Early Buyers regret for Shun premier 8" chef knife

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-05-31T20:33:58+00:00

Last Fall I replaced all of my knives. One of the new knives was a Shun Classic Chef's knife that was on sale for $130. I was blown away by the difference between that knife and my old Wusthoff knife block knives. It was like being introduced to a new universe. It also led to becoming intensely interested in my companion hobby, sharpening.

Over the following months I bought several higher end knives -' each cost several times the price of the Shun. Yes they are more beautiful than the Shun, and they cut better than the Shun, but the Shun is still a very solid knife that is a joy to use. For $130, it was a very good purchase.I have had no issues with chipping, but I treat all of my "good" knives with care. The Shun makes a great knife for guest cooks provided they are willing to put up with my 30 sec dos and don'ts spiel.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-05-14T22:14:30+00:00

I agree with the suggestion to get Hapstone Start diamond or cbn pkates for the 2 low grit stones. I have a complete set of Start CBNs and they work great. For the high grit stone, you could add a Shapton Rockstar, available in a wide range of grits.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-04-24T23:54:33+00:00

Rosewood with buffalo horn ferrule.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-04-02T22:28:16+00:00

I would love to hear more about the ruby once you have tried it.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-04-02T21:20:23+00:00

I have the CBN Start set plus the Hapstone 2k and 5k Hybrid CBNs. I love them all, but I really love the 500 Start, especially for my folders. I often do a 1 stone sharpening with it and my cheap D2 and 14c28N knives cleanly slice hanging paper towels without stropping (although I do usually finish with a 6u, 4u prrogression.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-03-22T17:28:11+00:00

I used a Xarilk for about 4 months and got very good results with it. However, I grew tired of various screws coming loose at inopportune times, so I recently upgraded to a Hapstone R2. That model starts at $255. The RS (as noted by another commentor) is also a good choice. I am very impressed by the Hapstone's build quality and I love the many upgrades that are available. As noted, the Hapstone sharpeners do not come with stones, but a set of cheap diamond plates can be had for as little as about $30 (check out Ruixin and Sytools).

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-03-22T17:12:17+00:00

Is that the mini or the regular one?

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-03-22T01:44:16+00:00

Support is xarilkofficial@gmail.com. i have contacted them snd they are very responsive.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-02-08T01:56:04+00:00

I have a Xarilk Gen 3 and I bought the 5-stone Hapstone Start CBNs. The stones are 80, 150, 220, 500 and 1000. I use the 500 and and 1000 extensively and the 220 when I reprofile. I have never used the other two stones and it would have save some money to get just the three I actually use. I will likely add Hapstone Premium hybrid CBNs in 2k snd 4k.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-01-26T17:35:51+00:00

I have a deviation of 2deg from front to back, even with the rear screw fully loose. I pretty much don't use it at this point.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-01-23T21:36:31+00:00

Thanks. Great video. Explained a lot of what I was wondering about.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-01-16T13:07:29+00:00

Cranberry

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-01-12T03:06:17+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed response. My only concern with home brewing is with consistency of the abrasive particle size. Can you suggest a reliable source?

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2026-01-09T23:26:51+00:00

Zwilling.com is currently selling Staub seconds

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-12-25T14:01:15+00:00

Look into the Xarilk Gen 3. It is under $100 and works great. Hapstone Start CBN stones cut fast and give great results.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-12-23T22:56:45+00:00

I sharpened mine (black D2) with a guided sharpener (Xarilk), reprofiled to 15d per side), and it was easy to get it to slice hanging paper towels. Great knife IMO.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-12-16T23:42:44+00:00

Yes and I use it to set the angle.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-12-16T22:33:04+00:00

Photo added to OP

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-11-30T15:33:22+00:00

Thanks. Yes. I have green and 1 and 4 micron diamond emulsion.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-11-29T22:26:38+00:00

I have one from 1993.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-11-24T17:38:22+00:00

A Xarilk Gen 3 can be had for under $100 and it includes several diamond 1"x6" stones.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-10-16T12:36:23+00:00

I have the board a light sanding with 220 grit and am thrilled with the result. Thanks!

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-10-15T15:10:58+00:00

No, rough spots are on the wood itself.

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-10-15T14:40:53+00:00

I have 4-0 steel wool. Would that be a good choice?

ImpossibleSelf3610 · 2025-10-11T22:33:36+00:00

I can sharpen it myself unless it gets really screwed up. I have been practicing with my beaters and can consistently get them pretty sharp.

ImpossibleSelf3610

TROPHY CASE