Best Japanese Knives 2023
Are you tired of never having the right knife to hand in the kitchen? Is it time to let the serrated knife retire?
Last Updated – June 4, 2023
Whether you’re a professional chef or a ‘have-a-go hero’ – Japanese knives are a level up for ultimate slicing and dicing. They stay sharper for longer and are generally lightweight making your cooking experience much easier. Unlike that ugly old set sat on your countertop, Japanese knives are beautifully crafted, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming an eyesore.
With that said, we decided to test the bestselling Japanese knives to see which one you should buy and why. As always, we’ve set our testing standards extremely high – factoring in what matters the most to our readers such as long-lasting blade sharpness, precision, ease of use, and cost.
1
Top Pick:
Kitchen Katana
9.9
Exceptional
- Limited time discount
- Versatile in the kitchen
- High-quality stainless steel
- Long-lasting razor sharpness
- Precision control
- Index finger stabilization
- Recommended by top chefs
- Lightweight & sturdy
- Only available in the US
Zelite Infinity Santoku Knife
2
9.5
Excellent
- Razor Sharp Blade AUS-10 Super Steel
- Ergonomic Design
- Designed for maximum durability
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick blade
- Limited warranty
$49
Yoshihiro Hammered Damascus Nakiri Knife
3
9.3
Great
- High-quality stainless-steel blade
- Hammered finish for unique aesthetic
- Wide blade surface
- Ergonomically designed for comfort
- Safe and easy to clean
- Requires frequent sharpening
$179.99
Orblue Chef Knife
4
9.0
Very Good
- Durable and sharp stainless-steel blade
- Rounded edges for safety
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Nonstick coating
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not designed for professional use
$30
Dalstrong Shogun Series X Nakiri Knife
5
8.9
Good
- High carbon German stainless steel
- Lightweight balanced design
- Heat treated for extra strength and durability
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- High price
- Requires regular sharpening
$97
So, Which Japanese Kitchen Knives Should You Invest In & Why?
Pros
- Limited time discount
- Versatile in the kitchen
- High-quality stainless steel
- Long-lasting razor sharpness
- Precision control
- Index finger stabilization
- Recommended by top chefs
- Lightweight & sturdy
Cons
- Frequently Sells Out
- Only Available In The US
All in all, Kitchen Katana was a cut above the rest on all factors of our testing process. It sliced through the competition and passed every test with flying colours – and was definitely the best all-rounder for its craftmanship, alongside affordability and convenience.
Upon first impressions, we were initially taken aback by the craftsmanship of this knife. The more you look at it, the more you notice its stunning features.
From the premium oak wood handle, to the premium Japanese steel, down to the index finger hole for ultimate control. We know you shouldn’t form opinions based on looks, but in this case – it was hard not to!
In our testing process, we were delighted to see how this knife sliced, chopped, and deboned with ease.
No matter how tough or razor-thin you want to cut, the Katana works with perfect precision. The added index finger hole is also a smart and much-desired addition.
We think this knife would be a welcome addition to any professional chef’s kitchen as well as many homes.
Unlike a lot of Japanese Knives currently available on the market, the Katana is actually forged from Japanese steel which allows for a much sharper edge.
Having only tested for a relatively short period, we can’t comment too much on how frequently it may require sharpening.
However, the Katana knife has been sharpened by hand using Whetstone for superior sharpness – so if cared for correctly, the razor-sharpness should last a long time.
As well as doing the job efficiently, we also loved how this knife is also balanced to ensure that the majority of the weight is towards the ergonomic handle.
This made it feel very comfortable and safe to use.
Considering all the above, what shocked us most was the low cost of Kitchen Katana in comparison to the majority of its competitors.
Being a small startup – they perhaps don’t have the overheads that a lot of the bigger brands have and so can keep their prices down – which is great for us! That being said, without the ‘big brand name’, obviously, Kitchen Katana does lack the same reputation.
But with 5* reviews and with numerous sale offers available, it’s an absolute no-brainer in our opinion!
It’s almost impossible to say anything negative about the Kitchen Katana Knife, and for just $29.95 with their limited-time discount, you don’t want to miss this bargain.
So if want to practice your culinary skills, or are a professional chef looking to expand your collection and are looking to get the best bang for your buck, then Kitchen Katana would be our number one choice in 2023.
Written By: Charlie Jackson
Charlie is one of our most trusted consumer product reviewers. His background spans over two decades in electrical and hardware. He has a strong history of testing kitchen appliances and tools.
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How we rate?
This score is based on four key metrics – extensive testing, level of benefits, customer feedback and brand reputation. We set exceedingly high testing standards for our readers so you can have full confidence in our recommendations.