15 Greatest Japanese Knife Manufacturers

Though cooking consultants disagree on many issues, all of them agree that one of the best chef’s knife is a must have kitchen instrument. Your knife could make or break your cooking recreation. Japan provides a number of the world’s greatest knives. Why? Japanese knife manufacturers use carbon metal. This metallic delivers further sharpness. The highest producers provide high-quality chef’s knives in a number of shapes, sizes, supplies, and types.

Japanese knife varieties embrace the Gyuto, all-purpose Santoku, Petty, Sujihiki, Deba, Hankotsu, Yo-Deba, Honesuki, Nakiri, and Paring. These choices cater to particular duties and components, similar to reducing skinny meat slices, breaking down fish, boning, dicing greens, and filleting fish and gentle meats. Nonetheless, the Santoku is an all-purpose instrument just like the Western-style chef’s knife. However that are one of the best Japanese knife manufacturers?

Here’s a complete evaluation of the 15 greatest Japanese knife manufacturers:

1. Miyabi

Miyabi is a number one Japanese knife model owned by Zwilling J.A. Henckels from Germany. The model exemplifies Japanese craftsmanship and custom. Its Japan-based manufacturing facility blends cutting-edge German tech from Zwilling and conventional Japanese knife-making methods. You should purchase Miyabi knives on Zwilling’s Amazon retailer.

Picture supply: Miyabi Knives

Miyabi designs its knives to empower all customers, from skilled cooks to house cooks. How do cooking consultants use Miyabi knives to maximise the advantages? First, good your knife-holding method to make sure optimum grip, steadiness, and management. Second, use one of the best slicing, dicing, reducing, and mincing ways to reinforce effectivity. Place the knife’s blade perpendicular to the ingredient in your chopping board to ship clear, uniform cuts or slices. Miyabi knives can elevate your culinary expertise. [1]

Professionals: Miyabi provides high-quality Japanese knives for various reducing duties. The model makes use of optimized cold-tempering methods, creating corrosion-resistant knives. The hardness degree reduces chipping and blunting. Miyabi knives are identified for his or her sharpness, sturdiness, and aesthetic design.

Cons: Miyabi knives are expensive. For instance, the Miyabi 500MCD67 Gyuto Chef’s Knife prices over $1,100

Worth Vary: $137-$1,149

2. Shun

Shun is a Japanese knife model owned by the Kai Company. Kai based Shun to assist North People and Europeans entry high-quality Japanese knives. Shun’s knife assortment contains the Premier and Basic Blonde collection. Nonetheless, the Shun Premier Chef knife is a Japanese/Western-style hybrid. Its form isn’t much like Gyuto, Kiritsuke, Sujihiki, or Hankotsu. [2]

Picture supply: Shun USA

Professionals: Shun designs lovely knives with sturdy supplies, similar to VG-MAX metal on the blade and pakkawood with metal caps on the handles. The model blends conventional Japanese knife-making methods and fashionable know-how to fulfill the wants {of professional} cooks and residential cooks. Its distinctive Japanese/Western-style hybrids are good for North People and Europeans.

Cons: Shun makes use of VG-MAX metal, guaranteeing your knife is ultrathin however super-hard. Nonetheless, sharpening VG-MAX metal with a 12° edge could be difficult.

Worth Vary: $159-$595

3. Tojiro

Tojiro is a famend cutler in Sanjou Metropolis, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The model provides Japanese and Western knives, together with Petty, Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, Sujihiki, Usuba, Deba, Yanagi-Sashimi, and Tako-Sashimi. Though Usuba resembles the Nakiri, the knife is a single bevel for reducing or peeling greens. Tako-Sashimi is a Kanto-style sashimi knife that’s shorter than the Yanagi-Sashimi. Each are good for slicing sashimi and carving fish slices. You should purchase Tojiro knives on Amazon.

