Anybody who is experienced with cooking and knows the ins and outs of the kitchen would understand the importance of a good set of knives.
And it doesn’t get much better than Japanese cooking knives.
These knives cut like no other and are well-known all around for their thin edge and virtually unparalleled sharpness.
But with those benefits come some cons as well.
Japanese cooking knives tend to break easier since they’re very thin, especially if you don’t take care of them.
Another thing about these knives is that sets can be costly and choosing the right one is very tough.
If you’ve been having trouble finding the best Japanese set for you, this list might help you out.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best Japanese kitchen sets you can find on the market today, and maybe by the end of it, you’ll know which set is right for you!
Keep reading to learn more.
The Best Japanese Knife Sets (Updated List)
* Featured Product *
Related:
- Popular types of Japanese knives you should know about
- Ceramic knives set
- Damascus chef knives
- Sushi & sashimi knives
- How often to sharpen Japanese knives?
- Japanese knife vs German knife
How to Buy a Decent Kitchen Knife Set From Japan
When buying knife sets, there are a couple of things you should be looking at, and we get into them in this section.
1. The Knives
First of all, you should be looking at them that come in the set.
Now, in today’s market, you can find small 2-3 piece sets and larger 7-12 piece sets.
While having more tools is essential, sometimes, you’ll find that all you’ll need in the kitchen is two knives.
So it’s important to understand what tools you’ll need before going out and buying a set.
2. Build Quality Of The Blade & Handle
Once you’ve determined how many knives and what kind you need, you also need to look at how they were built.
Check if they are full tang, which gives you a lot of balance and is almost necessary for a high-quality
It’s also important to know the material being used in constructing them and what maintenance is needed.
3. Storage
If you already have a proper storage procedure in your kitchen, you probably won’t need a set that comes with a block.
However, large sets that come with storage blocks can be a huge help in the kitchen.
Safely keeping all your knives in the same place will ensure that you don’t lose anything and they maintain their quality.
4. Price
When looking at sets, it’s important to have an understanding of how much you’re willing to spend.
Prices for sets can vary greatly, and knowing the amount of money that you can spend on knives can help out a lot when it comes to narrowing down your options.
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
Reviews of the Best Products
1. Tojiro DP 2 Knife Block – Best Overall
Some people may be quick to dismiss this product because there are only two knives that come in it.
While that may be a valid criticism, there is a lot that can be done with these two that you will discover soon.
Included in this
The knives in this product are of very high quality, and it honestly seems like they belong in a much more expensive set.
They are forged and not stamped, and they also have a hybrid design that seamlessly combines Western and Japanese style handles.
This makes cutting and using them very easy, making it perfect for home cooks everywhere.
The main selling point of this Tojiro set is the superior quality of their blades.
Right out of the box, they are very sharp, so you don’t need to worry about taking out your whetstone before use.
It’s hard to beat this product when it comes to quality, especially if you consider its price point.
If you’re looking for two basic knives that will get almost any kitchen job done, you might have just found them in this Tojiro set.
One of the best Japanese cutlery sets in my personal view for sure.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 9/10
Pros:
- Full tang
- Forged construction
- Triple-riveted design
- Has a Rockwell Hardness rating of 60
- The edge very sharp right out of the box
Cons:
- Only has two knives in the set
- Doesn’t come with a storage block
Interesting
2. Mac Knife Superior Santoku Set – Best Set of 2
Next up, we have another basic two-set.
This knife set comes with a 6.5” Santoku and a 5” mini-Santoku.
Ask any Japanese chef out there, and they might testify that these are the only two blades you will need in the kitchen.
These specific knives are constructed with high carbon stainless steel, which gives them an extremely sharp edge that will last a while.
That means you won’t have to sharpen these pieces too much, which could be great for both home cooks and professionals who don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance.
However, it needs to be noted that to keep the edge on these blades, they have to be washed and dried immediately after use to prevent rust.
It’s a small sacrifice that’s well worth it.
They also come with a Pakkawood handle that feels very comfortable in the hand and can make cutting, slicing, and chopping so much easier.
Like most Japanese sets, this one doesn’t come with a storage block, but you can easily get a compatible magnetic block out there to keep the blades safe.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- The blades are made of high carbon steel
- Extremely sharp
- Great for fans of the Santoku
- Full tang
- The knives hold their edge extremely well
Cons:
- Only comes with two knives
- Doesn’t come with a block
Related product reviews:
3. Global Kabuto Block Knife Set – Best Bang for Your Bucks
These blades have stamped blades, not forged blades.
