Best Japanese Knives Set of 2021 | Top 10 Reviews and Buying Guide

Whether you are looking for a perfect chef knife or a high-quality blade for slicing vegetables, meat, fish, or fruits, you need to buy the best Japanese knife set. An all-in-one knife set for entire kitchen needs, Japanese knives are popular for their supreme quality and remarkable performance. You often see a product that is known for its place of origin, and Japanese knives are one of the best products on planet earth. With a rich heritage that can be traced back to centuries, a Japanese knife is a top choice for professional chefs and home cooks. Manufactured from premium quality material, these best knives for the kitchen have diverse use and features compared to typical knives. There are countless Japanese knife sets available on the market, but which one is best for different cutting tasks? To answer all your cutting questions, we have created a list of the best Japanese knives set based on their manufacturing quality, features, and user convenience.

Best Japanese Knives Set for 2021 – Comparison Table

Best Japanese Knives Set Reviews 2021

1. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set – Best Overall Knife Set

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Key Features

• High carbon German X50 Cr Mo V15 Stainless steel
• Ergonomic Santoprene Handle
• Taper Ground Edge

Best known for their reliable stability for chopping, Mercer-made knives are offer taper-ground edges that can maintain sharpness for a long time. Durable, comfortable, and efficient, these knives have fully forged, single-piece blades perfectly crafted from high-carbon, non-stain German steel. The best thing about their taper-grind edges is that they are polished by hands to keep the ideal balance. This German steel can perfectly resist corrosion, rust, and discoloration.

The Black nonslip Santoprene handles of this best Japanese knife set for home make it comfortable and secure in the grip to improve the chopping efficiency. Also, these handles can conveniently withstand cold and hot temperatures.

This six-piece knife set includes

• 8″ Chef Knife
• 6″ Boning Knife
• 8″ Bread Knife
• 3.5″ Paring Knife
• 5″ Utility Knife
• Knife Holder

The striking tempered glass knife block is designed to stand upright on the counter and helps you easily find your desired knife. You also enjoy a limited lifetime warranty with this best six knives set.

2. Marco Almond KYA28 14 Pieces Knife Set

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Key Features

• High Carbon Japanese Steel Blades
• Stainless steel handle
• Built-in Sharpener

A real gift for beginner and professional chefs, this KYA28 14 piece knife set is manufactured from High Carbon Japanese steel that is durable and rustproof. Featuring 8 different types of knives to satisfy various types of cutting needs for restaurants and homes, these durable knives have flawless craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and premium materials that can easily last for a long time.

The hollow handles of this Japanese knife set are crafted from stainless steel, which makes them sharp and comfortable to hold. All knives are manufactured from solid one-piece forged stainless steel.

This 14 piece Japanese knife set includes

• 1pc-8″Slicing knife,
• 1pc-5″ Santoku knife,
• 1pc-8″Chef Knife,
• 1pc-5″Utility knife,
• 1pc-3.5″ Paring knife,
• 1pc-5.5″ Serrated Utility knife,
• 1pc-all-purpose kitchen shear,
• 6pcs 4.5″ Steak knives,
• 1pc-black wooden knife block

One of the best features of the knives block is its built sharper. You don’t need to purchase an extra sharpener to sharp the dull blades as the built-in sharpener is super convenient for daily use needs.

3. XINZUO 5-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knives Set – Best Knife Set for Kitchen

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Key Features

• Premium Damascus steel Blades
• Pakka wood handle
• Razor Sharp Edge

This best Damascus kitchen knife set by Xinzuo features five different sizes and shapes that can meet your everyday chopping and slicing needs. Each knife comes with 67 layers of premium Damascus high carbon steel to ensure durability and sturdiness. Also, all Japanese knives are protected with anti-rust and anti-corrosion agents for long-lasting performance.

Featuring a 10Cr super steel core and 67 layers of high carbon Damascus steel, these knives are designed to provide a butter-cutting experience with any food. Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, these knives have natural Pakka wood to achieve a perfect appearance.

