I’m personally a fan of Japanese Knives. I’m sure if you are a knife user, you may have already heard about them. They are well-known because of their exceptional quality and performance. Almost every cook knows about them and likes to use only Japanese knives. Many cooks I personally know prefer to buy only these knife sets.
I have also used many of their knife sets and I always find these sets really amazing. They come in a variety of prices and can be easily found online as well as in the market. Therefore, for your convenience, in this article, I will try my best to review my favorite and best ones. I will also make sure that each set which I will review in this article is made in Japan.
There are different brands that are making Japanese knife sets. Some of the well-known knife brands are Shun, Yaxell, Miyabi, Tojiro, and many others. All these knife brands produce high-quality knives. Shun and Miyabi are the most famous and widely used knife set brands because they produce high-quality knives that deliver exceptional performance.
All the knives in this set are constructed from the 3 layers of Japanese VG10 stainless steel.
The VG10 steel is a great steel for knives because it offers amazing edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and hardness. This set is 100% recommended for you!
Are German or Japanese knives better?
There are different types of knives but Japanese and German are the two most popular knives. Both these are amazing, worth buying, and great in their own way. However, for your convenience, I’ll make a comparison table so that you can easily understand which steel is better than other steel.
| Angle | Shape | Weight | Rockwell hardness | Thickness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Knives | 20-22° | Curved edge | Heavyweight | 56 to 58 HRC | Thick |
| Japanese Knives | 12-15° | Straighter edge | Lightweight | 60 to 61 HRC | Less thick |
I hope you will now have an idea which one is better.
Do chefs prefer German or Japanese knives?
Both these knives are great in their own way. However, chefs recommend or prefer Japanese kitchen knives for finer work and delicate slicing. On the other hand, chefs recommend German knives for kitchen workhorses. Keep in mind that German knives are a bit heavier and thicker than Japanese knives.
For in-depth info, click here.
Is Wusthof better than Shun?
Wusthof and Shun both are the best knife makers in the world. They both have been in this business for over a century. Wusthof makes German-style knives while Shun makes Japanese-style knives. Shun knife’s blades are lighter, thinner, and made of harder steel than Wusthof knife’s blades.
On the other hand, the edges of Wusthof knives are more durable and will hold their edge for a long time than Shun Knives. Lastly, Shun has 11 knife lines and Wusthof has 5 knife lines. All the knife lines come beautifully designed with a unique design.
For in-depth info, click here.
Are Shun knives cheaper in Japan?
Yes, Shun Knives are cheaper in Japan in most cases. Buying from domestic importers is 30% more expensive than buying from Japan. However, Shipping from Japan to the US is still free, but still, the prices are a bit high because of the exchange rates. Also, shipping from Japan is faster than domestic shipping in most cases.
How much should I spend on a knife set?
The price of a set of knives will vary greatly depending on the number of knives and their production cost. It totally depends on you what type of knives you need for yourself. However, a good knife set can be bought for under $100 as well as to even over $1000.
If you want to buy a knife set, we recommend you to buy a 7 piece knife set that can be between $200 to $500. Lastly, it again depends on your budget and the knives which you need. The more knives you need the more price will be of that set.
Where can I buy high-quality Japanese knives?
You can buy Japanese knives from big supermarkets, as well as online. However, the place to buy these Knives is online. Some best stores or websites that sell Japanese knives online include:
Affordable Japanese Knife Set
Many people often believe that Japanese Kitchen knife sets are expensive. It is true that some high-quality sets are expensive, but there are many sets that are available at an affordable rate.
It is impossible to review all the Japanese knife sets. However, I’ll review the top 10 sets in this article which I have personally tried. Moreover, this article also covers the information you need before buying a knife set.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of the best Japanese Kitchen Knife sets.
Continue reading for a more in-depth review.
1. Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set – Beautiful set with beautiful Dark Ash Wood Block
Yaxell is a well-known brand for making Japanese knives. Yaxell has been making knives for a long time. They have crafted so many knife sets; Mon 6 is one of the best Yaxell knife sets.
