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 Hibana Chef’s Knife
    $189.95
    (191)

    This is the best knife I’ve ever owned - and I love Japanese knives! ...German engineering meets Japanese beauty...Gorgeous knife that has the reliability that I expect from Henckel knives.

    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
    (97)

    Handle is extremely comfortable, more rounded than the traditional Japanese D shaped handle....Well made & uniquely designed Japanese Nakiri Knife...The size is perfect for chopping large amount of vegetables.

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, versatility

  • Miyabi Artisan Paring Knife, 3½"
    $144.95
    (95)

    This is a great "little" gem of a Japanese made knife. It's Razor sharp & use it all the time....this paring knife has a slightly wider blade than most traditional paring knives.

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, durable

  • Bob Kramer 3½" Stainless Damascus Paring Knife by Zwilling J.A. Henckels
    $239.95
    (62)

    I love using my beautiful and functional Kramer by Zwilling Euroline SS 4? Pairing Knife. I look forward to adding the Chef Knife which are the two knives I most often use. ...Beautiful Knife...The knife is unlike any other knives that I own. I have...

    Pros: sharpness, durability, quality

  • Miyabi Black 7" Santoku Knife
    $314.95
    (59)

    All the hallmarks of Japanese craftsmanship are here from the mosaic pin in the handle to the traditional Katana style watermarking above the blade edge....This is a beautiful Japanese Utility knife. I love how sharp this blade is, it slices through...

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, balance

  • Miyabi Evolution Nakiri Knife, 6.5"
    $164.95
    (58)

    Great knife...I really like this knife. It is the first Japanese knife I have had and it cuts like a dream!...I have other knives in this line, the Evolution. The blade is super sharp as you would expect with a Japanese knife.

    Pros: sharpness, balance, comfortable handle

  • 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 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

  • 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 Kaizen II Utility Knife, 4.5"
    $134.95
    (26)

    This knife does it all. Its a hybrid of sorts - made from German Special Formula Steel its amazingly durable, has an Japanese style which provides a beautiful slice. ...5.5 Inch version prep knife...These knives are some of the best I have ever used...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Hibana Nakiri, 6.5"
    $199.95
    (24)

    Cuts better than any knife I’ve had!...Beautiful knife that slices through anything with much less effort than other knives I’ve had....The slim handle is very comfortable to hold and is well balanced. The traditional Japanese blade crafting methods...

    Pros: sharpness, beautiful design, feel

  • Shun Premier 6-Piece Slimline Block Set
    $467.96
    (21)

    Shun Knife Slim Block Set...These are great knives....Lovely knives at a super price. My niece will love them.

    Pros: quality, sharpness, lifetime warranty

  • Global Hollow-Edge Santoku Knife, 5"
    $109.95
    (19)

    It is a great addition to my knife rack, which also houses a number of good quality knives. ...I felt Japanese samurai ancestors made those knives. Reiko

    Pros: sharpness, size, easy to grip

  • 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

  • Global Osaka 6-Piece Knife Set
    $399.95
    (44)

    I'm very happy with the knife set I got....Excellent knife set for a really good price. Just the right knives you need for a starter set.

    Pros: sharpness, quality, appearance

  • 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.

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    Best Japanese Chef Knives

    "Love this knife! Bought each of my adult children one too"

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    Japanese Carving Knives

    "It is a great addition to my knife rack, which also houses a number of good quality knives"

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    Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations

    "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 knife"

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    Artisan Chefs Knives

    "The sharpest and most beautiful knife I have ever had the privilege to own. I have had many other supposed, "high quality" Chef's knives before, but NOTHING has come close to this one"

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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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