Dual Core + Amazing
The Shun Hikari 8" Chef's Knife is Glorious.
Same blade construction as the Hana, Dual Core, Nagare and Ayu with it's own unique forging pattern. It's said the dual cores wear at different rates making an ultra fine serration to the edge as it wears, thus self sharpening. Seems legit.
The blade shape is different. Not the standard Shun 8" Chef blade or edge profile. In 6" I think this blade shape is terrible, however in 8" it works just fine. In practice I don't notice much of any difference. The bolster isn't my favorite, but I understand it's necessary for this design to work.
The handle is fairly special feeling and sounding. It's dry/matte and grippy if you know what I mean. When you stroke the wood it makes the knife ring with a metallic sound that no other Shun knife does. Hikari is supposed to translate to light or sunlight or illumination in Japanese; It feels light and sounds illuminated, it's a special knife.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned