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Kramer by Zwilling JA Henckels
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2138808
Bob Kramer Meiji Chef’s Knives by Zwilling J.A. Henckels
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249
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349
95
249.95
Sugg. $440.00
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An exclusive new collection from a knifemaking legend.
Description
EXCLUSIVE
HAND MADE
Combine Japanese aesthetics, the ease and familiarity of Western-style blades and legendary bladesmith Bob Kramer, and the result is the revolutionary Meiji collection. A true fusion of Eastern and Western knifemaking philosophies, Bob Kramer Meiji offers the impeccable style of Japanese knives paired with the performance and accessibility of Western blade shapes optimized for kitchen use. Bob Kramer Meiji is only available at Sur La Table.
Whether slicing steaks, chopping scallions or mincing ginger, this does-it-all chef’s knife sits comfortably in the hand and offers incredible control. Razor-sharp right out of the box, it’s a versatile and eye-catching addition to any kitchen.
Read The Wall Street Journal article featuring Bob Kramer here»
Whether slicing steaks, chopping scallions or mincing ginger, this does-it-all chef’s knife sits comfortably in the hand and offers incredible control. Razor-sharp right out of the box, it’s a versatile and eye-catching addition to any kitchen.
Read The Wall Street Journal article featuring Bob Kramer here»
Features Hide
- Designed by ABS-certified Master Bladesmith Bob Kramer, the first Master Bladesmith to specialize in kitchen cutlery
- East-meets-West design combines the aesthetics of Japanese-style knives with the performance of a Western-style blade shape and grind for edges that are extremely sharp and easy to maintain
- Each blade is forged from a core of FC61 steel and clad in 100 layers of nickel and stainless Damascus to take and hold a razor-sharp, yet easy-to-care-for edge
- Mirror-polished blades feature an etched ladder Damascus pattern designed by Bob Kramer
- Fine-carbide distribution results in a blade that holds an incredibly sharp angle
- Ice hardening to 61 Rockwell improves the microstructure of the steel for improved cutting performance, corrosion resistance and increased durability
- D-shaped Japanese-style handles in charcoal pakkawood provide a secure grip and excellent balance
- Each handle features a decorative center pin handcrafted in Bob Kramer’s workshop
- Each knife draws on Seki City, Japan’s wealth of knife-making experience and undergoes a rigorous 42-day manufacturing process that involves 45 artisans and 100 distinct steps
Specifications Show
- Manufacturer: Zwilling J.A. Henckels
- Material: High carbon stainless steel, nickel, pakkawood
- Dimensions: Choose from three sizes: 6" blade, 12" overall length; 8" blade, 14" overall length; 10" blade, 16" overall length
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Made in Japan
Care & Usage Show
- Hand wash only
Videos
Customer Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
17 Reviews
Beautiful and functional
You know when you get that beautiful new saute pan, knife, cocotte, whatever, and you just need to use it? It looks great, sure, but you can tell it was made to be put to work? Yeah, that's this knife.
The 10" is deceivingly lightweight. I'm talking lighter than my 8" Wusthof. At first I was a bit put off, thinking that a knife this big needs some heft to it, certainly, to bully its way through a spaghetti squash. Nope. No way. It sliced through the squash as effortlessly as it did the potatoes and tomatoes also sitting on the counter.
The handle feels great, really conducive to feeling the knife as an extension of your hand rather than a separate tool. The drop between the handle and the blade is nicely exaggerated, and ensures your knuckles aren't dragging on the board either as you mince and dice.
I'm convinced this will replace my Wusthof in rotation. I thought I'd miss the heavy duty, workhorse type German steel, but this knife just can't be ignored.
The 10" is deceivingly lightweight. I'm talking lighter than my 8" Wusthof. At first I was a bit put off, thinking that a knife this big needs some heft to it, certainly, to bully its way through a spaghetti squash. Nope. No way. It sliced through the squash as effortlessly as it did the potatoes and tomatoes also sitting on the counter.
The handle feels great, really conducive to feeling the knife as an extension of your hand rather than a separate tool. The drop between the handle and the blade is nicely exaggerated, and ensures your knuckles aren't dragging on the board either as you mince and dice.
I'm convinced this will replace my Wusthof in rotation. I thought I'd miss the heavy duty, workhorse type German steel, but this knife just can't be ignored.
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October 12, 2015
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Impressive!
This knife is special! Not only is it beautiful, it is sharp and versatile. It is surprisingly lightweight, and slices with ease.
