Welcome to I.O. Shen
I.O.Shen knives have been handcrafted by master craftsmen using Japanese steel and with paring them with westernised handles with a Tai Tang design.
Super sharp edges and the hardest stainless steel result in beautiful-looking knives that are perfectly weighted and balanced, with long-lasting blades that rarely need sharpening because they maintain their edge so well.
I.O.Shen knives are designed in the UK by expert knife designer and owner, Natalie Clifton, or they’re collaborations with some of the UK’s best chefs and then manufactured in Japan.
Recognised for their excellence, I.O.Shen knives are perfect for professional chefs and home cooks who’d like top-of-the-range, professional quality knives.
There’s a knife to suit any task as well as a choice of storage options and sharpeners.
Sharp talking
Cleaver – Have to say I am really impressed with this cleaver. The weight and balance is amazing. It is a very substantial clever and makes getting through bones and tougher jobs so much easier. As with any of IO Shen blades, it does the work for you. It has become one of my favourite knives of the range. Worth the investment.
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – This knife is just phenomenal. I am fairly new to IO SHEN but i am now hooked. This knife is just purely better than the rest. Also, Natalie’s knowledge and passion is simply unmatched by any other supplier i have ever dealt with both food and non-food. I WILL NEVER LOOK AT ANOTHER BRAND AGAIN.
Mai Peng 10th Anniversary Gift Set – Was given the set as an anniversary present, and was even more surprised to see that it had been engraved as well.
The Mai Peng has become a firm favourite very quickly, and I’ll reach for it for chills, ginger and onions in preference to the paring or Sahm Kohm.
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – Beautiful looking knife, has a very sharp edge straight out of the box that allows you to cut food like air. It has just enough weight to aid in cutting but is still light, very well balanced knife. It feels great in my hand and has one of the best shaped profiles ive come across, it feels so natural to use. I know go to I.O Shen over any other knife in my collection, wusthof, shun, etc. There is only one fault with this knife which is quite a big one but not enough to put me off the knife. Note this problem is non existent on the larger knifes but there is very little knuckle clearance. My fingers are small and unless I keep the handle infront of the chopping board my knuckles will contact the board. This is quite a decent flaw in an otherwise flawless knife in my opinion.
Mai Peng 10th Anniversary Gift Set – I was very pleased with the item. I collect I.O.Shen Knives and this Mai Peng Paring Knife is perfect for precise chopping. It was in a gift box with a pen knife. I was disappointed in the pen knife as it arrived damaged but I sent it back and a replacement was sent. If you buy I.O.Shen, the price is comparable to other elite knives so the pen knife is an added bonus.
Sahm Khom Slicer – I purchased this particular knife to give me a blade between my 9″ chef and 5″ utility knives, both of which are also I.O. Shen items.
The handle is as large as my chef’s knife, which I really like as I have quite large hands. The blade is not as heavy as I expected, which initially was a cause for concern, but after use, preparing onions, ginger, potatoes and herbs, I found those concerns to be completely unfounded. The balance of this knife is what makes it for me; I can use it for tap and rock chopping at considerable speed with utter confidence.
I would recommend this knife wholeheartedly for general use as it has both power and accuracy to cover most bases. A definite winner for me!
Utility Knife – Just purchased this to compliment my 9″ chef’s knife, also an I.O. Shen. This 5″ knife is ideal for the smaller more delicate preparation, such as fruit and smaller vegetables and has excellent balance and weight. Super sharp out of the box, as expected and a pleasure to use. I have a Global GSF of a similar size, but I wanted a blade with a bit more weight and power, which this little beauty has in spades. Very impressed!
Maoui Deba – I had four I. O. Shen knives before trying this one out at the Good Food show in Birmingham today. This knife is just wonderful, the balance is so good it is just effortless to use. Ridiculously sharp out of the box as usual and an absolute pleasure to use for all types of work. Get one, you know it makes sense!
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – A ridiculously strong and reliable chefs knife that seems to want you to put near enough no effort at all into cutting an amazing knife for all levels of experience.
Pointed Paring Knife – What a superb knife! Easily tackles the smallest intricate work to larger tasks. Feels great in the hand and the blade is like a razor.