Shun premier vs Kaji – Full Comparison and Review

Are you looking for a quality chef’s knife to add to your kitchen? Then you must have come across Shun, which is a well-known Japanese knife maker. Shun has a large collection of different knives. Among them, Shun Kaji and Premier are two high-end collections of Shun. But these two shun knives have a lot of differences along with some similarities. Let’s dive deep into this detailed shun premier vs kaji comparison to learn more. 

A comparison table, quick overview, and detailed comparison between these two knives are added here. 

Quick Overview: Shun Kaji vs Shun Premier

If you are in a hurry, then before going through this whole Shun Kaji vs Premier comparison, you can go through this quick overview. Here are the main differences between these two shun knives:

1. The blade core of both knives is made with different materials. Shun Premier Core is made with the famous VG-MAX super steel. And in shun kaji the core is made with high carbide Sg2 powder steel. 
2. In shun, the premier blade core is wrapped by 34 layers of steel on each side. In contrast, kaji has 32 layers of steel on each side to protect the core.
3. Shun Premier has a tsuchime hammered finish, and the bottom half part has a Damascus pattern. On the other hand, the whole body of the shun, kaji, has a wavy Damascus pattern. At the bottom part, this pattern becomes denser. 
4. Though both knife handles are made from the same material, there is a difference in design. The shun premier handle features a cylindrical contoured shape with a steel end cap with a shun logo. But shun kaji features a double-reinforced ergonomic handle with an angled end cap. 
5. Shun kaji knives are more expensive than Shun premier knives. The premier line offers more value for money and is affordable.

• Shun Premier on Amazon

As both knives are made by the same knife maker, they have a lot of similarities along with those differences. Here are the main similarities:

1. Both premier and kaji handles are made from the same handle material. Both handles are made from durable, water-resistant Pakkawood. 
2. Kaji and Premier have the same razor-sharp cutting angle of 16 degrees on both sides. 
3. As both knives are made from quality material, they have rock-solid hardness. Both knives have a Rockwell hardness of more than 60. 
4. Shun Kaji and Premier both retained their edge for a long time.
5. Both knives are full-tang.
6. Kaji and Premier both prefer hand washing only.
7. Another amazing feature is that both Shun Premier and Kaji come with a limited lifetime warranty and free sharpening by Shun until you own the knife. 

Shun Kaji on Amazon

Comparison Table: Shun Premier vs Kaji

	Shun premier	Shun Kaji
Where it’s made	Seki, Japan	Seki, Japan
Blade Material	VG-MAX super steel	SG2 powder steel
Blade Construction	The core is wrapped by 32 layers of steel at each side	The core is wrapped by 32 layers of steel on each side
Blade Design	Tsuchime hammered finish	Damascus pattern finish
Handle Material	Pakkawood	Pakkawood
Handle Design	Symmetric Cylindrical contoured shape with Steel end cap	Double riveted ergonomic handle with an angled end cap
Handle Color	Brown	Black
Sharpness ( Edge angle)	16	16
Rockwell Hardness	60+	60+
Full Tang	Yes	Yes
Edge retention	Long-Lasting	Long-Lasting
Cleaning	Hand wash	Hand Wash
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Price	Less Expensive ( Check Price on Amazon)	More Expensive ( Check Price )

Differences Between Shun Kaji and Premier Knives

In the quick overview part of this Shun premier vs Shun Kaji comparison, the difference between these two knives was described briefly. Now let’s talk about those differences between Kaji and Premier in detail. 

Differences 1: Blade Material

Both Premier and Kaji are made with quality materials, but they use different blade core materials.

The blade of shun Premier is made with VG-MAX super steel. VG-MAX steel is an exclusive steel formula of Shun, which is the newest steel in the famous VG line of super steel. It is an upgraded version of the famous VG-10 steel and is enriched with different components like carbon, chromium, cobalt, vanadium, and molybdenum. All these components increase the hardness, strength, and rust resistance of the knife. 

On the other hand, shun kaji is made with micro-carbide Sg2 powder steel. Sg2 is also known as super gold steel, which is a high-carbon alloy of stainless steel. This is also enriched with different necessary components, like VG-MAX, and ensures the hardness and durability of the knife. 

• Shun Premier on Amazon
• Shun Kaji on Amazon

Differences 2: Blade Construction

Shun premier and kaji have different balde constructions. Shun Premier has 34 layers of Damascus steel at each side of the blade core. So, there are a total of 69 layers of steel in premier. These layers are made with two types of steel soft steel and hard steel. This layer makes the knife flexible and protects the core from pressure. 

But in shun kaji there are 32 layers of steel at each side of the core. So, there is a total of 65 layers in kaji. These layers are made with forged nickel stainless Damascus steel. 

Differences 3: Blade Design

Like blade material and construction, the blade design is totally different in these two shun knives. 

Shun Premier features a beautiful tsuchime-hammered finish. The top half of the premier has this hammered finish, and the bottom portion has a Damascus pattern. This hammered finish creates a small air pocket that prevents food from sticking while cutting and reduces friction. Moreover, the whole blade has a shiny look. 

But miyabi kaji has a unique Damascus pattern throughout its whole body. Those wavy Damascus patterns are denser at the bottom portion. This gives the knife a simple but sophisticated look. 

Both knives have a shun logo on one side of the blade. 

Differences 4: Handle Design

Though the handle material is the same for each knife their design is totally different from each other. 

Shun Premier features a contoured shape cylindrical handle. Its handle is symmetrical so comfortable for both left and right-hand users. It has a curve at the belly that fits nicely in the grip and provides a slipless grip. The full knife has brown color and black lines that give it a wooden look. Moreover, there is a steel end cap with a shun logo and golden accent spacers. 

