10 Best Japanese Knife Sets in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen knives, try a Japanese knife set! Japanese knives are popular with professional chefs and can take your cooking game to the next level. They're designed differently from Western knives and usually have thinner, more delicate blades. These knives tend to be a lot sharper than Western knives and last longer, too!
However, it can be difficult to pick a Japanese knife set since there are so many factors to consider. To help you out, we've carefully researched the best sets available. Our favorite is the 5 Block Knife Set from Yatoshi Knives since it's made with pakkawood handles and high carbon stainless steel, and it comes with a block and shears. Browse through the rest of the sets on our 10 best lists, and be sure to read our buying guide for all the information you need to know to find the best Japanese knife set.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
What Is a Japanese Knife?
Japanese knives like santoku and gyuto knives are known for being lightweight and sharp. You can tell a Japanese knife from a Western knife by looking at a couple of factors like the handle and blade material, the number of bevels, and weight.
Japanese knives are generally single beveled, meaning the knife's angle is only formed on one side of the blade. Single-beveled knives are a lot sharper than double-beveled ones.
They also typically have wooden handles, have a partial tang, and are made of high-carbon steel. For more information on these aspects, check out our buying guide!
How to Choose Japanese Knife Sets
When buying a Japanese knife set, there are a few crucial factors you should keep in mind, including the knife style, blade and handle material, and extra items included.
Check the Included Knife Styles
It’s important to consider the type of knives in the set you plan to buy. Like Western knives, Japanese knives come in specific styles that serve different purposes.
Gyuto, Santoku, and Petty Are Must-Have Knives
When buying a Japanese knife set, make sure it has these three essential knives: gyuto (Chef’s knife), santoku, and petty (paring/utility knife).
The Japanese counterpart to a Western chef's knife is a gyuto, which means "beef knife." A gyuto is an all-purpose kitchen knife that is generally thinner and lighter than Western knives. A gyuto knife's blade ranges from six to 15 inches long and is one-and-a-half to five millimeters thick.
Gyuto Knife for Cutting Meats and More
The Japanese counterpart to a Western chef's knife is a gyuto, which means "beef knife." A gyuto is an all-purpose kitchen knife that is generally thinner and lighter than Western knives. A gyuto knife's blade ranges from six to 15 inches long and is one-and-a-half to five millimeters thick.
Santoku Knife for All-Purpose Use
Another Japanese knife style commonly included in a set is the santoku, which translates to "three virtues" in English. A santoku is used with vegetables, meat, and fish, and its blade is usually between six and eight inches in length.
Petty Knife for Tasks Like Peeling and Paring
The smaller version of a gyuto knife is a petty knife. It's used for more delicate tasks like peeling, pairing, and decorating. If you need to peel the skin of an apple or make delicate slices in vegetable, this is the knife you should use. This style is also called a paring knife.
Other Useful Knives for Cutting Bones, Slicing Bread, and More
If you want knives specially made for slicing meat or cutting produce, get a sujihiki or a nakiri. These knives are called carving and vegetable knives in the West, respectively.
A sujihiki has a long, thin blade around nine-and-a-half to 12 inches in length. They are used to thinly slice meat, fish, and vegetables.
Other knives often included in a Japanese knife set are cleavers and bread knives. Cleavers are perfect for cutting through bones, tough meat, and hardy vegetables, while bread knives easily slice baked goods.
Consider the Durability of the Blade Material
Entry-level Japanese knives are made from stainless steel. This type of steel is made of iron alloys with a range of other metals like chromium, nickel, and a small amount of carbon. Stainless steel knives are easy to maintain, sharp, and rust-resistant.
If you’re looking for Japanese knives with the best durability and longevity, look for high-carbon steel. This alloy consists of higher-grade stainless steel that contains more carbon than regular stainless steel, making it more durable.
High-carbon steel knives do not discolor or stain, and they stay sharp a lot longer than other metal knives. Because of their superior quality, Japanese chefs prefer high-carbon steel knives. However, these knives are more difficult to maintain.
Stainless steel and high carbon stainless steel branch into specific types. Usually, it depends on where they are manufactured. For example, high carbon stainless steel 3Cr13, 9CR18MOV, and CR17 are produced in China.
Others types commonly used to make Japanese knives are VG-10 and AUS-8 stainless steel produced in Japan. The latter has the chemical vanadium added to increase the blade's hardness.
Get a Comfortable and Durable Knife Handle
It's essential to get a knife that is comfortable to hold and easy to use to reduce the risk of accidents and arm strain. Japanese knives typically have wooden handles with the blade inserted into the wood. However, you can still find handles fixed with rivets.
