The Classic collection uses a Damascus layered steel forging process, while the Sora collection uses a San Mai forging process.įorged blades are heated so that the steel becomes malleable then hammered and shaped using traditional smithing tools and modern presses.īecause the steel is heated and hardened, forged blades have a stronger molecular composition than stamped blades, which are cut out of a sheet of steel (a method used by discount brands to cut costs).īoth of these collections feature full-tang blades, which means the steel from the blade runs the entire length of the knife.
These knife collections are both handcrafted in Japan using traditional Japanese processes. Also, using a wood cutting board and avoiding hard surfaces will minimize the risk of the blades chipping. Since their hardness makes Classic and Sora blades more prone to chipping than soft, German blades, Shun advises using a gliding motion when cutting. Because this is at the higher end of the range for knife blades, these knives will retain their edge better than most of the competition. Knife blades tend to fall between 56 and 62 on the Rockwell scale.Ī lower rating than 56 means the steel is too soft and the blade will dull too quickly higher than 62 means the blade is too hard and prone to chipping.īoth the Classic and Sora collections are hardened to a 60-61 on the Rockwell scale. The Rockwell scale is used to determine the hardness of different metals. Plus, a sharper edge is more prone to chipping, so Shun does a good job balancing cutting performance and durability. Making thin slices with a Shun kitchen knife The Premier and Dual Core collections come with an even higher price tag.įor more information about the prices of individual products in these collections, please see the chart below. It’s good quality, but it’s designed so cooks on a smaller budget can still experience the brand.Īlthough Classic knives cost more than Sora, they’re far from Shun’s most expensive knives. The Sora collection is the brand’s entry-level collection. VG-10/420J) and handle materials (PakkaWood vs. However, the Classic collection is significantly more costly than the Sora collection.Ĭlassic knives are pricier because they feature higher quality blade steel (VG-MAX vs. Shun is a high-end brand, so all of its knives are expensive. This collection has just 9 knives and 3 sets, including a 5-piece student set, 6-piece knife block set, and 3-piece knife block set. The Sora collection has far fewer offerings in both individual knives and sets. This collection also offers over 10 different knife sets. The Classic is Shun’s original and most popular collection therefore, it’s much more extensive, with over 30 different individual knives. Optionsīoth the Shun Classic collection and Shun Sora collection feature individual knives and knife sets. The extra elements in the VG-Max steel give it better edge retention than VG10 steel. It also contains tungsten for a sharper blade and trace amounts of molybdenum and vanadium, which fight corrosion and improve cutting performance.īecause the Classic Collection uses VG-Max steel, the blades will hold their edges better than Sora blades. VG-MAX includes chromium, which resists stains and corrosion.
It is similar to the VG-10, but it has more carbon, which increases its strength and durability. VG-MAX steel is Shun’s proprietary super steel. The Shun Classic blade is constructed from VG-MAX steel, while the Sora is made with VG-10 and 420J stainless steel. In this section, I take an in-depth look at everything that separates Shun Classic and Sora knives. Textured for grip with a slanted butt and a medallion inlayĭifferences Between Shun Classic and Sora VG10 on the cutting edge and Japanese 420J stainless steel on the upper If you are in a hurry, the chart below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of Shun Classic and Sora knives.