Customers love it throughout the world because of its beautiful design and beautiful Dark Ash Wood Block. The color of the woodblock is so amazing which is why it is attractive throughout the world
All the knives in this set are constructed from the 3 layers of Japanese VG10 stainless steel. The VG10 steel is a great steel for knives because it offers amazing edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and hardness.
Specifications
| Brand | Yaxell |
| Blade Steel | VG10 Stainless Steel |
| Blade angle | 12° |
| Rockwell hardness | 61 HRC |
| Handle Material | Canvas Micarta handle |
| Number of Pieces | 6 |
| Set style | Modern |
The knives and tools included in this set are as follows:
- Utility Knife
- Paring Knife
- Chef’s Knife
- Santoku Knife
- Bread Knife
- Dark Ash Slim Knife Block
The feature which I like the most in this set is the knife’s comfortable handle. All the knives feature a black resin, and linen Canvas Micarta handle with two stainless steel rivets. The canvas material ensures the longevity of the knife’s handle.
Moreover, the canvas handle offers a safe and secure grip. Therefore, you can comfortably grip the knife’s handle for a long time without any fatigue. The other good thing about the knife’s handle is that it also features an engraved end-cap that offers additional balance and stability.
The other great feature of this set’s knives is that they come with a sharp cutting angle which is approximately 12° per side. This means that you can quite comfortably cut everything. Keep in mind that the knives in this set are not dishwasher safe. Therefore, always wash knives by hand in warm water.
2. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 4-Piece – The best set that requires less maintenance
If you are looking for the best kitchen Japanese knife set that will last and don’t require much maintenance, then this is the perfect option for you. This product won’t disappoint you because it requires less maintenance.
You can use this set for a long time without much maintenance and you can always depend on them for every meal. Also, Ginsu Gourmet is probably one of the best budget-friendly sets available in the market.
This set comes with 4 steak knives, and all are made from one-piece stainless steel. The knives are made with stainless steel from tip to tang so that you can make every recipe with confidence. Moreover, stainless steel provides durability to the knife so that you can use the knife for a long time.
Specifications
| Brand | GINSU |
| Color | Silver |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Blade Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 0.75 ounces |
| Number of Pieces | 4 |
| Item Dimensions | 7.75 (L) x 0.25 (W) x 13 inches (H) |
All the knives in this set come super-sharp right out of the box and stay sharp for a long time. This ensures you depend on meal after meal. No doubt this is an amazing knife set at this affordable rate.
Ginsu Gourmet Chikara set comes with 4 steak knives. All the steak knives are well-balanced to give you the perfect blend of control and power you need to enjoy any entrée with ease and comfort. Further, the traditional Japanese Handle of the knife fits comfortably in hand. Therefore, you can use any knife in this set for a long time without any fatigue.
The good thing which I like the most about this knife is its Lifetime Limited Warranty. Giving a Lifetime Warranty is not that easy. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara set is best in all its aspects.
3. Global 7-piece Ikasu Knife – Best for Home and Professional cooks
Global is another brand known for making Japanese knives. Global knives are made in Japan. Their knives are a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. This set is one of its best knife sets. All the knives in this set come sharp which makes it best for home as well as for professional cooks.
Global knives are well-known because of two features. The first one is their sharp edge, and the other one is the way they are well-balanced. I’m sure you will not complain about their sharpness after using it. No doubt, the sharpness of Global knives is really amazing.
Global 7-piece Ikasu Knife set contains 7 essential knives. These include:
- Paring Knife
- Chef’s Utility/Prep Knife
- Nakiri Knife
- Utility Knife
- Chef’s Knife
- Bread Knife
- Bamboo/Acrylic Knife Block
Specifications
| Brand | Global |
| Blade Edge | Hollow |
| Blade Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 2.2 Pounds |
| Item Weight | 0.75 ounces |
| Item Dimensions | 4.72 (L) x 14.17 (W) x 9.65 inches (H) |
| Number of Pieces | 7 |
All the above-mentioned knives are made from top-quality CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. This stainless steel is hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 56 to 58 HRC. This means the knife remains super sharp for a long time than other related steels. Moreover, this steel resists stains, corrosion, and rust as well.
The good thing about these knives is that they are well-balanced. They have a unique hollow handle that is filled with a precise amount of sand to create the perfect balance. Moreover, the knives are comfortable and safe to grip as well.
