The Shiun line is a series made in the Seki City by Seki Kanetsugu. They feature a VG10 core at about 60hrc, with stainless tsuchimne (hammered) cladding. These are relatively easy to sharpen and are pretty thin, but aren't quite as brittle as some of the harder knives we carry. The Shiun series has a wide bevel design, which helps with food release. The upper section has a hammered finish with a smoke-like color to the finish. The handles are octagonal oak. These are great knives for people looking for thin stainless knives with good food release. They will have better edge retention than softer steels like AUS8, but wont be as brittle as harder steels like sg2, blue #1, or white #1.