun knives are slaying the cutlery market. Since 1908, Shun knives are being made by the professional knifemakers of Japan under the Kai Group. However, in 2002, the group introduced the official cutlery brand Shun.

3 Top Shun Knife:

Shun Premier 7-Piece Essential Block Set; Includes 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 6.5-inch Utility Knife, 4-inch Paring Knife, 9-inch Serrated Bread Knife, Herb Shears, Honing Steel and 11-Slot Knife Block

Shun Premier 7-Piece Essential Block Set; Includes 8-inch Chef’s Knife, 6.5-inch Utility Knife, 4-inch Paring Knife, 9-inch Serrated Bread Knife, Herb Shears, Honing Steel and 11-Slot Knife Block
9.7/10

Shun Classic Blonde 5 Piece Starter Knife Block Set; Chef’s, Utility, and Paring Knives with Honing Steel and Block; PakkaWood Handles, VG-MAX Blades , Large

Shun Classic Blonde 5 Piece Starter Knife Block Set; Chef’s, Utility, and Paring Knives with Honing Steel and Block; PakkaWood Handles, VG-MAX Blades , Large
9.5/10

Shun Kanso 6-Piece Block Set; Includes 3.5” Paring Knife, 6” Utility Knife, 8” Chef’s Knife, 5.5” Hollow-Ground Santoku, Kanso Combination Honing Steel and Sleek Wood Block with Two Additional Slots

Shun Kanso 6-Piece Block Set; Includes 3.5” Paring Knife, 6” Utility Knife, 8” Chef’s Knife, 5.5” Hollow-Ground Santoku, Kanso Combination Honing Steel and Sleek Wood Block with Two Additional Slots
9.1/10

 

Distributing their knives in more than 30 countries, Shun is now famous worldwide. Going beyond all the established European knife brands, the Shun is now people’s first choice. Why it wouldn’t be? Just look at the production quality!

You will find the authentic and best bladesmithing of all time. Shun knives are carefully handcrafted. Their knives are also prone to have the best technological service. A Shun knife is completed after going through a 100-step process that includes the best innovative technology and automation. 

Yaxell Knives: Japnese Handcrafted DNA

Yaxell is also competitively one of the best Japanese knife brands. This brand is actually famous for different strategies for making knives. The company was mainly established in the year 1932 and till then the brand has managed to win lots of awards. Yaxell maybe not on top like the Shun yet it comes with the most approachable knives.

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3 Top Yaxell Knife:

Yaxell Super Gou 7 Piece Acacia Slim Knife Block Set - Made in Japan - 161 Layer SG2 Stainless Damascus

Yaxell Super Gou 7 Piece Acacia Slim Knife Block Set – Made in Japan – 161 Layer SG2 Stainless Damascus
9.7/10

Yaxell Mon 8" Chef's Knife - Made in Japan - VG10 Stainless Steel Gyuto with Micarta Handle

Yaxell Mon 8″ Chef’s Knife – Made in Japan – VG10 Stainless Steel Gyuto with Micarta Handle
9.5/10

Yaxell Kiritsuke Knife - Made in Japan - Tsuchimon Series - Hammered VG10 Stainless Steel - 8"

9.1/10

 

Sticking to the traditional knife-making method, the brand has managed to partially include the western style as well. Now you know why the Yaxell knives are this popular. Till now, Yaxell has introduced many knife series to its customers. However, one of their most signature properties is the knife blades are made of different high-quality steel blends.

Though the blades are made of following the Japanese rule, you will find western vibes in their handles. However, the Yaxell knife blade made of multi-layered steel comes with a nakiri or gyuto design. Providing a western balance to the knives, all the Yaxell kitchen knife series have won the hearts of hundreds of cooks out there. 

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Yaxell Vs Shun Knife Brand in Detail

Let’s start by comparing the Specialty of Both Shun and Yaxell Knives

Special Features of Shun Knives Special Features of Yaxell knives
  • Shun knives are specially handcrafted and the blades are thin, wide, hard, strong, and razor-sharp.
  • Shun knives come with an extremely thin edge with an angle of 16-degree.
  • Shun knives are made with an HRC rate of 61.
  • Shun knife blades are made of high-quality and highly refines super steel including VG-10, VG-Max, AUS8A, AUS10A, VG2 High Carbon Blue Super Steel, and all. 
  • A complete Shun knife goes through a 100-step method to be more resilient, sophisticated, and whimsical.
  • Maximum knives from Shun knife series are stamped as they are made following the stamping methods. However, very few knives are also made inspiring the forging techniques.
  • The handles of shun knives are mostly made of micarta and pakkawood. But, you will also find thermoplastic and polypropylene Shun knife handles.
  • The Shun knife handles are featured with Shun’s signature ‘wa’ style. 
  • Maximum Shun knives are half-bolstered yet have a partial or full tang.
  • Yaxell knives are also handcrafted in Japan and the knife blades are hard, strong, and sharp as well.
  • Yaxell knives do not have that thin edge. In fact, some cooks have reported behind the edge it is a bit thick. But they are sharp enough.
  • Most of the Yaxell knives also have a 61 HRC rate.
  • The entry-level knives of Yaxell also possess a VG-10 core, again some of their knife blades also include SG2 micro carbide steel powder.
  • With multi-layered steel, the Yaxell knives also go under several steps. Their high-end knife blades are processed with 80 crazy sheets of both soft and hard steel.
  • Yaxell knives are not forged as well. The knives are made of laser cur from the high carbon stainless steel sheet.
  • Most of the knife handles from the Yaxell knife series are made of black canvas micarta. 
  • The Yaxell knife handles are a bit contoured like the western knives.
  • Yaxell knives are also full tang and half-bolstered. 
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What are the Common Features of Yaxell and Shun Knives?Yaxell Super Gou 7 Piece Acacia Slim Knife Block Set - Made in Japan

For being Japanese knives both Yaxell and Shun knife brand has many properties and characteristics in similar. However, let’s get to the common features to dig more detail.