The 6in. chef's knife is a great size, especially for someone with a small hand. I love the Japanese-style handle, feels comfortable and secure in my hand! I would highly recommend this knife!
The 6in. chef's knife is a great size, especially for someone with a small hand. I love the Japanese-style handle, feels comfortable and secure in my hand! I would highly recommend this knife!
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October 6, 2015
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Great feel, fits my hand like a glove!
When I picked up the 10" knife I thought it would be way too big for everyday use. After holding it, I realized it is very maneuverable, fits well in my hand, and it much lighter than I first thought.
The handle has a nice tear-drop shape, allowing it to fit in the crease between my fingers and palm. I have small hands but it was very easy to hold/use.
The blade has a great design that keeps food from sticking. The imprint on the blade lets you slice veggies/fruit without having to stop and pull the food off. It sliced through a pineapple, core and all, like a hot knife through butter!
The knife is very easy to clean as well. I left it on the counter overnight covered in pineapple juice and it still cleaned up easily the next day. As a Sur la Table employee, I am always looking for products that are easy to use and more importantly easy to clean. This is a winner in my book!
The handle has a nice tear-drop shape, allowing it to fit in the crease between my fingers and palm. I have small hands but it was very easy to hold/use.
The blade has a great design that keeps food from sticking. The imprint on the blade lets you slice veggies/fruit without having to stop and pull the food off. It sliced through a pineapple, core and all, like a hot knife through butter!
The knife is very easy to clean as well. I left it on the counter overnight covered in pineapple juice and it still cleaned up easily the next day. As a Sur la Table employee, I am always looking for products that are easy to use and more importantly easy to clean. This is a winner in my book!
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October 5, 2015
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Amazing, but fragile
This knife is pretty amazing. The blade is gorgeous, holds a hell of an edge, and is deep enough for the biggest of hands (and will be able to withstand years of sharpening before getting too work down). The weight is far lighter than you would expect from such a big knife, but still maintains a perfect balance and is ergonomically perfect.
Be VERY careful though: a drop on your cutting board (from about 1ft) on the base of the handle will leave your $350 beauty cracked. This handle is not covered by warranty, and you won't hear back from Zwilling or Kramer about the possibility of a repair or replacement (even if you offer to pay). Accidents happen, but be extra careful with this one.
Be VERY careful though: a drop on your cutting board (from about 1ft) on the base of the handle will leave your $350 beauty cracked. This handle is not covered by warranty, and you won't hear back from Zwilling or Kramer about the possibility of a repair or replacement (even if you offer to pay). Accidents happen, but be extra careful with this one.
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December 7, 2016
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Outstanding! Beautiful, Sharp, & Well Balanced
I bought the 8" Meiji to compliment my other Kramer knives (8" Euroline High Carbon Steel, and 8" Euroline Damascus Stainless Steel). Yes, I know, I'm a Kramer freak.
This is a very different knife from the rest of the knife designs with the Kramer name, but no less extraordinary. I am right handed, and for me, the knife has perfect balance if held in a pinch hold, high up on the bolster. It feels light in the hand due to this balance and is very easy to maneuver on the cutting board. It cuts through veg. like a laser. The first thing I cut was a raw and peeled russet potato. Wow, there was no resistance at all, it was like, well, "buttah". Of course the "ladder" Damascus is exquisite and while you do feel the layers across the blade it doesn't seem to hang up when cutting. Overall it is just slightly longer (due to the handle) than the Euroline knives but it is still a manageable size for me. The hidden tang handle is subtle beauty at its best. The wood has a rich brown ground color with blonde streaks, very understated but elegant. This is a knife you'll want to use all the time, and should be the pride and joy of any serious chef/cook.
This is a very different knife from the rest of the knife designs with the Kramer name, but no less extraordinary. I am right handed, and for me, the knife has perfect balance if held in a pinch hold, high up on the bolster. It feels light in the hand due to this balance and is very easy to maneuver on the cutting board. It cuts through veg. like a laser. The first thing I cut was a raw and peeled russet potato. Wow, there was no resistance at all, it was like, well, "buttah". Of course the "ladder" Damascus is exquisite and while you do feel the layers across the blade it doesn't seem to hang up when cutting. Overall it is just slightly longer (due to the handle) than the Euroline knives but it is still a manageable size for me. The hidden tang handle is subtle beauty at its best. The wood has a rich brown ground color with blonde streaks, very understated but elegant. This is a knife you'll want to use all the time, and should be the pride and joy of any serious chef/cook.
