Best 15 Japanese Chef Knives on Amazon

Through the years the Japanese knife built its empire and gained its significant value on the state. The reputation is kept and sustained by the new generation that inherits the traditional practices and plays a big part in this new modern era. You’ll easily know that what you’re holding or using is a legit Japanese knife by checking its blade, handle, steel and the construction of the knife. 

An authentic Japanese knife handle is usually made of wood such as ebony, yew, cherry, or chestnut; it is burned and fitted to a hidden tang with a buffalo horn bolster caps. Aside from these types of wood Pak or Pakkawood is also a popular material used in Japanese knife handles since it is laminated and waterproof and especially it is less expensive. Handles had different shapes too, one of the most common is the Octagon shape that is usually used in chestnut wood. Another shape is the D shape; it has an oval form that is usually used for right-handed knife users.

You’ll notice in Japanese blades that they are flatter than their European peers that makes them very special. The traditional blade is characterized as having a single bevel. The single bevel angle is formed on one side only, meaning the one side has an incline that runs down to the edge of a knife and the smaller the angle will give the sharpest blade you got. Aside from being thinner, they are also harder, sharper bevels made of high-quality steel and much lighter for hand balance. 

Steels are the kind of materials used in making a blade; they must be tough, sharp, and met quality edge. Choosing the right material can already tell its quality, but the right treatment process can also boost the blade characteristic. Carbon steel (White steel, Blue steel, and Super blue steel) is the most commonly used steel in Japan. This type of steel can provide sharpness, hardness, brittleness, less toughness, and is easier to sharpen but this one is easily corroded. This is one of the reasons you should pay attention to taking care of your Japanese knife seriously. They also use Stainless steel (Powdered steel, Semi stainless and Tool steel), this one can give you tougher, less likely to chip, and less sharp compared to Carbon steel.

One of the important factors to having a perfect Japanese knife is its construction.  It is either laminated blades or monosteel blades. Monosteel blades (Zenko, Honyaki, and Forge) are thinner than laminated blades and are harder in sharpening. While laminated blades are the most commonly used in constructing blades they come in two forms such as Ni-mai and San-mai. It is usually a pattern that we see in Suminagashi, Damascus,  Kitaeji, Mokume-gane, and Watetsu. Most of the knives coming from Japan are made from the cities called Sakai since the 14th century but in our modern days Seki, Gifu became the center of modern Japanese cutlery.

Amazon’s Top 15 Japanese Knife

Here are the top 15 Japanese knives on Amazon.

15. MASAMOTO AT Japanese Chef Knife

Masamoto knives are popular with many Sushi restaurants and were founded by Minosuke Matsuzawa during the Edo period. They even received awards in the past years you can also request an engraved name in Katakana or Kanji on your knife purchase. This is a Western-style Japanese knife made of Molybdenum Vanadium Steel that possesses HRC 57 while the Handle is made of Pakkawood with a bolster. 

It has one of the lowest ratings at 91 and 77% of 5 stars reviews on Amazon.  Some are pleased by the performance, looks and even the weight balance. Still, this also receive some bad reviews from the buyers like it easily began to rust, chip and they even said that it is not worth their money.

Misono UX10 Santoku

As one of the leading Japanese knife companies in Seki City, Gifu prefecture who inherit Tamahagane forging they keep their workshop from visitors. Maybe they don’t want to share their techniques with anyone. They used special stainless steel produced by a Swedish steel company as the blade material and combined the techniques that they learned from their ancestors. The handle is made of Pakkawood with full tang construction for perfect balance and grip. The Pakkawood is waterproof since it is Resin impregnated wood composite and for the additional stylish look, they put nickel silver bolster.This UX10 Series only received 120 ratings only at Amazon (despite the popularity) with  86% of 4.7-star reviews. This receives a lot of almost the same reviews like how they like the knife, it is beautiful, worth to have and someone also praises it that it was not a knife (seems like he can’t believe it) since it cut the onion and tomato with this without leaking soup.

13. Yaxell Mon Chef’s Knife

Yaxell is one of the Japanese knife companies with a long history to tell. They began in pocket knives manufacturing in 1932 and the rest of the years brought so many changes as they grow. Mon is one of the knife series they released made of  3-layer Japanese Cobalt Molybdenum Vanadium VG10 stainless steel and sandblast finish blade that possesses HRc of  61°. The handle is made of Black resin and linen Canvas Micarta handle with two stainless steel rivets. This MON Series only received 274 ratings at Amazon with  87% of 4.8-star total reviews. Just like the Misono even though this brand is one of the most quality and popular Japanese knives its popularity on Amazon is unexpected. Still, the total of positive reviews says it all.  From one of the recent reviews, it is commended by the small size but when you use and hold it you’ll feel the balance weight of it versus the knife size and it allows you to cut easier. He /She recommends buying a teak chopping board as the bamboo one quickly seems to chop off.

12. Miyabi Kaizen Chef’s Knife

Miyabi is one of Zwilling’s group brands since 2004, a German company that produces cooking wares. Miyabi Kaizen has two versions the Miyabi 5000DP and Miyabi 5000FCD. 

