I.O Shen knives. Find out why they bend so much.

I.O SHEN

I.O. Shen Knives – Why Softer Steel Isn't Necessarily a Bad Thing

I.O. Shen knives have been popular in professional and domestic kitchens for many years, and they have some interesting characteristics when it comes to sharpening.

One of the most noticeable is their relatively soft steel.

People are frequently told that harder steel automatically means a better knife. We don't agree.

Softer steel has advantages. It is generally easier to sharpen, less brittle and more forgiving of everyday kitchen use. I.O. Shen blades respond particularly well to sharpening and can be brought back to an excellent working edge.

Their softness does mean that we frequently see blades that have bent. The good news is that because the steel is relatively forgiving, these bends can always be corrected.

Corrosion is another consideration. In our experience, I.O. Shen knives have a greater propensity to develop rust than many owners expect. They should therefore be cleaned and dried after use and certainly shouldn't be left sitting wet or forgotten in a dishwasher.

Our Verdict

Blade & Butler rating: 7.5/10

Good, practical knives with relatively soft and forgiving steel. Don't mistake softness for poor quality – in a working kitchen it can actually be an advantage. Keep them dry, look after them properly and they sharpen extremely well.