If you’re looking for a bit more power in your kitchen knives, we’ve got a treat for you. The Shun Kanso 7” Asian Utility is a brand new shape for Shun and “utility” is truly a perfect name for it. As part of the Kanso line, not only does it have the beautiful, simplistic aesthetic, but it also has a more durable steel than other Shun lines. The AUS10A steel is slightly more forgiving Japanese steel, so you’ll be able to smash garlic, slice through butternut squash, and process large amounts of vegetables for stir fry in no time at all. The Kanso Asian Utility is a blend between a nakiri (an Asian vegetable knife) and a cleaver, but without the heft of knives you would use to cut through bone.

The Shun Kanso line not only gives you that more durable steel, but you’re also getting exactly what you need in a knife honed to perfection. Shun shows us that you don’t need bells and whistles to make a knife phenomenal, and Kanso exemplifies that to a tee. Kanso means “simplicity,” which is attained by stripping away anything that is non-essential. While we’re getting only the basics in the Kanso line, we’re getting phenomenal quality of each component. Reduce what is not needed, and perfect what is. Any minimalist or traditionalist can identify with that ideal.

• A multi-purpose, must-have knife in Asian kitchens
• Hand-sharpened 16° double-bevel blade (32° comprehensive)
• Heritage finish hides scratches, gives Kanso a rustic look that just improves with age
• Steel: AUS10A—high-carbon, vanadium stainless steel
• Contoured tagayasan or wenge wood
• Blade length: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
• Handcrafted in Japan

Keep your Shun Kanso 7" Asian Utility Knife in good condition by storing it safely in a Saya, using a high quality Hinoki Cutting Board, and a Knife Care Kit.