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10 Best Japanese Knives 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch

13%OFF

Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch

Matsato

10.0 score

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The Matsato Chef Knife stands out as a versatile and well-crafted tool suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, which promises durability and sharpness, reducing the likelihood of dulling or chipping over time. The blade length of 6.2 inches makes it a practical choice for various kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meats.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,298
Weight and Balance

Most important from
7141 reviews

Weight and Balance
Great value and a must for any kitchen! Nice weight and size, sturdy, and easy to handle.
#2
8.2 score

MIYABI Mizu SG2 Chef's Knife (8-inch)

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MIYABI Mizu SG2 Chef's Knife (8-inch)

MIYABI

8.2 score

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The MIYABI Mizu SG2 Chef's Knife is made with premium SG2 Micro-Carbide Powder Stainless Steel, known for its excellent sharpness and durability. Its blade features a beautiful hammered damascus finish, adding both style and slight non-stick qualities. The knife is 8 inches long, a versatile size suitable for most kitchen tasks like slicing, dicing, and chopping. Thanks to the Cryodur ice-hardening process, the blade is very hard (63 Rockwell Hardness), meaning it keeps its edge longer but might need careful handling to avoid chipping.

Rating
8.2
Blade Material
Blade Type
Weight and Balance

Most important from
504 reviews

Blade Material
The blade's thin, hard steel retains its edge like no other stainless steel knife, delivering effortless, precise cuts every time.
Blade Type
Its elegant hammered damascus finish not only looks stunning but also helps reduce food sticking to the blade.
Weight and Balance
Well balanced and agile, this knife feels light in hand and glides smoothly through vegetables and meat alike.
Blade Length
The 8-inch blade length is perfect for everyday kitchen tasks, offering versatility without sacrificing control.
Handle Material
The comfortable D-shaped Micarta handle with bolster and metal end cap provides excellent grip and balance for extended use.
#3
8.2 score

SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife

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SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife

SHAN ZU

8.2 score

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The SHAN ZU Chef Knife is an 8-inch Japanese-style kitchen knife made from 67 layers of Damascus steel, featuring a core of 10Cr15Mov high-carbon steel. This combination gives the blade excellent hardness (rating 62 HRC) and sharpness, with good resistance to rust and wear, which is ideal for everyday kitchen use. Its forged construction and repeated folding process create a distinctive Damascus pattern that is authentic, not just decorative. The blade has a thin 2.2 mm thickness and a 15-degree edge angle, contributing to precise and effortless cutting, which suits tasks like slicing vegetables, meat, and fish.

Rating
8.2
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
5058 reviews

Blade Material
The Damascus steel blade not only looks stunning under light but also offers excellent edge retention for general kitchen use.
Blade Length
The thin 2.2 mm blade and 15-degree edge angle contribute to precise, effortless slicing, ideal for clean cuts rather than sawing.
Handle Material
The G10 handle ensures a secure grip and good balance, enhancing usability and confidence while slicing and dicing.
Edge Angle
The thin 2.2 mm blade and 15-degree edge angle contribute to precise, effortless slicing, ideal for clean cuts rather than sawing.
Weight and Balance
Its weight feels substantial yet balanced, providing comfortable control during extended use without fatigue.

Top 10 Best Japanese Knives 2025 in the United States

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Dalstrong

Dalstrong Slicer Knife - 11 inch - Scorpion Series - Venom Edition - Exclusive Japanese V12 Ultra Steel - Spiral Sandstorm Blade Pattern - Black Honeycomb Resin Handle - Custom-Fit Leather Sheath

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Matsato

Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch

Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Blade Type: Plain
Blade Length: 6.2 Inches
Handle Material: Wood
Weight and Balance: 6.2 ounces, good balance

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13% OFF

Chosen by 1298 this week

Sponsored

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Dalstrong

Dalstrong Slicer Knife - 11 inch - Scorpion Series - Venom Edition - Exclusive Japanese V12 Ultra Steel - Spiral Sandstorm Blade Pattern - Black Honeycomb Resin Handle - Custom-Fit Leather Sheath

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#2
8.2  score
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MIYABI

MIYABI Mizu SG2 Chef's Knife (8-inch)

Blade Material: SG2 Micro-Carbide Stainless Steel
Blade Type: Chef's Knife
Blade Length: 8 inches
Handle Material: Micarta
Edge Angle: 12 degrees both sides
Weight and Balance: 7.4 oz, balanced with bolster

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18% OFF
#3
8.2  score
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SHAN ZU

SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife

Blade Material: 67-Layer Damascus Steel, 10Cr15Mov core
Blade Type: Japanese-style kitchen knife
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Handle Material: G10 Glass Fiber
Edge Angle: 15-degree
Weight and Balance: 260g, lightweight, balanced

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22% OFF
#4
7.9  score
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Atumuryou JPCK

Japanese Chef Knife, 8 Inch Damascus Kitchen Knife with VG10 Steel Core, Professional Black Forged Kitchen Knives with Ergonomic Handle, Leather Sheath & Luxury Gift Box, Christmas Gifts for Men Women

Blade Material: VG10 Steel
Blade Type: Black Forged
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Handle Material: Stabilized Wood & Resin
Weight and Balance: 7.4 oz, full tang

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33% OFF
#5
7.9  score
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MITSUMOTO SAKARI

MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Chef's Knife Set 4 Pcs, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife Set, High Carbon Ultra Sharp Cooking Chefs Knife Set (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)

Blade Material: Carbon Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Handle Material: Rosewood
Weight and Balance: 800 grams, about 1.76 pounds

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26% OFF
#6
7.6  score
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Global

Global Osaka 6 Piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: CROMOVA 18 stainless steel
Blade Type: various blade types
Blade Length: 3- to 8-inch
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Weight and Balance: 2.8 pounds, lightweight balance

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#7
7.3  score
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MIYABI

Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-pc Knife Block Set

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Blade Type: Ice-hardened CRYODUR, 101-layer Damascus
Handle Material: Karelian Birchwood
Edge Angle: 9.5 to 12 degrees
Weight and Balance: 7 pounds, balanced

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#8
7.3  score
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MIYABI

Miyabi Birchwood SG2 Japanese Chef's Knife, 8-inch, Chef's Kitchen Knife, Karelian Birch Handle, 100-layer flower Damascus pattern, Handcrafted in Seki, Japan

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#9
7.0  score
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Global

Global 8 Piece Knife Set with Bamboo Block

Blade Material: Cromova 18 high carbon steel
Blade Type: Straight
Blade Length: 3.5" to 8.5"
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Edge Angle: 15-degree double bevel
Weight and Balance: Balanced by sand in handle

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20% OFF
#10
7.0  score
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Global

Global 40th Anniversary 3-Piece Knife Set - Knives: 7 inch Asian Chef, 6 inch Kiritsuke Utility, 4 inch Paring

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Buying Guide for the Best Japanese Knives

Choosing the right Japanese knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Japanese knives are known for their precision, sharpness, and craftsmanship. When selecting a Japanese knife, it's important to consider various factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include high-carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds an edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and easier to maintain but may not hold an edge as long. Damascus steel combines the best of both worlds with a beautiful pattern and excellent performance. Choose high-carbon steel if you prioritize sharpness and are willing to maintain it, stainless steel for ease of care, and Damascus steel for a balance of both.
Blade TypeJapanese knives come in various blade types, each designed for specific tasks. Common types include Gyuto (chef's knife), Santoku (all-purpose knife), Nakiri (vegetable knife), and Deba (fish knife). The Gyuto is versatile and can handle most tasks, making it a great all-around choice. The Santoku is also versatile but excels in slicing, dicing, and chopping. The Nakiri is perfect for cutting vegetables with precision, while the Deba is ideal for filleting fish. Choose a blade type based on the primary tasks you perform in the kitchen.
Blade LengthBlade length affects the knife's maneuverability and suitability for different tasks. Common lengths range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) offer better control and are ideal for tasks like chopping vegetables or slicing smaller items. Longer blades (9-12 inches) provide more cutting surface and are better for slicing larger items like meat or fish. Consider the size of your kitchen space and the types of food you typically prepare when choosing the blade length.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and feel but may require more maintenance to prevent cracking. Plastic handles are durable and easy to clean but may lack the aesthetic appeal of wood. Composite handles combine the best of both, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Edge AngleThe edge angle determines the sharpness and cutting performance of the knife. Japanese knives typically have a sharper edge angle (around 15 degrees) compared to Western knives (around 20 degrees). A sharper edge angle allows for more precise and effortless cutting but may require more frequent sharpening. If you prioritize precision and are comfortable with regular maintenance, opt for a sharper edge angle. If you prefer less maintenance, a slightly wider angle may be more suitable.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a knife affect its ease of use and comfort. Japanese knives are generally lighter and more balanced than Western knives, allowing for more precise control. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable in your hand and reduce fatigue during extended use. Test the knife's weight and balance by holding it and mimicking cutting motions. Choose a knife that feels comfortable and well-balanced to ensure a pleasant cooking experience.

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