Did I Buy A Fake Shun?

[CrazyChef]

Hi all, glad to be a new member of this great forum!

So...

I bought this knife on eBay. The seller listed it as a Shun. I understand Kai is part of Shun, but the knife markings don't seem to match anything I can find on the web. I hope I didn't get screwed... This is my first Damascus steel knife, and it looks almost like the pattern is embossed on the knife, but I'm not sure. I've never actually seen Damascus steel up close.

Here are a few pics of the knife:

 

[daveb]

Not sure of relationship between Shun and Kai but know there is one.

Welcome to the forum.

Pic looks like Shun faux (my term) dammy. A thin layer of a dammy pattern is on outside of core blade. Metallurgy equivalent of laminated.

http://www.epicedge.com/shopexd.asp?id=86396

 

[osakajoe]

Shun knives are made by kai

 

[JBroida]

kai is the parent company of shun

 

[Pensacola Tiger]

Kai isn't a "part" of Shun, it is Shun's parent company.

What you have is, I think, a "gray market" knife, that is, one that was not intended for North American distribution. However, it is the same knife as a Shun, just lacking the Shun markings.

As far as the damascus cladding is concerned, it is not "embossed", but is, indeed, composed of multiple layers. It has not been etched as some damascus cladding is, so the surface is smooth and appears that it could be a surface treatment.

 

[Ruso]

In Europe FWIK Shun knives are know as Kai.

 

[StephenYu]

Yes, KAI group owns Shun. Since damascus pattern tends to fade over time, I don't think it is a fake knife.

 

[richard]

I recognize the markings. They are from early versions of Shun Classic, where the Shun logo on one side, and simple printed text in the other, including Kai and model #. Newer versions still have this info, but it's printed smaller and the Shun logo is on both sides. However, from your pictures, the markings are reversed (on opposite sides). Did you buy a left handed handle version? (The ridge edge is on the left instead of the right)

 

[CrazyChef]

Thanks guys. Yes, it's a left handed model. I didn't realize that when I bid on it. But, the only thing "lefty" about it is the hasp, and it actually feels quite comfortable in my right hand.
BTW, the auction went to $71 and I won. I guess it's a fair price if it's genuine.

 

[CrazyChef]

Not sure of relationship between Shun and Kai but know there is one.

Welcome to the forum.

Pic looks like Shun faux (my term) dammy. A thin layer of a dammy pattern is on outside of core blade. Metallurgy equivalent of laminated.

http://www.epicedge.com/shopexd.asp?id=86396

That's awesome - that's my knife - Thanks!

 

[CrazyChef]

Lots of VERY helpful information - I appreciate all of your answers! Man, am I glad I found this forum!

 

[Sharp-Hamono]

It says Shun right there on the left side, 旬.

 

[mhpr262]

It says Shun right there on the left side, 旬.

So of course it must be an original, somebody going to the trouble of making a whole fake knife would never dare to put a fake logo on it ...

 

[Sharp-Hamono]

So of course it must be an original, somebody going to the trouble of making a whole fake knife would never dare to put a fake logo on it ...

Would you like to support your implication that it's counterfeit with any kind of evidence?

 

[daveb]

Play nice.

 

[supersayan3]

I think it's original.
I have seen many similar in kitchens

 

[chefs-edge]

Thanks guys. Yes, it's a left handed model. I didn't realize that when I bid on it. But, the only thing "lefty" about it is the hasp, and it actually feels quite comfortable in my right hand.
BTW, the auction went to $71 and I won. I guess it's a fair price if it's genuine.

It's a good price. The markings are the same as mine that i bought from a official retailer.

 

[daveb]

Typically Shun R /L handedness is all in the handle. I'm a righty but find the left handed D quite comfortable. (Still a Shun though)

 

[jessf]

I prefer most left handed things. Forks, footballs, brooms, all best when left handed.

 

[panda]

if it was fake, probably be better than genuine.

 

[labor of love]

if it was fake, probably be better than genuine.

Don't give me ideas, pretty sure I could make a killing flipping fake shuns locally. Anybody have links to the knockoffs 😀?

 

[CrazyChef]

if it was fake, probably be better than genuine.

Gee, that was mighty helpful. Thanks.




******* Idiot.

 

[daveb]

Nah, Panda just don't know no tact. But he's seldom misunderstood.

 

[panda]

'tis tru, my ingerish quite good,. :spin chair:

 

[fujiyama]

It's real. You've experienced first hand one of the few reasons Shun knives are underwhelming.

 

[Mucho Bocho]

Gee, that was mighty helpful. Thanks.




******* Idiot.

I'm thinking Mr CrazyChef is talking to himself out loud here.

 

[richard]

Way to be welcoming. Some of you folks have nothing better to do than troll newcomers to this forum?

 

[richard]

I'm thinking Mr CrazyChef is talking to himself out loud here.

And to be even more ridiculous, (according to your profile) you also own Shun.

 

[labor of love]

Way to be welcoming. Some of you folks have nothing better to do than troll newcomers to this forum?

You get triggered so easily. It's the internet. Relax.

 

[TheCaptain]

Seriously *** guys? Do we have to revert to acting like asses?

It's OPINION. Personal attacks don't really gain points.