Kanso knives embody a design principle based on Zen philosophy. The Kanso—"simplicity" in Japanese—collection focuses on the essentials that make a knife superior. Featuring blades of high-carbon vanadium stainless steel, Kanso knives are constructed with a full tang for balance and precise cutting control. Contoured handles are made of tagayasan wood, the same material used for samurai sword handles. Like all Shun knives, Kanso is sharpened to 16 degrees on each side. This five-inch chef's knife is the perfect length for everything from trimming produce to boning poultry, and the triangular shape offers superior maneuverability.