Kai Shun Classic Bread Knife 23cm
Kai Shun Classic Bread Knife 23cm
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- Inventory on the way
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- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
The Kai Shun Classic 23cm Bread Knife is built for the task that trips up most general-purpose knives: cutting through a hard crust without compressing or tearing the crumb beneath. The serrated edge does the work without needing excessive downward pressure, and the direction of the serration changes at the midpoint of the blade, which makes it particularly effective at the base of a loaf where leverage is limited. The blade itself is 32-layer Damascus steel wrapped around a VG Max core, hardened to 60 to 61 on the Rockwell scale, and the asymmetric pakkawood handle is shaped to fit the right hand comfortably with the wrist slightly raised from the cutting surface. This is a knife that will still be in use in a decade with very little maintenance required.
- 32-layer Damascus steel blade: A VG Max steel core is wrapped in 32 layers of Damascus steel, creating a blade that is exceptionally hard, rust-resistant and visually distinctive, with each knife carrying a unique layered pattern.
- Bidirectional serration: The direction of the serration changes at the midpoint of the blade, allowing for effective cutting from both the tip and the heel, which is particularly useful at the bottom of a loaf where most bread knives struggle.
- 60 to 61 Rockwell hardness: The VG Max core is hardened to 60 to 61 HRC, giving the blade a keen edge that holds its sharpness significantly longer than most Western bread knife blades.
- Asymmetric pakkawood handle: The D-shaped pakkawood handle is designed to fit the right hand, with a slight bow that keeps the wrist elevated from the cutting surface for comfort during extended use.
- 23cm blade with 12.5cm handle: The 23cm blade length is well suited to most standard loaves and larger items like baguettes or cakes, and the overall balance between blade and handle keeps control easy throughout the cut.
What Customers Ask About This Product
Is this knife right-handed only?
The asymmetric D-shaped handle is designed for the right hand specifically, with a bow shape that positions the wrist at a comfortable angle during use. Left-handed cooks should be aware of this before buying, as the handle shape will not feel as natural in the left hand.
Does a bread knife like this ever need sharpening?
In normal home use, serrated bread knives rarely need sharpening. The serrated edge retains its cutting ability for much longer than a straight edge on the same material. If sharpening does become necessary, it requires a ceramic rod (crock-stick) to work on each serrated segment individually, which is a specialist task best left to a professional knife sharpener.
Can this be used for things other than bread?
Yes. The serrated edge is well suited to anything with a hard exterior and soft interior: tomatoes, cakes with delicate crumb structures, citrus fruits, and similar items. It is not a replacement for a general chef's knife but is more versatile in this category than most people expect.
In our experience...
Japanese knives are sharpened to a different angle than Western knives. Most Western chef's knives are ground to around 20 to 25 degrees per side. Shun Classic blades are sharpened to a much steeper angle, which gives them a keener edge but also means they need care with sharpening tools. A standard honing steel or pull-through sharpener is not suitable and can damage the edge geometry.
The Damascus pattern is functional as well as decorative. The 32 layers of Damascus steel wrapped around the VG Max core are not purely cosmetic. The layered structure reduces the surface area in contact with food as you cut, which helps prevent slices from sticking to the side of the blade.
Pakkawood is more robust than it looks. Pakkawood is a composite of natural wood and resin, which makes it significantly more water-resistant than untreated wood. That said, it still benefits from occasional oiling and should not be submerged or put through the dishwasher.
VG Max steel holds an edge longer than most Western blade steels. The 60 to 61 Rockwell hardness rating means the blade stays sharp for longer between sharpenings, which is one of the practical arguments for the higher price point. Harder steel is also more brittle, so dropping the knife on a hard surface is a genuine risk.
The D-shaped handle is designed for right-handed use. The asymmetric pakkawood handle moulds to the right hand specifically. Left-handed cooks should check whether a left-handed version is available or consider whether the handle shape will feel comfortable in use before buying.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
After each use: Wash by hand under running water with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately. Do not leave the knife sitting in water or soaking in the sink.
Dishwasher: Never place in the dishwasher. The heat, moisture, and detergents will damage both the blade and the pakkawood handle over time.
Handle care: Oil the pakkawood handle occasionally with a small amount of neutral vegetable oil to keep it in good condition and prevent the wood from drying out.
Storage: Store on a magnetic knife rack or in a knife block to protect the edge. Do not store loose in a drawer where the serrated edge can contact other utensils.
Sharpening: Serrated bread knives rarely need sharpening in normal home use. If sharpening is needed, it requires a ceramic rod (crock-stick) to work on the individual serrated segments. This is not a standard home task and is best left to a professional.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality tableware and cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
- No-quibble returns, even used items
- Half-price accidental damage replacement for two years
- Price match guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no-quibble guarantee covers used items. If it's not right for you, get in touch and we'll sort out a refund.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break this item within two years of buying it, we'll replace it at half price. Just get in touch with proof of purchase and a photo of the damage.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take 5-7 working days (but is usually much quicker than that), and it's free on orders over £49. Next day delivery is available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Can I collect this item instead of having it delivered?
Yes. You can collect from our Reigate shop (72 High Street, RH2 9AP), our Cobham shop (16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ), or our warehouse in Redhill (40 Ormside Way, RH1 2LW). Just select click and collect at checkout. If the option isn't available, this is because there isn't enough stock in your selected collection location. Please get in touch and we can organise stock to be transferred to the right place.
