Kai Shun Classic Chef's Knife, 20cm

The Shun Classic uses a VG-MAX core steel at 61 (±1) HRC, clad in 32 layers of Damascus, with a pakkawood handle; it is made in Japan and carries a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Its steeply tapered, thin blade is sharper than typical Western knives and lighter than European chef's knives, and the hard core retains its edge exceptionally well — the hardest, keenest edge of the five, plus a genuine showpiece finish. It sits at #5 for a general home audience precisely because it is the most expensive and the most demanding to look after: hand-wash and dry only, no soaking, occasional handle oiling, a harder edge that is more chip-prone, and whetstone skill needed to re-sharpen. Go Shun only if edge-keenness and a special blade matter more to you than price and easy maintenance. Indicative price around £195.