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(95)
Well made & uniquely designed Japanese Nakiri Knife...The size is perfect for chopping large amount of vegetables. ...Fills a gap between an 8chefs knife and a 5 inch knife. Good for chopping
Pros: sharpness, craftsmanship, versatility
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(682)
This is my first Japanese knife, I get now. Slices like a dream, the blade is thinner than my other chefs knives, which make it cut everything like butter. ...Great Starter Japanese Knife...Picked up this knife on a whim at a local retailer. I've always...
Pros: sharpness, design, balance
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(560)
Milano 8" Chefs Knife...Knife is extremely sharp and well made, I love this chefs knife!...Love this new chef's knife. Took a knives class at Sur La Table. I chose this Japanese knife over the German knife.
Pros: sharpness, design, quality
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(492)
Birchwood 8" Chefs Knife...I reccomend this to any Chef as a go to workhorse knife....Great Japanese made knife...Cuts through everything with ease, and fits in the hand comfortably, sharp and everything you want in a traditional Japanese chefs knife...
Pros: sharpness, balance, beauty
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(385)
Great Chef knife when you?re ready for an upgrade!...The Miyabi 8? chef knife has been a great addition to my knife block. ...First chefs knife...Miyabi knives here I come.
Pros: sharpness, weight, quality
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(308)
Nakiri 6.5" knife...It is a beautiful knife. I am not a chef but it makes me feel like one....She loves Zwilling products, and this knife is no exception. All our steak knives are Zwilling, and this Japanese Nakiri is the latest addition to her cooking...
Pros: sharpness, balance, quality
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(304)
Great first Japanese chef knife...I was looking for a carbon steel Japanese chef knife and I went to the outlet and the sales rep was very helpful and she let me try every knife but this one stood out in price and quality I love the handling of this...
Pros: sharpness, design, handle
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(189)
I recently started working at a fine dining restaurant and constantly have to use a knife. This hibana 8in chefs knife is the perfect one for all my chef duties...Great knife. Great western-Japanese chef knife hybrid.
Pros: sharpness, design, balance
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(186)
Amazing Chef knife!...This Chef Knife is amazing. Since Hatori Hanzo quit making blades I?...Chefs knife...Beautiful chef?s knife!
Pros: sharpness, durability, comfort
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(182)
Japanese durability and craftsmanship shine through with this Koh 6" chef knife. ...Excellent Chef's Knife...I have owned Cutco and Wusthof knives and recently purchased the MIYABI Chefs knife, not only is it a very attractive looking knife but it is...
Pros: sharpness, durability, balance
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(122)
Excellent knife for the everyday home kitchen chef....Ultimate Go-To Knife...I purchased an entire knife set but I am always reaching for the santoku and pairing knife. it's sized so conveniently as traditional chef knives are too large/heavy for me...
Pros: durability, customer service, quality
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(114)
This is the Japanese version of a Western chef's knife.
The Artisan is made with SG2 Japanese steel which is way harder than some of the German Steels, making it hold an edge longer. ...Its our entry into the Japanese knives. We will definitely be looking...Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, edge retention
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(111)
This is my first Japanese knife and absolutely won't be the last. The quality and look of this knife are superior to any of my other knives. ...Perfectly compliments my prized Birchwood Chef Knife. Beautiful Japanese crafted blade and handle.
Pros: sharpness, versatility, balance
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(107)
I have used all the top chef knives and this is my favorite....First chef knife...Wow! Amazing first real chef knife! I had a chef friend recommend a few knives and we both narrowed down this one and it?
Pros: sharpness, design, quality
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(92)
I never put much stock in recommendations to use fine knives. But using the Miyabi to prep vegetables has changed my mind about the value of a fine sharp knife- it makes food prep enjoyable! ...A great Prep knife...I love the look of this knife and how...
Pros: sharpness, versatility, design
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(72)
Best knives ever!...Got this knife as a Christmas gift. I already have chefs knives but this knife is by far the most comfortable, sharpest, accurate knife I own. ...Great quality sharp knife...Love the quality of this knife. It fits week ergonomically...
Pros: sharpness, balance, quality
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(72)
The Pinnacle of Japanese knives, beauty and utility combined. Highly recommend....Great knife...This is a wonderful knife. My first Japanese knife and I am not disappointed.
Pros: sharpness, design, quality
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(67)
Great knife for petite chefs!...This is a serious Chefs chef knife. Amazing sharpness and control for everyday use.
