If you’ve ever struggled to slice a crusty loaf of bread without squashing it flat, you know the pain of using the wrong knife. A dull or poorly designed blade can turn beautiful bread into a crumbly mess. That’s where a quality bread knife makes all the difference.
In this review, I want to share my experience with the Shun Classic 9 inch Bread Knife. This is a beautifully made Japanese blade that’s become one of my favorite tools in the kitchen. I’ll walk you through what makes this knife special, how it performs with different types of bread, and whether it’s worth the investment.
First Impressions: How the Shun Classic 9 Inch Bread Knife Feels
The moment I unboxed this knife, I could tell it was something special. It’s well-balanced and lightweight, but still feels strong. The D-shaped Pakkawood handle fits naturally in my hand, and the blade with its Damascus steel finish looks stunning.
What impressed me most, though, was how smoothly it sliced through a crusty sourdough loaf on the first try. No tearing. No crumbs everywhere. Just a clean, effortless cut.
What Stands Out About This Knife?
High-Quality VG-MAX Steel Core
At the heart of this knife is VG-MAX steel, which is Shun’s upgraded version of VG-10. It’s tough, holds an edge for a long time, and resists rust and wear. Around that core are 68 layers of Damascus steel that give the blade its unique wavy look and help food release more easily while cutting.
Smooth Serrated Edge That Doesn’t Tear Bread
I’ve used plenty of bread knives over the years, and many have sharp, aggressive teeth that tear more than they cut. Shun’s edge is different. The low-frequency serrations are wide and gentle, and the edge is sharpened to 16 degrees, making each slice feel smooth and controlled.
Comfortable Handle, Whether You’re Left- or Right-Handed
The Pakkawood handle is one of my favorite parts. It’s smooth, solid, and shaped to fit your grip. Whether you’re slicing slowly through a sponge cake or powering through a big crusty loaf, it gives you total control.
Strong and Built to Last
This knife is fully forged with a full tang, which means it’s made from a single piece of steel that runs through the whole handle. That adds strength and balance. Plus, it’s handcrafted in Japan and you can really feel the quality in every detail.
Free Sharpening for Life
Here’s a bonus: Shun offers free sharpening for life. You send your knife in, they sharpen it, and send it back ready to go. That’s a big deal, especially since serrated knives can be tricky (and pricey) to sharpen properly on your own.
How It Performed in My Kitchen
I’ve tested this knife on a variety of breads sourdough, brioche, baguettes, and even some soft sandwich loaves. It handled all of them like a pro. The serrations glide through hard crusts without crushing the soft center. Even delicate cakes cut cleanly without tearing.
I also used it to slice tomatoes and pineapples just to see how it performed and it surprised me. The edge is sharp enough and smooth enough to handle fruits and soft produce too. Not many bread knives can do that.
Comparing the Shun to the Wüsthof Classic Bread Knife
I’ve had the chance to use the Wüsthof Classic 9” Bread Knife as well a solid German-made option. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Sharpness: Shun has a more precise edge. Wüsthof is good, but a bit more aggressive.
- Steel: Shun uses VG-MAX (harder and holds its edge longer). Wüsthof uses their own steel that’s a little softer.
- Handle: Wüsthof’s handle is more traditional and made from synthetic material. I find the Shun handle more comfortable and elegant.
- Perks: Shun gives you lifetime sharpening. Wüsthof doesn’t.
| Feature | Shun Classic 9″ Bread Knife | Wüsthof Classic 9″ Bread Knife |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Steel | VG-MAX core with 68-layer Damascus cladding | X50CrMoV15 high-carbon stainless steel |
| Blade Edge | 16° serrated edge with wide, low-frequency serrations | 14° serrated edge with more aggressive teeth |
| Handle Material | D-shaped Pakkawood (resin-infused hardwood) | Traditional synthetic handle (polyoxymethylene) |
| Hardness (HRC) | ~61 HRC (holds edge longer) | ~58 HRC (softer, more forgiving) |
| Sharpening Support | Free lifetime sharpening from Shun | No sharpening service offered |
See our guide Best Bread Knife For Sourdough in 2025
What I Loved and What Could Be Better
What I Love:
- Razor-sharp serrations that make clean cuts
- Gorgeous blade design with Damascus layers
- Comfortable, natural-feeling handle
- Works on all kinds of bread (and more)
- Lifetime sharpening service from Shun
What Could Be Better:
- It’s not cheap definitely a premium knife
- Like most quality knives, it’s not dishwasher safe (but hand washing is quick and easy)
Should You Buy the Shun Classic Bread Knife?
We recommend this knife to anyone who bakes or buys fresh bread regularly. If you appreciate a tool that works beautifully, feels comfortable, and lasts for years, this is it. It’s ideal for:
- Home bakers
- Fans of artisan loaves or crusty breads
- Anyone who wants to invest in a top-tier kitchen tool
If you’re just looking for a cheap knife to cut bread once a week, this might be overkill. But if you want something reliable, long-lasting, and satisfying to use it’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts: A Knife That Delivers on Every Slice
After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Shun Classic 9” Bread Knife is one of the best I’ve used. It’s sharp, smartly designed, and surprisingly versatile. Yes, it costs more than the average bread knife but it also performs far above average.My ratting is 4.9/5
If you want a bread knife that cuts cleanly, looks amazing, and lasts a lifetime, this one’s a keeper.
See Customers Review In Amazon
FAQs: Shun Classic Bread Knife
1. Can this knife slice cakes and pastries too?
Yes I’ve used it on sponge cakes and angel food cake with great results.
2. Does it come sharpened?
Absolutely. It’s razor-sharp out of the box.
3. Can I put it in the dishwasher?
No and you really shouldn’t. Hand washing is best to protect the blade.
4. What if the edge dulls?
Send it to Shun. They’ll sharpen it for free.
5. I’m left-handed. Will this handle work for me?
Yes the D-shaped handle works comfortably for both left- and right-handed users.
