Kai Shun Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set
Kai Shun Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
Age Verified Delivery at £6.95 will apply (regardless of the total cost of your order) and delivery driver may require proof of age, if you are lucky enough to look younger than 21!
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
The Kai Shun Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set pairs a 20cm carving knife with a 16.5cm carving fork, both built to the same standard as the rest of the Shun Classic range. The knife's long, thin blade follows the contours of a joint cleanly, and the fork's sharp tines hold meat firmly in place without piercing it unnecessarily while you carve. Both pieces have the same VG Max core in 32-layer Damascus steel and the same asymmetric pakkawood handle design. The set comes in a wooden storage box, which makes it a practical gift and a sensible way to store pieces you may not use every day. If you regularly carve joints of chicken, turkey, beef or gammon and want a knife that makes the job considerably easier, this is a considered choice at this price point.
- 20cm carving knife: The long, thin blade is designed to follow the contours of joints cleanly in one smooth stroke, reducing tearing and giving neater slices than a shorter general-purpose knife.
- 16.5cm carving fork: The sharp tines hold meat securely in place as you carve, giving you control over the joint without needing to press down and compress it.
- 32-layer Damascus steel: Both the knife blade is built from a VG Max core wrapped in 32 layers of Damascus steel, hardened to 60 to 61 HRC for a sharp, rust-resistant edge with a distinctive layered pattern.
- Asymmetric pakkawood handles: Both pieces share the same D-shaped pakkawood handle design, water-resistant and shaped to fit the right hand comfortably for extended carving sessions.
- Wooden gift box: The set is presented in a wooden storage box, which doubles as practical long-term storage for pieces used less frequently and makes this a strong gift option.
What Customers Ask About This Product
What is included in the set?
The set includes a 20cm carving knife and a 16.5cm carving fork, presented together in a wooden storage box.
Is this set right-handed only?
The asymmetric D-shaped pakkawood handles are designed for the right hand. Left-handed cooks should be aware of this before buying, as the handle profile will not feel as natural in the left hand.
Can the carving knife also be used as a slicing knife for general use?
The long, thin blade is well suited to slicing tasks beyond carving joints: smoked salmon, cured meats, terrines, and similar items all benefit from the same smooth, single-stroke cut. It is a specialist shape rather than an everyday knife, but more versatile than its name suggests.
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 the knife and fork by hand under running water with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately. Do not leave either piece sitting in water.
Dishwasher: Never place the knife or fork in the dishwasher. The heat, moisture, and detergents will damage both the blades and the pakkawood handles.
Handle care: Oil the pakkawood handles occasionally with a small amount of neutral vegetable oil to maintain the finish and prevent the wood from drying out.
Storage: The set comes in a wooden storage box, which is the best place to keep it when not in use. This protects the blade edge and the handles.
Sharpening: Use a whetstone or take the knife to a professional for sharpening. Do not use a honing steel or pull-through sharpener, which are not suited to the geometry of Japanese blades and can damage the edge.
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.