  • Like any Japanese knives, Yaxell and Shun both offer knives that are strong, resilient, durable, and most importantly, flexible.
  • Both the brands sell high-quality knives with the best material possible. You will find knives from both Yaxell and Shun that have a VG-10 core blade. The knives are made of high carbon stain-free steel.
  • As the brands belong to Japan’s most famous Seki city, they both handcraft and produce knives maintaining strict rules and laws.
  • They both have offered numerous numbers of knife lines of the different categories made of wider ranges of different blade and handle materials. 
  • Both the knife brands are versatile and they have a lot to offer their customers. From knife sets of versatile knife ranges to the individual kitchen and chef knives, all are available to them. 
  • Both the Yaxell and Shun branded knives are worldwide desired because of their excellent building quality and cutting performance.

Let’s check What good things saying about Yaxell Vs Shun Knife by real users?

Yaxell Knife User Experience Shun Knife User Experience
  • With a slightly curved belly and straight and thin blade, the Yaxell knives are used by chefs around the world to run their busy kitchens.
  • The crossed handles are made for comfort and the users actually like the vibe of European and Japanese styles in the knives.
  • The knives empower a beautiful Damascus pattern that is happened to be possible only for the forged result of steel of 3 to 161 layers.
  • Yaxell knives are completely handmade and that is why the knives are also highly durable.
  • The knives are riveted and full tang hence they won’t tear and are completely safe to use. 
  • The Shun knives have a thin and curved belly that is suitable for cutting and slicing any edible. Shun knives are worldwide approved for sushi making.
  • The knives come with versatile handle designs for improved grip and convenience.
  • The knife with the VG Max steel blade is well formulated.
  • Provides a great deal of customer service. They provide a free resharpening offer.
  • Though most of the best Shun knives are quite expensive. But most of its entry-level variants come at an affordable rate. 

Issues should be aware of before choosing any Yaxell or Shun Knives

Yaxell Knife Issues Shun Knife Issues
  • Yaxell knife blades are not as thin as the Shun ones. Hence, they are not highly sharpened. 
  • Most handles of the Yaxell knives are featured in a plain shape which creates inconvenience to many.
  • Yaxell knives are also high maintenance and as they are fully handmade knives, hand wash is suggested only.
  • Yaxell knives are high pricey. Even the entry-level series is also very expensive.
  • As we mentioned, the Shun knives are made with an extensively thin blade, it is prone to fragileness. 
  • The evil sharpness of the knives may bring any unwanted situations if you are not very careful while using them. 
  • Dishwashing is strictly prohibited for Shun knives and they only require hand washing.
  • The knives are high maintenance and they require frequent re-sharpening.
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Yaxell Vs Shun, Which Knife is Better?Asian Chef Knife

If you are still reading this, then you know there are very few differences between these knife brands. Yet, both of them offer some of their special features that are desired by many home cooks or restaurant cooks out there. 

However, it is undeniable that the Shun knives are one of the most decent knives. With their maneuverability, knives are the first choice of many cooks. Then again, they are not competitively the best when it comes to everyday regular use.

On the other hand, Yaxell offers knives that are not too thin yet handcrafted fully. From forging high-quality steel to polishing the blade, it is all done by professionals. Hence, the price is a bit higher. 

So, if you want a decent knife at a comparatively lower price rate then go for the Yaxell knives. But if you are willing to pay more for the best-handcrafted knife that will serve you in any situation, then Yaxell would be the best choice. Their 161-layer Gou knives will bring you the utmost satisfaction whenever you cook.

What is the Best Place for Buying Yaxell and Shun Knives

Both the brands have opened stores in many countries of the world. However, you can also grab them from online shopping sites including Amazon.com. However, for being expensive brands both Shun and Yaxell do not go for sales more often. 

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Final Thoughts

Now that you know everything about Yaxell and Shun knife brands, it is easier for you to make the final decision. It would be very unwise to say one is better than the other. The truth is both brands is equally reputed and renowned. They may not offer the same quality knives but both brands do not compromise on the material quality.

Hence, any knife you buy from Yaxell or Shun, won’t be a loss project at all. What will be wiser is that go for the one that will meet your kitchen and cooking needs. Let us know if our review has helped you enough and leave feedback.

About the author

Introducing Gias, an Engineer and Kitchen Knife connoisseur with a specialization in Japanese Knives. With over five years of dedicated testing, reviewing, and research experience, Gias brings a wealth of knowledge to the world of kitchen knives. Passionate and deeply committed, Gias has created this site as personal documentation of their unwavering love for kitchen knives.

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