Traditional Japanese Knives

Looking to add a touch of authenticity and precision to your culinary adventures? Look no further than our collection of traditional Japanese knives. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and time-honored techniques, these knives are a staple in any professional or home kitchen. With their razor-sharp blades, ergonomic handles, and exquisite designs, these Japanese knives offer the perfect blend of form and function. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an aspiring home cook, discover the artistry and excellence that comes with using traditional Japanese knives.

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  • Miyabi Birchwood Steak Knives, Set of 4
    $799.95
    (31)

    The Potent core of SG2 micro-carbide powder steel is protected by 100 layers of steel, hand-honed using the traditional 3-step Japanese Honbazuke method. 5000MCD, Cryodur ice-hardened; 63 Rockwell hardness. ...Love the design the 100 layers of steel...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, beautiful

  • Miyabi Koh Santoku Knife, 5.5"
    $134.95
    (43)

    Nice and lightweight Japanese Santoku...If you’re looking for a traditional style Japanese knife, the Koh Santoku knife is for you....You will love the traditional Japanese octagon handle, fits nicely in all hands.

    Pros: sharpness, lightweight, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Koh Prep Knife, 5.5"
    $124.95
    (34)

    A great prep knife...If you’re looking for a traditional style handle and thin blade, this Japanese knife is the one for you....great all around knife...It goes through a double hardening process giving a very durable yet thin blade. The Japanese craftsmanship...

    Pros: sharpness, versatility, lightweight

  • Miyabi Koh Paring Knife, 3.5"
    $104.95
    (33)

    I finally have a sharp knife!...All of my life, my cutlery have been a comglomeration of leftover knives from other's kitchens and cheapo knives I purchased at Target. ...Great lightweight paring knife...If you’re looking for a traditional style Japanese...

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, sharp blade

  • Miyabi Birchwood Prep Knife, 5.5"
    $234.95
    (41)

    I absolutely love this petite knife. I wouldn't say I like using traditional pairing knives, and this knife is the perfect in-between....Great prep knife...Miyabi makes wonder and durable Japanese knives, definitely one of the best prep knives on the...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, versatility

  • Miyabi Koh Chef’s Knife, 9.5"
    $174.95
    (185)

    I love eveything about this knife and when you can find a Japanese knife at this price...grab it!!...Great lightweight knife...If you’re looking for a traditional style Japanese knife, this is the one for you.

    Pros: sharpness, durable, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Artisan 7-Piece Knife Block Set
    $849.95
    (138)



    Exclusively at Sur La Table®. Introducing the exquisite Artisan SG2 Collection, handmade in the legendary knife capital of Seki, Japan. “Artisan” reflects the rich tradition of metalworking in Japan—where since the 13th century...

    Pros: sharpness, beautiful design, craftsmanship

  • Miyabi Artisan SG2 Collection Santoku, 5.5"
    $184.95
    (116)

    Great every day chef's knife. Lighter than a traditional 8 inch chef's knife, and much sharper. ...Amazing knife...Supreme quality and hand feel. The only knife I use. Japanese steel always!

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, edge retention

  • Miyabi Kaizen II Santoku, 7"
    $184.95
    (111)

    Designed to exacting standards, Kaizen II improves upon Miyabi’s popular Kaizen collection with the addition of FC61 super steel, redesigned pakkawood handles and a host of new, chef-friendly features. Literally "change for the better"...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durability

  • Miyabi Kaizen II Nakiri, 7"
    $184.95
    (99)

    Designed to exacting standards, Kaizen II improves upon Miyabi’s popular Kaizen collection with the addition of FC61 super steel, redesigned pakkawood handles and a host of new, chef-friendly features. Literally “change for the better”...

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, versatility

  • Miyabi Kaizen II Prep Knife, 5.25"
    $144.95
    (85)

    Designed to exacting standards, Kaizen II improves upon Miyabi’s popular Kaizen collection with the addition of FC61 super steel, redesigned pakkawood handles and a host of new, chef-friendly features. Literally "change for the better"...

    Pros: sharpness, versatility, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Evolution 7-Piece Knife Block Set
    $529.95
    (64)

    This is an excellent knife for someone considering transitioning to Japanese cutlery. ...Great knife set...This is a great intro knife collection if you want to go from Western style knives to Asian.

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, quality

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels Bob Kramer Stainless Damascus Nakiri Knife, 7"
    $409.95
    (50)

    Besides being a great looking knife, it handles extremely well. I love my Santoku knives, but this Nakiri is fantastic for chopping my vegetables....Fantastic kitchen knife...The Kramer Zwilling knives are superb. I have bought many high-quality kitchen...

    Pros: sharpness, balance, ease of use

  • Miyabi Evolution Prep Knife, 5¼"
    $125.95
    (46)

    A great Japanese Prep...This is a great intro prep knife if you want to go from Western style knives to Asian, with the Evolution, it brings the two styles together, making it a much more durable Japanese prep knife....The great prep knife!...Curve handle...

    Pros: comfortable handle, sharpness, durable

  • Miyabi Black Prep Knife, 5.25"
    $294.95
    (42)

    Perfect for everything from slicing a tomato to cutting kitchen twine, this nimble prep knife packs incredible versatility into a small, easy-to-handle package.

    Miyabi’s latest collection offers the ideal blend of revolutionary technology with centuries...

    Pros: sharpness, precision, quality

  • Miyabi Artisan Chef’s Knife, 9½"
    $259.95
    (41)

    Proper Japanese chef's knife....I have several Japanese knives to compare against. Initial observation is that the knife is well balanced and sharp. ...Transitioning to Japanese knives I really appreciated the differences that the Japanese knives bring....

