Best Japanese kitchen knife sets - 2022 Top Product Reviews

Best Japanese kitchen knife sets – 2024 Top Product Reviews

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.

Top-Pick
Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set

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.

Image Product & Features Ratings Price
Top-Pick

Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set Beautiful set with beautiful Dark Ash Wood Block

Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set Beautiful set with beautiful Dark Ash Wood Block

  • VG10 Stainless Steel
  • Canvas Micarta handle
  • Sharp cutting angle
  • 6-Piece
9.7
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Premium-Pick

Shun Classic 6 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set Durable set

Shun Classic 6 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set Durable set

  • VG-MAX steel
  • Pakkawood D-shaped comfortable handle
  • Perfect for home and restaurant cooks.
  • 6-Piece
9.5
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Budget-Friendly

Home Hero 17-Piece Best set for cutting and chopping

Home Hero 17-Piece Best set for cutting and chopping

  • Best in this price range
  • Best for all-purpose
  • Made from stainless-steel
  • 17-Piece
9.1
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Ginsu Gourmet 4-Piece Best set that requires less maintenance Ginsu Gourmet 4-Piece Best set that requires less maintenance

  • Well balanced
  • Super-sharp
  • Affordable
  • 4-Piece
8.8
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TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block Most beautiful set TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block Most beautiful set

  • Pakkawood handle
  • Full-tang
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 8-Piece
8.6
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Global Ikasu 7-Piece Best for Home and Professional cooks Global Ikasu 7-Piece Best for Home and Professional cooks

  • Best for home and professional cooks
  • All the knives are resistant to stains, corrosion, and rust.
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 7-Piece
8.2
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DALSTRONG Shogun Series Steak Knives Set Best steak knives set DALSTRONG Shogun Series Steak Knives Set Best steak knives set

  • Well-balanced knives
  • Beautiful set
  • Best steak knives set
  • 5-Piece
8
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Cuisinart C77TR-15P Perfect set for a gift Cuisinart C77TR-15P Perfect set for a gift

  • Comfortable handle
  • Great set for the money
  • It contains all the essential knives and tools
  • 15-Piece
7.7
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Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Perfect set for home use Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Perfect set for home use

  • Excellent value for the money
  • Beautiful knife holder
  • Made from high-carbon non-stainless German steel
  • 6-Piece
7.4
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Rachael Ray Cucina 6-Piece Best set with amazing Price Rachael Ray Cucina 6-Piece Best set with amazing Price

  • Beautiful wood knife block
  • Beautiful and Comfortable handle
  • Best for gift
  • 6-Piece
7.2
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Imarku 16-Piece knife set Perfect set for kitchen use Imarku 16-Piece knife set Perfect set for kitchen use

  • Extremely-sharp knives
  • Made from high-carbon 3Cr13Mov stainless steel
  • 16-Piece
9.5
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Ginsu Gourmet Chikara series 19-Piece Best set for long-lasting Ginsu Gourmet Chikara series 19-Piece Best set for long-lasting

  • Contains all essential knives
  • Made from Japanese Stainless steel
  • Super-sharp knives
  • 19-Piece
9.5
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Continue reading for a more in-depth review.

1. Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set – Beautiful set with beautiful Dark Ash Wood Block

Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set - Beautiful set with beautiful Dark Ash Wood BlockYaxell 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.

Pros
  • All the knives in this set are durable. This means that you can use them for a long time.
  • The handles of the knives are quite comfortable to grip.
  • The design of the knives is really amazing.
  • All the knives come super sharp right out of the box.
Cons
  • The knives are not dishwasher safe.
  • This set is a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for.
  • The blades of the knives may be rusty after some time.

 

 

2. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 4-Piece – The best set that requires less maintenance

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.

Pros
  • The price of this set is very affordable.
  • All the knives come super-sharp.
  • The construction of the knives is well balanced, so you will not feel any pain while gripping.
Cons
  • It may be rusty after some time.

 

 

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 7-piece Ikasu Knife - Best for Home and 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.

Pros
  • All the knives come super-sharp right out of the box.
  • This set is best for home and professional cooks
  • All the knives are resistant to stains, corrosion, and rust.
  • This comes with a Lifetime warranty which makes it the perfect option for buying.
Cons
  • The knives in this set are not dishwasher safe.
  • The blades of the knives are a bit thin.

 

 

4. Rachael Ray Cucina Japanese Knife 6 Piece – Best set with amazing Price

Rachael Ray Cucina Japanese Knife 6 Piece - Best set with amazing PriceRachael 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.

Pros
  • The price of this set is very low. It is very affordable.
  • This set comes with a beautiful wood knife block.
  • All the knives are beautiful and feature a comfortable handle.
  • The price and amazing features make this set the best for a gift.
Cons
  • The knives may dull faster
  • The blades of the knives are a bit thin.
  • The handles of the knives may be slippery when damp.

 

 

5. Shun Classic 6 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set – Durable set

Shun Classic 6 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set - Durable setShun 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.

