Is the Shun Classic Brisket Knife Worth It?

Why

America's Test Kitchen rated Shun's brisket knife Recommended: "This expensive slicing knife was extremely sharp, making for easy cutting and gorgeous, even slices," and it comes with a wooden saya. But its thick spine made thin slices feel like wedging, and "the knife overall is heavy–double the weight of our favorite." That favorite, the Victorinox Fibrox 12-inch granton slicer, earned full marks for blade, handle and sharpness for a fraction of the price: "Every slice is perfect," one tester said.

Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Shun Classic Brisket

Our pick

Victorinox

Fibrox Pro 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing/Carving Knife

$81.69

Performance vs the Shun Classic Brisket10/10 Matches

From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen

Durability vs the Shun Classic Brisket7/10 Behind

From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen

America's Test Kitchen's top slicing knife, rated higher than the Shun for blade and handle and equal for sharpness. "Its sharp blade was long and tall enough to tackle large pieces of meat easily and had just the right amount of flex to make it easy to control." "Grantons helped ensure that the slices stayed in place as we worked instead of sticking to the blade." It weighs half as much as the Shun. ATK didn't test long-term durability.

Tester's ratings, out of 3 stars (higher rating in green)

Criterion	Shun Classic Brisket	Victorinox Fibrox Slicer
Blade	2.5/3	3/3
Handle	2.5/3	3/3
Sharpness	3/3	3/3

From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Slicing Knives (updated July 9, 2025)

Check Victorinox Fibrox Slicer on Amazon →Shun Classic Brisket vs Victorinox Fibrox Slicer, side by side

Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Slicing Knives (updated July 9, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing

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