Kanetsune makes their knives with similar materials as the Shun -- it's got a 33-layer Damascus-patterned blade with a core of VG-10 wrapped by stainless steel. This gives it the best of all worlds -- a hard and sharp edge with a corrosion-resistant exterior.

Like the Shuns, they also look mighty fine as well. That Damascus styling is so gorgeous, there's no doubt you'll want to display them in your kitchen.

The handles are a bit more pedestrian than the Shun, and the pricetag is similar, so it's not like you're getting a steal here. But they really are exceptional knives in their own right.

Kanetsune is well-known for making all kinds of high-quality knives, but they fly under the radar a bit when it comes to kitchen knives.

They also make a Gyuto, which has more of a traditional Chef's knife shape. You might want to consider that one if you want to be able to rock your knife while chopping or if you want something a bit larger.

Find this Kanetsune Santoku Knife:

• Click here to find this Santoku at Amazon.com

First off, the style. It's a gyuto - basically the Japanese equivalent of a western chef's knife - an all-purpose knife sharp enough to cut through multiple meats, vegetables, and fish.

Next up, the brand. Kanetsune is not well known for producing kitchen knives, but they make great ones. Starting with their VG-10 core, these knives are intended to rival the mighty Shun Classic knife.

Kanetsune's version of the gyuto blade is just as it was meant to be: sharp, strong, and made for longevity. It's available with a blade length of 8.30-inches (210mm) or 9.4 inches (240mm).

Like the Shun, it's crafted from genuine 17-layer Damascus steel over a VG-10 core.

The plywood handle comes in basic black with two silver bolsters, and is treated with an anti-microbial polish

Kanetsune makes their knives in Seki, Japan, well known as the Japanese "knife city" equivalent to Germany's Solingen.

Find this Kanetsune Gyuto Knife:

• Click here to find this knife on Amazon.com