XINZUO 5-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife includes

• 7” Santoku Knife
• 8” Chef Knife
• Nakiri Knife
• 3.5” Paring Knife
• 5” Utility Knife

The best thing about these Japanese knives is that they are tested under extreme pressure conditions for long-term performance and durability. In case you are not satisfied with the set’s performance, you can avail 100% money-back option. For user’s confidence, the manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty against any defect.

4. Sunnecko Kitchen Knife Set

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Key Features

• Japanese VG-10 Cored & 73 Layers Damascus Stainless Steel Blade
• VG10 carbon steel Handle
• Double-sided cutting

A perfect combination of ancient Japanese sword manufacturing methods with modern breakthrough technologies, this best Japanese Knife set by Sunnecko offers unrivaled value, performance, and beauty. The knives’ extra-sharp blade is made of Japanese 73-layer Damascus steel VG10 for exceptional durability, strength, and stain resistance.

The sturdy handle is forged from premium quality VG10 carbon steel. This handle of the damask knife is extremely insensitive to cold, heat, and moisture. Remember, G10 material is insulated, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Don’t put it in a dishwasher, but no worries as we got you covered with our top pics for the best dishwasher safe knife set.

This Sunnecko Elite Series knife set includes

• 8-inch chef knife
• 5-inch utility knife

Featuring double side cutting, this knife is ideal for both right and left-hander chefs. The balance weight and size allow you to enjoy every cut with this affordable Japanese knife set.

5. Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set

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Key Features

• High-performance VG-MAX steel blades
• D-shaped ebony Pakka Wood Handles
• 13-slot Deluxe Bamboo Knife Block

A generous gift for both novices and seasoned gourmets, this knife set by Shun comes with all the essential knives you need to make delicious meals in your kitchen and restaurant. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, this 10 piece Japanese knife set is crafted from durable VG-Max stainless steel. The Shun Classic line comes with elegant Damascus clad blades, and D-shaped ebony Pakka Wood handles.

Featuring a cutting edge ground to a 16-degree angle on both sides, this is one of the sharpest knife sets you can find on the market. Its comfortable D-shaped handle and the perfectly balanced blade provide precise control and decrease fatigue during long cutting tasks. The best thing about Pakka wood handles is that they are moisture resistant.

This 10 piece Japanese knife set includes

• 3.5-inch Paring Knife
• 5-inch Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife
• 4.5-inch Honesuki Knife
• 7-inch Santoku Knife
• 6-inch Utility Knife
• 8-inch Chef’s Knife
• 9-inch Combination Honing Steel
• 9-inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
• 13-slot Deluxe Bamboo Knife Block
• Shun Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears

The 32-layer forged construction gives these knives incredible cutting performance with great stain-resistant, additional strength, and an elegant Damascus pattern. Though all knives are stain-resistant, you can wash them by hand using gentle dish soap. Don’t forget to dry it immediately to prevent rust issues.

6. Tojiro DP 2-piece Chef’s Knife Set

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Key Features

• Allot Steel blade
• Full tang triple-riveted Micarta handle
• 3-layer clad construction with a Japanese VG-10 steel core

The Tojiro DP series has a full tang and 3-ply clad construction along with the core of VG-10 super steel encased by 2 layers of highly durable and rust-resistant stainless steel. Made from superior Alloy Steel, this 2 piece Japanese knife set can be used for all sorts of tasks. Due to their small size, they are ideal for cutting herbs, vegetables, and small fruits.

The blades feature a typical triple-layer construction and hard VG-10 stainless steel core sandwiched between the 2 layers of softer stainless steel. It offers the advantage of a razor-sharp cutting edge and carrion-resistant exterior.

This knife set includes

• 8.25-inch Chef’s Knife
• 4-inch Paring Knife

The triple-riveted traditional Micarta handle with bolster has heft, and the closed collar helps for the complete sharpening of the blade. These rust-resistant stainless steel alloy knives are also backed by a lifetime warranty.

7. Vestaware Knife Set

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Key Features

• High-carbon stainless steel blades
• Full tang rosewood handle
• Rosewood knife block

If you are looking for high-end material at an affordable price, then this Japanese knife set is made for you. No matter whether you are an experienced home chef or starting your kitchen career, this 16 pieces stainless steel knife set can be your best friend. All knives have ultra shape edges to ensure maximum cutting performance and durability.

