The Best Japanese Knives of 2024 Recommended by Chefs
Japan is famous for a lot of things, and the best Japanese knives are no exception. Japanese knives are some of the best in the world and have been perfected by local craftspeople for generations. But what exactly makes Japanese knives so great?
For one, they are extremely sharp. They are designed to delicately yet precisely slice meat, fish, vegetables and more. Japanese knife types are also thin yet durable, meaning they can last a long time and are easy and comfortable to use.
Are you ready to add the best Japanese knives to your cutlery collection? From paring knives to butcher’s knives, and from the best Japanese chef’s knives to the best Japanese kitchen knives, there are plenty to choose from.
Browse the best Japanese knives below to learn more about each selection’s premium materials, strategic design and unique features.
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THE BEST OF THE BEST
Go from chef to samurai
Centuries of tradition meet exceptional modern construction in the Miyabi Artisan 8" Chef Knife. This knife features an SG2 powder-steel core clad in layers of nickel and stainless steel for strength and performance, with a hammered Tsuchime finish that prevents sticking. The handle, made of cocobolo rosewood pakkawood, is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into your hand. Each knife is hand-honed in Seki, Japan using traditional sharpening methods and finished with a true katana edge, resulting in blades so sharp they glide through food (they’re the sharpest cooking knives in the world).Dimensions: 13" L (8” blade)Care and Use: Hand wash onlyMaterial: SG2 micro-carbide powder steel, cocobolo rosewood pakkawood handle
This knife is as impressive as it is beautiful. The blade layers nickel and stainless steel over an SG2 powder-steel core, complete with a true katana edge for optimum sharpness.
Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" SantokuВ KnifeВ
The best of both worlds
A Western handle and Japanese blade complement one another beautifully in the Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" Santoku Knife. This smaller version of a Western chef’s knife excels at chopping, slicing and dicing meats, fish and produce. The hand hammered tsuchime finish helps release food from the blade for easy, clean and safe cutting. A modern installment of Kikuichi’s 750 year tradition of excellence, this versatile blade is sure to please new and seasoned chefs alike. Hand engraved with the Kikuichi chrysanthemum logo. Handcrafted in Japan. Dimensions: 7" bladeCare and Use: Hand wash. Sharpen periodically with water stone. Apply oil to blade during prolonged periods between use.Materials: Stainless steel blade. Eco wood handle.
A Western handle meets Eastern blade in this stunning santoku. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish gives this knife an extra edge in safe, easy cutting and quick clean-up.
Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife
The best cutlery companion
With the Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife, you’ll be able to cut, slice, peel and more—all with surgical-like precision. Designed with a dry sharpened blade that boasts scalpel-like sharpness, this Japanese paring knife takes the craftsmanship expected of the samurai sword-making capital of the world and combines it with German engineering capability, ensuring superior performance with every movement. The blade itself is constructed from groundbreaking FC61 fine carbide steel and ice hardened, so it’s incredibly durable and impressively resistant to corrosion. A keen, mirror-finish polish and hollow edges work to keep food from sticking to the blade as you cut, while the comfortable, triple-rivet handle allows you to work longer with less effort. Western-style chops and Asian-style rocking cuts are equally manageable thanks to its rounded spine and heel. When it comes to kitchen-related prep work—from chopping and slicing to peeling and scoring—the Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife handles it all effectively and stylishly. Made in Japan. Dimensions: Length: 8.86"; Width: 0.75”; Height: 0.98" Care & Use: Hand wash only Materials: FC61 Fine Carbide Steel
A paring knife is a chef's best companion, and this one is a veritable bargain. Boasting scalpel-like sharpness, the ice-hardened FC16 carbide steel is near indestructible.
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- THE BEST OF THE BEST
- Best Japanese Chef’s Knives
- Best Japanese Kitchen Knives
- Best Japanese Knife Sets
Best Japanese Chef’s Knives
1. Most Stylish Japanese Chef's Knife: Miyabi Artisan 8" Chef's Knife
Looking for one of the best Japanese chef's knives for wear-resistant use? The Miyabi Artisan 8" Chef Knife is made from high-alloy and high-carbon stainless steel and nickel, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing option. It features a hammered tsuchime finish that keeps it from sticking to food as you’re cutting. The handle’s made from gorgeous cocobolo rosewood pakkawood and is ergonomically designed to support you as you use it.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
According to Chef Andy's hands-on review, the knife "exceeded all my expectations from the quality of sharpness and material to the design. I totally recommend it if you are looking for sharpness and amazing design."
