Is the Shun Premier Blonde carving set worth it?

If you carve roasts or brisket often and want a thin, very sharp Japanese-style blade with a matching fork, yes. For occasional carving, a cheaper Western carving knife does the job with less care.

How does it compare with the Shun Classic carving set?

Both use VG-MAX steel and 16-degree edges. Premier adds the hammered tsuchime finish and a more contoured handle; Classic has a Damascus-look blade and a darker Pakkawood handle, usually at a lower price.

Can the knife go in the dishwasher?

No. Hand wash and dry it right away. Heat and detergent can dull the edge and dry out or stain the Pakkawood handle.

Will the edge chip on bones?

The hard VG-MAX edge can chip if it hits bone or is twisted. Cut around joints and let the fork hold the roast while the knife slices.

When is the best time to buy it?

The best new price was $349.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, with three stores listing it new. Compare those stores, and watch for holiday sales when carving sets are discounted.

Where is the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set cheapest?

At Best Buy, for $379.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 6 ratings.

Where can I buy the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set?

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

Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set

5

Best price now

$379.95at Best BuyObserved at 12:18 PM

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set

5

Best price now

$379.95at Best BuyObserved at 12:18 PM

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

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Our take on the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set

A two-piece carving set from Shun's Premier line: a 9.5-inch slicing knife plus a matching carving fork, both with blonde Pakkawood handles. The knife uses a VG-MAX steel core clad in stainless, hardened to 60-61 HRC on the Rockwell scale and sharpened to 16 degrees per side, with a hammered tsuchime finish that helps food release. The set is aimed at people carving roasts, brisket and holiday birds who want Japanese-style geometry rather than a Western carving knife. At $349.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, it sits at the top of its recent range; three stores list it new, so compare before buying.

Best forHome cooks who carve roasts or brisket regularlyBuyers who want a matching knife-and-fork set for the tableFans of Japanese-style thin, hard bladesGift buyers for someone upgrading from a Western carving knife

Pros

VG-MAX core takes a very keen 16-degree edge
Hammered tsuchime finish reduces sticking when slicing
Full-tang construction with wide end-to-end balance
Blonde Pakkawood handles match the Premier line
Includes a carving fork, so the set is ready to serve

Cons

Hard, thin edge chips more easily than softer Western steel
Needs hand washing and prompt drying to protect the handle
Premium price; the fork adds cost if you only need the knife
9.5-inch blade is long for small kitchens and small roasts

Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set prices at every store

TargetNew
In stock
$379.95Observed at 12:18 PM
Visit store
Best BuyNew
In stock
$379.95Observed at 12:18 PM
Visit store
eBayNew
In stockSold by ekitchenworld_com
$379.95Observed at 12:18 PM
Visit store

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
Bed Bath & BeyondCheck price at Bed Bath & Beyond
Chef's Corner StoreCheck price at Chef's Corner Store
Crate & BarrelCheck price at Crate & Barrel
DaSalla'sCheck price at DaSalla's
Everything KitchensCheck price at Everything Kitchens
ShopSimonCheck price at ShopSimon
Williams-SonomaCheck price at Williams-Sonoma
ZolaCheck price at Zola

Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set price history

Lowest price we've seen: $379.95 on Nov 5 at Williams-Sonoma. Tracked across 11 stores since Nov 5.

What reviewers say

Owners of Shun Premier knives generally praise the sharpness out of the box and the look of the hammered finish and Pakkawood handles. The recurring complaints are about care: chips from bones or twisting, and handles that need drying to stay tight and even.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedOwners say the 16-degree edge cuts roast and brisket cleanly with little pressure.
Edge durabilityCriticisedSome report chips after contact with bones or sideways pressure on the thin hard edge.
Handle careMixedThe blonde Pakkawood looks good but owners say it needs hand washing and prompt drying.
Food releasePraisedThe hammered tsuchime finish is said to keep slices from sticking to the blade.
BalancePraisedThe full tang and wide weight spread make long slicing strokes feel controlled.
PriceMixedBuyers like the set but question whether the fork justifies the premium over a single knife.

Specifications

Number Of Pieces: 2
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Handle Design: Two-position trigger grip
Blade Edge Type: Non-Serrated
Blade Length: 9.5 in. (241mm)
Blade Material: VG-MAX cutting core, VG –MAX
Blade Shape: Slicing, BBQ

Questions and answers

Is the Shun Premier Blonde carving set worth it?: If you carve roasts or brisket often and want a thin, very sharp Japanese-style blade with a matching fork, yes. For occasional carving, a cheaper Western carving knife does the job with less care.
How does it compare with the Shun Classic carving set?: Both use VG-MAX steel and 16-degree edges. Premier adds the hammered tsuchime finish and a more contoured handle; Classic has a Damascus-look blade and a darker Pakkawood handle, usually at a lower price.
Can the knife go in the dishwasher?: No. Hand wash and dry it right away. Heat and detergent can dull the edge and dry out or stain the Pakkawood handle.
What is in the box?: A 9.5-inch slicing knife and a matching carving fork, both with blonde Pakkawood handles. No block or sheath is included.
Will the edge chip on bones?: The hard VG-MAX edge can chip if it hits bone or is twisted. Cut around joints and let the fork hold the roast while the knife slices.
When is the best time to buy it?: The best new price was $349.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, with three stores listing it new. Compare those stores, and watch for holiday sales when carving sets are discounted.
Where is the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set cheapest?: At Best Buy, for $379.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 6 ratings.
Where can I buy the Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set?: 11 stores we checked sell it, including Target, Best Buy, eBay, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chef's Corner Store.

More from Shun

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Blade Tang

Full-tang construction

Blade Sharpness

16 ° each side

Blade Hardness

Extremely hard (VG-MAX steel)

Blade Rust Resistance

Corrosion resistant

Included Accessories

Carving Fork

Cutting Ability

Reduced drag, Easy release of food while cutting

Edge Retention

Wear resistant

Suitable For

Slicing, BBQ

Design Type

Slicing Knife

Design Style

Japanese style

Balance

Wide weight distribution from end to end

Design Color

Blonde

Blade Finish

Hammered tsuchime finish

Dimensions

9 1/2" blade (knife)

Weight

7.36 oz (knife)

Material

VG-MAX steel, Stainless steel