Shun Whetstone Knife Sharpener

Shun Pro cutlery, which features a single bevel blade, can be easily maintained using this Whetstone. Made of a combination of ceramic grits—one side for refining and polishing, the other for basic honing—it works by removing dulled molecules that accumulate on the blade surface. A few strokes on each side are all that's required for continued use. The whetstone must be soaked before using and measures 2 3/8-inches wide, suitable for all knives, from a parer to a cleaver.

Made in the ancient city of Seki, Japan, Shun Pro knives rely on extremely sharp 2.5mm blades, made of a single piece of Japanese VG10 steel for strength, called the Honyaki style in Japan. It offers precision slicing, cutting and chopping that is unprecedented by any of its German competitors. Sharper out of the box than other knives, Shun Pro knives feature a traditional Japanese blade, with a one-sided beveled edge and hollow-ground or concave back. Japanese chefs in particular prefer the single bevel because it can be honed backed to its original sharpness, even after hours of slicing, using a whetstone. In addition, the hollow ground divots on the back produce air pockets that remove friction when slicing, so food releases easily without any loss of flavor. The ebony Pakkawood handle, a highly durable combination of layers of white birch wood and resin, is designed in a “D” shape to fit firmly and comfortably in the hand, with the bonus of being dishwasher safe and NSF approved for commercial kitchens. Shun Pro cutlery is suitable for right-handed users only and comes with free lifetime sharpening by the manufacturer.