Picture supply: Tojiro Japan

Tojiro has an Open Manufacturing facility, permitting prospects to have interaction with the model’s artisans. You possibly can go to the power to discover Tojiro’s knife-making course of. In Mar 2024, the Tojiro Knife Gallery Tokyo was awarded the 2024 iF Design Award within the Retail Retailer class. The model opened the outlet in Feb 2023, permitting prospects to really feel the craftsmanship of knife making. This retailer provides round 200 Tojiro merchandise. [3]

Professionals: Tojiro provides high-quality Japanese and Western-style knives throughout value factors. The model’s complete knife assortment caters to all customers, from skilled cooks to house cooks. 

Cons: Tojiro’s high-end knives could be expensive. They’re reserved for skilled cooks.

Worth Vary: $70-$269

4. Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki is a famend Japanese knife model and the most important knife maker in Sakai Metropolis. The model has over 600 years of historical past within the cutlery enterprise. Skilled cooks and residential cooks in over 100 international locations use Sakai Takayuki knives made in Sakai, Japan.

Picture supply: Sakai Takayuki

Professionals: Sakai Takayuki has refined its knife-making methods for 600 years. The model provides tremendous Western and conventional Japanese knives with lovely types and razor-sharp Damascus metal blades. Every Sakai Takayuki knife is a masterpiece.

Cons: Most Sakai Takayuki knives have conventional Japanese designs like Gyuto somewhat than Western types. Its high-carbon metal blades are hand-sharpened utilizing the standard Honbazuke technique to make sure high-level sharpness and precision reducing. 

Worth Vary: $51-$299

5. Misono

Misono is Japan’s oldest Western-style knife maker, with over 750 years of expertise. Every Misono knife is crafted by skilled artisans in its Seki workshop. In Mar 2024, US Information acknowledged the Misono UX10 because the Greatest Excessive-Finish Knife on its annual Greatest Chef’s Knives checklist. The Misono UX10 collection makes use of high-quality Swedish stain-resistant metal with long-lasting edge retention​​​​​​​​. You should purchase Misono knives on Amazon. [4]

Picture supply: Misono Knives

Professionals: Misono has refined its Japanese knife-making methods for over 750 years. The model covers most conventional Japanese types, together with Gyuto, Santoku, Sujihiki, Deba, Hankotsu, Honesuki, and Nakiri. It additionally provides Western-style Chef’s Knife, Yo-Deba, and Fillet Knife.

Cons: Misono’s high-end knives, just like the UX-10 Chef’s Knife, are costly. The UX-10 isn’t the best choice for left-handed folks. Sharpening a Misono knife requires experience.

Worth Vary: $65-$425

6. Nenohi/Nenox

Nenohi is a knife model based in 1975 by Norio Sawada to supply premium conventional Japanese knives from high-carbon metal. The corporate launched the Nenox label to supply Western-style knives. In 2024, Nenohi’s strong metal, NENOX collection, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. The model developed the brand new NENOX X collection to mark this milestone. The X is for Excessive and caters to NENOX followers and cooking execs in search of high-level efficiency. [5]

Picture supply: Nenohi

Professionals: Nenohi provides 18 Japanese knife types, whereas Nenox supplies 45 Western-style knives. Each mix razor-sharp stain-resistant blades with lovely pure wooden and bone handles. You possibly can depend on the Nenox S and X collection to entry revolutionary, easy-to-sharpen knives.

Cons: Nenohi is a premium Japanese knife model. Its merchandise are expensive. You’ll want over $6,900 to purchase Nenohi Honyaki Dentokougeishi Sakimaru Takobiki with Corian Deal with, one of many world’s costliest knives.