On the other side, shun kaji has a black ergonomic handle. This handle is double riveted which means there are two pins in the handle that make it more durable. This is also comfortable for both left and right-hand users and it fits comfortably in the palm. There is an angle end cap at the end of the handle. 

Differences 5: Price

There is a noticeable price difference between shun kaji and premier. 

When there is a comparison between the shun kaji vs shun premier chef knife, the shun kaji is more expensive and costs more than premier knives. 

On the other hand, Shun Premier is a more affordable knife. It is a perfect combination of quality and affordability. That’s why shun premier is one of the most famous shun knives among shun lovers. 

Differences 6: Product Offering

Both Shun Premier and Kaji lines offer different types of knives. For example in the premier line, along with shun premier chef’s knife there is shun premier santoku, shun premier nakiri, shun premier kiritsuke, and other knives and knife sets. Same for shun kaji line. 

Knife/ Set	Shun Premier	Shun Kaji
chef’s knife	Available	Available
Santoku knife	Available	Available
Nakiri Knife	Available	Available
Kiritsuke knife	Available	Available
Prep knife	Not Available	Available
Boning fillet knife	Available	Available
Asian cook knife	Available	Available
Slicing Knife	Available	Not Available
Bread Knife	Available	Available
Utility Knife	Available	Available
Paring Knife	Available	Available
4 piece steak knife set	Available	Available
7 piece knife set	Available	Not Available

Similarities Between Shun Premier and Shun Kaji Knife

We have gone through all the differences between shun kaji vs premier knives. Let’s go through their similarities in detail. 

Similarities 1: Handle Material

Though these two knives have different handle designs they use the same handle material. Both shun kaji and premier feature pakka wood handles. Pakkawood is not raw natural wood, it is a composite of raisin and different types of hardwood. This material helps to add different bright colors and unique designs to the handle. 

Pakkawood handles are easy to clean and water-resistant. Moreover, pakkawood handles don’t harbor bacteria so it lasts for a long. 

Similarities 2: Sharpness and Edge

Both of these shun knives are hand-sharpened to an extreme 16-degree cutting angle. It is a double-bevel knife which means it has the same sharpness on both sides. So, these knives are usable for left and right-hand users.

The Traditional 3-step honbazuke method is used for each knife to ensure this sharpness. In this process, each knife is sharpened in horizontally rotating stone, vertically rotating stone, and finally on leather. 

Similarities 3: Hardness

Both of these knives are made with quality material and both have a solid balde construction. So, shun kaji and shun premier both knife has tough hardness. On the Rockwell scale, both knives have a hardness of over 60. Even the Kaji knife has a Rockwell hardness of 64. Rockwell hardness over 60 is known as very hard so both of these knives have rock-solid hardness and durability. 

Similarities 4: Edge Retention

When it comes to edge retention of kaji and premier you won’t need to worry at all. As both knives have tough hardness, both of these knives retain their sharp edge for a long. So, you won’t need to sharpen these knives so often

Similarities 5: Tang 

Tang is the part of the blade that goes through the handle of the knife. Full tang knives are more durable than half tangs because, in a full tang knife, the tang goes end to the handle. Both of these shun knives are full-tang knives. 

Similarities 6: Clean and Maintenance

Both shun kaji and premier prefer handwash only. Washing these knives in the dishwasher may cause damage to the edge. That’s why after every use just wash the knife using clean water and use soap and cloth if necessary.

Always remember to dry the knife properly before storing it anywhere otherwise it may get damaged in the long run. For drying water just put the knife in an open place after every use. 

One other thing is never put the knife in the drawer without any sheath. You can use a wooden knife block or a sheath to store these shun knives. 

Similarities 7: Where they are made

Shun is one of the oldest and well known Japanese knife-making companies. All of their knives are handcrafted in Seki, Japan using the traditional Japanese knife-making process. Seki is called the knife-making capital of Japan because swords and knives have been made here for hundreds of years 

So, you will find teh years of old Japanese knife-making tradition along with quality material in each shun knife. 

Similarities 8: Warranty and Free Sharpening

It’s one of the most unique features of shun knives is that they come with a limited lifetime warranty and free sharpening. 

For any kind of manufacturing defect, you will get a lifetime warranty with both this kaji and premier knife. 

You will also get free sharpening with these knives. When you feel that your knife has lost its sharpness just send it to shun. They will sharpen your knife like new for free. 

Conclusion (Should You Buy Shun Premier or Kaji Knife?)

You may have got a clear idea about the differences and similarities between these two shun knives from this shun premier vs kaji comparison. Now it’s time to decide, which one is best for you premier or kaji. 

If you want a knife with a rounded handle with a wooden look then Shun Premier is a better choice. But if you want an angled ergonomic handle then shun kaji will be better for you. 

If you want to hammer a finished knife along with a Damascus pattern then shun a premier is a great option. On the other hand, if you like only the Damascus pattern then kaji is for you. But one thing, hammered finish helps to prevent food from sticking while cutting, you won’t get that advantage in kaji. 

Both knives have extreme sharpness, hardness, and long-lasting edge retention. 

Finally comes affordability, As a high-end shun knife shun kaji is a little bit more costly and pricer than premier. But shun premier is more affordable. Moreover, shun premier is a perfect combination of affordability and quality so it is one of the most famous shun knives. 

So, when it comes to price and affordability shun premier is a more value-for-money product. 

If you want to read a particular review about these two knives. Then there is the full Shun premier Review and Shun Kaji Review. 

• Shun Premier on Amazon
• Shun Kaji on Amazon

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