2. Best Minimalist Japanese Chef's Knife: Miyabi Koh 8" Chef's Knife
With an ice-hardened stainless steel blade and sleek pakkawood handle, this handmade knife is truly one of a kind. The Miyabi Koh 8" Chef's Knife is as functional as it is beautiful, with an octagonal shape that supports all sorts of cutting, slicing and chopping. Topping the list of best Japanese knives, this selection is designed to honor the samurai swords of eras past. It makes a lovely addition to any kitchen.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
This minimalist knife features clean, sleek lines and razor-sharp precision. The handle supports both Western-style chopping and Asian-style rocking cuts for total versatility.
3. Best Hybrid Japanese Chef's Knife: Miyabi Evolution 8" Chef's Knife
The Miyabi Evolution 8" Chef's Knife combines knife-making techniques from both Japan and Germany to create one of the best Japanese knives available. It’s made in Seki, Japan from high-carbon FC61 stainless steel, which is harder, denser and far more durable than average. The blades are ice-hardened, carefully polished and sure to withstand the tests of time no matter how much you use them.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
In his hands-on review, Chef Jordan W. notes the Evolution shows impressive craftsmanship, with a razor-sharp edge and a comfortable grip.
THE BEST OF THE BEST
Go from chef to samurai
Centuries of tradition meet exceptional modern construction in the Miyabi Artisan 8" Chef Knife. This knife features an SG2 powder-steel core clad in layers of nickel and stainless steel for strength and performance, with a hammered Tsuchime finish that prevents sticking. The handle, made of cocobolo rosewood pakkawood, is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into your hand. Each knife is hand-honed in Seki, Japan using traditional sharpening methods and finished with a true katana edge, resulting in blades so sharp they glide through food (they’re the sharpest cooking knives in the world).Dimensions: 13" L (8” blade)Care and Use: Hand wash onlyMaterial: SG2 micro-carbide powder steel, cocobolo rosewood pakkawood handle
SHOP NOW | $199.95
Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" SantokuВ KnifeВ
The best of both worlds
A Western handle and Japanese blade complement one another beautifully in the Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" Santoku Knife. This smaller version of a Western chef’s knife excels at chopping, slicing and dicing meats, fish and produce. The hand hammered tsuchime finish helps release food from the blade for easy, clean and safe cutting. A modern installment of Kikuichi’s 750 year tradition of excellence, this versatile blade is sure to please new and seasoned chefs alike. Hand engraved with the Kikuichi chrysanthemum logo. Handcrafted in Japan. Dimensions: 7" bladeCare and Use: Hand wash. Sharpen periodically with water stone. Apply oil to blade during prolonged periods between use.Materials: Stainless steel blade. Eco wood handle.
SHOP NOW | $330.00
Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife
The best cutlery companion
With the Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife, you’ll be able to cut, slice, peel and more—all with surgical-like precision. Designed with a dry sharpened blade that boasts scalpel-like sharpness, this Japanese paring knife takes the craftsmanship expected of the samurai sword-making capital of the world and combines it with German engineering capability, ensuring superior performance with every movement. The blade itself is constructed from groundbreaking FC61 fine carbide steel and ice hardened, so it’s incredibly durable and impressively resistant to corrosion. A keen, mirror-finish polish and hollow edges work to keep food from sticking to the blade as you cut, while the comfortable, triple-rivet handle allows you to work longer with less effort. Western-style chops and Asian-style rocking cuts are equally manageable thanks to its rounded spine and heel. When it comes to kitchen-related prep work—from chopping and slicing to peeling and scoring—the Miyabi Evolution 3.5" Paring Knife handles it all effectively and stylishly. Made in Japan. Dimensions: Length: 8.86"; Width: 0.75”; Height: 0.98" Care & Use: Hand wash only Materials: FC61 Fine Carbide Steel
SHOP NOW | $99.99Best Japanese Kitchen Knives
4. Best Overall Gyuto: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 9.5" Gyuto Knife
This Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 9.5" Gyuto Knife is one of the best Japanese knives for giving you the confidence in the kitchen to be a cut above the rest. Each blade is razor-thin for ultra presice cuts, made from hand-hammered Damascus steel. The hand-hammered surface creates a tsuchime finish with hollow-ground cavities to minimize drag while cutting. The Western-style handle blends the best of both worlds into a single knife.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This gyuto is one of our favorite fusions of Japanese and German styles, perfect for people who want the best features of each type of knife. It's also lightweight, easy to handle and undeniably stylish.
