As any great chef will tell you, a high-quality knife is an absolute necessity. Recent buzz has proclaimed that Japanese knives are the sharpest and most precise, and, based on her consistent use of the Shun Paring Knife, it seems that Meghan Markle agrees.
We spotted her wielding the Japanese knives throughout the newest season of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. The Duchess of Sussex uses tools from Shun cutlery for everything from chopping vegetables to slicing bread to dicing fruit. She is especially fond of the blonde paring knife, which appears in Season One as well.
Shun Classic Blonde 3.5″ Paring Knife
If you’re seeking the perfect everyday knife, look no further than Meghan Markle’s pick of the Shun Pairing Knife. It specializes in cutting fruit and vegetables with superior sharpness and a comfortable design. The Duchess of Sussex uses this knife in both seasons of her show.
Meghan’s cooking tools of choice are consistently rated among the best kitchen knives for their precision and style. What makes these knives special is that they are crafted with powerful VG-MAX steel and feature 68 layers of Damascus cladding, resulting in a long-lasting, high-quality experience. The stylish blonde blades are shaped into a ‘D’ for a comfortable and secure grip. Each knife is handcrafted in Japan, with Shun offering free sharpening and honing.
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(Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)
Meghan’s beloved chef’s paring knife is especially versatile because it is expertly designed for cutting fruits and vegetables, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen. As seen in her space, it looks prettiest when paired with wooden cutting boards and white bowls.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)
Shop More Meghan Markle Approved Japanese Knives
Multi-Purpose
Shun Classic Blonde 6″ Utility Knife
This stunning knife is going to be your new favorite. It’s expertly designed for multi-purpose use. Like all Shun knives, it is meticulously handcrafted in Japan.
Serrated Edge
Shun Classic Blonde 9″ Bread Knife
This stainless steel knife makes slicing bread an art. Wide teeth easily slide through crusty loaves with no ripping, squashing, or tearing.
Great Deal
Shun Sora 8″ Chef’s Knife
Though we didn’t officially spot Meghan Markle using this knife, it’s a best seller for a reason. It combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with composite blade technology.
Though the Shun knives recommended by Meghan Markle are a great option, they aren’t the only excellent Japanese knives on the market. For those who prefer an alternative, here are the top picks as chosen by our talented Kitchens Editor, Lydia Hayman.
Chef’s knife
Global 8-inch Model X Chef’s Knife Made in Japan
We are big fans of Global’s ‘Made in Japan’ chef’s knives. They are more affordable than ultra-premium brands, and this model has excellent reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say it’s comfortable, well-balanced, and razor sharp for everyday tasks.
Santoku knife
HexClad Japanese Damascus Steel Santoku Knife
Forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel, this knife is the epitome of precision. The full tang design (metal runs through the whole handle) gives each knife better balance and control. Whether our Kitchens Editor was dicing shallots or carving a roast, the knives moved with me, not against her.
Nakiri knife
Shun Classic 6 1/2″ Nakiri Knife
Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality. This stunning Nakiri knife is designed for chopping vegetables. They are ridiculously sharp and precise.
The right knife can completely transform your life in the kitchen. When they look this good and work this well, you might never leave.