Worth Vary: $399-$6,980

7. International Knives

International is a Japanese knife model based in 1985 and manufactured by Yoshikin Manufacturing facility. It’s identified for its iconic G-shaped hole handles, with an ergonomic thumb relaxation for clean, environment friendly reducing. The model has 4 knife strains: International, NI, UKON, and SAI. Every makes use of a patented Cromova18 chrome steel that blends chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. The Cromova18 is solid with a computerized grind course of to create stain-, rust-, and chip-resistant blades. Then, the blades are sharpened to a 12.5-degree edge and mirror-polished by hand for long-lasting sharpness. Go to the International Cutlery retailer on Amazon. [6]

Picture supply: International Knives

Professionals: International combines conventional knife forging methods with computerized grinding to create sturdy, high-quality knives with superior sharpness and distinctive design. The model has perfected its knife-making course of with the ultra-hard Cromova18 chrome steel for practically 4 a long time.

Cons: The model’s Cromova18 chrome steel ensures longer-lasting sharpness. Nonetheless, the sharpness received’t final without end. Sharpening ultra-hard Cromova18 chrome steel blade with a 12.5-degree edge could be difficult.

Worth Vary: $50-$249

8. Takeshi Saji

Takeshi Saji bears the identify of its founder from a household of second-generation smiths. Saji adopted his household’s traditions, turning into the main blacksmith in Echizen. He partnered with 10 knife makers and established the Takefu Knife Village show room in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture. In 1992, the Japanese Ministry of Worldwide Commerce & Business acknowledged Takeshi Saji as a licensed “Conventional Grasp Craftsman.” You should purchase Takeshi Saji knives on Amazon.  

Picture supply: Takeshi Saji/Amazon

Professionals: Takeshi Saji provides Japanese knives identified for his or her sharpness, hardness, and roundish deal with designs. The model makes use of conventional hammer-forging methods and distinctive supplies in several combos. Every Takeshi Saji knife is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Cons: Takeshi Saji doesn’t have a particular knife collection or strains. Grasp Saji crafts every blade based mostly on his concepts and designs. This strategy delivers lovely however expensive knives.

Worth vary: $184-$2,440

9. Togiharu

Togiharu is Korin’s home model, providing user-friendly knives. Its knife assortment contains the Gyuto, Nakiri, petty, slicer, and chef’s knives. In 2023, Wired featured the Korin Togiharu Inox Metal Gyuto on its annual Greatest Chef’s Knives checklist. This knife is sharpened on either side, in contrast to conventional single-edged blades. Go to the Togiharu retailer on Amazon. [7]

Picture supply: Togiharu

Professionals: Togiharu provides trendy and high-quality knives at aggressive costs. Its assortment covers common knife types, from Gyuto to Nakiri, slicers, and chef’s knives.

Cons: Togiharu knives are inexpensive however not the most affordable. Their value factors are good for skilled cooks.

Worth Vary: $79-$259

10. Ginsu

Ginsu is a knife model based by Ed Valenti and Barry Becher over 40 years in the past. The model is owned by the Douglas Quikut Division beneath Berkshire Hathaway. It provides the Chikara, Kiso, and Daku cutlery collection. Nonetheless, solely the Chikara line supplies Japanese knives. You should purchase the Ginsu Chikara 8-Piece Knife Set to satisfy your wants cost-effectively. Go to the Ginsu retailer on Amazon.

Picture supply: Ginsu

Professionals: Ginsu is among the most inexpensive Japanese knife manufacturers. Its bamboo block knife units price $59-$189 and features a Santoku, utility, serrated, and chef’s knife. Some choices even have honing rods and heavy-duty shears.

Cons: Ginsu Chikara provides restricted choices. The road has solely 5 Japanese-style knives with the same design.    

Worth Vary: $13.99-$29

11. Masamoto Sohonten

Masamoto is a Japanese knife model based in 1866 by Minosuke Matsuzawa. The founder, a first-generation Matsuzawa knife craftsman, devoted his life to enhancing the craft and producing high-quality knives. Masamoto received its first gold and bronze prizes on the 1907 Tokyo Industrial Exhibition. The model has produced award-winning Japanese knives for over 100 years. Go to the Masamoto retailer on Amazon.

