Japanese knives are famous for their high-quality construction and superior performance in the kitchen. In this review of the best Japanese knife set, I will be taking you on a tour of some of the best brands on the market today and giving you all the latest insights. This article was produced to help get you “in the know” when it comes to Japanese knives and most importantly, to make an informed decision for your next knife-set purchase. This post has a buying guide and what to look for so you can make the best buying decision when you buy a Japanese knife set.
✅ After going through all of the Japanese knife sets this is the one that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
Best Japanese Knife Sets
Best Japanese Knife Set: Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9-inch Combination Honing Steel
- Multi-purpose Kitchen Shears
- 8-Slot Slim Design Dark Wood Knife Block
Pros
- A solid variety of quality Japanese knives to tackle different tasks
- VG-MAX steel blade provides durability and strength when slicing
- A high score on the Rockwell Hardness Scale of 60-61
- Hand-sharpened double-bevel blade with a 16-degree angle
- Pakkawood handle is ergonomic, strong, and moisture-resistant
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No utility knives or steak knives included
- Requires maintenance to keep blades sharp
Overall Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set Review
Shun is among the best manufacturers of Japanese knives globally, with its headquarters in Seki city, the hub of Japanese culinary crafting. This classic set gives a good range of fundamental knives to tackle the basic tasks when it comes to slicing, dicing, and chopping meats, vegetables, and fish.
Made with VG-MAX steel, this set of knives takes durability and strength to the next level, and this is well-accompanied by 16-degree sharpness and a 60-61 score on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. Complete with an ergonomic handle made of pakkawood and several bonus items to help you maintain sharpness and store conveniently, this set is near perfect. Amazon reviews have revealed a 4.7-star rating for this set, making it well-validated for its quality.
Read more about them in our Shun Knives Review.
Best Japanese knife block set: Miyabi Black 5000MCD67 10-pc Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 5.25-inch Prep Knife
- 5.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 7-inch Rocking Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9.5-inch Bread Knife
- 9.5-inch Slicing Knife
- Red Oak Miyabi Single Magnetic Easel
- Kitchen Shears
- 9-inch Sharpening Steel
Pros
- Huge variety of all the essential kitchen knives
- Super strong with a score of 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Sharpened using traditional methods and 133 layers of steel
- The gorgeous Damascus steel pattern is visually pleasing
- Black ash wooden handle with D-shape leverages on ergonomics
- Hand-crafted in Seki, Japan, the home of Japanese culinary
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires maintenance to keep sharpness
- Not dishwasher-friendly
Overall Miyabi Black 10-piece Knife Set Review
This 10-piece set by Miyabi Japanese knives is a strong contender for the best well-rounded set of knives. With an enormous variety of different knives of different sizes and designs, you are getting a full arsenal of blades ready to tackle just about any knife-related task in the kitchen.
Made with micro-carbide powdered MC66 steel and ice-hardened to an elite score of 66 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, these knives are among the strongest there is. Built to last a lifetime and designed with a sharpness that delivers results, these Japanese knives are made using the finest of traditional Japanese blade craftsmanship. Read more about them in our Miyabi Knives Review.
Findking Dynasty Series 4 Piece Knife Set
What’s Included
- 5.2-inch Utility Knife
- 7-inch Nakiri Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef Knife
Pros
- Good range of essential kitchen knives
- Hammered “clad dimples” allow for easy food release when slicing
- Nakiri knife for specialized vegetable cutting tasks
- HRC of 60; highly durable blades
- African rosewood handles are beautiful and comfortable
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- A Chinese brand, not authentic Japanese knives
- Quantity is a little small; it does not reach my recommended minimum of 5 knives
Overall Findking Dynasty Series 4-piece Knife Set Review
While this set lacks the quantity of my ideal recommendation, it does make up for it with high-quality knives made with hammered patterns that promote easy food release when cutting, slicing, and dicing. In addition, the inclusion of the flat-headed nakiri knife will make you look forward to dicing up those vegetables, and your chopping board will love you for it!
While this brand is Chinese and their materials aren’t necessarily Japanese, they still use the same traditional Japanese knife crafting practices to get near-perfect results. It would be impossible for a non-expert like myself to tell the difference between Findking’s Japanese knives and something authentic like Shun’s. However, a 4.7-star rating on Amazon reviews proves that sometimes authenticity is not a criterion for quality.