Keep in mind that the knives in this set are not dishwasher safe. Always wash knives by hand so that you can use your knives for a long time. Furthermore, the Global Ikasu Knife set is made in Japan, and it comes with a Lifetime warranty. Giving a Lifetime warranty is not that easy. Overall, it is an amazing knife set with so many amazing features.
4. Rachael Ray Cucina Japanese Knife 6 Piece – Best set with amazing Price
Rachael Ray Cucina Japanese Knife Set is best for chopping and cutting foods. You will chop or cut your meal with less effort and in less time with this knife set.
This set is amazing and the price of the set is much lower compared to other related knife sets. This makes it a more appealing and perfect option for buying.
All the knives in this set are made from Japanese stainless steel. The Japanese steel is durable and gives you long-lasting performance.
The good thing which I like the most in this set is that all the knives are well-balanced. This gives you optimal control while cutting, so you can easily cut anything without much effort.
Specifications
| Brand | Rachael Ray |
| Color | Agave Blue |
| Blade Edge | Serrated |
| Blade Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 5.54 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 8.8 (L) x 4.6 (W) x 14.2 inches (H) |
| Number of Pieces | 6 |
Rachael Ray Cucina Japanese Knife set contains 6 essential knives. These include:
- Slicer Knife
- Santoku Knife
- Chef Knife
- Bread Knife
- Paring Knife
- Wood Knife Block
The wood knife block of the set is wonderful. You can store the knives in it. Moreover, you can keep the block in the kitchen for decoration.
The good thing which I like the most in this set is the grippy handles of the knives. The knife’s handles are comfortable to grip, and you can grip the knife’s handle for a long time without any fatigue. Moreover, the handles of the knives are equipped with colorful silicone that looks beautiful and helps in comfortable gripping as well.
However, avoid washing knives in the dishwasher. If you want to use the knife for a long time, then it is recommended to wash this set’s knives by hand. Overall, this set is great in this price range.
5. Shun Classic 6 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set – Durable set
Shun Cutlery is a kitchen knife brand of the KAI Group. It is one of the best Japanese knife brands. They have been producing knives since 2002, and their knives are bought worldwide. I personally like Shun knives because of their amazing functionality.
They have made many kitchen knife sets; however, Shun Classic 6 piece set is one of the best Shun knife sets. It is also one of the most durable sets on this list because it is made up of Japanese stainless steel which offers durability to the knife.
As you already know, this set is one of the best Shun knife sets. The knives in this set are constructed from Japanese stainless steel. Each knife in the set has 34 layers (per side) of VG-Max core surrounded by multiple cladding of Damascus steel.
The good thing about this set’s knives is that they do not rust because of stainless steel construction. Moreover, all the knives are also durable and corrosion-resistant. Keep in mind that if you take good care of your set’s knives, they will last a lifetime.
Specifications
| Brand | Shun |
| Blade Steel | VG-MAX steel |
| Blade Edge | Serrated |
| Blade angle | 16° |
| Blade Edge | Hollow |
| Rockwell hardness | 60 – 61 HRC |
| Number of Pieces | 6 |
Furthermore, the knives and tools included in this set are as follows:
- Santoku Knife
- Paring Knife
- Chef’s Knife
- Honing Steel
- Kitchen Shears
- Wooden Knife Block
The thing which I like the most in this set is the sharpness of the knives. All the knives in this set feature a double-bevel blade with a sharp cutting angle of 16° (per side). This means that you can cut everything with ease.
The other great feature of this set is the knife’s D-shaped comfortable handle. The knife’s handles are made from PakkaWood, which is a great material for knife’s handles. The Pakkawood handle is comfortable to grip as well. Moreover, it also offers additional strength and durability to the knives.
Overall, it is a perfect set for home cooks as well as for restaurant cooks.
6. Home Hero 17 Piece Knives Set – Best set for cutting and chopping
Home Hero knives set is the best set in this price range. It contains all the essential knives and tools that one needs in the kitchen. All the knives in this set come sharp which makes this set best for cutting and chopping. You can quite comfortably cut or chop things with this set’s knives.