Miyabi Kaizen 5000DP’s beautiful handle is made of Black Micarta and Stainless steel, has a D-shaped design that shows the Japanese tradition, at the end of the Handle you’ll see a cap with a named character of Miyabi at the center of the handle a decorative mosaic pin that adds a sophisticated look. CMV60 powder steel is the raw material used as the blade core and hardens with the help of 64 layers of two different types of steel. Aside from the 64 layers of steel, Zwilling ensures the durability of the blade by undergoing a process called CRYODUR, apart from the hardness of the blade it also provides long-lasting sharpness. The blade’s surface was beautified by the use of the Damascus pattern. 

This gains 325 ratings and has a fairly good review on Amazon. A verified customer share his experience in this Miyabi knife he commend that he doesn’t need to use force while using this knife and it stays sharp as time goes by and a little filing can let you cut at ease again.

Yoshihiro VG10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife (7” (180mm))

Yoshihiro is made in Sakai City Japan by a company named Yamawaki Cutlery MFG., LTD. Being a versatile type of knife used in the kitchen this knife handle is made of Mahogany wood with full tang and Western- design to help on seamless usage and well balances construction. The blade is made of HRC 60  a Japanese Stainless steel to produce sharp edge retention and durability with ease of sharpening. A 16 Layer hammered outer steel is done to keep the food from friction while chopping.

This gains 398 ratings and a professional user of different Japanese knives writes down his overview over this knife. He clarifies that this one is legit and he is hands down with the sharpness this provides on work. It is just that a lot of negative reviews are posted about this one and it doesn’t deserve that kind of review. He also mentions that those person who posted negative reviews are more like unprofessional who use this kind of knife but is lacking in knowledge on how to properly use and maintain the knife.

10. Miyabi Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch, Birch/Stainless Steel

Miyabi is one of Zwilling’s group brands since 2004, a German company that produces cooking wares. From our research, this series is the most popular Miyabi has offered in the market.  The handle is made out of Birchwood, has a D-shaped design that shows the Japanese tradition, at the end of the Handle you’ll see a cap with a named character of Miyabi and at the center of the handle a decorative mosaic pin that adds a sophisticated look. The blade is made of MicroCarbide MC63 powder steel and hardens with the help of 100 layers of two different types of steel.

It gains 440 ratings on Amazon with satisfied customers on its performance. This customer even mention that for him with his experience this Miyabi knife exceeded the other Miyabi peers’ sharp blade. His input is also worth reading since he also shares how to properly take care of and what materials you must be invested in to keep this kind of knife.

9. Kai Wasabi Black Yanagiba Knife, 8 1/4-Inch 

KAI Group is the parent company of Shun Cutlery. Shun Cutlery was founded to market Japanese knives in a Western country. KAI started manufacturing razors and folding knives until they pursue and invest in kitchen cutlery. One of their brands is this Wasabi Black Yanagiba Knife used for slicing ultra-thin slices for dishes such as sushi and sashimi. The blade is made of Daido 1K6 high-carbon, stainless steel giving this knife superior edge retention paired with a Polypropylene handle.

It gains 1,144 ratings on Amazon, one of the reviews I read is that he even recommended this knife to buy because it’s an exceptional value for the money as he is sad so. But he also noted one complaint he notice with this knife everything is perfect aside from the spine and bolster of the blade were ground and left at a rather sharp 90-degree angle that digs into your finger, which I could see possibly causing irritation with prolonged use. But he also mentions that it could easily be corrected by simply rounding off the sharp corners with a very fine grit ceramic sharpening rod.

8. Tojiro DP Gyutou

Tojiro is a combination of tradition and innovation since 1955 when they started to release their very first stainless steel fruit knife.  Way back then it is said that Stainless steel is not as sharp as Carbon steel. Since then they don’t stop on innovating and improving their product, they now have the corporate message “More than just sharpness”. This knife is one of Tojiro’s flagship models made of VG10 as core steel and combined with cladding by 13-chrome stainless steel for professional sharpness and easy maintenance. The handle is made of a Reinforced laminated handle for durability and toughness that does not easily deform and is strong against deterioration over time. The metal bolster is very hygienic in that it can prevent stains and dirt between the blade and handle. In 1996 due to these forms and characteristics, they receive an award for “Good Design and Long-Life Design”.

This model only gained a total of  1,183 ratings at Amazon with  87% of 4.8-star reviews. An updated review after six years was written last January 18, 2022, which is very helpful to new users who are still searching for the first Japanese knife they will buy. Imagine a Japanese knife with 6 years of chopping experience on chopping still holds its edge extremely well. It is very clear that he is really bragging about this knife to everyone on his review.

7.  Kai A shell seal Seki Magoroku six kitchen knives (Chef Knife, 180mm) (AB-5158)

Another Kai Group product is this A shell seal Seki Magoroku six kitchen knives. The entire knife is made of stainless steel from its blade to handle. This is sharpened through slow grinding speed and finished using the latest process technology to sharpen and minimize the friction between the food to be cut and the blade. Its ergonomic stainless steel handle has a visible diamond pattern design in the handle and is safe for dishwashers.