Western knives are also full tang, while Japanese knives are usually partially tang. The tang of a knife is the unexposed and unsharpened part of a knife. Full tang knives mean the solid blade runs through the knife handle, while partially tang knives have blades that don't extend completely through the handle.
Pakkawood and rosewood are common handle materials. High-end knife handles are made from more precious wood like blackwood or ebony. Nowadays, Japanese knives can also have plastic handles, like ABS plastic or thermoplastic like polypropylene (PP).
Higher quality wood equals a more comfortable experience. These woods also tend to last longer and don't chip compared to cheaper wood. Generally, wooden handles are more comfortable than plastic.
Oval handles are the most comfortable and offer decent control. Both left and right-handed individuals can use an octagonal handle. D-shape handles are the most precise but are not ambidextrous. Lastly, shield handles are ideal for smaller hands.
Consider a Set With Extras Like Kitchen Shears or Unique Block Holders
It's worth checking out any extra items in your knife set since you will have these utensils for years. For starters, a block to store the blades in will be very handy. Some kitchen knife sets include unique block holders that are magnetic or made from glass.
Other knife sets come with additional cooking utensils like knife sharpeners, kitchen shears, and chopping boards. If you need extra tools, these may be useful additions.
10 Best Japanese Knife Sets Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Yatoshi Knives | | Best High Carbon Steel Knives With Ergonomic Handles | |
2 | Imarku | | Best Set With a Ton of Different Knives | |
3 | Dalstrong | | Best Knife Set With a Magnetic Block | |
4 | Iseya | | Best Japanese-Made Set of Hand-Crafted Blades | |
5 | Tuo | | Best All-in-One Japanese Knife Set | |
6 | Marco Almond | | Best Premium Japanese Knives With a Built-in Block Sharpener | |
7 | Findking | | Best Japanese Knife Set With Dimpled Blades | |
8 | Xyj | | Best Knife Set for On-the-Go Chefs | |
9 | Famcute Japanese Chef Knife Set | | Best Set of Dimple Design Blades With a Block | |
10 | EUNA | | Best Set of Non-Stick Japanese Knives |
Best High Carbon Steel Knives With Ergonomic Handles
Pros:
- Includes essentials like chef, santoku, and paring knives
- Also includes knife block and shears
- Made of high carbon stainless steel
- Made with comfortable pakkawood handles
Cons:
- Some reports of rusting
These five Japanese knives are made from durable high carbon steel and have traditional wooden handles. You can hold these knives comfortably for long periods because of their ergonomic shape. Each set comes with a block and shears.
A few reviewers said that their knives rust, so be sure to pat the blades dry after each wash. Nevertheless, most buyers liked the knives' stylish design, durability, and comfortable handles. Customers also confirmed that they are lightweight and cut smoothly.
Best Set With a Ton of Different Knives
Pros:
- 16 pieces in total including the essentials like chef and santoku knives
- Also includes shears, a block, and sharpening steel
- Made with an ergonomic grip
Cons:
- Pakkawood handle is artificial, so people looking for the real thing may be disappointed
- Some reports that the knives need to be sharpened regularly
The multipurpose 16-piece set comes with a block, shears, knives, and sharpening steel. The handles are made from artificial pakkawood and feature a double rivet design. The knives are easy to grip, thanks to the curved handle.
According to some reviewers, the knives need to be sharpened regularly. On the other hand, most buyers confirmed that the knives are made well and feel durable. Users also loved the number of pieces in the set, saying it includes useful knives.
Best Knife Set With a Magnetic Block
Pros:
- Space-saving magnetic block design
- Includes the essentials like chef, santoku, and paring knives
- Handles are made of comfortable pakkawood
- Made with high carbon stainless steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Since the blades are exposed, it's not the most family-friendly
- Some reports that the handles wear down easily
Save space with this unique Japanese knife set with a wooden magnetic block. The block holds 12 knives using strong dual-sided magnetic columns. The handles are made from pakkawood, and the entire set comes with a lifetime warranty.
Some reviewers reported that the handles are prone to wear and tear. Past this, many customers loved the blades' sharpness and convenient magnetic block. People also liked the variety of useful knife styles included.
Best Japanese-Made Set of Hand-Crafted Blades
Pros:
- Includes two multipurpose knives
- Made with pakkawood handles
- High-quality, hand-hammered stainless steel for strength
- Made by a Japanese knife blacksmith
Cons:
- Doesn't include a santoku knife
- Don't include sheaths or a block
This Japanese knife set includes two useful knives: a petty and gyuto knife. Each one is hand-made from high-quality stainless steel, mahogany, and pakkawood, and the blades are hammered by hand. It is advised not to use these blades on frozen foods or bones to prevent chipping.
