Shun Classic Paring Knife, 3.5 in.

The mini chef's knife. Shun's Classic paring knife is the one you use in your hand rather than on the board: peeling an apple, hulling strawberries, coring, trimming, paring away pits and peels, with a small blade that gives you complete control of the tip and edge. It also handles garlic cloves and ginger against a cutting board. The VG-MAX core takes a razor-sharp 16 degree edge each side and holds it; 34 layers of stainless Damascus cladding on each side support the core and help food release. The D-shaped Pakkawood handle suits right- and left-handed cooks, in ebony or blonde. Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, in at least 100 steps, and hand sharpened.

• 3.5 in. (89 mm) blade; 8.75 in. overall; 2.1 oz
• VG-MAX steel core, 16 degree edge each side; 68 layers of stainless Damascus cladding
• D-shaped Pakkawood handle, ebony or blonde finish; 4.2 in. handle
• Full composite tang for light weight and balance
• Handcrafted in Japan; limited lifetime warranty
• Hand wash with warm water and mild soap; never in the dishwasher