5. Best Overall Nakiri: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai 6.5" Nakiri Knife
If you’re looking for a knife in a less traditional shape, this rectangular Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai 6.5" Nakiri Knife is a great option. It’s made from three layers of engraved stainless steel and an octagonal walnut handle. The knife is quite simple in appearance but extremely practical as a multi-purpose, high-quality kitchen tool for making quick work of greens and vegetables. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best Japanese knives.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This beautiful knife embodies both simplicity and complexity (a Japanese concept known as shibui). The walnut wood handle is especially striking.
6. Best Overall Petty: Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Petty Knife
At 8" long, the blade of this Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai Petty Knife is big enough to take on all sorts of proteins and produce with ease. It’s made from Ginsan stainless steel and boasts a comfortable walnut handle perfectly suited for easy use. This is one of the best Japanese knives thanks to its simple yet quality design and the top-tier materials that it is made from.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
Chef Jordan W. notes it's the perfect petty knife for "fileting raw fish, or breaking down proteins such as chicken, pork or beef."
7. Best Multi-Tasker Petty: Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6" Petty Knife
If you are looking for a smaller knife option, the Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6" Petty Knife is perfect. What makes this one of the best Japanese knives is its 45-layer Damascus steel blade that's precise enough to peel an apple, yet durable enough to debone a chicken.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
The Kikuichi Nickel Warikomi Damascus 6" Petty Knife is one our favorite petty knives because of its unique, nimble design. The best Japanese knives impart beauty as well as function, and apart from the razor-sharp blade, the rosewood and ebony handle is pure elegance in the kitchen.
8. Best Mid-Range Japanese Paring Knife: Kikuichi Molybdenum Paring Knife
The Kikuichi Molybdenum Paring Knife is sleek, small and super-fine, yet just as durable as its thicker counterparts. This knife is also extremely sharp and features a Molybdenum AUS-10 stainless steel blade that stands up against wear and tear. For an introductory paring knife, this is one of the best Japanese knives for anyone who likes to cook at home.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
In her hands-on review, Chef Sharon cites the knife as easy to maneuver and great for fruit, making easy work of peeling an orange, cutting segments or coring strawberries.
9. Best Mid-Range Petty: Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 6" Petty Knife
Another member of the Molybdenum stainless steel family, the Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 6" Petty Knife is a good starter knife and one of the best Japanese knives if you’re seeking precision and value for money. Featuring a black resin handle and charming engraving, this petty is both great-looking and exceptionally reliable.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This is a great petty knife for chefs of any level. The ergonomic, comfortable design makes it easy for beginners to hold just as much as more established cooks.
10. Best Mid-Range Gyuto: Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 7" Gyuto Knife
This Kikuichi Molybdenum Stainless Steel 7" Gyuto Knife is very similar to the petty knife above but has a significantly longer blade. Longer blades allow for more leverage but at the end of the day, which one you should go for is really up to your own preference. That said, if you cook with a lot of meat, this will be one of the best Japanese knives to add to your collection.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This gyuto is one of the best Japanese knives for all kinds of all-purpose chopping, from meat to produce and everything in-between. Plus, the design doesn't compromise on style or practicality.
11. Best Heavy-Duty Japanese Paring Knife: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Paring Knife
This Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Paring Knife holds quite heavy in the hand but is just as small and agile as one could want. It’s made of Damascus stainless steel featuring a hammered tsuchime finish and gorgeous engraving. With its eco wood handle and timeless design, it's one of the best Japanese knives of this size.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love this small but mighty paring knife for its unique shape; food slides right off as you're cutting, maximizing your efficiency.
