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 Birchwood Rocking Santoku Knife, 7"
    $354.95
    (44)

    These are, by far, the best Japanese style, thin-blade knives I've ever had. Not a bad one in the bunch. ...Miyabi makes wonder and durable Japanese knives, definitely one of the best rocking santoku knives on the market.

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, functional

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

    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....Nice and lightweight Japanese Santoku

    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 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 Birchwood Chef’s Knife, 9"
    $409.95
    (501)

    Most Beautiful Chef Knife...Most beautiful chef 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, lightweight, balance

  • 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 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 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 Birchwood Santoku Knife, 7"
    $354.95
    (72)

    Authentically Japanese in design, each knife features 101 layers of steel—50 layers clad on each side of the Cryodur-hardened SG2 microcarbide steel core—forming a delicate Damascus pattern with a Rockwell hardness of 63.

    Each blade in our...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, comfortable handle

  • 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

  • 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 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

  • 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

  • Shun Premier Nakiri, 5.5"
    $163.96
    (16)

    The Shun Premier 5.5" Nakiri is an incredible knife and rounds out my knife collection consisting mostly of Wusthof blades, a couple of Cutco knives, and a Shun 8" Chef's knife. ...My first Japanese knife. It is a really pretty knife. Its light in the...

    Pros: sharpness, sharp blade, beautiful

  • 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

  • Cangshan Haku Chef's Knife, 6"
    $79.96
    (49)

    The pleasure of a Japanese knife....Excellent knife. Very sharp and easy to use....Chief copy of a great Japanese knife....Very much a copy of a good knife. Good learning knife to teach a young cook how to use a proper Japanese knife.

    Pros: sharpness, beautiful, size

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

    Add style to your meal prep with Global’s Osaka collection. Each knife combines a razor-sharp blade with an ergonomic handle, delivering exceptional performance no matter what you’re cutting. Carefully forged from high-carbon stainless steel...

    Pros: sharpness, quality, appearance

  • Shun Classic Paring Knife, 4"
    $55.96
    (42)

    Sharp Paring Knife...Bought this 4" paring knife to start my Japanese style knife collection. ...Best paring knife I've ever used...Best paring knife I've ever had. These Japanese knives seem to put the good German brands in an inferior position.

    Pros: sharpness, balance, sharp blade

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

    "As long as you're not expecting a hand made, Japanese knife, you'll be completely satisfied. Really great option for the home cook"

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    "Great knife. Super sharp and stays that way. I have a few Japanese knives and this is the best"

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    Japanese Chef Knife Recommendations

    "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"

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    Artisan Chefs Knives

    "For the minimalist: If only allowed to choose 2 knives to ever have in my kitchen, it would be THIS (the Miyabi Artisan SG2 Rocking Santoku) and the Miyabi Artisan SG2 Bread Knife"

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    Japanese Cutlery Sets

    "Great knives and the 3-piece set is all that we need. Very sharp blades that cut through food smoothly"

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