Slice With Precision: 7 Best Japanese Knives To Explore

Specifications to Check

• Purpose:  This is the first decision you should make. Japanese knives are designed for specific uses like chop, dice, mince, etc.  It is contrary to popular belief that one knife can do all. The final texture of the dish depends on the type of knife and technique used. 
• Material:  Caution needs to be exercised as we are dealing with food. Knife blades are to be made with rust-proof material like stainless steel. This is to prevent contamination from creeping into the food. Retaining sharpness over time is another important quality.
• Size: The length and width of the blade should be such that you can perform the task effortlessly. However, this is subjective.
• Handle: The shape and finish of the handles determine the grip your hand will have on the knife. Material, finish, and ergonomics define the effectiveness and functionality. The handle enhances the appearance but should be functionally suitable. Simple as it may seem, a lot of thought goes into its design. 
• Brand:  It is a well-known fact that branded products are costlier compared to non-branded ones. Higher prices are due to the difference in quality and durability. The advantages will be felt, especially after a long duration of use. 
• Price:  Your budget will determine the choice of the item that gives you the best value for your money.

Top Recommended Products

1. Leeonz Santoku  Knife, Japanese Chef Knife- B092MH8Q5W

This handy, ultra-sharp stainless steel model can be used to perform daily kitchen tasks like chopping, mincing, dicing, etc. It could be classified as one of the general-purpose Japanese knives.

Features

• Hollow Blade edge
• Dishwasher safe
• Very sharp
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Lightweight

Specification

What we like

• Dishwasher safe:  Can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Compatible with modern life. 
• Hollow blade edge: The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel.  The edge is hand polished and sharpened at an inclination. This allows air to penetrate between the material being cut and the blade, ensuring that the material does not stick to the blade.
• Food Grade Stainless Steel: Rust-free. Will not contaminate the food.
• Blade Thickness: The 2.5 mm thick blade makes it rigid and convenient for cutting.

What we don’t like

Requires sharpening after a period of use:  This is required even though the blade is made of high-carbon steel. Depends upon usage.  

Overall review:  A general-purpose knife of good quality.   

Our ratings:

• Value for money: 4.1/5
• Sturdiness: 4.0/5
• Easy to hold: 4.3/5

 ASIN ID - B092MH8Q5W    

2. Meyer Stainless Steel Sharp Japanese - B09WMZPHKP

Forged using stainless steel, this lightweight model can be used for precision cutting especially salads, where aesthetics is required. This is achieved by a balanced design and a stone-finished handle. It can also be used as a multi-purpose kitchen knife.

 Features

• Precision cuts
• Dishwasher safe
• Balanced design 
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Forged stainless steel for strength.

Specifications

What we like

• Dishwasher safe:  You can put it into the dishwasher for cleaning. 
• Balanced Design:  Enables precision cutting.
• Food Grade Stainless Steel: Rust-free. Will not contaminate the food.
• Sharpness:  Long lasting.

Overall review:  A general-purpose knife of very good quality, well suited for making salads.   

Our ratings:

• Value for money: 4/5
• Sturdiness: 4.5/5 
• Easy to hold: 4.3/5

 ASIN ID - B09WMZPHKP    

3. Japan Bargain SEKIYOU  Japanese Kitchen - B002W1A3AM  - Rs 3466/= 

Designed with a wooden handle and high carbon steel blade, this is one of the general-purpose Japanese knives. With a thin blade, this ultra-sharp model can be used for cutting vegetables, fish, and meat. 

Features

• Very lightweight
• Wooden handle
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Forged stainless steel for strength.

Specification

What we like

• Lightweight:  Weight is 100 grams. 
• Forged design: The blade may be thin. But since it is a forging, it gives high strength.
• Food Grade Stainless Steel:  As it is rust-free, there is no chance of food contamination.
• Sharpness:  Long lasting as the blade is made of high carbon steel.

What we don’t like

Dishwasher safe: The item should not be cleaned using a dishwasher.  

Overall review:  A general-purpose rigid, light, and very sharp knife of a superior quality.

Our ratings:

• Weight: 4.5/5
• Sturdiness: 4.5/5
• Sharpness: 4.7/5
• Value for money: 4/5

 ASIN ID - B002W1A3AM    

4. Japan Bargain Stainless Steel Sekiryu - B001CB3RFQ

Modeled on Sekiryu design, this is a chopping knife. With a wide blade, vegetables and meats can be cut into thin slices. The strength of the forged stainless steel blade makes the item sturdy. The long blade is an advantage when it comes to cleaving.  

Features

• Wide Blade
• Wooden handle
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Forged stainless steel for strength.

Specification

What we like

• Good for cleaving: Due to the wide flat blade, this can be done effortlessly.
• Forged design: The forging process results in higher blade strength like other Japanese knives of its class. 
• Food Grade Stainless Steel: Contamination of the food is kept to a minimum due to the non-rust property of stainless steel.

