It’s impossible to find a kitchen across the globe that does not have a knife. Are you a chef? If so, a knife is your lifetime cooking partner.
There are lots of knives available; however, Japanese kitchen knives allow you to prepare meals like a pro. They are famous for their cutting edge technology, award-winning craftsmanship, and incredible designs and patterns.
Moreover, their culinary perfection makes them stand out in the professional and the domestic forefront.
These are commonly made using top-grade materials that are sharp and durable. Through this post, let’s find out the top best Japanese knives that you can add to your cutlery collection.
The Best Japanese Knives - Our Top Picks
| Image | Brand | Name | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Zelite Infinity | Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife 7 Inch | PrimeEligible | Check Price |
| Simple Song | Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs Knife | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| Zelite Infinity | Zelite Infinity Chef Knife 8 Inch, Damascus | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| Dalstrong | DALSTRONG Chef's Knife - Shogun Series | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| Yoshihiro Cutlery | Yoshihiro VG-10 Hammered Damascus 46 Layers | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| BGT | BGT Japanese High-Grade 67-layer VG-10 Damascus Steel Knives | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| Shun | Shun DM0706 8-Inch Chef’s Knife | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| Ginsu | Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series | PrimeEligible | Check Price | |
| ChefWave | ChefWave 8 Inch Chef Knife | Prime | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Here we have detailed reviews of the best Japanese Knives in the market:
1. Zelite Infinity 7-Inch Santoku Knife - Beginners Choice
- Easy to hold and has excellent durability.
Need a Japanese knife that is well known in the market? That would be none other than the 7-inch Santoku knife made by the ZELITE INFINITY. It belongs to the Alpha royal series range.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
In addition to all the above aspects, it offers a lifetime warranty. In case you come across any defects, you can get the item replaced.
2. Traditional Japanese Gyuto Kitchen Professional Chefs Knife - Great For Sushi
- This one is suitable for cutting through tough meat.
Wish to add a professional level Japanese knife to your cutlery set? Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs is way too similar to the western type cutters. This one also consists of an 8-inch blade.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
This blade is an ideal option for would-be chefs who are starting. This is because it gives you a balanced feeling while you work with food products.
3. Zelite Infinity 8-inch Chef Knife - Professionals Choice
- Provides excellent resistance to corrosion and stain.
Do you like cooking and you need an impressive blade to make meals quickly? This 8-inch chef cutter from the Alpha Royal series by ZELITE INFINITY is an excellent choice.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
You will find that the blade is beautifully polished and finished using hands to bring about a Tsunami Rose Damascus pattern. This not only provides an aesthetic appearance but also offers a nonstick coating to the blade.
4. DALSTRONG Shogun Series Chef’s Knife - Top Performance
- A dream come true option for most chefs.
Who wouldn’t wish to own a knife from a reputable and famous cutlery brand in the industry? The 8-inch chefs' knife by DALSTRONG is what we’re talking about. Moreover, it belongs to the Shogun Series X Gyuto. This all-purpose cutlery is not only famous for his incredible construction but also its intricate details.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
When it comes to the handle, it’s made using military-grade G 10 material. It’s hand polish and handcrafted to suit the shape of your palms.
5. Yoshihiro VG-10 Hammered Damascus 46 Layers - Great Design
- Undying option among Japanese cutlery.
On the hunt for the perfect blade to finely chop up your veggies? The professional-grade option from Yoshihiro does the job well. This model belongs to the Hammered Damascus Gyuto Series. Known as the Gyuto cutter in Japanese, it’s a popular choice across the globe.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
For further protection, it comes along with a wooden sheath known as Saya. These not only safeguards the cutter but also increments towards the aesthetic looks while you’re not using.
6. BGT Japanese High-Grade 67-layer VG-10 Damascus Steel Knives - Extremely Sharp
Need super sharp professional cutlery for slicing in perfection? BGT Japanese High Grade manufactures high-quality options. The set comes in handy to take care of most of the tasks in the kitchen.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
As the cutters are hand-hammered, it provides extra durability to the product. It’s suitable to give as a gift to your loved ones or family members for occasions.
7. Shun DM0706 8-Inch Chef’s Knife - Great Overall
Wish to re-create the Japanese cuisines in your kitchen at home? Well, Japanese cuisines involve high precision when it comes to slicing fishes, meat, and veggies. Hence this 8-inch high-grade DM0706 model chef cutter from Shun is the best pick.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
It is made using well balanced and high-quality materials. The 8-inch blade is the perfect length for handling most of the tasks in the kitchen.
8. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged Knife Set - Good Value
- Suitable for prolonged and extensive use.
Need cutlery that is perfect from tip to tang so that you can work on your recipes with confidence? Ginsu Gourmet from the Chikara Series is the apt one for you.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
This knife set is popularly rated as the best option in the market. Moreover, it has a lifetime warranty in case of any manufacturing defects.
9. ChefWave Chef Knife 8 Inch - Comfortable Option
Looking for fine cutlery that you can use as a multipurpose cutting tool? This 8-inch chef cutter from ChefWave Is a piece of cake. This one is tough enough to handle most of the tasks in the kitchen.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
As for the handles, to gain extra resilience, they are triple-riveted. The cutter has a stylish appearance that is sure to adorn your kitchen.
