Top 8 Japanese Knife Brands – Highest Quality in 2021

Undoubtedly, there are numerous cooking utensil brands on the market, but most people opt for Japanese brands for specific reasons. Japanese knives are typically lightweight, super-sharp, and thin, which make food preparation easier and more enjoyable.

So many professional chefs swear by Japanese knives and the reasons for this preference include:

Sharpness

Sharpness is the most valued feature that comes with Japanese knives. Japanese blades are designed for easy sharpening, but with these knives, you won’t need to sharpen them often. The edge of the blade is long-lasting, thanks to sturdy, high-quality steel construction. The presence of high carbon stainless steel makes the knives hard with excellent edge retention.

Lightweight and Thin

Even when you need a heavy-duty cleaver knife, always choose a Japanese blade to avoid heaviness, but still achieve thin cuts. The lightweight construction ensures everyone has an easy time holding the knife.

The steel tapers off in size toward the knife’s tip to reduce the overall weight of the blade and enhance superior performance. A thinner blade makes cutting easier.

Made of Stainless Steel

The best kitchen knife is always made of steel. High carbon steels, carbon steel, Damascus steel, and stainless steel are the common materials used in manufacturing Japanese knives. These materials enhance the durability of kitchen knives, however; the steel might be prone to rust. Proper cleaning and storage make rust preventable.

Japanese knives have unique shapes with premium performance and the best knives come from the best brands. This article will review the top 8 Japanese knife brands on the market with their best-selling knives.

1. SHUN

You probably have heard about SHUN, even if you don’t know much about knife manufacturers. The company works toward designing perfect knives for daily use. Before the introduction of Shun cutlery, people were used to heavy kitchen knives.

Shun introduced lightweight precision cutlery to professional chefs and homes cooks. Lightweight, thinner blades with sharper edges gave Shun a competitive edge that heavier blades couldn’t match.

Shun takes pride in over 100 years in the industry. Today, it’s one of the most well-known Japanese chef knife brand names on the market. It has been emulated, admired, and won endless awards for quality and innovation.

With new materials, dedication, and style, Shun has continued to provide high-performance Japanese kitchen cutlery with outstanding beauty and impeccable precision.

Some of the best Shun knife options include:

Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife

The Shun Japanese Chef’s knife comes with a pakkawood handle infused with resin for added durability. The water-resistant finish makes it easy to clean the knife and also tough to withstand constant use. The knife is manufactured through heat treatment, which is an invisible yet powerful process. The process ensures your Shun Classic 8-inch knife provides lasting value.

Pros

• Classic handle to prevent it from sliding
• Flawless cutting ability
• Free sharpening
• Lightweight

Cons

• It’s not rust-proof
• Expensive

Shun DM-0700 Classic Paring Knife

Shun DM-0700 adds an elegant tool to your cutlery collection. It’s versatile, sharp, and precise, making it a must-have knife for every professional chef. This easy-to-use paring knife is made for both novice and veteran chefs.

The Shun paring knife features a D-shaped ebony pakkawood handle for easy handling. The bead-blasted blade highlights the flowing pattern of the stunning layered steel.

Pros

• Ideal for professional and beginner chefs
• High-performance steel for durability
• Suitable for hand-held use

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe
• Expensive

2. MIYABI

Grace, elegance, and purity are highly appreciated qualities in Japanese culture. Quality is always valued over quantity. Miyabi accentuates these qualities precisely. They’re original Japanese knife manufacturers that use the traditional formula to curate the best knives.

Miyabi is owned by Zwilling, a well-known German knife and cutlery manufacturer. The blades are typically designed by the Japanese but manufactured in Zwilling factories located in Japan.

A Miyabi knife is authentic, with superior quality and impeccable sharpness, perfect for cutting. They follow the tradition of eminent Japanese swords. The sharpness and extraordinary blade design of Miyabi blades will captivate you from your first impression.

Japanese recognize the importance of sharp knives, as they retain the texture and taste of delicate dishes. That’s why Miyabi designs sharp blades that are for perfect cutting.

Some of the best Miyabi knives include:

Miyabi Chef’s Knife

Beautiful to hold, this Japanese-designed, German-engineered knife puts perfection and precision in your palm. It offers ultimate sharpness, durability, beauty, and comfort. Combining innovative techniques and traditional methods, the Miyabi Chef’s knife merges the past and present to provide an exceptional knife experience.

The knife features a hand-honed blade finish. The tool is fabricated with a unique cocobolo rosewood pakkawood handle that mirrors the beauty of the blade.

Pros

• Suitable for right and left-handed users
• A clear winner for larger hands
• Excellent edge retention
• Elegant finish

Cons

It could break when cutting tougher ingredients

Miyabi Evolution 8-inch Chef’s Knife

Fabricated from revolutionary Fc61, the ice-hardened Miyabi Evolution 8-inch knife offers unrivaled durability, corrosion retention, and exceptional cutting-edge retention. The sharpened blade boasts scalpel-like sharpness.