Nanfang Brothers Damascus 9-piece Knife Set
What’s Included
- 8-inch Chef Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Slicing Knife
- 8-inch Bread Knife
- 5.5-inch Utility Knife
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- Kitchen Shears
- Knife Sharpener
- Beechwood Block
Pros
- Excellent range, all necessary knives with bonus items included
- VG-10 steel core and 67 layers of Damascus steel for precision and accuracy
- Hardened to a level 60 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale; highly durable
- Easy to clean and lasts the distance
- Beautiful beechwood knife block for easy storage and visual pleasure
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires sharpening to maintain performance
- Not authentic Japanese knives
Overall Nanfang Brothers Damascus 9-piece Knife Set Review
This 9-piece set of Japanese knives is brought to you by Nanfang, a Chinese manufacturer of high-quality Damascus steel. While their knives may not be authentically Japanese, like Findking, they also incorporate the Japanese way of knife crafting, so it is difficult to tell the difference if you are not an expert.
The blades in this set are made with VG-10 Damascus steel with a stunning pattern, making it highly durable and high performing. Its quality is backed by a 4.7-star Amazon rating which shows that the vast majority of consumers are not concerned with the authenticity of the knives but are more focused on what matters; the results. A lifetime warranty, knife sharpener, and beechwood knife block come together to form a nice cherry on top for this awesome set by Nanfang Brothers.
Best Affordable Japanese Knife Set: FAMCÜTE Japanese Chef Knife Set
What’s Included
- 5-inch Utility Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 7-inch Nakiri Knife
- 8-inch Gyuto Knife
Pros
- Good range of essential Japanese knives
- High-quality steel with level 60 Rockwell Hardness Scale
- Hammered “clad dimples” allow for easy food release when in use
- Ergonomic handles made of African rosewood are stunning in design
- Nakiri, Santoku, and Gyuto knives excel in vegetable, fish, and meat slicing
Cons
- No warranty specified
- The small range does not reach the recommended 5 knives minimum.
Overall FAMCÜTE Japanese Chef Knife Set Review
FAMCUTE is a well-reputable brand of Japanese knives. Though they may not be made in Japan, this does not stop them from being more on the authentic side as they very accurately mimic the craftsmanship of Japan’s knives as though they were made in Seki city. The benefits of this are that they are not limited to Japanese materials alone, combining western materials to get the best of both worlds.
What I like most about this set is the hammered “clad dimples” on the blade, which give it a beautiful patterned design that is more than meets the eye, allowing for easy food release upon cutting. A strong 4.7 star on Amazon reviews is testimony to the real results this FAMCUTE set can provide. Read more about them in our FAMCUTE Knives Review.
Imarku Japanese Knife Set
What’s Included
- 8-inch Chef Knife
- 7-inch Cleaver Knife
- 8-inch Bread Knife
- Kitchen Scissors
- Knife Sharpener
- Knife Block
- Cutting Board
- 4x 4.5-inch Steak Knives
Pros
- Excellent range of culinary includes steak knives and a cutting board
- Durable high-carbon stainless steel blades
- Ergonomic pakkawood handle
- Premium acacia hardwood chopping board and knife block
- Great purchase as a gift
- Limited warranty
Cons
- Strictly not dishwasher safe
- No utility knife included
Overall Imarku Japanese Knife Set Review
Imarku is a brand that does all kinds of culinary manufacturing, but they really hit the nail on the head with this Japanese knife set. Made with high-carbon steel, the blades are sturdy and durable, with a range that can tackle any slicing challenge. The inclusion of steak knives is a great touch, and you will want to show them to special guests.
The defining selling point of this set really comes down to its use of different wood materials, in my opinion. From the pakkawood handles to the chopping board and knife block that is made of a beautiful-looking premium acacia hardwood, this set by Imarku is highly suited as a gift idea for a loved one. Imarku has done well to receive a rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon reviews, making it a highly-praised and recommended set among the people. Read more about them in our Imarku Knives Review.
Miyabi Koh 7-Piece Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 5.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9-inch Bread Knife
- Kitchen Shears
- 9-inch Sharpening Steel
- 10-Piece Knife Block Set
Pros
- Solid range of different knives for various purposes
- Made in Seki, Japan, the hub of Japanese culinary manufacturing
- FC61 fine carbide stainless steel
- 61 Rockwell Hardness makes knives highly durable
- Ice-hardened for cutting-edge retention and corrosion-resistance
- Ergonomic pakkawood handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- The smaller quantity which does not reach my 5-knife recommendation
- Not dishwasher safe
Overall Miyabi Koh 7-Piece Knife Block Set Review
These knives are made with top-quality stainless steel that excels in durability, corrosion resistance, and cutting-edge retention that lasts longer between sharpening sessions. The smooth finish on each blade and high-quality results make the knives in this set suitable for professional chefs and home cooks alike!
I am a little disappointed at the lack of quantity in terms of knives, but I appreciate the extra bonuses such as kitchen shears, a 10-piece block set, and a honing steel rod. In addition, the blades are made using the finest traditional Japanese crafting practices in the midst of Seki city, resulting in a sharp edge that lasts the distance. Read more about them in our Miyabi Knives Review.
