10 Best Japanese Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a comprehensive collection that includes essential kitchen knives such as an 8-inch Chef’s Knife and a 4-inch Paring Knife, along with a Honing Steel and an 11-Slot Bamboo Knife Block. The blades are made from high-quality VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, offering superior sharpness with a 16-degree edge. This ensures precise cuts and long-lasting performance. The knives feature a distinctive hammered tsuchime finish to prevent food from sticking, enhancing the user experience.

The handles are made from contoured Pakkawood, providing a comfortable and secure grip for both left and right-handed users. Each knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, showcasing traditional knife-making expertise and superior quality. The set also includes free sharpening and honing services, adding to its value. However, the set's weight of 11.85 pounds may be considered heavy for some users, and it requires hand washing, which might be inconvenient for those who prefer dishwasher-safe options. This set is ideal for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs who appreciate high-quality Japanese craftsmanship and are looking for a durable, well-balanced knife set.

The Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-pc Knife Block Set offers a premium selection of kitchen knives with several standout features. The blades are made from high carbon stainless steel, ensuring excellent durability and sharpness. These knives are hand-honed to a very sharp 9.5 to 12-degree edge using the traditional Honbazuke process, making them perfect for precise and fine cutting tasks. The ice-hardened CRYODUR blades enhance their resilience, with a Rockwell hardness of 63, which means they can maintain their edge longer than many other knives. Additionally, the 101-layer flower Damascus design not only adds to their aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the blade's strength.

The handles are crafted from traditional Japanese Karelian Birchwood, providing a comfortable and secure grip, complemented by the balanced weight of the knives, making them easy to handle during use. The set includes essential knives such as a parer, santoku, chef's knife, and bread knife, along with stainless steel shears, honing steel, and a 12-slot bamboo block for organized storage. However, these knives are not dishwasher safe, requiring careful hand washing to maintain their condition. Also, their premium materials and craftsmanship come at a higher price point, which might not be suitable for all budgets.

The set's weight of 7 pounds is manageable for most users, although it might feel slightly heavy for those preferring lighter tools. This knife set is ideal for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs who value precision, durability, and traditional craftsmanship in their kitchen tools.

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.

The solid oak handle adds to its appeal by offering a firm and comfortable grip, contributing to the knife's balance and control during use. This makes it easier and safer to handle, whether you're in a kitchen at home or outdoors at a BBQ or camping trip. However, it’s important to note that the knife is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is required to maintain its quality and longevity.

The knife’s weight, at just 6.2 ounces, ensures it is light enough for easy handling, yet substantial enough to provide good balance. Its traditional Japanese craftsmanship combined with modern techniques ensures a high level of performance. The Matsato Chef Knife is highly rated by users, holding a 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,900 reviews, indicating a generally positive reception. This knife is a reliable, multi-purpose kitchen tool that combines traditional design with modern needs, although it requires careful maintenance due to its non-dishwasher-safe nature.