Pros: sharpness, quality, lightweight
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(62)
This knife is great for the person who likes to use a chef but wants the attributes of a Santoku. ...Recently purchased this knife after seeing my best friend use it. Love
the versatility of being able to use it for both cutting with a rocking motion,...Pros: comfortable handle, sharpness, mincing
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(61)
I really love global knives! I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a durable knife!...Best knives I've ever used, great for smaller hands, great value...Nothing is going to harm this knife, for life!
Pros: quality, durable, long-lasting
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(60)
An awesome knife...I retired my Wustof Classic when I bought this chef's knife 2 years ago... I'm now slowly replacing all of my German knives. ...Shun Classic Chef Knife...I received a Shun Santoku knife a few years ago, and have loved it. I finally...
Pros: sharpness, durability, quality
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(59)
A beautiful utility knife...This is a beautiful Japanese Utility knife. I love how sharp this blade is, it slices through anything like its butter. ...Excellent Knife...This is quite the upgrade from my Cutco chefs knife. The edge is incredibly sharp...
Pros: sharpness, balance, durability
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(58)
A classic knife with modern touches...
The Nakiri is a classic Japanese knife shape, and it is ground to a razor thin blade, making it a pleasure to slice though vegetables....I have other knives in this line, the Evolution. The blade is super sharp...Pros: sharpness, balance, versatility
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(57)
The lighter weight of this knife is still as functional as my larger heavier Kramer chefs knife. ...Kramer 8 inch narrow chef...Love the knife but i noticed the pattern on the knife is not as sharp as my other kramer knives.
Pros: sharpness, design, balance
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Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations
Japanese chef knife recommendations help you find the right tools for precise slicing, dicing, and chopping in your kitchen. Explore a curated selection of Japanese chef knives designed to offer balance, sharpness, and comfort for everyday cooking. Whether you’re preparing vegetables, fish, or meats, these recommendations make it easy to choose a knife that fits your cooking style and needs.
Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations
When selecting a Japanese chef knife, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Blade shape and length play a significant role in the knife’s versatility; classic gyuto and santoku styles offer all-purpose utility, while nakiri and usuba knives excel at precise vegetable work. The steel type and forging method influence edge retention and ease of sharpening, which are important for anyone who values a keen, long-lasting edge. Many Japanese knives feature a single-bevel or double-bevel edge, each offering distinct benefits depending on your cutting style and the tasks at hand. The handle design, often crafted from wood or resin, provides a comfortable grip that feels natural in the hand, allowing for extended prep sessions without fatigue. For those who enjoy the ritual of cooking or want to share that joy with others, Japanese chef knives make thoughtful gifts—perfect for newlyweds, recent graduates, or anyone setting up a new kitchen. They’re also a meaningful gesture for Father’s Day or summer birthdays, offering both practicality and a touch of artistry.
Sur La Table Japanese knives are chosen with care to ensure a balance of quality, performance, and beauty. Each knife in our assortment is designed to meet the needs of passionate cooks and professionals alike, whether you’re dicing vegetables for a stir-fry, filleting fresh fish for sushi, or simply enjoying the meditative rhythm of meal prep. The right knife can transform everyday cooking into a more enjoyable, efficient, and creative process. With proper care, a Japanese chef knife will serve as a trusted kitchen companion for years to come, developing its own character and patina with each meal prepared. As you explore our recommendations, you’ll find options suited to a range of preferences and skill levels, ensuring that everyone—from the curious beginner to the seasoned chef—can experience the unmatched precision and elegance of a finely crafted Japanese knife.
Top Picks For Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations
![Miyabi Kaizen II Chef’s Knife, 8"](https://assets.surlatable.com/m/1ab762bb920a780a/thul-2403251_01W_1116_s3.jpg "Miyabi Kaizen II Chef’s Knife, 8"")
![Miyabi Evolution Chef’s Knife, 8"](https://assets.surlatable.com/m/76bc391a071bd793/thul-1251230_01Q_0818_s1.jpg "Miyabi Evolution Chef’s Knife, 8"")
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"This knife is absolutely stunning..incredibly sharp and comfortable"
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"Best professional quality knife set. Hands down the last set you will need to buy and scary sharp"
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"I find this to be the ideal Chef knife if your tasks involve more slicing/cutting as the tip is noticeably more narrow than your standard chefs knife"
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"After using primarily German knives for the last 30 years, this is my first Japanese knife"
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"We bought the parking knife and had to have the chefs knife. Love this whole series of knives"