Is the Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife Worth It?
Based on tests by TechGearLab (Feb 2025). How we score
Worth it. Buy the Shun.
Amazon currently sells the Victorinox Swiss Classic through VanMark Deals, not Victorinox or Amazon. Warranties can require an authorized seller, so check the seller before you buy.
Amazon prices as of Oct 10, 1:57 AM EDT (details)
Why
TechGearLab scored the Shun Classic 90 of 100, its Best Upgraded Chef's Knife and one point behind its top pick: "A beautifully made product that is incredibly sharp, extremely capable in the kitchen, and comfortable to wield." It beat the Victorinox Swiss Classic, TechGearLab's Best Value at 82, on every measure (cutting 9.0 vs 8.0, practicality 9.5 vs 8.5, ergonomics 9.0 vs 8.5, build quality 8.0 vs 7.5), and it "holds its edge longer than any other model we tested." On whether the performance lives up to the price: "our testing proved without a doubt that it does, and we wholeheartedly recommend this knife to pretty much anyone." The caution is its thin blade: "heavy-handed users may find it a little too easy to chip this blade." If you want a knife you can treat roughly, the Victorinox is the one to buy.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Shun
Swiss Classic 8" Chef's Knife, Black
From 1 tester: TechGearLab
From 1 tester: TechGearLab
TechGearLab's Best Value: "An extremely capable chef knife that performs nearly as well as much more expensive knives." It trailed the Shun on every measure and arrived less sharp (213 vs 153 on TechGearLab's sharpness test, where lower is sharper), but it "proved to be quite durable" and is rated dishwasher-safe, which the Shun isn't. TechGearLab adds that "if you're drawn to the appearance of the Shun, you're unlikely to be impressed by the basic, utilitarian vibe of the Victorinox." America's Test Kitchen, which tested a different Shun Classic (the Western Cook's Knife), rates the Swiss Classic Highly Recommended.
Amazon currently sells the Victorinox Swiss Classic through VanMark Deals, not Victorinox or Amazon. Warranties can require an authorized seller, so check the seller before you buy.
Sources: TechGearLab: The Best Chef's Knife (updated Feb. 25, 2025), America's Test Kitchen: The Best Chef's Knives (updated July 7, 2026), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Does the Shun Classic chip easily?
It can. TechGearLab lists "thin blade can be brittle under heavy-handed use" among its cons, and its lead tester chipped one after five years by nicking a ham bone. Shun offers free sharpening.
Is this the Shun Classic that America's Test Kitchen recommends?
No. America's Test Kitchen tested the Shun Classic 8-inch Western Cook's Knife (DM0766), a different blade shape; this page covers the standard 8-inch chef's knife (DM0706) that TechGearLab tested.
Sources: TechGearLab: The Best Chef's Knife (updated Feb. 25, 2025), America's Test Kitchen: The Best Chef's Knives (updated July 7, 2026), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