Picture supply: Masamoto Sohonten

Professionals: Masamoto has over 150 years of knife-making expertise. The model has refined and employed its founder’s crafting methods for six generations. It provides conventional Japanese and Western-style knives for cooking lovers of all talent ranges.

Cons: Masamoto doesn’t provide low cost entry-level knives for newcomers. Its least expensive possibility prices over $100.

Worth Vary: $108-$368

12. Mac Knives

Picture supply: MAC Knives

Professionals: Mac makes its knives from high-quality Japanese Molybdenum high-carbon metal with wonderful edge retention. Its knives have razor-sharp edges, snug handles, agile blades, and tapered shapes. These options simplify on a regular basis dicing, chopping, and slicing duties.

Cons: Mac is among the most counterfeited Japanese knife manufacturers. Make sure you purchase your Mac knife immediately from the model or a certified vendor to keep away from poor-quality fakes.

Worth Vary: $69-$239

13. Yoshihiro

Yoshihiro is a cutlery firm specializing in handcrafted premium Japanese kitchen knives. The model provides Gyuto, Santoku, Nakiri, Usuba, Yanagi, Sujihiki, Kiritsuke, and Honesuki knives. In 2008, Yoshihiro expanded its operations globally. It supplies over 600 premium Japanese knives by its LA, California facility and worldwide on-line platform. Go to the Yoshihiro retailer on Amazon to discover the model’s knife assortment.

Picture supply: Yoshihiro Cutlery

Professionals: Yoshihiro has over 100 years of knife-making expertise. Nonetheless, its methods date again to the 14^th-century medieval Japanese sword smiths, who transitioned to knife smiths. Yoshihiro is the go-to model for premium Japanese knives.

Cons: Yoshihiro’s handcrafted premium Japanese kitchen knives are costly. The Yoshihiro Shiroko Kasumi Deba Fillet Knife prices $240.

Worth Vary: $149.99-$1,499

14. Kikuichi Sujihiki Knife

Kikuichi is the world’s oldest knife firm, with over 750 years of historical past. It was based within the 13^th century throughout Japan’s Kamakura interval. Within the 19^th century, Kikuichi transitioned from sword-crafting to knife-making utilizing its centuries-old samurai methods. The Kikuichi Warikomi Sujihiki Knife is acknowledged as one of the best blade for slicing and carving. You should purchase this 9.5-inch Kikuichi Sujihiki Knife on Amazon.

Picture supply: Kikuichi

Professionals: Kikuichi has 750 years of historical past and over 150 years of expertise in Japanese knife-making. Its knives are handcrafted by artisans in Nara, Japan, utilizing samurai sword-making methods.

Cons: Kikuichi makes a speciality of conventional Japanese knives. It provides restricted Japanese/Western-style hybrids. Its handcrafted knives could be expensive.  

Worth Vary: $100-$500

15. Zelite Infinity

Zelite was based to fulfill the evolving wants of the culinary world. The model launched its iconic Alpha-Royal Japanese Damascus knives in 2015. Its Infinity line additionally provides Santoku, Nakiri, Paring, Boning, and Serrate Utility knives. In 2024, Spruce Eats acknowledged the Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife because the Greatest for Rookies. Go to the Zelite Infinity retailer on Amazon. [9]

Picture supply: Zelite

Professionals: Zelite provides inexpensive, beginner-friendly Japanese knives. Its Alpha-Royal Japanese Damascus, Santoku, and Nakiri knives are identified for his or her unmatched sharpness, distinctive edge retention, and noteworthy resistance to rust and stains.

Cons: Zelite knives could not meet the wants {of professional} cooks engaged on demanding duties. They’re good for newcomers, intermediate cooks, and residential cooks in search of inexpensive, high-quality choices.

Worth Vary: $49.99-$288

 References & extra info