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10 Best Japanese Chef Knives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shun Premier 6 Piece Block Set, Includes 8" Chef, 4" Paring, 5.5" Nakiri, 6.5" Utility Knives, Honing Steel & 8-Slot Angled Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Pakkawood Handles
The Shun Premier 6 Piece Block Set is a well-crafted collection of Japanese-style kitchen knives designed for both home cooks and enthusiasts who appreciate quality tools. The blades are made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, known for their sharpness and durability. Each blade has a plain edge sharpened to a 16-degree angle, providing precise and clean cuts. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, 5.5-inch Nakiri (vegetable knife), 6.5-inch utility knife, and 4-inch paring knife, covering a wide range of kitchen tasks. The hammered tsuchime finish on the blades reduces food sticking and adds a beautiful touch.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,246
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Handle Material
Most important from
17 reviews
#2
Shun Classic 10" Chef's Knife
The Shun Classic 10" Chef's Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality Japanese chef knife that handles a variety of kitchen tasks with ease. Its 10-inch blade is made from VG-MAX steel, known for maintaining a very sharp edge thanks to its 16-degree angle and 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which also gives it a beautiful, durable finish. The plain edge is versatile and ideal for slicing and dicing most ingredients smoothly.
Rating
9.7
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance
Most important from
3784 reviews
#3
MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Chef's Knife Set 4 Pcs, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife Set, High Carbon Ultra Sharp Cooking Chefs Knife Set (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)
The MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Chef's Knife Set is a professional-grade collection of four hand-forged knives that blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern materials. The blades are made from high-carbon 9CR18MOV steel, known for its durability and sharpness, and treated to achieve a hardness of 58±2 HRC. This makes the knives excellent for precise cutting tasks, keeping fruits, vegetables, and meats in optimal condition. The blade length of 8 inches and a thin 2.5mm edge enhance its cutting efficiency.
Rating
9.4
Blade Edge
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Most important from
189 reviews
Top 10 Best Japanese Chef Knives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shun Premier 6 Piece Block Set, Includes 8" Chef, 4" Paring, 5.5" Nakiri, 6.5" Utility Knives, Honing Steel & 8-Slot Angled Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Pakkawood Handles
Shun Premier 6 Piece Block Set, Includes 8" Chef, 4" Paring, 5.5" Nakiri, 6.5" Utility Knives, Honing Steel & 8-Slot Angled Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Pakkawood Handles
Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, 68-layer Damascus
Blade Length: 8", 5.5", 6.5", 4" blades
Blade Edge: Plain, 16-degree sharpened edge
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: About 11 pounds with block
Chosen by 1246 this week
Shun Classic 10" Chef's Knife
Shun Classic 10" Chef's Knife
Blade Material: VG-MAX steel
Blade Length: 10 inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: 12 oz, balanced
MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Chef's Knife Set 4 Pcs, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife Set, High Carbon Ultra Sharp Cooking Chefs Knife Set (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)
MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Chef's Knife Set 4 Pcs, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife Set, High Carbon Ultra Sharp Cooking Chefs Knife Set (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)
Blade Material: High-carbon 9CR18MOV steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Rosewood
Weight and Balance: 1.76 pounds
Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle
Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle
Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, 68 layers Damascus
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: 7.5 ounces, well-balanced
SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box
SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box
Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: G10 Glass Fiber Handle
Weight and Balance: 2.31 pounds
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Shun Premier Blonde 8" Chef's Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle
Shun Premier Blonde 8" Chef's Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle
Blade Material: VG-MAX core, 68-layer Damascus steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: 16-degree sharp edge
Handle Material: blonde Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: 5.6 oz, well-balanced
Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch
Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 6.2 inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Wood
Weight and Balance: 6.2 ounces
MAC Knife set Professional series 3-piece PRO-31, MTH-80 Pro series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples, PKF-50 Pro series 5" Paring knife, MSB-105 Pro series 10.5" Bread/Roast slicer, made in Japan
MAC Knife set Professional series 3-piece PRO-31, MTH-80 Pro series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples, PKF-50 Pro series 5" Paring knife, MSB-105 Pro series 10.5" Bread/Roast slicer, made in Japan
Blade Material: High-carbon, stain-resistant molybdenum steel
Blade Length: 8 inches
Blade Edge: Bread slicer, wavy serrated, double-bevel
Handle Material: Plastic, steel, wood
Weight and Balance: 1.48 pounds
Japanese Chef Knife, 8 Inch Damascus Kitchen Knife with VG10 Steel Core, Professional Black Forged Kitchen Knives with Ergonomic Handle, Leather Sheath & Luxury Gift Box, Christmas Gifts for Men Women
Japanese Chef Knife, 8 Inch Damascus Kitchen Knife with VG10 Steel Core, Professional Black Forged Kitchen Knives with Ergonomic Handle, Leather Sheath & Luxury Gift Box, Christmas Gifts for Men Women
Blade Material: Japanese Damascus VG10 Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Stabilized Wood & Red Resin
Weight and Balance: 7.4 oz, full tang construction
#10
MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples MTH-80
MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples MTH-80
Blade Material: Alloy Steel
Blade Length: 8 inches
Blade Edge: Hollow
Handle Material: Pakka wood
Weight and Balance: 10 ounces, balanced
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Buying Guide for the Best Japanese Chef Knives
Choosing the right Japanese chef knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Japanese knives are known for their precision, sharpness, and craftsmanship. When selecting a Japanese chef knife, it's important to consider various factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it suitable for everyday use. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more care to prevent rust. Damascus steel is known for its beautiful patterns and combines the benefits of both stainless and high-carbon steel. Choose stainless steel for low maintenance, high-carbon steel for superior sharpness, and Damascus steel for a balance of aesthetics and performance.
Blade LengthBlade length determines the knife's versatility and ease of use. Common lengths range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) offer better control and are ideal for precision tasks like slicing vegetables or filleting fish. Longer blades (9-12 inches) are more versatile and can handle larger tasks like cutting meat or chopping large vegetables. Consider a shorter blade for detailed work and a longer blade for general-purpose use.
Blade EdgeThe blade edge affects the knife's cutting performance. There are three main types: straight edge, serrated edge, and granton edge. A straight edge is ideal for clean, precise cuts and is the most common type for chef knives. A serrated edge is useful for cutting through tough or crusty surfaces, like bread. A granton edge has small indentations that create air pockets, reducing friction and preventing food from sticking to the blade. Choose a straight edge for general use, a serrated edge for specific tasks like slicing bread, and a granton edge for smoother cuts with less sticking.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the knife's comfort and grip. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and feel but require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often have ergonomic designs for a comfortable grip. Composite handles combine the benefits of wood and plastic, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a knife affect how it feels during use. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable and reduce fatigue during extended use. Heavier knives provide more power for cutting through tough ingredients, while lighter knives offer better control and precision. Test the knife in your hand to see if it feels balanced and comfortable. Choose a heavier knife for tasks that require more force and a lighter knife for precision work.
Blade ShapeThe blade shape influences the knife's functionality. Common shapes include gyuto (chef's knife), santoku (multi-purpose knife), and nakiri (vegetable knife). A gyuto has a curved edge, making it versatile for various tasks like slicing, dicing, and chopping. A santoku has a flatter edge, ideal for precise cuts and chopping vegetables. A nakiri has a straight edge, perfect for slicing vegetables with a push-cutting motion. Choose a gyuto for all-around use, a santoku for precision and versatility, and a nakiri for dedicated vegetable preparation.