One of the things that my wife told me to do when we married was to tell people what I want for the holidays or else I’ll get crap as gifts.  I finally learned my lesson after a few sweaters and socks.  Since then I’ve told people that I want everything kitchen as possible.  Over the years I’ve seen my share of measuring utensils, dishrags, graters, and cheese cloth.  Of course these gifts end up creating a bunch of wonderful tasting delights back to the giver.
What’s cool is that every once in a while I’ll get a really cool kitchen item.

This past holiday season, two friends of mine (Jennifer Tapken and Kat Li) were gracious enough to honor me with a Shun Classic Ultimate Utility knife.  I felt like I was knighted as one of King Arthur’s court.

This knife is amazing!  I know never mentioned a bread knife in the previous blog on all the knives you’ll need.  I’m going to have to digress and say that you really need a good bread knife.  Yes, I did say they gave me a utility knife but look at this thing.  A nice serrated edge that slices through tomatoes and bread like it was softened butter.
The Shun Ultimate Utility knife, also known as the U2, was modeled after the bread and butter knives sandwich makers wield.  You’ll notice the spatula looking blade.  This blade was not only made to slice through bread; it is a great tool to spread mayonnaise (link to grilled cheese article).

I think I’ve found a new favorite in the kitchen.  I just might put away my pairing knife and use this as my lead knife when I reach into the block.

Here’s how Williams Sonoma describes it: The perfect sandwich slicer, this multitalented serrated knife cuts effortlessly through meats, crusty breads, cheeses and tomatoes. The 6″ long blade is forged of high-carbon VG-10 “super steel” clad with microthin layers of stainless steel for a lasting ultrasharp edge. The knife’s wide shape and rounded tip are ideal for spreading condiments. It is over 11″ long overall and made in Japan.

http://tinyurl.com/U2Shun

This has to be one of the best sandwich knives out there.  I did look around and I found this other knife which probably comes to a close second.

This one is a Kershaw Pure Komachi Sandwich Knife.  I was definitely drooling over this one for the past couple of years and probably was the model for the U2.  I guess the second version is usually the better version.  However, if I were to choose between the two, I’d of course go with the U2 from home but the the Komachi knife for a small business.

Thanks Jennifer and Kat for knighting me with such an honorable gift.

Specifications:
Steel:        VG-10 cutting core clad with 32 layers of SUS410 stainless
Handle:      “D” shaped Ebony-black PakkaWood
Blade Length:      6 in. (15.2 cm)
Closed Length:      N/A
Overall Length:      10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
Weight:      4.6 oz.

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