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, balance

  • Shun Classic 6.5" Nakiri Knife
    $189.95
    (37)

    Very sharp so thin, uniform slices are a breeze. My first Japanese kitchen knife, and I love it....Awesome knife...I did not expect this knife to be so different from my regular (chef's) knives but it has improved the quality of my vegetable knife work...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, efficiency

  • Miyabi Birchwood Kiritsuke, 9.5"
    $374.95
    (36)

    Amazing knife!...For my first Japanese knife, this kiritsuke sliced so smooth and sharp. ...Sharpest knife...With its companion, the birchwood prep knife. These are the only two knives you?ll need.

    Pros: sharpness, beautiful, balance

  • Miyabi Kaizen II Bread Knife, 9.5"
    $184.95
    (28)

    Japanese Bread Knife...Beautiful Japanese crafted knife. The 49 layer damascus serrated blade glides effortless through hard bread crusts with clean slices. ...fantastic bread knife...The Damascus pattern shows the artistry put into each knife. The handle...

    Pros: sharpness, beautiful, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Hibana 7-Piece Set
    $799.95
    (27)

    Beautiful way to display a gorgeous set of knives! This magnetic easel not only looks stunning but it keeps the edges of the blades fresh and makes the knives easy to access. ...I purchased Japanese knives and I am totally satisfied with them. ...Miyabi...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durability

  • Shun Premier Santoku Knife, 7"
    $219.95
    (17)

    I love my shun knives. They are by far the sharpest knives I have ever used....The ideal knives for yourexpert collection....If you love to cook, a Shun knife is for you. These knives are perfectly weighted, and have a long-lasting sharp edge.

    Pros: sharpness, functional, versatility

  • Miyabi Hibana Prep Knife, 5.25"
    $164.95
    (15)

    The culmination of a 10-year partnership between Miyabi and Sur La Table, the exclusive Hibana collection features original blade and bolster design combined with a gorgeous 49-layer Damascus pattern on the blades called “Spark” (The English...

    Pros: sharpness, balance, perfect size

  • Wüsthof Classic Hollow-Edge Nakiri, 7"
    $170
    (45)

    Always a fan of Wusthof knives...Added this to my Wusthof Classic knife draw. More acute angle edge of your Asian knives makes them great for veggie prep. ...Reminds me of a Japanese clever but lighter, and easier to use. Love this knife!

    Pros: efficiency, sharpness, versatility

  • Miyabi Evolution Hollow-Edge Santoku
    $134.95
    (40)

    awesome knife...This knife is a great blend of both Japanese and Western methods. ...The blade has a nice lighter weight to it, but is very sharp. This is a great knife collection if you want to go from Western style knives to Asian.

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, durability

Traditional Japanese Knives

Traditional Japanese knives are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, unique blade shapes, and the way they honor centuries-old culinary traditions. Whether you’re an avid home cook, a professional chef, or someone who simply enjoys the art of preparing food, these knives offer a distinctive experience in the kitchen. The precise edge of a Japanese chef knife, often thinner and sharper than its Western counterparts, allows for clean, effortless cuts—perfect for slicing summer vegetables, filleting fish, or creating delicate garnishes that elevate every dish. Many cooks find that the balance and control of Japanese knives make everyday tasks feel more intuitive, especially when working with seasonal ingredients at their freshest. The artistry of these blades is apparent not just in their performance, but also in their elegant design, often featuring beautiful handles and intricate patterns on the steel. For those who appreciate both function and form, Japanese knives are as much a pleasure to use as they are to display.

When considering a purchase from our selection of Sur La Table Japanese knives, it’s important to think about your cooking style and the types of dishes you enjoy preparing. For instance, a classic gyuto or santoku is a versatile choice for most home kitchens, handling everything from dicing onions to carving proteins with ease. If you gravitate toward Asian cuisine or want to explore traditional techniques, specialty blades like the nakiri for vegetables or the yanagiba for sashimi offer precision tailored to those tasks. These knives also make thoughtful gifts for anyone passionate about cooking, from recent graduates setting up their first kitchen to seasoned chefs looking to expand their collection. Giving a Japanese knife is a gesture that speaks to the recipient’s love of craft and quality—a gift that’s both practical and deeply personal. As you explore the world of asian knives, you might come across terms and reviews, such as a misono knife review, which can offer insights into the subtle differences between makers and styles. Taking the time to choose the right knife ensures it will be a trusted companion for years to come, whether you’re preparing a simple summer salad or an elaborate multi-course meal.

Caring for Japanese knives is a rewarding ritual in itself. These blades are typically made from high-carbon steel or layered Damascus, which means they hold a keen edge but require a bit more attention to cleaning and storage. Hand-washing and immediate drying help preserve their sharpness and beauty, while regular honing keeps the edge in peak condition. Over time, many cooks develop a bond with their favorite blade, recalling the meals and memories created together. If you’re searching for guidance or want to compare the finest options, our curated list of the Best Japanese Chef Knives offers expert recommendations to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re slicing ripe July tomatoes or preparing a family feast, Japanese knives bring precision, artistry, and a sense of tradition to every kitchen.

Top Picks For Traditional Japanese Knives


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    Best Japanese Chef Knives

    "Beautiful, probably lighter than I typically like for a chefs knife but it slices well with little pressure"

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    "Amazing how sharp it cuts and easy it slices through vegetables bread etc.. love how it looks with the wooden handle and japanese special blade design. Would recommend and well worth the money"

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    Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations

    "I bought this knife as a gift for my girlfriend who cooks a lot"

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    Artisan Chefs Knives

    "Love my new 8" Wusthof Chef's Knife. The size and weight are perfect for my arthritic hands"

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    Japanese Cutlery Sets

    "The Pakkawood handle is more a traditional style for Japanese cutlery, paying homage to the original Japanese knives, samurai swords"

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