As of now, it has 1,233 ratings on Amazon it’s like you find a gem even though it is very affordable than other Japanese Knife brands. The quality of the product is a plus. A lot of customers were surprised by the sharpness and weight it possessed. The handle does not slip even in wet hands. But using this knife in a big chunk of meat or bony fish to work is not recommended.

6. Mac Knife Professional 8 Inch Hollow Edge Chef Knife

It is a 2.5mm blade that is mostly used in slicing most fruits, vegetables, and proteins on the cutting board. Made of AUS8, a high carbon chrome molybdenum Vanadium steel which is rust-resistant and also undergoes a method they call  Sub-zero or Cryogenic treatment. Have Hollows on the blade surface that allow apples, potatoes and some other sticky foods to glide while cutting. The straight handle gives a western vibe made of Pakkawood with additional (3) bolsters for good balance.

As of now it already gained 1,464 ratings and these receive a lot of negative reviews the same as the positive praises but I guess this kind of knife is not for everyone as what professionals have been saying. A lot of complaints like chipping and rusting were happening to those people who don’t really know what kind of knife they have. The knife has a manual with care instructions here you’ll see warnings about hard squash, so that tells you it’s not for heavy-duty use. BUT on the positive side, this knife met the standards.

5. Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – Revolution Series 3-Piece Ceramic Knife Set

This Kyocera is a set of knives, Including a 6-inch Chef’s Knife; a 5-inch Micro Serrated Knife; and a 3-inch Paring Knife. A whole knife made of Ceramic with an ergonomic handle for well-balanced knives for precise control. The blade has Kyocera’s proprietary zirconia material produced in Japan for exceptional quality and beauty. Must not be used on hard or frozen foods.

Just like the others, you’ll also find positive and negative reviews written about these products but for the record, it still receives 76% of 5-star reviews. I notice that this knife has a lot of chipping complaints but someone also experienced an easy conversation with their customer service for a refund even though the knife was 7 months old used already. This has 1,461 ratings on Amazon.

4. Shun Premier Chef Knife, 6 inch

Manufactured by Kai Group this Shun’s blade is made of VG-MAX “super steel” this will take and hold a precision edge with 68 layers of Damascus for stain resistance. The handle is a Pakka wood with a walnut colour that adds a unique and pristine look. “Premier is designed to provide exceptionally agile handling”.

The 1,496 ratings earn 88% of 5 stars in the review records, this one earns a lot of praise for the sharpness it shows while doing the job done. His Shun premier was with him for over 3 years and he even describe it as tough as nails.  Being knowledgeable about the proper usage of these knives will be a big help on how long it will last. A recommendation is to buy honing steel and dual-sided sharpening stone for maintenance.

3. Global 8″ Chef’s Knife

Global knives are designed by the famous legendary Komin Yamada crafted by hand in Yoshikin’s factory in Niigata, Japan. The blade is made of CROMOVA 18, a steel mixture of molybdenum, vanadium and chromium. The handle is also made of stainless steel with dimple mold for comfort and a safe grip.The 1, 848 ratings say all about this knife it has everything you’ve been looking for, a light, sharp, and easy to clean knife. A one-time opportunity of the trial convinces a friend to also purchase for their own.

2. Tojiro Bread Slicer

Tojiro’s blade is made of High-Carbon stainless steel with an overall length of 235mm while the handle is made of natural wood. The serrated edge allows you to cut without deforming the bread.

Has a 1,981 Amazon rating and I guess with its cheap price maybe it is understandable that with some they got problem after weeks with its performance but with its price again I think you can buy a new one of this. There were contented customers too with its really sharp and lightweight characters. Some got injured too and receive cuts on their fingers. Just don’t use this with harder/stiffer bread, a different bread knife may be best.

1. Shun DM0707 Classic

Manufactured by Kai Group this Shun’s blade is made of VG-MAX with additional cobalt, tungsten, chromium and carbon for increased durability, strength, corrosion resistance and sharpness. Supported by 68 layers of Damascus cladding, formatted by a process of layering various metals together then forging them into a single sheet; for a total of 69 comprehensive layers.

The Handle is D shape for perfect grip and is made of Pakkawood, this is waterproof, incredibly durable, and won’t harbour bacteria.This already received 2,222 ratings on Amazon and just like the other it receives good and bad input with different kinds of customers but siding with the positive reviews. There is a 2-year update I found and I really do believe in the explanation given to fully understand this knife. Since it possesses 60-61 Rockwell hardness and a cutting edge of 16°, this means the blade is a more hard side than the tough side.  The higher the HRC number the more brittle it could be but at the same time much better edge.

Summary

Japanese cooking knives, characterized by their high and lasting sharpness, are popular worldwide, and there are many different brands and types.

On Amazon, those items can be easily purchased from outside Japan.

Please find your favorite one and enjoy cooking with it.

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