A range born of collaboration with Tim Mälzer
The Kai Shun Premier Tim Mälzer range is the fruit of a close collaboration between the Japanese company Kai and the internationally renowned German chef Tim Mälzer. This series has been designed to meet the expectations of both professional chefs and passionate amateurs, combining efficiency, ergonomics and a strong identity.
Forged in Seki, Japan, the historic cradle of Japanese cutlery, Tim Mälzer's Shun Premier knives embody a philosophy focused on performance and ease of use. Every detail is designed to provide a natural grip, controlled cutting and great versatility for everyday use.
Hammered damascus blade with VG MAX core
The knives in Tim Mälzer's Shun Premier range feature a damascened blade composed of thirty-two layers of steel, alternating hard and softer steels. This construction provides an excellent balance between rigidity, strength and wear tolerance.
The core of the blade is made from VG MAX steel, an alloy developed by Kai from VG10. Enriched with carbon, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium, it achieves a hardness of between 60 and 61 HRC on the Rockwell scale. This level of hardness guarantees excellent edge retention while maintaining precise sharpening capability.
The signature Tsuchime finish of the Premier range
The top surface of the blade is hand-hammered using the Japanese Tsuchime technique. This hammering gives each knife a unique look, while enhancing cutting comfort. The hollows formed on the surface of the blade limit the adherence of food when cutting, making it easier to work with vegetables, meat or fish.
Each knife is then inspected by the Kai experts at Seki to guarantee consistent quality and strict compliance with Japanese manufacturing standards.
Kai Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Japanese paring knife 10cm
Knife set of 2 Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Universal + Chef damascus knives
Japanese cutlery set Kai Shun Premier Tim Malzer knife + fork
A walnut handle designed for ergonomics
The handles of Tim Mälzer's Kai Shun Premier knives are made from walnut wood. This natural wood species offers excellent resistance over time and a unique grain to each piece. Its warm hue contrasts elegantly with the rough, damascened look of the blade.
The curved shape of the handle has been specially designed for a comfortable, secure grip. It is suitable for both right- and left-handed users, enabling them to work with precision while minimizing fatigue during prolonged use. The engraved steel base contributes to the knife's overall balance.
A complete range for all uses
Tim Mälzer's Kai Shun Premier series offers a wide range of knives for all kinds of kitchen tasks. These include chef's knives, santoku knives, slicing knives and models for more precise cutting. This diversity makes it possible to create coherent, high-performance equipment with the same aesthetic and technical identity.
Combining Japanese tradition with a modern approach to European cuisine, Tim Mälzer's Shun Premier range is aimed at cooks looking for top-of-the-range knives that are reliable and pleasant to use on a daily basis.