And while that’s usually an indicator of sub-par quality, but the quality control and the standards of the brand are very high which results in this very useful, very high-quality stamped
There are 7 blades included in this
This product also includes a 7-blade storage block for you.
They are very sharp, which is a testament to the brand’s standards, but one of the main perks is the lightweight and ergonomic design.
This allows you to cut easily and quickly, which could mean all the difference in the kitchen.
It also has all the standard knives you’ll need in the kitchen minus steak knives.
They are also constructed to make sure the edge remains sharp despite the lower hardness rating.
All in all, this is a good choice for anyone who needs a complete set in their kitchen.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Very sharp right out of the box
- Comes with 7 knives
- Easy to clean and sharpen
- Lightweight and modern design
- Very balanced edge
Cons:
- The blades tend to spot quicker
- Doesn’t come with steak knives
4. Shun Classic Essential Block Knife Set – Best 7-Piece Collection
This product comes with a 3.5” paring
The tools that come in this
They are forged and not stamped, and are also made of Damascus steel.
This gives them a lot of durabilities and a very sharp edge that doesn’t need too much sharpening.
The blades in this product are all well-balanced and very sharp, which makes them a joy to use in the kitchen.
Using these knives can make any cutting and slicing job much easier, and since they’re lightweight, you don’t have to worry about a sharp learning curve when using them.
The set comes with a high price, and some might say the price is too much for five knives and a set of kitchen shears, but since everything in the set is of such high quality, it’s easy to see why it demands that price.
So if you’re willing to spend a bit for a set of very high-quality knives, the Shun Cutlery Classic Set might be your best bet.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Comes with lots of knives
- Handy storage block
- Forged and not stamped
- The edge is made of Damascus steel
- Full tang
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with steak knives
- It’s a small set for its price
5. TUO Cutlery Knife Set – Best 8-Piece Set
This product is one of the prettiest on the list.
The Pakkawood handles look good and feel very comfortable in the hand.
This makes chopping and slicing with this
It comes with a 7” cleaver, 7” Santoku, 9” bread
These knives cover all the essentials in the kitchen, and if you’ve been getting tired of seeing the same black-handle construction, this might be your best pick.
They have a truly unique look to them because of the Pakkawood handle, but they perform at the highest level as well.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Beautifully Pakkawood designed handle
- Comes with a honing steel and storing block
- Forged edge not stamped
- Full tang
- Comes with a set of 5 blades
Cons:
- Doesn’t include steak knives
6. Yoshihiro Hammered Steel Knife Set – Best Damascus Set
Next up we have this product from Yoshihiro that contains a 9” chef
All these knives are good at handling all the essentials in the kitchen, especially if you work with a variety of ingredients often.
They are made of Hammered Damascus steel, which is incredibly strong and can retain its edge very well.
For those who want a
This is also an ideal setting for chefs who want to begin their careers as the set is very high quality and is relatively affordable.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Made of Damascus steel
- Western Style handle
- Incredibly sharp
- Full tang
- Well balanced
Cons:
- Maintenance can be tricky
7. Enso Forged Steel Knife Set – Best for Beginners
In this set, you’ll find a 6” utility
All the blades are made of forged stainless steel, which is an indicator of high-quality blades.
This
So if you work with a lot of fruits and vegetables in the kitchen, this product will be ideal.
They also come with a very nice
It’s important to note though, that because of their high quality, some care has to be taken with this Japanese
For example, after every use, make sure to hand wash and dry them to keep them in tip-top shape.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Double-beveled edge for right-handed and left-handed users
- Very high-quality knives
- Triple-riveted handle
- Very sharp out of the box
- Full tang
Cons:
- Need to be hand-washed and dried immediately after every use
8. Miyabi Knife Morimoto 6-Piece Knife Block Set – Most Versatile
As you can tell by the name, this
This product doesn’t contain the most knives and that can be somewhat of a con, but all the other tools it comes with make it a great fit in any basic kitchen.
They have a Rockwell hardness rating of 57, which is very high, which can help the blades retain their edge, which is very sharp straight out of the box.
The design of these knives is very basic, but it also has options.
You can pick between the classic black handle or a design that features red details.
