Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Chef Knives

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife vs Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Chef Knives
Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
3 sources2 derived$175as of Oct 3

TechGearLab ranked the Mac Professional MTH-80 as their top pick for precision work, praising its exceptional sharpness out of the box which allows for fine cuts that other knives struggle to match. FoodJot highlighted the practical benefits of the hollow edge design and the durability of the PakkaWood handle, noting it is a favorite among professional cooks who value long-term performance. However, Cutlery and More pointed out that the short handle may feel awkward for users with larger hands or those accustomed to heavier Western-style blades. This knife is best suited for skilled home cooks seeking precision, while beginners might find the delicate edge and short grip intimidating.

Strengths
  • — TechGearLab found it to be the sharpest knife in their lineup, capable of performing delicate chiffonades and thin tomato slices with ease.
  • — FoodJot noted that the hollow edge (Granton) dimples create air pockets that reduce drag and prevent food from sticking to the blade.
  • — Cutlery and More described it as a 'Gateway knife' for those transitioning from German steel, offering a lightweight Japanese blade with a familiar Western-style handle grip.
Watch-outs
  • — TechGearLab reported the handle is much shorter than average, making it unsuitable for inexperienced users or those preferring a full-handle grip.
  • — The ultra-sharp edge is delicate and susceptible to chipping if used on frozen foods, bones, or hard squash.
Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife
Ranked #5 in Best Chef Knives
Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife
5 sourcesall derived$190as of Oct 3

TechGearLab ranked the Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife #2 of 13 models for its exceptional sharpness, ergonomic D-shaped handle, and beautiful Damascus construction. While reviewers praised its ability to glide through delicate ingredients with ease due to its 16-degree edge angle, they noted that the hard VG-MAX steel makes it susceptible to chipping under heavy-handed use or twisting motions. The knife's balanced weight distribution prevents wrist strain during extended prep work, though users must commit to hand-washing to protect the wood handle. This knife is ideal for home cooks who prioritize precision slicing and aesthetics over rugged durability.

Strengths
  • — Forged from a VG-MAX steel core clad in 69 layers of Damascus stainless steel, creating an exceptionally sharp and durable cutting edge.
  • — Blades are ground to a precise 16-degree angle on each side for superior slicing precision compared to standard European knives.
  • — Features a comfortable D-shaped Pakkawood handle that provides excellent balance with the weight point located at the bolster.
Watch-outs
  • — The hard steel (60-61 HRC) is brittle and prone to microchipping if subjected to twisting, torquing, or impact tasks like hitting bones.
  • — Requires strict hand-washing and immediate drying as the Pakkawood handle can be damaged by dishwashers.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife

The Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife features a VG-MAX steel core clad in Damascus stainless with a precise 16-degree edge angle, offering superior slicing precision compared to the wider 23-degree edge of the Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife. However, its hard steel is more brittle and prone to microchipping than the durable 440 stainless used in the Misono 440 Gyutou, requiring careful handling to avoid damage from twisting or impact.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's KnifeShun Classic 8" Chef's Knife
Blade Length8 inches8 inches
Steel TypeSub-Zero tempered, high-carbon Molybdenum Vanadium alloyVG-MAX core with Damascus cladding
Hardness59-60 HRC—
Handle MaterialPakkaWoodPakkawood
Total Length12-5/8"8 inches
Weight6.8 oz. (192g)7.4 oz
ConstructionStampedForged with Full Tang
Edge Angle15 degrees, double bevel16 degrees per side
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