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Best looking and most versatile knife I own, it's perfectly balanced, feels great in your hand, and comes scalpel sharp right out of the box
Everyone in my work kitchen has been looking at my knife nonstop, my chef has even said "who owns this beautiful blade?" It cuts through most anything as if it was warm butter, the function is amazing and the look is stunning. Top quality blade right here!



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Amazing knife
This knife is the best investment I've made for my kitchen in a long time. Feels great in the hand and cuts like a dream. I tried a lot of knives out before deciding on this one. Would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys high quality knives.
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September 29, 2015
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Expected to be totally satisfied, But not
Nice knife, very sharp right out of the box, the only issue I can say anything negative about is the knife handle is a little uncomfortable in the hand due to a raised edge on the right hand side of the knife
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Super impressed!!
I can't tell you how much I love this new addiction to my knife collection. I haven't wanted to use any other knife that I own. I have an lmpressive Collection of knives because I'm a chef and this Kramer it superior to all.

Beat purchase ever!! Incredible workmanship
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A masterful knife a pleasure to work with lookingbforwardbto the next purchase
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Questions & Answers
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Browse 19 questions
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and 90 answers
Why did you choose this?
Sur La Table Store
New Yorker article
Christopher O
on Apr 18, 2018
quality knife good reviews only available at surlatable
alfredo a
on Dec 19, 2017
New Yorker article
Christopher O
on Apr 18, 2018
It's an elegant looking Bob Kramer knife. Enough said.
William O
on Jan 25, 2018
It's an elegant looking Bob Kramer knife. Enough said.
William O
on Jan 25, 2018
The knife is well balanced. It isn't as heavy as I thought it was going to be but it sure feels good when cutting and chopping. The blade is finely sharpened and can easily "push cut" paper. In addition, the base of the knife was taller which allowed cutting larger vegetables easier.
Jason W
on Dec 13, 2017
These are all right handed, can you special order left handed versions?
BEST ANSWER: At this time Zwilling does not offer a left handed version for special order.
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- Amanda M Staff on Sep 6, 2015
how are they sharpened and how long do they stay sharp?
BEST ANSWER: Hello! It really all depends on your usage. I am a professional so , I use my knife all day long.
The original edge will last a long time. I try not to sharpen my knifes too often.mi have knifes that are 30 years old and they are still in great shape!
I sharpen all my knifes by hand on a whetstone. I don't like mechanical ones because they shave off way to much steel!
I hope this was helpful.
The original edge will last a long time. I try not to sharpen my knifes too often.mi have knifes that are 30 years old and they are still in great shape!
I sharpen all my knifes by hand on a whetstone. I don't like mechanical ones because they shave off way to much steel!
I hope this was helpful.
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- neil b on Aug 22, 2015
- Purchased on Jul 20, 2015
Looking to find out which of Bob Kramer or Henkels maintaining accessory I should get to hone the Meiji knifes before each use?
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
BEST ANSWER: I suggest you get one of the Bob Kramer ceramic sharpening steel.
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- Amanda M Staff on Jan 8, 2016
Will these be made available in stores?
BEST ANSWER: We have them in store now and are very excited to put them in your hands!
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- Nicole A on Jul 29, 2015
Brian K says on sale and superior quality. Dated on Feb 14, 2016
I had been told by the wonderful people at Sur La Table that these knives are never on sale. What's up with that?
I had been told by the wonderful people at Sur La Table that these knives are never on sale. What's up with that?
BEST ANSWER: These were on sale when the line was fist launched, but given that they're no longer considered new & they're not a seasonal item, sales on this line would be rare.
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- Amanda M Staff on Mar 2, 2016
How does this compare to the damascus?
BEST ANSWER: The difference between the two knives is the material used to make the blade. As you know damascus is alternating layers of carbon steel that are different on the hardness scale. The stainless blades are fabricated using stainless steel instead of carbon steel. The manufacturing process is the same and the layering is the same. If you want to get down to the nitty gritty theoretically the regular damascus made from carbon steel can be sharpened to a slightly keener edge. I own three of Bob's stainless knives and I love them very much. They take a razor sharp edge and hold it very well. I do use mine every day but not all day long as in a professional setting. If you are a professional chef that uses your knives all day every day then perhaps the regular damascus might be better suited for your needs. I personally do not believe the difference is worth the cost because as I stated above I do not use my knives all day long. I hope this answers your question but if not please do not hesitate to ask a follow up question. Check out Bob Kramer's web page where he explains the process much better than am able to. Complete with videos to boot.
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- Robert T on Nov 2, 2016
- Purchased on May 6, 2016
Is the center steel stainless and how hard is it?