All the knives and tools in this are made from stainless steel. The stainless steel gives durability to the knives. Moreover, stainless steel also offers longevity to the knives.
The Home Hero Knife set contains 17 essential knives and tools. These include:
- 13 essential knives
- Kitchen scissors
- Bonus peeler
- A premium quality 2-stage knife sharpener
- A beautiful knife stand
Specifications
| Brand | Home Hero |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Polypropylene |
| Item Weight | 4.77 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 14.8 (L) x 4.8 (W) x 11.6 inches (H) |
| Number of Pieces | 17 |
All these knives and tools are sturdy. Therefore, you can use this set’s knives for a long time. The set contains multipurpose kitchen knives that help you in precision cutting and chopping. Overall, all the tools and knives are best for kitchen use.
The good thing which I like the most in this set is the 2-stage knife sharpener which can be used to sharpen knives. Although all the knives come sharp right out of the box, every knife needs sharpening after some time. Therefore, the sharpener is handy, and you can sharpen your knife anytime you want.
If you want a more in-depth review of the product, read our full product review.
7. Cuisinart C77TR-15P – Perfect set for a gift
The knives and tools in the Cuisinart C77TR-15P knife set are beautifully designed. All the knives, as well as woodblock, in this set are beautiful which makes it perfect for a gift.
Moreover, the knives are made from superior top-quality stainless steel that provides precision and accuracy in cutting. The stainless steel also offers durability and longevity to the knives.
The knives in this set are extremely sharp and help you in effortless cutting. The good thing about knives is that they remain sharp for a long time.
I have been using this set’s knives for the past few months. Up Till now, I haven’t sharpened any knives. All knives are working the same as they were at the beginning.
Specifications
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Color | Black |
| Blade Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 7.82 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 5.88 (L) x 14.37 (W) x 10.25 inches (H) |
| Number of Pieces | 15 |
Cuisinart C77TR-15P knife set contains 15 essential knives and tools. These include:
- Chef knife
- Shantou knife
- Paring knife
- Bread knife
- Utility knife
- Slicing knife
- 6 Steak knives
- All-purpose household shears
- Sharpening steel
- Woodblock
All the knives are constructed for perfect control and stability. The good thing about this set’s knives is that they are designed with stainless steel rivets and an extra-wide forged safety bolster that secures the blade. This also helps in a comfortable grip. You can use this set’s knives for a long time without any hand or wrist fatigue.
8. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife – Perfect set for home use
Mercer Culinary Genesis is the most beautiful knife set on our list. It comes at an amazing price with amazing knives. This set is perfect for home use as you can use it for decoration as well. Furthermore, the price of the set is also not that which makes it a more appealing and perfect choice for home use.
The knives in this set come precision forged for better durability and strength. Forged knives are made from a single piece of steel that results in a super sharp cutting edge that remains sharp for a long time and is easier to maintain as well.
All the knives feature full-tang, which adds more durability. Moreover, the full-tang offers the perfect balance to the knives. The full-tang helps you to grip the knife for a long time without any discomfort.
Specifications
| Brand | Mercer Culinary |
| Color | Black |
| Construction Type | Precision Forged |
| Blade Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Handle Material | Santoprene |
| Item Dimensions | 10 (L) x 4 (W) x 15 inches (H) |
| Item Weight | 8.1 Pounds |
Moreover, the knives in this set feature a Santoprene handle that offers additional comfort and a non-slip grip. This means that you can grip the knife’s handle even with wet or greasy hands. Additionally, the Santoprene handle can withstand cold and hot temperatures and will not break down from exposure to kitchen oil.
Mercer Culinary Genesis knife set contains 6 essential knives. These include:
- Utility Knife
- Chef Knife
- Paring Knife
- Boning Knife
- Bread Knife
- Knife Holder
All these knives are made from high carbon non-stainless German steel that resists corrosion, rust, and discoloration. This set is amazing in all its aspects.
9. DALSTRONG Steak Knives Set – 5″ – Shogun Series – Best steak knives set
If you want a steak knife set that is best in craftsmanship as well as in performance, then look no further. The Dalstrong Shogun Series steak knife set is one of the best steak knife sets available in the market. All the steak knives in this set are durable which makes it better than competitors. Furthermore, Steak knives are the ultimate in cutlery at dinner.
