If you have invested in a Shun knife, why not protect your investment? Luckily there are a number of premier cutting boards that were made specifically to protect high-end knives like Shun knives. Keep in mind though that the items on our list of the best cutting boards for Shun knives will also be great for your fine German or other types of cutlery.
We have compiled a list of cutting boards that will help you get the longest and best life out of your prized knives so let’s take a look.
HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Our first entry is a cutting board set that is made of non-porous, BPA free, soft, heavy duty plastic. Many people consider plastic boards the best boards for Japanese knives because they give plenty of yield to preserve the blade.
This set of 3 cutting boards feature a deep juice trench around the perimeter of each to either preserve the natural juices of foods or keep your cook area clean. These rectangular boards feature handles and are dishwasher safe.
Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Sometimes, the stability of the board could determine whether it would be a good Shun cutting baord or not. These Gorilla Grip boards feature a sturdy rubber base on either side to prevent sliding and slipping on the counter top.
You get three sizes in this set which is made of BPA free plastic. They are forgiving on very sharp knives like Wustoffs and Shun knives. Plus the non-porous plastic makes these boards very easy to clean.
Labell Boards Large Reversible Canadian Maple Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Wood boards made of softer woods like maple also make great Shun cutting boards since the surface is supple yet firm. This Maple board from Labell is 24 inches long and 18 inches wide so you get plenty of space for your meal preps.
Maple is also a natural anti-microbial which makes it an ideal wood for cutting boards since it doesn’t harbor bacteria and viruses.
Shun DM0817 Hinoki Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Now if you want to invest in a board that was made for your Shun knife, this one is for you. Hinoki is the name for Japanese Cypress and it is prized for cutting boards because the surface yields to soft blades but has a firm core that is ideal for chopping, dicing, mincing and food prep in general.
This Hinoki cutting board was made by the Shun company so it is the ideal match for your prized Shun knife. The Shun Hinoki cutting board comes in 3 different sizes and all three versions have a rectangular shape.
Winco WCB-1824 Wooden Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Winco is no stranger to making premium cutting boards specifically for high-end knives either. This Winco model features a 24” x 18” frame and a thickness of 1.75 inches. There are also recessed handle grips on either side.
It’s made from premium hardwood that is renowned for it’s longevity. But don’t let the classification of the wood fool you; it’s still very supple and safe for Shun knives.
Kiso Hinoki Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
This is another Hinoki wood cutting board and while it is not produced by the Shun company, it is still renowned for its superb compatibility with Shun and other high quality knives. This board comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 10” to 24” length and 0.3” and 1.5” thickness.
The Hinoki wood that these boards are made of are also naturally repellent of many types of common kitchen bacteria. And of course, they are made from sustainably sourced Japanese cypress.
Hardwood Chef Premium Thick Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
If you like to use your Shun knives to care up large portions of meat then this board will meet your needs. This board made of durable Acacia wood is perfect for carving up meats, cheeses, breads, and with it’s juice trough it is also ideal for fruits.
The board is 16” x 12” and it is nearly 2 inches thick! So you can bet this thing won’t slide around even when you are cutting into huge shanks of meat. Acacia is also naturally warp-resistant so you don’t have to worry about this board getting bent out of shape, so to speak.
Cutting Board for Shun Knives Buying Guide
If you are looking for the best cutting board for Shun knives specifically, you are going to want to try to find boards with certain features and design elements such as:
Soft/Hard Woods
There are some woods that are known for having a surface that provides plenty of “give” but with very strong cores. These woods include Maple, Japanese Cypress and Acacia so try to get a board made of these types of hard/soft woods.
Non-Porous Plastic
Plastic cutting boards are also viable options for Shun and other high-quality knives. But you must opt for non-porous plastic material because porous plastic can harbor bacteria and is harder to clean.
Lacquer Finish
A lacquer finish can be beneficial for sharp knife blades as they protect them from the course grains of the wood. But just keep in mind that the lacquer may wear off over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the best cutting surface?
A: We like cutting boards made of premium wood because they tend to last longer and are easier on sharp knives – even though they are a bit harder to maintain.
Q: Are plastic cutting boards good for knives?
A: Plastic is the material we would recommend next to boards made of the premium woods we mentioned above. They are a secondary choice but they are easier to clean and don’t require oiling.
Q: Which type of cutting board is the most hygienic?
A: Plastic is considered the most sanitary cutting board material since it is easier to clean and doesn’t harbor bacteria the way some woods do.
Some Parting Advice
In the end, the best cutting board for Shun knives is really a wise investment. A premium cutting board like the ones on our list will reduce the need for at-home or professional knife sharpening, which will save you time and money.
And of course, investing in one will help your Shun knife last as long as possible. So check out these great boards for Shun knives today!
