Japanese kitchen knives have been gaining in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They are incredibly sharp and durable, making them a great choice for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
For starters, they are made with a harder type of steel, which means they can retain their edge for longer. Additionally, Japanese knives are often lighter than their Western counterparts, making them easier to handle.
If you’re looking for a high-quality kitchen knife, a Japanese knife is a great option to consider. In this article, we’ll share our top three picks for the best Japanese kitchen knives in 2022.
Top 3 Best Japanese Kitchen Knives in 2022
Best Overall | Best Knife Set | Best Budget Option |
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1. Imarku Japanese Damascus Chef Knife 8″ – Best Overall
If you’re looking for a superior kitchen knife that offers great control and comfort, then this Imarku Chef Knife is perfect for you. This beautifully crafted knife is made of high-quality stainless steel, comes with a case and Pakka wood handle.
The precision-crafted rosewood handle fits well in your hand, making it easy to maneuver. Plus, the small size allows you to take this chef’s knife with you wherever you go. With its sharp blade and comfortable grip, the Imarku Chef Knife is sure to make cooking a pleasure.
You can use this knife for all types of meat, cutting vegetables, and other foods. Moreover, unlike other Japanese kitchen knives, this product is priced reasonably and more than worth the investment.
What We Like:
- Constructed from premium German stainless steel
- Hand hammered mirrored blade
- The handle is made from high-quality Oak Wood
- Makes cooking safe and effortless
- Value for money
2. Imarku 16-Piece Japanese Knife Set with Block – Best Knife Set
We absolutely love the Imarku 16 piece Japanese knife set, as it has absolutely everything you need to kit out your kitchen and it offers fantastic value for money. We particularly love the addition of 6 steak knives, sharpen steel and kitchen scissors.
Made from Superior high-Carbon stainless steel blades for perfect stability and control which ensures maximum cutting performance and durability. Sharp, sturdy & practical.
The ergonomic design of the handles creates a comfortable grip, while the luxury finishing of the Pakka wood attracts attention at first sight. With its stylish wood block, this set would make a great addition to any kitchen.
The set consists of:
What We Like:
- Made of 67 layers of high carbon Damascus steel
- Anti-corrosion and anti-rust design
- Ergonomic design handle for comfortable use
- Razor-sharp blades perfect for slicing meat and vegetables thin
- 15° degree edge per side
- The set comes with a chef knife, santoku knife, nakiri knife, utility knife, and paring knife
- Handles are made from Nature PakkaWood
3. Sunnecko Damascus Chef Knife – Best Budget Choice
The Sunnecko Damascus Chef Knife is a top-of-the-line kitchen knife made from damascus VG-10 steel. It’s a perfect choice for amateur and professional chefs alike, thanks to its precision cutting quality and durable construction.
The ultra sharp Sunnecko Damascus Chef Knife makes cooking safe and effortless, while the multipurpose design makes it a versatile tool for trimming brisket, skinning chicken, or even separating ribs from pork loin.
What We Like:
- Unique hammered texture on the blade
- Sharp, precision-cut blade for effortless cutting
- Ergonomic, comfortable grip
- Features a precision, laser-carved index finger hole for superior control
- Full tang design for durability
- The handle is made from Oak wood
What to Look for When Buying Japanese Kitchen Knives
If it’s your first time buying a Japanese kitchen knife, it’s important to keep in mind a few things to ensure you’re getting a quality product. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Blade material
The best Japanese kitchen knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel. This type of steel is known for its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. Additionally, it’s also easy to sharpen and maintain.
2. Blade design
When it comes to the blade design, there are two main types of Japanese knives: the Gyuto and the Santoku. The Gyuto is a chef’s knife that’s designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping meat and vegetables. It has a curved blade that’s ideal for rocking motions.
On the other hand, the Santoku is a multipurpose knife that’s perfect for slicing, dicing, and mincing. It has a straighter blade that’s ideal for push-and-pull cuts.
3. Handle material
Most Japanese kitchen knives have handles made from wood or plastic. However, there are also some that have stainless steel or titanium handles. The material you choose should be based on your personal preference.
4. Maintenance
To keep your Japanese kitchen knife in top condition, it’s important to sharpen and hone it on a regular basis. So, look for a product that requires less sharpening and honing.
5. Storage
When buying a Japanese kitchen knife, it’s important to consider how you’ll be storing it. If you plan on storing it in a drawer, make sure to get a knife block or sheath.
This will protect the blade and prevent it from getting damaged. It’s even better if the product you’re purchasing comes with a sheath as that’ll save you money.
6. Price
Lastly, Japanese kitchen knives can be quite expensive. So, it’s important to set a budget before making your purchase and choose the one that offers the best value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Japanese knives so good?
Japanese knives are considered to be some of the best in the world because of their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. They’re made from high-quality materials and designed to last a lifetime. Additionally, Japanese knives are also known for their sharpness and precision cutting ability.
Are Japanese or German knives better?
Some people prefer Japanese knives because of their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. On the other hand, others prefer German knives because of their durability and versatility.
Is a Japanese knife worth it?
If you’re looking for a high-quality and very sharp knife, then a Japanese knife is definitely worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese kitchen knives on our list are some of the best on the market. They’re perfect for amateur and professional chefs alike, thanks to their quality construction and versatile design.
In this article, we’ve looked at the top 3 best Japanese kitchen knives in 2022.
Our top pick is Imarku Kiritsuke Knife since it’s made from high-quality materials, looks fantastic and has a great looking case. However, all of the products on our list are great choices, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