Best Japanese Knives - Buying Guide
History Of The Japanese Knives
The Japanese are incredibly skilled with knife making craftsmanship. To make top-grade knives, you need skilled artisans and radical tools. As for the Japanese, they’re well known for crafting katanas or samurai swords. This earned them the reputation for creating incredibly sharp cutters.
During the late 16th century, they started creating general knives and became reputed in this area. Their creations are famous for their performance and longevity. All these unique features make it a must-have for any Japanese kitchen worldwide.
Japanese Knives Vs. Western Competitors
Japanese knives are entirely different from their western counterparts. Japanese blades are more delicate and are suitable for a particular application or task. Moreover, they are incredibly sharp and crafted using hard steel. This is because Japanese cuisine requires precise cuts. The top models are more resilient and harder than the western ones.
As for western competitors, the knife material used is quite different. These are mainly created for multipurpose uses. That is with a single blade; you can slice, cut, dice, and chop.
For more information on the difference, check out this video below:
How To Choose The Best Japanese Knives?
Let’s have a look at some of the factors you need to keep in mind before choosing the best Japanese cutter.
Sharpness:
The sharpness level is mostly based on each person’s choice. However, sharpness does not mean the product is of high quality. It’s advisable to choose the sharpness you feel comfortable to work with.
Steel:
Different sorts of steel are usually used for making this cutlery. Go for ones that have good quality high carbon steel. This is because high carbon steel blades are more durable and sturdy than low carbon options. They are also easy to maintain a higher level of sharpness.
Hardness:
The best part of the Japanese cutters is their hardness level. You can measure the hardness level of a knife in Rockwell. For Japanese options, look out for ones that have a score of more than 61. The right amount of hardness will make sure that your blade won’t crack or chip off easily.
Finish:
The finishing determines the performance and lifespan of the cutlery. It’s advisable to go for a hammered finishing known as tsuchime. Even a Damascus rose finishing works great as it offers a non-stick coating. This prevents the food from sticking to the blade while slicing.
Handle:
The handle acts as the perfect medium between the cutting edge of the cutter and yourself. Hence ensure that you get the best one. Go for models that fit well into the contour of your palms. As for the material used, see to it that they have anti-slip properties to avoid hurting your fingers. Choose sturdy ones and light in weight. This will help you to use it for extended periods without wearing out your hands.
Benefits Of Using The Best Japanese Knives
For centuries, Japanese craftsman has experimented with a variety of blade-making techniques. This resulted in the emergence of superior techniques that are passed down to generations. Here are some of the reasons why Japanese cutters are great options.
- Made using top steel materials.
- Light in weight and very thin, thereby suitable for precise cuts.
- Known as the sharpest knives in the world.
- The hardness level of Japanese knives is unmatchable.
Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is It Possible To Wash Your Knife Using A Dishwasher?
No. It’s advisable not to wash or clean your cutter using a dishwasher. Throughout the washing cycle in the dishwasher, the cutter will be frequently knocked over many times. This may cause the blade to chip or crack in places. You might also find brown spots on the cutter when you clean it with other items. The stains are quite hard to remove. It’s better to clean the surface of the cutter using warm water. Remember to wipe the surface dry using a towel to prevent rusting.
How Do You Know Which Is The Best Knife Suitable for You?
You must buy based on your cooking style and preferences. To understand more concerning the details of the cutter, go through the manufacturer’s description. Also, conduct careful research on the various types of cutters and make the right choice.
What Makes Japanese Knifes The Best Option?
The Japanese cutters are ultra-sharp with a striking appearance. Each model comes with a specific application and task. They are mostly made using hard stainless steel materials. This enables you to slice or dice with precision and proficiency.
What Is The Average Height Of A Japanese Knife?
The average height is about 9.4“. The reason for this particular height is to adhere to the slicing action with sufficient separation. For example, to thinly slice the vegetables, you need soft vegetables to stay separated. If you use a blade with lesser height, the sliced pieces will lean back on the uncut piece.
You may have to move the cut slices with your hands before you can slice the next piece. By using a blade with the right height, you can separate the cut portions with ease without any breakages.
Conclusion
Selecting the best Japanese knife from the incredible collections is a daunting task. As the Japanese blades are not cheap, it’s crucial to research thoroughly before you make the final investment. We hope this post will help you make the right choice.
Our best choice goes to ZELITE INFINITY 7-Inch Santoku Knife that belongs to the Alpha royal series range. This one is a popular choice in the market when it comes to Japanese nice. It’s made you using imported, good quality super stainless steel AUS10 materials.
It comes compressed and sandwiched with 67 layers of high carbon stainless steel material. Due to the presence of these numerous layers, the blade has a strong and striking appearance. The blade is above par with an incredible hardness level having a score of 61 Rockwell.
It’s easy to use for all purposes and smooth while slicing and dicing food items. Since it does not have any resistance, you won’t feel any fatigue while using it.
Why wait? Get a Japanese knife from the above list and start cooking like a professional. Make sure that you get one that comes with a manufacturer warranty. Compare the Japanese one with the other knives to find the difference.
Happy Shopping!