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)

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

    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 Birchwood Paring Knife, 3½"
    $194.95
    (70)

    So sharp for a paring knife and beautiful!...
    Blade features a Katana edge, hand-honed using the traditional 3-step Japanese Honbazuke method. 5000MCD, Cryodur ice-hardened; 63 Rockwell hardness. ...Japanese knives...a cooking teacher told me women should...

    Pros: sharpness, sharp blade, comfortable handle

  • Miyabi Koh Chef’s Knife, 8"
    $134.96
    (183)

    Great lightweight knife...If you’re looking for a traditional style Japanese knife, this is the one for you....Lightweight as you would expect a Japanese knife to be.

    Pros: sharpness, durable, comfortable handle

  • 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 Birchwood 7-Piece Block Set
    $1399.95
    (115)

    Best Japanese knives made...The quality and appearance of these knives are second to none. I don?t know why I waited so long to upgrade my knife collection. ...
    I had read that the SG2 metal in these knives is unusually hard for Japanese knives (similar...

    Pros: sharpness, durability, quality

  • Miyabi Birchwood Nakiri Knife, 7"
    $324.95
    (112)

    Perfectly compliments my prized Birchwood Chef Knife. Beautiful Japanese crafted blade and handle. ...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.

    Pros: sharpness, aesthetic, balance

  • Miyabi Artisan Chef’s Knife, 6"
    $194.95
    (72)

    Beautifully crafted Japanese knife with gorgeous mirror finish hammered steel blade and inlaid hardwood handle. ...I love this Japanese-style knife; it is super helpful for slicing and delicate cutting.

    Pros: sharpness, balance, durable

  • Miyabi Evolution Rocking Santoku
    $164.95
    (63)

    A great Japanese rocking santoku...This blade has a nice lighter weight to it, but is very sharp. This is a great 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...

    Pros: versatility, sharpness, comfortable handle

  • 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

  • Miyabi Birchwood Slicer 9"
    $334.95
    (39)

    Professional quality Japanese Slicing Knife...carves Roasts,Turkey & Ham so easily....Japanese knife perfection...The birchwood series have scalpel like sharpness that last longer than any knives I have owned. I absolutely love these knives and look...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, sharp blade

  • Miyabi Kaizen II Slicer, 9.5"
    $184.95
    (37)

    A great slicing Japanese knife...This is a really great Japanese slicing knife. The Kaizen II has a beautiful blade and the Micarta wood handle feels really smooth in hand, and has a nice roundedness to it. ...The shape of the handle is, in my opinion,...

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, balance

  • 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

  • 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

  • Shun Premier Santoku Knife, 7"
    $175.96
    (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

  • Wüsthof Classic Ikon Hollow-Edge Nakiri, 7"
    $200
    (17)

    Wonderful Knife, can't say enough good things about it!...I've got at least 5 Japanese Nakiri from Mago Roku to Shun and this is the winner....I love everything about this knife I have six other Wusthof knives so I knew the blade would be sharp I love...

    Pros: versatility, sharp blade, balance

  • Miyabi Hibana Paring Knife, 3.5"
    $129.95
    (14)

    The slim handle is very comfortable to hold and is well balanced. The traditional Japanese blade crafting methods used in the production of this knife really shine through. ...I looked at some other Japanese knives offered by Sur La Table I felt this...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, well balanced

  • Cangshan Kita Santoku Knife
    $139.95
    (8)

    Great knives...WOW, I love this and my other Kita knives, always extremely sharp (with the Cangshan sharpener) I highly recommend any knives in this series!

    Pros: quality, sharpness, versatility

  • Miyabi Evolution Paring & Chef’s Knife Set
    $249.95
    (7)

    Amazing knives...This knife set was the perfect gift for my fiancé! He's Been looking for a really sharp Japanese knife and being German he really enjoys the fact it's German engineering too. ...Really fine knives and extremely sharp..

    Pros: ease of use, sharpness, usefulness

  • Miyabi Kaizen II 7-Piece Block Set
    $699.95
    (6)

    With top-notch knives, including a chef's knife, paring knife, and utility knife, the set covers all your kitchen needs, while the beautiful wooden block keeps everything organized. ...Stunning knives...Beautiful set and incredibly sharp knives. This...

    Pros: sharpness, beauty, professional-grade

  • Miyabi Sharpening Steel, 10"
    $89.95
    (8)

    Recently purchased my first Japanese knife, and was told that it needs to be honed on a Japanese honing steel. ...The Miyabi 10" Sharpening steel is a must if you want to keep your Japanese knives well maintained. The harder steel is perfect to use...

    Pros: effectiveness, ease of use, great honing tool

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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