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)

    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 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 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 Birchwood Paring Knives, 5"
    $204.95
    (87)

    I love my knives, and Japanese knives are the best. What a beautiful gift!...Great Japanese utility blade...The birchwood handle feels so nice in hand, and looks perfect with the blade. This knife is perfect for slicing fish, meat, fruit. Miyabi makes...

    Pros: sharpness, comfortable handle, balance

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

    The salesperson at Sur La Table was amazing. I didn't want a traditional German knife but I didn't want to go full Japanese either. ...great prep knife...The knives are made in Seki, Japan the center for Japanese cutlery and the artistry really shines...

    Pros: sharpness, versatility, comfortable handle

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Shun Classic Hollow-Edge Santoku, 7"
    $189.95
    (30)

    Highly recommend Japanese style knives to your kitchen...
    The Japanese knives are lighter and have a thinner blade which makes for EASY knife cuts through everything save for (e.g.) breaking down a chicken. ...Best Santorum I have ever used/owned....

    Pros: sharpness, quality, durable

  • Miyabi Birchwood Bread Knife, 9"
    $334.95
    (29)

    A fantastic bread knife...Miyabi makes wonder and durable Japanese knives, definitely one of the best bread knives on the market....The Damascus style blade gives 101 layers of high carbon steel that is super sharp and stays that way. The Japanese craftsmanship...

    Pros: sharpness, durable, versatility

  • 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

  • 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

  • Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro Le Blanc Slim Chef’s Knife, 7"
    $99.96
    (208)

    This knife has changed my experience in the kitchen, I have always enjoyed Japanese style knives. ...Nice Knife...This knife handles well.

    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, versatility, sharpness

  • 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

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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