12. Most Stylish Petty: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Petty Knife
This Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime Petty Knife is incredibly designed and highly functional, featuring 17 layers of steel in its blade. What makes this one of the best Japanese knives is its fine grain structure and ultra-sharpness that allows it to glide through anything from meat to potatoes. It’s an agile kitchen knife that you’ll love for a lifetime.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love this petty because it offers all the agility and flexibility of the best Japanese knives available, with the durability of a German one. You'll have this one in your arsenal for a long time.
13. Best Overall Santoku: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" Santoku Knife
The best santoku knives with a curved top look nice and perform wonderfully, as you’ll find with this Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" Santoku Knife. It’s made of stainless steel with an eco wood handle that fits comfortably in the hand as you use it. This knife has a hammered finish that both prevents the knife from sticking to food and also provides a unique appearance you are sure to love.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This knife is bound to be a stunner in your cutlery collection. It gets our top marks for practicality, beauty and multi-functionality.
14. Best High-End Gyuto: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 8" Gyuto Knife
If you’re searching for a large kitchen knife that will last a lifetime, this Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 8" Gyuto Knife fits the bill. It’s made with an 8” blade featuring 17 layers of Damascus stainless steel. The knife also has a Rockwell hardness of 60, meaning it will retain its razor-sharp edge for longer than average.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This knife combines the best of Japanese and German knife design into one stylish blade that performs as well in pro kitchens as it does at home.
Best Japanese Knife Sets
15. Best Starter Japanese Knife Set: Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 2-Pc Knife Set With Stone
For novices and experienced cooks alike, the Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 2-Pc Knife Set With Stone is one of the best Japanese knife sets money can buy. The set includes a handcrafted, hand-hammered 7” santoku, perfect for working through produce and lean meats, and a 3.5” petty to expertly slice your way through delicate kitchen tasks. Best of all, the included 1,000/6,000 grit waterstone will keep your blades razor-sharp over time.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
Chef Andy calls this set a "must" for anyone who could get use out of both a santoku and petty knife. The Western-style handle is also convenient for those already used to Western knives.
16. Best Overall Japanese Knife Block Set: Miyabi Birchwood SG2 7-Pc Knife Block Set
Add some flair to the kitchen with the Miyabi Birchwood SG2 7-Pc Knife Block Set. Featuring some of the best Japanese knives, this stylish collection includes a 3.5” paring knife, 7” santoku, 8” chef’s knife, 9" bread knife, kitchen shears and honing steel, plus room to add to your collection. Each blade features 100 layers of micro-carbide powder steel for an exceptionally sharp edge built to last. And, the stunning Karelian Birch handles put a high-end finishing touch on an overall fantastic knife set.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
You’d be hard pressed to find a better knife set than the Miyabi Birchwood SG2 7 Pc Knife Block Set. Apart from the the fact that it comes with every knife you need to get started, the quality of each blade will quickly blow your old knives away.
17. Best Japanese Knife Block Set for Beginners: Miyabi Evolution 7 Piece Knife Block Set
One of the best Japanese knife sets for a budding collector, the Miyabi Evolution 7 Piece Knife Block Set comes with a 3.5” paring knife, 5.5" santoku knife, 8" chef's knife, 9" bread knife, 9" honing steel and shears. Each blade is composed of ice-hardened, corrosion-resistant FC61 fine carbide steel, resulting in superior sharpness, outstanding durability and cutting-edge blade retention.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
The ultra versatile Miyabi Evolution 7 Piece Knife Block Set is simply a beautiful selection of beginner-friendly, handcrafted knives. This knife block set is bound to save you time and effort when cooking, and will become a valuable addition to your kitchen inventory.
If you’re looking to add a new Japanese knife to your collection, you cannot go wrong with any of the best Japanese knives on this list. Between their high-quality, layered steel blades, beautiful wood handles and beloved Japanese knife brands, these knives are second to none.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cutlery in the Cozymeal Shop.
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