The steak knives are made from Japanese AUS-10V super steel. The AUS 10V steel offers high Rockwell hardness, which is approximately 62+ HRC. The high Rockwell hardness offers steel longevity and great edge retention. This means that you can use this set’s knives for a long time without any need for sharpening.
Moreover, this set’s knives come with 66 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel layers that ensure outstanding durability, strength, and stain resistance.
Specifications
| Brand | Dalstrong |
| Color | Black |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Blade Steel | Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel |
| Handle Material | G10 |
| Item Dimensions | 9.45 (L) x 0.91 (W) x 0.08 inches (H) |
The good thing about this set’s knives is their sharpness. The sharpness of the knife is hand-finished to a mirror polish at 8-degree to 12-degree per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method.
Additionally, the knives feature a G10 handle that is durable as well as comfortable to grip. The G-10 handle offers superior agility, comfort, and control. Moreover, the handle is non-slip as well. This means you can grip the knife even with greasy or wet hands.
The good thing which I like the most about this set is its Money-Back Guarantee. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which is the best side of this set. Overall, it is an amazing set with so many amazing features.
10. Imarku 16-piece Knife Sets – Perfect set for kitchen use
Imarku knife sets are slightly expensive, but you get what you pay for. This set is exceptional in terms of value and performance. Furthermore, it comes with 16 essential knives and tools which makes it perfect for kitchen use.
The Imarku set comes with 16 essential knives and tools that help you in tackling almost all your kitchen tasks. This set is best for both home and professional cooks. The tools and knives included in this set are:
- Santoku Knife
- Chef Knife
- Utility Knife
- Bread Knife
- Paring Knife
- Slicing Knife
- 6 Steak Knives
- Knife Sharpener
- Kitchen Scissor
- Wood Knife Block
Specifications
| Brand | Imarku |
| Color | Bronze |
| Blade Edge | Serrated |
| Blade Steel | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Pakkawood |
| Item Weight | 11.77 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 14.2 (L) x 11 (W) x 7.4 inches (H) |
All the knives mentioned above are made from premium high-carbon 3Cr13Mov stainless steel that provides durability and longevity to the knives. Moreover, the knives have durable and strong bolsters for perfect control and stability.
The good thing which I like the most in this set is the Pakkawood handle of the knives. The Pakkawood handle is sturdy and offers a safe and comfortable grip. Therefore, you can grip the Pakkawood handle knife for a long time without any fatigue.
The other great feature of this set is its wood knife block. The wood knife block has two portions, one is for steak knives, and the other one is for other knives. The steak knife portion can be removed, and you can take the block anywhere you want.
However, it is recommended to wash the knives with soft paper or cloth and dry them after washing to maintain the knives’ longevity and sharpness. Moreover, the beautiful design and functionality of this set make it perfect for a gift.
If you want a more in-depth review of the product, read our full product review.
11. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series 19-Piece – Best set for long-lasting
If you are looking for the best kitchen Japanese knife set that has all the essential knives and tools, then this is the perfect option for you. This product won’t disappoint you. Ginsu Gourmet sets are always best in terms of long-lasting. This is because knives in their sets are forged from one piece of Japanese Stainless steel that ensures long-lasting.
The knives in this set are forged from one piece (from tip to tang) of Japanese Stainless steel. This steel is known for rust and stain resistance, longer edge-retention, and great strength features. Moreover, one piece of the knife helps in effortless cutting.
All the knives in this set come sharp right out of the box and remain sharp for a long time. Also, this set’s knives require low maintenance.
Specifications
| Brand | GINSU |
| Color | Black |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Blade Steel | Japanese Stainless Steel |
| Number of Pieces | 19 |
| Item Weight | 3.45 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 9 (L) x 7.04 (W) x 15 inches (H) |
Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series contains almost everything that one needs to prepare and serve delicious and complex meals. The tools and knives included in this set are:
- Utility Knife
- Bread Knife
- Chef’s Knife
- Boning Knife
- Santoku Knife
- Paring Knife
- 8 Steak Knives
- Slicer
- Cleaver
- Kitchen Shears
- Honing Rod
- Bamboo Block
All the knives mentioned above are forged except steak knives because steak knives are stamped.