Manufactured from high carbon stainless steel, these sharp blades are stain-resistant. To avoid corrosion resistance, rosewood has been used in manufacturing the handles. The ergonomic handles are free from cold, hot, and wet effects. Also, to make them more stylish, three rivets have been embedded in the handle.

The 16 piece knife set includes

• 8-inch chef knife
• 8-inch slicing knife
• 6-inch chef knife
• 8-inch serrated bread knife
• 3.5-inch paring knife
• 7-inch Santoku knife
• 4.5-inch utility knife
• 6pcs steak knife
• 8-inch walnut sharpener with rubber wooden knife block
• 10-inch rosewood kitchen shears

The set also has kitchen shears and a sharpener for your convenience. You can safely store all knives in the rosewood knife block for ideal performance.

8. Messermeister Avanta Fine Edge Steak Knife Set – Best Steak Knives Under $100

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Key Features

• German high carbon stainless steel Blades
• Sandblasted stainless steel handles
• One-piece forged

Messermeister offers high-quality cutlery and culinary tools for both home and food service professionals. Affordable with premium quality manufacturing, these sharp blades are manufactured from high-quality German steel that is perfectly rust-resistant and easy to maintain. This Japanese knife set was released in 2015 for students in top-level culinary schools.

The knives come with a forged bolster, end caps, and fully exposed tangs. This forged bolster helps balance the knife, whereas the full tang signifies that these affordable knives are manufactured from single German steel pieces.

This 4 Japanese knife set includes

• Four-inch steak knives

Handles of this best steak knife set are crafted from Pakkawood, offered in walnut brown and black colors. The density of the handles is high, which offers a premium feel when holding them. Also, these durable handles are attached with 3 rivets. Other notable features include a lifetime warranty and a storage box with a plastic see-through window.

9. Findking-Dynasty series kitchen knife set

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Key Features

• High Carbon Steel Blade
• African Rosewood Octagon handle
• Beauty gift box packing

Findking’s products are best known for their premium quality. These Dynasty series chef knives are elegantly designed to show the beauty of eastern knives. The prime focus of this best Japanese knife set is the efficiency and comfort of an everyday chef. Manufactured from High carbon stainless steel, these blades have angled edge and can hold it for a long time, even with regular use. The blade is ideal for fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats.

The handle is made from popular African rosewood, which is excellent for the knives’ comfort and appearance. The stability of the handle helps with the full manipulation of the blade. The clad dimple allows for convenient food release while dicing or slicing.

This 4 piece Japanese knife set includes

• 7-inch nakiri knife
• 5-inch utility knife
• 8-inch chef knife
• 7-inch santoku knife

The balance point runs heel to spine up the billet that allows an ultra-comfortable grip with precise cuts. The weight is towards the blade, which makes it even more efficient during rock chopping motion. This durable knife set comes with a beautiful storage box.

10. Alltripal Knife Set 16 Pieces Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Block – Best Budget Knife Set

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Key Features

• High carbon German Steel
• POM Handle
• Corrosion-resistant with triple Riveted Reinforcement

An all-in-one knife set that meets your kitchen cutting needs, this best Japanese knife set comes with durable German stainless steel. All knives’ edges are sharpened to 16 degrees per side for an excellent cutting and chopping performance. All the blades are created from a professional German stainless steel (X50Cr15) with the sturdiness of about HRC57.

This durable stainless steel comes with 15% chrome and 0.5% carbon for the blade’s additional durability and strength. Though all knives’ blades are rust and scratch resistant but don’t put them in the dishwasher. A great choice for both commercial and kitchen use, this durable knife set will surely improve your cutting experience.

This 16 piece Japanese Knife set includes

• 1 chef knife
• 1 bread knife
• 1 boning knife
• 1 slicing knife
• 1 paring knife
• 1 santoku knife
• 1 fruit knife
• 1 kitchen sears
• 6 steak knives
• 1 knife sharpener
• 1 wooden knife block

The triple rivets of the comfortable POM handle reinforce the strength and wear resistance along with the non-slip grip. Even with wet hands, you will not face any problem with cutting. Also, the ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue and improves cutting precision. Last but not least, with the wooden block engineered with artistically crafted angled slots, you can conveniently store the knives in order. The wooden block stays stable due to its non-skid feet.

