The Japanese Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility Knife is versatile and great for jobs ranging from small, precise cutting chores to large, broader chopping tasks. Smaller than a chef's knife and larger than a paring knife, Shun Classic 6-inch Utility Knife can take care of most jobs that the other two perform. Handcrafted in Japan, this knife sports a blade that's thin but very strong. The blade's core is made of Shun's proprietary advanced steel that's hardened by additional carbon, cobalt, chromium, and tungsten. This core is wrapped with multiple layers of Damascus stainless steel clad to resist wear and corrosion as well as retain an extremely sharp edge.
Many Amazon customers raved about how well and how long this knife holds its sharp edge. They also loved how lightweight and easily controlled it is, requiring little force to cut. The downside of such a hard metal, though, is that it's prone to chipping.
This Japanese knife is indeed lighter than its Western utility knife counterparts. What makes it a little similar, though, is its very slightly curved belly. Instead of being completely straight like many Japanese knives, the Shun Classic 6-inch Utility Knife has a cutting edge conducive to rocking moderately when cutting.
The D-shaped handle is made of smooth PakkaWood, an engineered wood/plastic composite material that's dense, waterproof, and warp-resistant. Many Amazon customers noted that this handle is comfortable and fits their hands well.
The Shun Classic 6-inch Utility Knife can be used like a large paring knife or small chef's knife. I use my utility knife for trimming broccoli, slicing onions, cutting sandwiches, and other "medium-size" jobs. But it's not good for bigger or more heavy-duty jobs like deboning a chicken.
Shun was the first brand recommended by the prep cook I interviewed, and Good Housekeeping also loved this company. Hotel sous chef Ivan of Knife Lover named this knife his top pick for 6-inch kitchen knives.
Pros: Very sharp, retains sharp edge well, versatile, lifetime warranty
Cons: Brittle blade prone to chipping