Moreover, all the knives in this set are well-balanced so that you can trust this set’s knives meal after meal. Ginsu Chikara knives are perfectly balanced to give you the perfect blend of control and power you need to cook through even the trickiest recipe comfortably and safely.
Keep in mind that if you want to use a knife for a long time, always wash the knives by hand. Additionally, this set is not dishwasher safe, so you have to be more careful in washing.
12. TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block – Most beautiful set
TUO Cutlery is another brand known for making Japanese Knife sets. In 2016, TUO kitchen knives were chosen to be one of the world’s leading kitchen knives. The design of the set is so amazing which makes it one of the most beautiful sets in the market. This set looks beautiful in your kitchen because of its amazing design.
TUO Cutlery kitchen knives are made from X50CrMov15 (Din. 1.4116) German stainless steel, which has the best cutting performance in the kitchen among all steels. The knives with this steel are perfect for all cutting purposes.
TUO cutlery knife set features a high degree of rust-resistance, long-lasting, and durability. This set comes with high-quality steel, which provides extremely high resistance to 56+/-2 HRC and high retention of edges. It comes with a sharp edge, and you don’t have to sharpen the edge regularly.
Specifications
| Brand | TUO |
| Color | Fiery West |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Blade Steel | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
| Number of Pieces | 8 |
| Item Weight | 10.35 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions | 15.67 (L) x 13.89 (W) x 5.39 inches (H) |
TUO Cutlery Knife set contains eight essential tools and knives. These includes:
- Chef Knife
- Bread Knife
- Paring Knife
- Santoku Knife
- Cleaver
- Kitchen Shears
- Honing Steel
- Wooden Block
The good thing which I like the most in this set is the knives Pakkawood handle. Pakkawood is a hardened wood that has been influenced by epoxy, making it highly resistant to oil and water. The Pakkawood handle prevents the knife from slipping even when grip with greasy or wet hands.
Moreover, the Pakkawood looks luxurious & beautiful, and it provides exceptional comfort and durability to the knife. Your palm and wrist would not tire, even after extended use.
The other great feature of this set is that all the knives in this set come with a full tang, which increases the knife’s overall weight and gives the perfect balance to the knife. Moreover, this set comes with luxury packing. Its luxury packing and amazing design make it more attractive and perfect for a gift.
The 100% satisfaction guarantee and money-back warranty make it more appealing. Overall, it is a great set with amazing features.
If you want a more in-depth review of the product, read our full product review.
Products Technical Comparison
| Product Name | Brand | Color | Steel | Blade angle | Rockwell hardness | Handle | Weight | Number of pieces | Knife Block/Holder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set | Yaxell | Black | VG10 Stainless Steel | 12° | 61 HRC | Black linen and canvas Micarta | 6.77 pounds | 6 | Yes |
| Shun Classic 6 Piece Knife Set | Shun | Black | VG-MAX | 16° | 60-61 HRC | PakkaWood | 8.88 pounds | 6 | Yes |
| Home Hero 17-Piece | Home Hero | Black | Stainless Steel | 12° | 60 HRC | Polypropylene | 4.77 Pounds | 17 | Yes |
| DALSTRONG Shogun Series Steak Knives Set | Dalstrong | Black | Japanese AUS-10V super steel | 8 – 12° | 62+ HRC | G10 | 3.89 pounds | 5 | No |
| Global Ikasu 7-Piece | Global | Coyote Brown | CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. | 10 – 15° | 56 to 58 HRC | Unique hollow handle | 2.2 Pounds | 7 | Yes |
| Cuisinart C77TR-15P | Cuisinart | Black | Stainless Steel | 12° | 60 HRC | Comfortable handle | 7.9 pounds | 15 | Yes |
| Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece | Mercer Culinary | Black | Carbon Steel | 20° | 55 – 66 HRC | Santoprene | 8.1 Pounds | 6 | Yes |
| Rachael Ray Cucina 6-Piece | Rachael Ray | Agave Blue | Japanese stainless steel | 10 – 15° | 59 HRC | Grippy handle | 5.54 Pounds | 6 | Yes |
| Imarku 16-Piece knife set | Imarku | Bronze | 3Cr13Mov stainless steel | 12° | 59 HRC | Pakkawood | 11.77 Pounds | 16 | Yes |
| Ginsu Gourmet Chikara series 19-Piece | Ginsu | Black | Japanese stainless steel | 10 – 15° | 59 HRC | Traditional-style rounded Japanese handle | 3.45 Pounds | 19 | Yes |
| Ginsu Gourmet 4-Piece | Ginsu | Silver | Japanese stainless steel | 10 – 15° | 59 HRC | Traditional Japanese Handle | 12 pounds | 4 | No |
| TUO Cutlery Knife Set | TUO | Fiery West | X50CrMov15 German stainless steel | 15° | 56+/-2 | Pakkawood | 10.35 Pounds | 8 | Yes |
Things to consider before buying a Japanese Kitchen Knife Sets – Buying Guide
You have already seen some of the best Japanese Kitchen Knife Sets in this guide. Now the question may come to your mind: how do I choose the best one out of these ten or other Knife Sets. Therefore, we have made a buying guide for you for your convenience that will help you pick the right one for you.