It features an ergonomic triple-riveted pom handle that nestles comfortably in your hand. With the ultimate attention to detail, artisans ensure this knife is of the finest caliber.

Pros

• Perfect weight and suitable for small hands
• Exceptionally sharp and elegant
• Ergonomic handle
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive

3. GLOBAL

GLOBAL is a reputable Japanese kitchen knife brand with its headquarters in Tsubame, Japan. The company debuted in 1985, and they still rule in the kitchenware and accessory tools industry. From its modest inception, GLOBAL has revolutionized into a successful brand of professional kitchen knives.

Still crafted by Yoshikin’s factory, GLOBAL knives are engineered with extremely high standards. GLOBAL has attracted much acclaim with its premium quality over the past three decades and received numerous awards.

A GLOBAL knife strikes a perfect combination of innovative design and balance. The blades are made of high-quality canon stainless steel for unrivaled durability. These knives utilize Cromova 18 stainless steel to hold a razor-sharp edge.

The stain, rust, and corrosion-resistant knives are noticeably sharper to cut foods easily.

Among our favorite GLOBAL knives include:

GLOBAL 8-inch Chef’s Knife

The GLOBAL 8-inch knife inspires confidence with every slice. The multipurpose kitchen knife is perfect for cutting, slicing, mincing, and chopping.

The stainless steel handle is the most striking feature. It’s molded to fit perfectly in hand and dimpled to prevent slipping. Smaller than most knives, it’s easy for small-handed cooks to use.

Pros

• Stainless steel handle molded for comfort and safe grip
• Lifetime warranty against breakage and defects
• Excellent edge retention
• Lightweight

Cons

• Some cooks feel the handle is too small

Global GF-27-7-Inch Stainless Steel Knife

This is a heavyweight butcher’s knife that is designed with more heft and a thicker blade. Professional chefs across the globe love it. It’s also an excellent choice for serious home cooks.

The thin and razor-sharp blade allows you to cleanly cut through foods, which preserves the integrity of the ingredients. The hollow handle is filled with the right amount of sand for correct balancing.

Pros

• The textured handle offers superior grip
• The convex edge keeps it sharp
• Excellent meat cutter

Cons

• Expensive

4. Yoshihiro

The Yoshihiro brand is where design, simplicity, and quality merge. This Japanese brand has claimed numerous awards for its impeccable manufacturing process. The company specializes in handcrafted superior Japanese knives. It has over 100 years in the industry, making it among the top Japanese chef knife brands worldwide.

Yoshihiro knives are designed by skilled artisans. The Japanese culture is a blend of innovation and tradition, and Yoshihiro holds to this culture. It has a wide selection of knives, suitable for every cook.

Yoshihiro knives are outstanding in terms of weight, handle, and blade design. The knives are sharpened at a 30-degree angle for excellent sharpness and edge retention. The knives are lightweight and full-tanged to maintain an ideal balance.

YOSHIHIRO Hammered Japanese Chef’s Knife

Forged and hammered, this Yoshihiro knife combines excellent value, beauty, and extraordinary performance. The stainless steel blade makes sharpening easy and resists staining. You’re free to use it without the worry of rust buildup.

With a traditionally handcrafted handle, you can use the knife without it slipping.

Pros

• Stainless steel blade for easy sharpening
• Great edge retention
• Double-edged blade

Cons

• Expensive

YOSHIHIRO Mizu Yaki Blue High Carbon Steel Knife

The handmade Mizu Yaki features a black forged finish consisting of a carbonized coating for an elegant look. The carbon steel ensures high edge retention. It’s a highly versatile knife suitable for both professional and novice cooks.

The handle is made of rosewood for easy handling and washing.

Pros

• The handle offers excellent grip
• Lightweight for easy handling
• Great edge retention
• It’s highly versatile

Cons

• Expensive

5. MAC Knife

MAC is among the top Japanese knife brands across the globe. It manufactures knives with excellent edge retention, with no minor corrosion.

MAC debuted back in 1964, and it has continued to rule in the cutlery world. They are known for designing the sharpest knives in a primarily manual process. Most of the chefs find it easy to hold and use MAC knives.

The blades are partially stamped and forged, which may not be suitable for every person. The company doesn’t compromise on durability, performance, or sharpness. Forging, however, slows down production and makes it an expensive product as well.

MAC Knife Professional 8-inch Knife

This popular knife is suitable for everyday use. It’s an 8-inch knife, which is common for both professional and home cooks. It features a 2.5 mm blade with added dimples to enable knife glide through sticky foods like apples, potatoes, and summer squash.

The pakkawood handle ensures the knife doesn’t slip.

Pros

• Sharp blade to cut through sticky foods
• Pakkawood handle prevents slipping
• Lightweight for easy handling
• Versatile

Cons

• The edge can rust
• Not dishwasher safe

MAC Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver

This MAC Japanese series cleaver is a favorite kitchen knife, ideal for chopping vegetables. It’s made of alloy steel making it very durable. To ensure it doesn’t slip, the blade is designed with a pakkawood handle.