Tuo Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block
What’s Included
- 7-inch Cleaver Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 9-inch Bread Knife
- 8-inch Chef Knife
- 4-inch Paring Knife
- Kitchen Shears
- Honing Steel
- Bamboo Wooden 7-Piece Block Set
Pros
- Good range of different knives
- Forged German high-carbon stainless steel is high in durability
- High-tech pakkawood handle is ergonomic and aesthetic
- Lifetime money-back warranty
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- No utility knife or steak knives
- Materials are German-made, not Japanese
Overall Tuo Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block Review
Despite being made with German materials, the high-carbon steel used is of premium quality. In addition, the manufacturing process follows the Japanese tradition of craftsmanship to produce the blades and handles. The pakkawood ergonomic handle is also testimony to Japanese craftsmanship as the circular design is a staple for Japanese knives.
Backed by a lifetime money-back guarantee, a 4.8-star Amazon rating, and an affordable price point, it would be tough to look past this set. The only thing it’s missing is a utility knife for those miscellaneous kitchen tasks, but other than that, a highly recommended set of Japanese knives is what this is. Read more about them in our Tuo Knives Review.
Yoshihiro Hammered Damascus Chef Knife 6 Piece Set
What’s Included
- 8.25-inch Gyuto Knife
- 9.5-inch Gyuto Knife
- 5.3-inch Petty Knife
- 9.5-inch Sujihiki Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 6.3-inch Nakiri Knife
Pros
- VG-10 stainless steel core made with Damascus hammered finish
- Authentically Japanese with western-style ergonomic handle
- The full-tang design prevents the blade from snapping
- 16 layers of premium steel Damascus
- Limited time warranty
Cons
- No knife block included
- No sharpening rod included
Overall Yoshihiro Hammered Damascus Chef Knife 6 Piece Set Review
This 6-piece set by Yoshihiro is highly recommended if you are after a Japanese-western hybrid knife set. With the blade crafted through Japanese processes and materials and the handle made with the western riveted style to promote ergonomics, you get the best of east and west with this set. The inclusion of the sujihiki knife is a major selling point, as this knife is rare to find in Japanese knife sets and excels in slicing fish fillets and carving roasts.
A generous six knives ensure you get the full range of knife needs here, unfortunately not including a block, honing rod, or shears, though. Nonetheless, I vouch for quality over quantity with this one because a 5-star Amazon rating simply shouldn’t be ignored. Read more about them in our Yoshihiro Knives Review.
Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set
What’s Included
- 3.25-inch Paring Knife
- 4.75-inch Utility Knife
- 6.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9-inch Bread Knife
- 5-Slot Dark Ash Slim Knife Block
Pros
- Set includes all essential knives, as well as a knife block for storage
- VG-10 superior stainless steel
- The sand-blast finish gives an impressive appearance
- Black linen Micarta handles
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No honing rod included
- Not dishwasher safe
Overall Yaxell Mon 6 Piece Knife Set Review
This 6-piece knife set includes all the essential knives to tackle all kitchen cutting tasks to a satisfactory level. These knives have high-quality VG-10 stainless steel blades that retain a super-sharp edge for seamless slicing. In addition, full-tang construction ensures the blade is extra durable and won’t break with use. The wood in this set is my favorite part, with a rare dark ash material for the block and black linen Micarta for the handles, it’s simply stunning!
This earned a strong 4.8-star rating for a set of hybrid Japanese-western knives that will give you the best of sharpness, durability, and comfort. Yaxell knives tend to be in their best condition when hand-washed with warm water and mild detergent, so be sure to avoid the dishwasher! Read more about them in our Yaxell Knives Review.
Best Japanese Steak Knives: Kyoku Samurai Series – 5″ Steak Knives Set
What’s Included
- 4x 5-inch Steak Knives with Sheath Case
Pros
- Superior steel is ultra-sharp with incredible edge retention
- Ergonomic and well-balanced
- Made with Japanese high-carbon stainless steel
- Sharpened to 13-15 degrees for seamless slicing
- Corrosion-resistant
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Set includes only steak knives, no suitable cooking knives
- No sharpening tools, storage block, or shears included
Overall Kyoku Samurai Series – 5″ Steak Knives Set Review
This 4-piece set includes perhaps the best-looking steak knives I’ve ever seen, with a performance that delivers more than just aesthetic appearances. The Samurai Series combines high-carbon steel with an ergonomic pakkawood handle. It also has beautifully designed sheaths for the perfect set of dinner knives.
A 4.6-star rating on Amazon testifies to the positive experience offered by these Kyoku knives, and a lifetime warranty simply guarantees the quality. I highly recommend this set for anyone after a more pleasurable dining experience, particularly if you are a steak lover, as these high-carbon steel blades can pierce through anything on the dinner plate! Read more about them in our Kyoku Knives Review.
What To Look For In A Japanese Knife Set?