 

If your knife is chipped and you want to fix it before buying a new one, you should read How to Fix a Chipped Japanese Knife.

Guide For Buying the Best Japanese Knife Set

There are a plethora of various types of Japanese knives to choose from, and the selection can be extremely overwhelming, especially when you are buying for the first time. Regardless of your skill level, if you consider these essential factors, you will surely find the best Japanese knife set for home and restaurant use.

Steel Type and Price

Japanese knives are available at different prices that range from $50 to over $1000. It primarily depends on your skill level to buy the best one for your needs.

Expensive Japanese knives are made with super high carbon steel (white steel or blue steel) and are typically honyaki forged. Such knives are harder and can retain their genuine shape for a long time. However, if not maintained properly or misused, they are also prone to chipping. Remember, regular sharpening and proper maintenance are essential for high-end knives. Perhaps, this is one of the main reasons that these knives are recommended only for professional chefs.

Entry-level or cheap Japanese knives are made from stainless steel, which is durable, easy to maintain, and rust-resistant. However, such knives cannot hold their sharpness as compared to higher-end knives when used frequently.

If you are a beginner, you don’t need to invest in an expensive Japanese knife set. Choose an entry-level knife set with solid material and construction.

Blade Style

Japanese knives are available in either single bevel blades (traditional Japanese style) or double bevel (Western-style). A single bevel knife is made for professional chefs to make detailed cuts and also for specific cases. On the other hand, a double bevel knife is best for beginners as a single bevel blade needs a lot of practice to get used to.

Different types of Japanese Knives

For each blade style, either Traditional or Western, there are various knife types. Most of them are made for specific use such as vegetables, butchering, carving, fish, etc. However., two types of Japanese knives are made for general use:e Gyuto and Santoku. These knives have Western-style blades (double bevel) and are popularly known as all-purpose knives. You can use them to cut vegetables, fish, or meat.

Handle Type

The handle is an essential factor to consider when choosing a Japanese knife set. A Japanese knife has either a traditional Japanese handle or a Western-style handle.

The western handle is heavier with a grip form shape and secured through a durable tang of the blade with rivets. Such handles feel sturdier and are also excellent for brute force cutting purposes.

On the other hand, the traditional Japanese handle is cylindrical, lightweight, and manufactured from wood. Though these handles are a bit hard to use for new users, they provide a more delicate touch along with the perfect control.

Best Japanese Knives Set – FAQs

Why Japanese knives are popular?

Sharper, thinner, and harder are the best knife features, and Japanese knives are best at these attributes. Made from harder steel to maintain their edge for a long time, Japanese knives are popular for various cutting tasks.

What is the best steel for a Japanese knife?

Stainless steel is one of the most popular steel used in manufacturing Japanese knives. The most common type of stainless steel used in Japanese knives is 420 (cutlery grade stainless steel), 316 (typical surgical and food-grade stainless steel), and 440 (premium grade cutlery stainless steel is known for better hardness and edge retention).

What is the best angle to sharpen a Japanese Knife?

Typically Japanese knives are made from hard steel, which begins from 60HRC, which means you have to sharpen the knife from a minimal angle. The common cutting edge of the Japanese knife is 30 degrees.

What are the top Japanese knives set brands?

Here are the best Japanese knife brands you can trust and buy knives for excellent results:

1. Shun
2. KATSU
3. Imarku
4. KYOKU
5. Yoshihiro
6. Dalstrong
7. TUO
8. FINDKING
9. KEEMAKE
10. Zelite Infinity

Conclusion

Japanese knives have their own charm for both professional and armature chefs throughout the world. Their thin, sharp, durable, and lightweight blades make preparing food convenient and enjoyable. To be honest, there is not only one best Japanese knife set, but it depends on your needs and skill level. All you need is to decide your budget, knife style, and skill level, you will surely find the best Japanese knife set for your needs.

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