Head-to-head · Best Chef Knives

Miyabi Kaizen II 8-Inch Chef's Knife vs Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Miyabi Kaizen II 8-Inch Chef's Knife comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about investors seeking premium Japanese craftsmanship — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Chef Knives

Miyabi Kaizen II 8-Inch Chef's Knife

4.7

$159.95as of Jul 9

The Miyabi Kaizen II 8-inch Chef's Knife combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern engineering. Reviewers praised its FC61 steel core protected by a 48-layer Damascus pattern, offering exceptional sharpness and durability. The double FRIODUR® ice-hardened blade provides superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. Users noted the knife's beautiful black pakkawood handle with D-shaped design offers excellent grip and balance. While some reviewers mentioned the asymmetrical bevel and need for initial sharpening, overall it's considered a solid investment for both beginners and experienced cooks seeking a high-quality Japanese knife.

Strengths

— Handcrafted in Seki, Japan with lifetime warranty
— FC61 steel core with 48-layer Damascus pattern for durability and sharpness
— Double FRIODUR® ice-hardened blade offers superior toughness and corrosion resistance

Watch-outs

— Blade has asymmetrical bevel with different edge angles on each side
— May require initial sharpening as it's not ready to use out of the box

$159.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Chef Knives

Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

4.5

$189.95as of Jul 9

The Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife delivers exceptional sharpness and performance that reviewers consistently praise, with TechGearLab calling it 'one of our favorite kitchen tools.' The knife's Japanese craftsmanship and real Damascus pattern make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, the thin blade design, while sharp, is fragile and not suited for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bones or aggressive rocking motions. Users note it's ideal for home cooks and professionals seeking a high-performance knife but warn against rough handling. It's best suited for those who value precision and quality over durability.

Strengths

— Exceptionally sharp out of the box with excellent edge retention
— Well-balanced and comfortable to wield with a lightweight design
— Beautiful Damascus patterned blade with high-quality construction

Watch-outs

— Thin blade is brittle and prone to chipping under heavy-handed use
— Difficult to sharpen, especially for those new to knife maintenance
— Higher price point compared to many alternatives

$189.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Miyabi Kaizen II 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The Miyabi Kaizen II offers unmatched craftsmanship and durability with its FC61 steel and double FRIODUR® hardening, surpassing the Wusthof Classic and Shun Classic in longevity. While it's more expensive than the Victorinox Fibrox Pro, it provides superior edge retention and is more forgiving than the MAC MHC-80's extreme sharpness.

Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The Shun Classic delivers exceptional sharpness and a beautiful Damascus finish, but its thin blade is more fragile than the sturdier Wusthof Classic or the full tang of the Dalstrong Gladiator. Unlike the MAC MHC-80, it's not ideal for heavy-duty cutting, though it offers better edge retention than the Global G-2.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Miyabi Kaizen II 8-Inch Chef's Knife	Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife
Blade Length	7.87 in	8 in
Blade Steel	FC61	69 layer Damascus w/ VG-MAX core
Hardness	60-62 HRC	60 – 61HRc
Handle Material	Black Pakkawood	Ebony color Pakkawood
Weight	7.04 oz	7.3 oz

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