BEST ANSWER: It is a FC61 stainless steel core (which is a trade name for Sandvik 13C27 steel I believe). This is a high carbon stainless steel which will hold a very fine edge and be sharper than other types of stainless steel, but not as much as straight carbon steel which can be found in the Kramer High Carbon steel series. Because of the use of stainless steel, the knife will be much more resistant to corrosion. It is rated at 61 Rockwell. The Damascus pattern is from a layering of nickel over the core.
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- Oran K on Mar 8, 2018
What does the warranty cover as if the knife comes damaged or gets damaged?
BEST ANSWER: If you have questions regarding the warranty on this product, please call our Sur La Table Customer Service.
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- Laura J Staff on Feb 23, 2017
Saw a review that said it was SG2 steel. Is this knife SG2 or FC61 as stated?
BEST ANSWER: Bob Kramer said that it was fc61 and it had a high carbon content
I am a knife but, and this one is my favorite it just cuts with such ease and holds a monster edge
I am a knife but, and this one is my favorite it just cuts with such ease and holds a monster edge
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- Anthony J on Sep 5, 2017
- Purchased on Dec 1, 2016
Are these knives full tang? Some say it is, some say it's not. Does anyone know for sure? I'd really like to know!!
BEST ANSWER: Greetings, NO the Meiji line are not full tang, but are stuck-tang build akin to traditional Japanese knives with the addition of a robust steel ferrule. Great knives but very thin with only so-so food release. Excellent for home kitchen, not so great for commercial use.
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- Don C on Sep 6, 2017
- Purchased on Apr 14, 2016
What kind of stone and steel should i use?
BEST ANSWER: I always suggest using synthetic stones. He actually has his own name brand set that is very good. If you don't want to get his set, I would suggest 400, 1000, 5000 grit stones. That should be all you need and I would get either Chosera (which are the kind in his set) or Shapton stones. They are synthetic, as well. They are just much easier to use and faster. As far as the steel, any standard steel will work fine. Use the steel as long as it keeps an edge on it and then, as it doesnt take an edge as well from the steel, run it across the stones and you can get it back razor, hair-popping sharp. I would honestly suggest getting his stone set if you are not very familiar with stones, etc. VERY good set that comes with everything you need. As a matter of fact, there is a YouTube video made by Zwilling, with him demonstrating the set. I have it and it does a fantastic job.
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- Mike U on Jun 1, 2017
- Purchased on Jan 25, 2016
Will this fit into knife covers or do I have to have them special ordered? I'm wondering about the 8 in meiji chef's knive.
BEST ANSWER: Because of the blade shape regular sayas don't fit. The regular Japanese gyuto has less blade height than the kramers. You can go blade guard or have something custom made.
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- nick b on Feb 7, 2017
- Purchased on Jul 24, 2015
What is the degree of the blade?
BEST ANSWER: I believe it is a 15 degree angle. Sur La Table customer support is helpful and could probably answer for sure.
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- Sami A on Sep 22, 2016
- Purchased on Nov 30, 2015
My new Bob Kramer Meiji 10" bread knife's blade doesn't come straight out of the handle it tilts to the left. Is this typical?
BEST ANSWER: No. You should bring it to a store to confirm that it it true to the handle.
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- Wesley K on Dec 26, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 15, 2015
Is the entire knife full forged from a single piece of steel or just the blade? I see the higher end Kramer Zwilling specifies fully forged, where this only specifies the blade is forged.
BEST ANSWER: This is just the blade, with a handle attached (though there is SOME of the blade that was forged into a handle so that they could insert it into the handle). This is not a full tang construction.
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- Kyle J on Dec 7, 2016
How does the meiji compare to the damascus blade? I'm trying to decide between the two.
BEST ANSWER: The biggest difference is the handle. The Meiji has a much thinner, more traditional Japanese style right-handed D-handle, while the stainless damascus has a Western style handle which is suitable for a left-hander, though it is quite a bit more "hand-filling" than the Meiji.
The profiles of both blades are virtually identical, but the Meiji is slightly thinner than the stainless damascus, which makes it feel more nimble.
The profiles of both blades are virtually identical, but the Meiji is slightly thinner than the stainless damascus, which makes it feel more nimble.
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- Richard R on Oct 30, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 5, 2016
Not all meiji knives seem to be listed? In the group photo they are all there but as individual knives some are missing?
BEST ANSWER: Missing knives are knives that are currently out of stock.
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- Amanda M Staff on Jan 8, 2016
edge angle?
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