Shun Premier 4" Paring Knife

I bought this back around Christmas 2011 along with a Premier 7" Santoku. I think it cost around $70 at the time, and after using it for years, I'd still say it's worth that. At the current $120 price, I'd probably still get it as a gift to someone, but I wouldn't pay that much to get one for myself. Cost aside, it is a very nice knife. Aesthetically, the blade is simply exceptional. The polished hammered top half combined with the layered bottom half are beautiful. The pakkawood handle is also attractive, but while I still love looking at the blade after all these years, the handle is no longer really my preference. It's still an attractive handle, and I oil it periodically to help keep the luster on it, but my tastes have changed. The build quality is outstanding. Of the four Shun knives that I've purchased, I've had one (a more expensive Reserve paring knife) with an issue on the handle. Both of the Premier models that I bought (this and the Santoku) are perfectly made. The handle lines up just right with the blade, and there are no imperfections anywhere that I've noticed over years of use. Some folks have reported chipping the blade, but I've never had an issue with mine. Sharpness may go without saying, but I'll still say it :) - yep, it's sharp. The Santoku compared to my other less expensive Anolon knives wasn't a night-and-day difference, but that was the case with this compared to my other paring knives. I use a paring knife on every apple that I eat, and this glides through them without any issues at all. I've using a honing steel maybe a handful of times over 4.5 years, but I've never sharpened this. I do tend to now use the Shun Reserve paring knife because I prefer the heavier feel of it, but honestly, this one cuts better for me. It's just a great knife. Shun for me is more than just the functional value - it's the aesthetic value. It works great and looks great, and I like using it. There's something to be said for treating yourself or someone else now and again with a product that is just a cut above (sorry...no pun intended), and this is a knife that will stand out in most people's kitchen collection and make them feel good. The Shun Reserve line is beautiful, but the handles on those aren't quite as robust, IMO. I've attached some photos of this that hopefully convey some of the aesthetics. I think it's far more beautiful than the stock image here on Amazon conveys. Two big thumbs up from me for this knife.

The blade is so sharp and perfect as a paring knife. Peels things easily and slices fruit paper thin. I have small hands and the handle fits perfectly in both my husband’s and my palm. Great balance, I am able to cut for long periods of time without fatigue or cramping. Not to mention the blade and handle are absolutely beautiful. This has made cooking a whole other level of enjoyable for me.

This is a fantastic paring knife. I have large hands and the whole handle just barely fits comfortably in my hand. The tip is super fine and great for detail work. It's a pleasure to use. This is my third Shun knife in this line, they all hold an edge better than my other knives, and look better too.

But beyond the looks of this knife is how amazing it is to use. So sharp that is is a joy to cut, slice or peel with this knife. This is my fourth Shun and I'm overjoyed with all of them. I have noticed negative reviews and can't imagine what knife those people received. Free sharpening? I just bought their sharpener with the chef knife. My kid has this glass cutting board and has yet to figure out why I say "no Shun on glass" please. The sharpener is set for the 18 degree edge of the Shun and quickly restores my knives. Before I discovered Shun, I had a really nice set of ZH I purchased for $500. Nice knives, great steel. I feel like an idiot for purchasing them. The Japanese were making fine steel while the Germans were still throwing rocks at each other. (Joking) I bought that set and three of those knives I have never used. I now have around $600 in four Shun knives that do everything I need. They also look very impressive to the people I never have over. :)

This paring knife is a different design and larger size than my previous knives and I wasn't sure if I would like that. This is a beautiful knife that feels well balanced in my hand. Blade is super sharp. This is my go to knife for smaller jobs. I would definitely buy Shun knives again.

Great knife, sharp and fits very comfortable in your hand. Only thing I didn't like about it is the the lettering that is etched on the blade is starting to fade.

Amazing knife. Crazy sharp...and it looks like a piece of art.

Great knife

Very sharp. Made in Japan. Damascus. Love to use it. Good for small uses. Kind of a collection item. Made so precise. We feel to keep it always

Bought as a gift, she LOVED it. It's gorgeous & Cuts all things like butter. Berries? Like butter. Veggies? Like butter. Steak? Like butter. Butter? Like butter.