Number of knives
The quantity of knives included in a set and the variety thereof is usually a good indicator of the overall value of a set of knives. When it comes to Japanese knife sets, my recommendation is only to consider those with around 4-5 different knives at least.
A good knife set covers various uses, allowing you to tackle all of your slicings, dicing, and cutting tasks. Ideally, you will want a set that includes a chef’s knife, paring knife, utility knife, santoku knife, and serrated bread knife.
Quality of knife steel
By default, Japanese knives are usually built with superior manufacturing processes and good quality steel and are generally not a concern. Nevertheless, they can still differ significantly in performance based on the materials used by the manufacturer and the brand’s manufacturing procedures.
It is important to know the differences between some of the steels to better understand which areas your set of Japanese knives excel in. For example, some knives may specialize in sharpness while others have the advantage of durability, so I advise you to think about what your particular needs are and what you want out of a knife set.
Handle
Naturally, the handle of your knives needs to be as comfortable as possible, so look for brands that specialize in ergonomics and ease of control. The materials used generally come in either wood, plastic, or metal and really comes down to the user’s preference (mine is pakkawood).
To further maximize durability, go for a full-tang knife set where the steel continues through the inside of the blade in one piece. This increases control, power, and durability while mitigating the possibility of the blade snapping off the handle.
For more on the different parts of a knife, read this post.
Knife block
A knife block is still a huge plus for any set, as it provides a specially designed storage location intended for the specific knives you purchase. They are a great way to make things convenient for you and prevent scratching that could occur if you placed all your knives together, blade-on-blade.
Dishwasher safe
Not all Japanese knives are dishwasher safe, so you will need to look out for that checkbox when sussing out each brand. Hand-washing tends to be a safer option, regardless of whether the product is dishwasher friendly or not.
Warranty
Each brand of Japanese knives has its own policies and procedures for returning damaged items and getting replacements. Important things to look out for are the length of time the warranty lasts and what the warranty covers.
Maintenance
Looking after your knives takes more than just cleaning them after use. Consider using a sharpener and honing steel rod to maintain the razor-sharp edge of your Japanese knives. Also, ensure your knives are stored in a safe and convenient place, such as a knife block where they are safe from rusting or scratches.
What makes a knife a “Japanese knife”?
The term “Japanese knife” is more than just knives that are made in Japan. It comes down to how it’s manufactured and typically needs to be made using traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques. This is the core requirement for a knife to be classified as such, but other factors also help in the knife’s categorization. For example, the handle also differentiates a Japanese knife from other knives, as they are usually made of wood with an iconic cylindrical design.
Which knives are Japanese knives?
Santoku
Santoku knives are the most popular knives used by the Japanese, as they are highly suitable for various home kitchen tasks. Translated in English as “three virtues,” the santoku knife is a Japanese multi-purpose knife built with a flatter construction that is shorter, thinner, and lighter than a typical western-style knife.
Gyuto
Gyuto knives are the Japanese version of the western chef’s knife and were originally named “yo-boucho,” literally meaning “western chef’s knife.” Its new name, gyuto, which translates as “beef-knife,” is designed primarily to cut through large chunks of meat, just as western knives are. So essentially, a santoku knife is a Japanese-style chef’s knife, while a gyuto knife is a Japanese version of a chef’s knife, designed to mimic the western style of craftsmanship. Learn more about these knives in our Gyuto Knives review.
Nakiri
The nakiri knife is a Japanese knife designed primarily for cutting vegetables, as its construction and craftsmanship including a flat-head edge rather than a pointy end. This makes it a perfect vegetable-cutting knife due to its straight edge that does not curve into a sharp pointy tip but rather provides a consistent straight line that provides an even cut from the vegetables straight through to the chopping board in an ergonomic manner. See our best Nakiri knife review for more on this type of kitchen knife.
Kiritsuke
Kiritsuke literally means “to slice open” and is a Japanese hybrid knife that is a combination of the Yanagida sashimi knife and the usaba knife (the thinnest Japanese knife). The result is a beautiful multi-purpose knife with enough flatness to be a great vegetable knife and enough angle and sharpness to make an excellent sashimi-cutting knife.
Bottom Line: What are the best Japanese Knives?
The competition is fierce, to say the least, but my top pick for the best Japanese knife set will have to go to Yoshihiro for their amazing 6-piece Damascus steel knife set! Of all the sets, I feel this one is the most authentically Japanese and provides the largest quantity of Japanese-specific knives.
In fact, of all the sets reviewed in this article, this is the only one that includes a sujihiki knife, which is a great tool for slicing fish and carving roasts. To top it off, you get two gyuto knives, a nakiri knife, and a santoku knife, practically covering every possible dimension of cutting, slicing, and dicing tasks! Purchase yours now by visiting their website or on Amazon.com!
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