There are a lot of things to consider before buying a knife set. However, some things you should look at before buying a Kitchen Knife Sets include:
Material
The material is the most important thing to look for before buying any knife set. There are four main materials that are used for making knives, but Japanese kitchen knives are mostly made from stainless steel and carbon steel.
Stainless steel is the most common type of steel. This steel is quite easy to sharpen, and also, it does not rust easily. However, this steel can be prone to bending, flexing, and going blunt fairly quickly. This is because it is a softer metal compared to carbon steel.
Carbon steel is another common steel used for making knives. It remains sharp for a long time. However, carbon steel knives can be prone to rust, and carbon steel knives require more maintenance and care than stainless steel knives.
However, if you are serious about cooking and don’t have an issue with the budget, then go for carbon steel. Otherwise, stainless steel is also a great option.
Weight
The weight depends on the preference of the people. If you have to work with a knife for a long time, then go for a lightweight knife. In the end, it depends on you whether you need a lightweight knife or a heavy-weight knife.
Comfort
Comfort is another most important thing to look for before buying any knife set. Some knives have rubber handles for extra grip, and some have wooden or plastic handles. You should make sure that the knife which you want to buy doesn’t have sharp or angular edges that may form pressure points in the hand.
Knives and tools
Japanese knife sets come with different knives and tools. When buying a knife set, make sure that you choose one with all the essential knives and tools. If you want some basic knives, then go for a basic set with minimum knives, and if you want more knives, then go for a set that has different knives and tools.
Types of Japanese knives
There are many types of Japanese knives. However, in this section, I’ll give information on some of their types along with their uses.
- Gyutou: It is the same as a typical European Chef’s knife. Gyutou knives are perfect all-purpose kitchen knives. These knives can be used for many kitchen tasks. Moreover, Gyutou knives are lighter than European knives.
- Santoku: Santoku is an all-purpose knife mainly used to cut vegetables, meat, and fish.
- Sujihiki: Sujihiki is the same as a European skipper. However, there are a few differences between both of them. Moreover, it can be used for carving, filleting, and general purposes.
- Petty: Petty is the same as a paring knife. It is perfect for a small, delicate work that a chef’s knife cannot handle, like cutting small fruits and vegetables.
- Honesuki: It is a Japanese boning knife that works well for cutting through soft joints and deboning poultry.
- Usuba: It is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife with a single edge that is equivalent to the double-edged Western-style Nakiri knife.
Japanese kitchen knife – FAQs
Conclusion
To conclude here, Japanese kitchen knife sets are amazing because of their excellent functionality. These knives are well-trusted by home cooks as well as professional chefs throughout the world.
Buying a Japanese Kitchen set is a great idea as it can be a great addition to any kitchen. They also add beauty to the kitchen. Moreover, their blades are usually thin, allowing precise cuts and beautiful presentation with less ease. This is another benefit of buying this knife set.
Lastly, Japanese knife sets don’t require much maintenance. This is why I highly recommend it to you.