Pros
  • All the knives in this set come incredibly sharp right out of the box.
  • The knives in this set cut anything with ease.
  • Knives are durable; therefore, you can use them for a long time.
  • The knives feature a PakkaWood handle.
  • This set comes with essential knives and tools.
Cons
  • The knife’s block is not that great.
  • The D-shaped handle may not work well for some users.
  • The price of the set is a bit high.

 

 

6. Home Hero 17 Piece Knives Set – Best set for cutting and chopping

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.

Pros
  • This set comes with a knife sharpener.
  • This set is best in this price range.
  • All the knives are sharp, so you can quite comfortably cut anything.
  • This set contains all the essential knives which make it best for all-purpose.
Cons
  • The knives do not have a full tang.
  • Knives may dull after some use.

 

 

7. Cuisinart C77TR-15P – Perfect set for a gift

Cuisinart C77TR-15P - Perfect set for a giftThe 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.

Pros
  • It has all the essential knives and tools.
  • The handles of the knives are comfortable.
  • All the knives are sharp.
  • This set is perfect for a gift.
  • Great set for the money.
Cons
  • The knives can be rusty after some time.
  • Knives need sharpening after some time.

 

 

8. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife – Perfect set for home use

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.

Pros
  • Excellent value for the money.
  • All the knives have excellent edge retention.
  • The handles are very comfortable to grip.
  • This set comes with a beautiful knife Holder.
Cons
  • The knife block needs additional care; it can break very easily.

 

 

9. DALSTRONG Steak Knives Set – 5″ – Shogun Series – Best steak knives set

DALSTRONG Steak Knives Set - 5 - Shogun Series - Best steak knives setIf 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.

Pros
  • All the knives are well balanced.
  • The knives have good weight.
  • This set is one of the best and has the most beautiful steak knives.
  • All the knives are extremely- sharp.
  • The manufacturer offers a Money-Back Guarantee if you don’t like the set or got a faulty set.
Cons
  • I don’t find any cons in this set.

 

 

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.Imarku 16-piece Knife Sets - Perfect set 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.

Pros
  • The knife’s handle is easy to grip.
  • It comes with a beautiful block with two portions, one is for steak knives, and the other is for the rest of the knives.
  • This set is perfect for a gift because of its amazing design and functionality.
  • Knives are incredibly sharp right out of the box
Cons
  • After sharpening on a sharpening stone, it isn’t as sharp as I would like it to be.
  • The sharpness of the knives may not last more than two weeks.
  • This set is a bit expensive.

 

 

11. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series 19-Piece – Best set for long-lasting

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.

Pros
  • All the knives are well-balanced.
  • This set contains almost everything that one needs to prepare and serve delicious foods.
  • The weight of the knives feels amazing.
  • The knives come sharp right out of the box.
  • Its beautiful design and so many knives make it best for a gift.
Cons
  • The knives may be rusty after some use.
  • This set is a bit costly. You don’t have to worry about it because you get what you pay for. This set will never disappoint you.

 

 

12. TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block – Most beautiful set

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.

Pros
  • It comes with a Pakkawood designed handle that is safe and comfortable to grip.
  • All the knives come with a full tang which gives the perfect balance to the knife.
  • This set comes with a money-back guarantee. This means if you don’t like the product you can refund your money.
  • The design of the set is so beautiful. This makes it perfect for a gift.
  • The blades of the knives are extremely sharp.
Cons
  • This set does not have steak knives.
  • The handle of the knife may be a bit heavy for some people.
  • This set is a bit expensive.

 

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Santoku: Santoku is an all-purpose knife mainly used to cut vegetables, meat, and fish.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Honesuki: It is a Japanese boning knife that works well for cutting through soft joints and deboning poultry.
  6. 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

Are Japanese kitchen knives the best?
Japanese kitchen knives are best because they are generally lighter. These knives are best for precision cutting. However, their blades are usually thin; therefore, they are more prone to tip breaking. If you want to use a Japanese knife for a long time, you have to take extra care and special maintenance.
Why are Japanese knives expensive?
Japanese knives are expensive as they are made from high-quality steel. Most of them are made from carbon steel which is a bit more expensive than other steel. Carbon steel remains sharp for a long time, and it doesn’t require much maintenance. This is why it is a bit expensive.
Why are Japanese knives expensive?
Japanese knives are expensive as they are made from high-quality steel. Most of them are made from carbon steel which is a bit more expensive than other steel. Carbon steel remains sharp for a long time, and it doesn’t require much maintenance. This is why it is a bit expensive.
How do you maintain Japanese knives?
If you want to use your Japanese knife for a long time, then never wash your knife in the dishwasher. Always wash your knife by hand with mild soapy detergent and dry immediately after washing. Keep in mind that these knives have fragile blades, which makes them more susceptible to damage if pressed against a hard surface. Therefore, you should take special care of your knife.

 

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.