Is the Shun Narukami dishwasher safe?

No. The Blue II carbon steel core will rust and the edge can be damaged. Wash by hand and dry it immediately after every use.

What is the difference between the Narukami and other Shun chef's knives?

The Narukami uses a Blue II carbon steel core at 61-62 HRC with a thunderbolt-patterned san mai cladding and a bolsterless micarta handle. Most other Shun lines use VG-MAX stainless steel and a bolsters or pakkawood handles.

How often will it need sharpening?

With normal home use, expect to sharpen every few months. The Blue II core holds an edge well and takes a new edge quickly on a whetstone.

What size is the blade?

It is an 8-inch chef's knife, the most common all-purpose size for slicing, chopping and mincing.

Is $164.95 a good price for it?

That is the best new price among the 2 stores listing it as of November 5, 2026. Shun knives in this line typically sell for well over $150, so it sits at the low end of its usual range.

The knife itself. Shun does not include a saya or sharpening stone with this model, so budget for a cover or stone separately.

Where is the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife cheapest?

At eBay, for $164.95, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife?

14 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chef's Arsenal, Chef's Corner Store.

Shun Narukami Chef's Knife

Best price now

$164.95at eBayVerified

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit eBay

Shun Narukami Chef's Knife

Best price now

$164.95at eBayVerified

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit eBay

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Our take on the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife

The Shun Narukami is an 8-inch Japanese chef's knife with a Blue II carbon steel core clad in stainless steel, hardened to 61-62 HRC. The san mai cladding carries a thunderbolt pattern, and the bolsterless micarta handle keeps the full tang exposed for a forward-balanced grip. It weighs 7.8 oz. The best new price is $164.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, with 2 stores listing it new.

Best forHome cooks who want a carbon-core Japanese chef's knifeSlicing and precision prep workBuyers who prefer a light, bolsterless handleAnyone upgrading from a stamped Western knife

Pros

Blue II carbon steel core holds an edge well at 61-62 HRC
San mai stainless cladding protects the reactive core
Full-tang, bolsterless build with a contoured micarta handle
Light at 7.8 oz for an 8-inch chef's knife
Distinctive thunderbolt cladding pattern

Cons

Carbon steel core needs immediate cleaning and drying to avoid rust
Micarta handle is smooth, so wet hands get less grip
Hard, thin Japanese edge is more fragile than a Western knife
Premium price for a knife with no bolster

Shun Narukami Chef's Knife prices at every store

Best BuyNew
In stock
$249.95Observed at 9:05 PM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by cookswarehouse (100% positive, 52 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$164.95Free shippingVerified
Visit store
eBayOpen box
Availability unknownSold by cheflava (100% positive, 2,600 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$189.00+ $9.00 shippingVerified
Visit store

Also available at

Bed Bath & BeyondCheck price at Bed Bath & Beyond
Chef's ArsenalCheck price at Chef's Arsenal
Chef's Corner StoreCheck price at Chef's Corner Store
Cutlery and MoreCheck price at Cutlery and More
DaSalla'sCheck price at DaSalla's
Good KinsmenCheck price at Good Kinsmen
Kitchen KapersCheck price at Kitchen Kapers
KnifeCenterCheck price at KnifeCenter
northriveroutdoors.comCheck price at northriveroutdoors.com
OverstockCheck price at Overstock
perfectedgecutlery.comCheck price at perfectedgecutlery.com
The KitchenaryCheck price at The Kitchenary

Shun Narukami Chef's Knife price history

Lowest price we've seen: $179.95 on Nov 6 at Cutlery and More. Tracked across 13 stores since Nov 6.

What reviewers say

4.6 / 524 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 ratings. Owners praise the sharpness, edge holding and light feel in the hand. The main complaints are about care and the smooth handle.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedOwners say it arrives very sharp and slices cleanly.
Edge retentionPraisedThe Blue II core keeps its edge through extended use and re-sharpens easily.
Weight and balancePraisedAt 7.8 oz with a full tang, it feels light and balanced in hand.
MaintenanceCriticisedThe carbon steel core must be washed and dried immediately to prevent rust and staining.
Handle gripMixedThe contoured micarta handle is comfortable, but its smooth surface gets slick when wet.
Edge durabilityCriticisedThe hard, thin edge can chip under rough handling.

Specifications

Blade Edge Type: Non-Serrated
Blade Length: 8 Inch
Blade Material: Carbon steel cutting core, Blue II carbon steel (cutting core)
Blade Shape: Chef
Blade Tang: Full-tang construction
Blade Sharpness: Edge holding, Easy re-sharpening
Blade Construction: San mai stainless steel cladding

Questions and answers

Is the Shun Narukami dishwasher safe?: No. The Blue II carbon steel core will rust and the edge can be damaged. Wash by hand and dry it immediately after every use.
What is the difference between the Narukami and other Shun chef's knives?: The Narukami uses a Blue II carbon steel core at 61-62 HRC with a thunderbolt-patterned san mai cladding and a bolsterless micarta handle. Most other Shun lines use VG-MAX stainless steel and a bolsters or pakkawood handles.
How often will it need sharpening?: With normal home use, expect to sharpen every few months. The Blue II core holds an edge well and takes a new edge quickly on a whetstone.
What size is the blade?: It is an 8-inch chef's knife, the most common all-purpose size for slicing, chopping and mincing.
Is $164.95 a good price for it?: That is the best new price among the 2 stores listing it as of November 5, 2026. Shun knives in this line typically sell for well over $150, so it sits at the low end of its usual range.
What is in the box?: The knife itself. Shun does not include a saya or sharpening stone with this model, so budget for a cover or stone separately.
Where is the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife cheapest?: At eBay, for $164.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife?: Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 ratings.
Where can I buy the Shun Narukami Chef's Knife?: 14 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chef's Arsenal, Chef's Corner Store.