What we don’t like

Fixing of the handle: The fitting between the wooden handle and blade can be improved. 

Overall review:  A sharp, high-quality knife that is excellent for cleaving.

Our ratings:

• Sturdiness: 4.4/5
• Sharpness: 4.6/5
• Value for money: 4.1/5

 ASIN ID - B001CB3RFQ    

5. Seki Japan MASUMUNE, Japanese - B07LCLVMD8

Called Pankiri in Japanese, this long-bladed knife has a serrated edge. It is used for cutting soft materials like bread, cake, etc. A hand-crafted product, its serrated edge retains its sharpness for a lifetime. With a plastic handle, this model gives it a  unique look among Japanese knives.   

Features

• Serrated blade
• Plastic handle
• Food-grade Molybdenum stainless steel
• Lightweight

Specification

What we like

• Handcrafted:  Like all Japanese hand-crafted products, this item will display perfection in workmanship.
• Food Grade Stainless Steel:  Superior Molybebeinum Stainless steel is used for making the blade.
• Light weight: Even though the blade is long, the weight is only 110 grams.

What we don’t like

Cutting vegetables: It can not cut harder vegetables. 

Overall review:  It is very good if used for what it is designed.

Our ratings:

• Sturdiness: 4.4/5
• Finish: 4.7/5
• Value for money: 4.0/5  

 ASIN ID - B07LCLVMD8    

6. Seki Japan TSUBAZO Japanese Kitchen knife- B08Q7G5WXN

Made by Japanese craftsmen to perfection, this forged stainless steel knife has a thin and wide blade. This construction makes cutting and peeling vegetables very convenient. You could also cut hard material by using the blade in an upright position. 

 Features

• Thin Blade
• Forged Stainless Steel
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Wooden Handle

Specification

What we like

• Handcrafted:  The hand-crafted finish by Japanese craftsmen gives it a unique look and finish.
• Thin and wide blade: It is good for cutting vegetables and easy peeling fruit and vegetable skins. 
• Food Grade Stainless Steel:  Food contamination is kept to a minimum as the stainless steel used does not rust.
• Lightweight: At 191 grams, the forged knife is strong and also easy to handle.

What we don’t like

Handle: The quality of the handle can be improved. 

Overall review: Lightweight, it is very good for the purpose intended. 

Our ratings:

• Sturdiness: 4.7/5
• Finish: 4.6/5
• Value for money: 4.5/5

 ASIN ID - B08Q7G5WXN    

7.Seki Japan MASAMUNE Japanese meat - B07LCM7MBR

Styled on the lines of a classical Butcher’s knife, this item has a blade length of 7 inches. The Plastic handle is riveted firmly to the blade using 3 in-line rivets. The blade is made of stainless steel forged material to give it strength. With a sharp edge, you can chop meat with ease.   

 Features

• Cleaver
• Forged Stainless Steel
• Food-grade stainless steel
• Riveted handle

Specification

What we like 

• Blade length: This cleaver has a blade length of  7", which is convenient when cutting meat.
• Riveted Handle: The blade is firmly connected to the handle using 3 rivets. 
• Food Grade Stainless Steel:  As stainless steel is rust-free, there will be no contamination of the food.
• Serrated edge: The knife's edge is serrated, which helps the cutting of meat with ease.

What we don’t like

Dishwasher Safe: The item is not dishwasher safe. 

Overall review:  It is very good as a cleaver for meat.

Our ratings:

• Sturdiness: 4.7/5
• Finish: 4.4/5
• Value for money: 4.2/5

 ASIN ID - B07LCM7MBR    

FAQs

Q. Are Japanese knives better than other knives?

Yes. They are far superior to other knives. The blades are made of food-grade rust-free stainless steel, ensuring minimum contamination of the food.

Q.Why are Japanese knives special?

A. Each type of knife is made to serve a specific purpose. The high level of Japanese quality and craftsmanship ensures that a high level of perfection is achieved in the task performed.

Q. What other special aspects could you see in Japanese knives?

A. The difference between other brands starts from the design. Each knife is designed to perform a specific task. The shape and width of the blade, styling of the handle, etc., are done so that the tasks are easily performed. Further, the food should be aesthetically appealing. For example, if you slice a vegetable to make a salad, the thickness should be uniform and devoid of any corrugations. Japanese knives help you achieve this much more easily due to their inherent design.

Q. Does the sharpness of a knife depend on its base metal?

A. Yes. The edge of the knife blade is ground to give its sharpness. Generally, high-carbon stainless steel gives greater sharpness.

Q. Are Japanese-crafted knives with Damascus blades available?

A. Yes. These blades are made of alternate high and low-carbon steel and are hammer forged to make them a single piece. The edge of the blade is then ground to yield exceptional sharpness. They carry visually striking patterns but are very expensive.  This makes them more of a collector's item rather than functional.