For anyone looking to build a basic setup in the kitchen, these knives are a great place to start out.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Has a limited warranty
- Knives are very sharp
- Low maintenance
- Full tang
Cons:
- Doesn’t contain steak knives
9. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Knife Series – Best Multi-purpose
This is probably one of the best budget sets you can get today.
It’s a 12-item set that has four steak knives, a 5” serrated utility
It’s also a very affordable set, with its price point staying below the $150 mark.
But with the low price comes a slight dip in quality.
While these knives are still great tools built very well, they lack some of the sophistication and sharpness of the other sets in this list.
That being said, if you’re looking to build a full set (with steak knives) on a budget, you should definitely take a look at this product from Ginsu.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8/10
- Handling: 7.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Very sharp right out of the box
- Comes with a very nice bamboo block
- Forged with Japanese stainless steel
- Full tang
- Has almost anything you need
- Affordable
Cons:
- Quality may not be as high as other sets in this list
10. Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-Piece Block Set – Best High-end Choice
Wrapping up our list is arguably one of the best sets you can get on the market today.
All of them have a traditional Japanese handle made of Birchwood, which is great for those who are used to Japanese-style knives.
The blades are also forged using Damascus steel, which gives them that unique look.
Included in this product are a 9” sharpening steel, an 8” bread
There was a lot of attention put into the construction and the details of these knives, which is part of the reason they demand such a high price.
But if you’re looking for a premium product and you’re willing to spend on it, this product from Miyabi should be put under consideration.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Durable
- Has a core of GS2 steel which is laminated by 101 layers of Damascus
- Comes with a Birch handle
- One of the best Japanese sets on the market today
- Incredibly sharp and retain their edge
Cons:
- The set can be pretty expensive
FAQ’s
1. What Are The Greatest Japanese Knives?
Answers to this question will vary, but our top pick for Japanese chef’s knives are those made by the Shun brand.
These knives are very sharp and are known to retain their quality for a long time, but they can also be pretty expensive.
2. Are Japanese Knives Really That Great?
This will depend on your preference, however, there are a lot of chefs all around the world that will say they prefer Japanese-style knives over Western-style ones.
3. Are Japanese Knives Or Western Blades Better?
As mentioned earlier, this all depends on your tastes, preferences, and needs.
Eastern knives are more precise.
They are thinner, usually sharper, and are good for making precision cuts in ingredients.
While this is a decent feature, these knives can also be easy to chip and break if not taken care of properly.
Western knives, on the other hand, are stronger and tougher, best for cutting through dense foods.
4. What Knives Do Eastern Chefs Use?
Japanese chefs typically use a whole array of knives.
But their top choice and the usual go-to
These knives are designed to cut through meats, vegetables, and fish, which gives the user a whole range of options.
5. What Is A Japanese Chef Knife Best For?
Japanese knives are best for precision.
They are thinner, which gives you more control over the blade.
That’s why they are commonly used for fruits, vegetables, and cutting up the meat into smaller sections.
6. What Makes These Cutters From Japan Good?
Japanese chef’s knives usually are constructed with a lot of precision and attention to detail.
This gives them a uniquely elegant look while also making them much sharper and easier to control.
7. What Is The Best Brands to Buy a Japanese Chef’s Knife ?
If you’re willing to spend extra money on very good knives, blades from either Shun or Miyabi will serve you well.
Both these brands are renowned for their high standards and very sharp blades, which makes them very popular amongst chefs and home cooks.
Other great brands might include Dalstrong, Seki, etc.
Conclusion
Japanese
They are known for their superior edge, great functionality, and incredible designs.
And every day, brands are releasing new models that take the market by storm.
If you’re a professional chef in need of professional-grade knives, we highly recommend the Shun Classic 7-Piece Block Set.
Along with having all the essential pieces of kitchen cutlery, each
For those in search of more modern designs, then we recommend the Global Kabuto Knife Set.
With its modern
And if you’re a chef on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife Set.
It comes with two well-crafted Santoku knives, ready to take on just about any kitchen task.
Further reading:
How Japanese Knives Are Made | Serious Eats
In the Details: The Art of Japanese
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Ryan Leavitt
Hi my name is Ryan Leavitt a Marine Corps Veteran and currently an over the road trucker (Long Haul). I am no expert chef but am enjoying preparing my own meals on the road and testing all the different knives.
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