Overall, reviewers loved the sharp blades and comfortable handles. They reported that these knives are easy to use and well-balanced. People also liked the quality of the metal finishing.
Best All-in-One Japanese Knife Set
Pros:
- Includes a wide range of blades from a paring knife to a cleaver
- Handles made of comfortable pakkawood composite material
- Blades made of high carbon stainless steel
- Comes with a honing steel, block, and shears
- Some reports that the handles aren't very durable
This Japanese knife set includes various blades made from durable German high carbon stainless steel. The ergonomic handles are made from a pakkawood composite material. Each set consists of a wooden block, kitchen sears, and honing steel, and it's backed by a lifetime guarantee.
A few reviewers said that the handles aren't that durable. However, most buyers loved the size and quality of the blades, saying the set is perfect for avid cooks. People said they are very sharp and hold their edge well.
Best Premium Japanese Knives With a Built-in Block Sharpener
Pros:
- 14 pieces with essentials like a chef, santoku, paring, and utility knife
- Also includes steak knives
- Made with high carbon stainless steel
- Includes a built-in sharpener and shears
Cons:
- Some reviewers noticed rusting after a few months
- Plastic handle may not be the most comfortable to use
This set comes with 14 useful knives. It has the essentials, like chef and santoku knives. It also includes other useful tools like shears and five steak knives! The blades are made from high carbon Japanese stainless steel. Plus, the knife block comes with a built-in sharpener.
Despite being advertised as rust-resistant, a few reviewers complained that their knives rusted after a few months. Other than this, almost everyone confirmed that the blades are sharp and durable. Customers also said that the built-in sharpener works perfectly!
Best Japanese Knife Set With Dimpled Blades
Pros:
- Made with rosewood handles
- Dimpled surface prevents food from sticking
- Comes in nice packaging
- Doesn't include a paring knife or a block
The set has four knives: a vegetable, utility, santoku, and chef knife. The blades are made of stainless steel, and the octagon handles are rosewood. Plus, the blades have a dimpled surface that prevents food from sticking.
A couple of reviewers said that the blades are prone to rust when not properly maintained. On the bright side, most users were happy with the blades' sharpness. Buyers also said that they are comfortable to handle and well-balanced.
Best Knife Set for On-the-Go Chefs
Pros:
- Includes 8 versatile and essential knives like santoku, chef, and more
- Wooden handles for comfort
- Comes with a canvas roll bag and knife sheaths
Cons:
- Some reports that the knives rust easily
This eight-piece Japanese knife set is perfect for taking with you. It comes with a variety of stainless steel blades, including chef, santoku, and fruit knives. Each blade comes with a sheath, and you can safely store the knives in the included canvas roll bag.
A couple of reviewers had with this knife set is prone to rust, and others note that the blades aren't actually Damascus steel. Other than that, many satisfied buyers liked that these knives are lightweight yet durable. They also appreciated that they are very sharp and easy to store in the bag.
Best Set of Dimple Design Blades With a Block
Pros:
- Dimple design keeps food from sticking
- Made with rosewood handles
- Includes a block for storage
- Has essentials like santoku and chef knife
Cons:
- Doesn't include a paring knife
- Some reports that the knives rust easily
The clad dimple design of this four-piece knife set makes clean-up a breeze. Food particles are easier to wash off due to the bumps on the surface. Each set comes with a wooden block to safely store your knives. The blades are stainless steel, and the octagon handles are rosewood.
A few reviewers said not to leave these knives can rust, so be sure to dry them after washing. Overall, however, most customers loved the craftmanship and sharpness of the knives. They also appreciated that they are balanced well.
Best Set of Non-Stick Japanese Knives
Pros:
- Includes essential knives like chef, santoku, and paring knife
- Made with high carbon stainless steel
- Non-stick coating
- Come with protective sheaths
Cons:
- Plastic handle may not be the most comfortable to use
- No extras like blocks or shears
These five stainless steel knives have a non-stick metallic coating for easier use, helping food slide off the blades. The knives are dishwasher safe and come with protective sheaths for safer storage. The sizes range from a large chef knife to a small paring knife.
Some reviewers had problems with the non-stick coating peeling off of the knives. Meanwhile, many satisfied customers praised the knives' beautiful design and comfortable handles. Buyers also reported that the blades are razor-sharp.
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In Collaboration With Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Japanese Knife Sets
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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