This purely made-in-Japan knife is typically used for slicing thin vegetables. It’s also suitable for seafood and meats. It can also be used for slicing and chopping fruits.

Pros

• Lightweight, suitable for chopping and slicing vegetables and fruits
• Made of Molybdenum steel
• Affordable

Cons

• It cannot be used as a heavy cleaver

6. MERCER

Mercer is a leading Japanese chef knife brand that manufactures inexpensive knives. Food preparation becomes an exciting task if you have a Mercer knife in your hand. This Japanese brand has been making great kitchen knives and cutlery for a long time.

The quality guaranteed by Mercer isn’t just an empty promise. While embracing innovation, these knife makers also explore science in the crafting its knives. As a result, the blades offer unmatched durability and exceptional performance.

If you want a knife that is sleek and contemporary, get yourself a Mercer knife. The brand has a tasteful design that attracts diverse tastes.

Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch Bread Knife

This Mercer knife comes with an ergonomic handle that’s a combination of comfort and durability. The innovative features and unrivaled performance allow the knife to meet the demands of a professional chef. It features a textured handle for excellent grip and greater comfort.

It brings out an exceptional combination of design, quality, materials, and excellent craftsmanship.  The textured finger points and protective guard ensure a better grip and enhanced safety. The richness and warmth of premium quality rosewood blended with the precision of a razor-sharp steel blade makes it ideal for professional hands.

Pros

• Suitable for everyday use
• Easy to hold and clean
• Versatile and durable
• Extremely sharp

Cons

• Not ideal for cutting through hard foods

Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Forged Chef’s Knife

This knife is a combination of exceptional craftsmanship, quality, and design. It’s honed to the elevated performance standard of a professional chef. It’s triple-riveted with a rounded spine for a comfortable grip.

The full tang runs the whole length to give the knife superior balance. Shortened bolster exposes the entire blade edge for easy sharpening. The high carbon material is stain, rust, and corrosion-resistant.

It features a taper-ground edge that allows added stability and easy holding.

Pros

• Limited lifetime warranty
• Long-lasting sharpness
• Enhanced efficiency
• Easy to sharpen

Cons

• It’s not dishwasher safe

7. DALSTRONG

Dalstrong is a Japanese knife brand that needs no introduction. The brand has successfully attracted millions of chefs worldwide. The company began in 2012, and in its short lifetime, has achieved the level of big brands like Miyabi, Shun, and Yoshihiro.

The company is manufacturing the best Japanese knives with a 100% money-back guarantee. The knives are incredibly sharp with excellent edge retention.

DALSTRONG 3.5-inch Paring Knife

The Dalstrong 3.5-inch strikes a balance between elegance and unmatched performance. This short, sharp chef knife has a blade designed to work alongside you throughout the day. The steep belly allows the knife to excel at rock chopping and anything you place before it. It’s an excellent addition to any chef’s culinary tool lineup.

The Dalstrong’s stunning hammered tsuchime finish minimizes drag while creating small air pockets that reduce stuck-on food. In addition, the knife is crafted using high-quality, sturdy materials for added durability. This is a razor-sharp utility knife powerhouse that depicts exceptional artistry.

The knife is rust and corrosion-resistant, which means it will stay cleaner and last longer. In addition, it features layers of premium, robust carbon stainless steel for exceptional strength. More so, it has an ergonomic handle for comfort, agility, and superior control.

Pros

• High carbon stainless steel material for added durability and better edge retention
• Elegant with excellent performance
• It features a non-slip grip
• Easy to clean

Cons

• A few complaints about the blade rusting

8. Yaxell

Yaxell closes our list of the top 8 Japanese knife brands. The leading quality brand debuted in 1932, and it has delivered the best knives to the market. The company combines unsurpassed Japanese blade knowledge and advanced technology to create exceptional blades.

These top-quality knives are now adorning home kitchens. The incorporation of liquid nitrogen and chromium molecule leads to a sharper, sturdy, and long-lasting bladed. The handles are highly durable and comfortable for easy use.

Yaxell Mon VG10 8-Inch Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife

Yaxell Mon features a blade core made from sturdy 3-layer cobalt molybdenum stainless steel for unrivaled durability. The sand-blast finish blade combined with the katana sword wave line gives the knife an impressive appearance.

The knife has a black resin and linen canvas handle with two string stainless steel rivets. The canvas material is brilliantly polished and dyed black to last for decades.

Pros

• A curved belly makes it easy to chop herbs and spices
• Excellent edge retention
• It’s highly versatile
• It has a full tang
• Long-lasting
• Elegant

Cons

• A few complaints about the knife rusting

The Bottom Line

With several new and traditional Japanese knife brands available out there, it makes it hard to figure the best knife brand worth investing in. Some manufacturers are imitating Japanese knives, causing consumers to buy the wrong products. This guide has listed the top 8 Japanese knife brands on the market. These brands provide knives with supreme build quality and unparalleled performance.