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Japanese Chef Knife

10 Best Japanese Chef Knife 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Shun Cutlery Premier Chef's Knife 8”, Thin, Light Kitchen Knife, Ideal for All-Around Food Preparation, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese Knife, Professional Chef Knife

Shun Cutlery Premier Chef's Knife 8��”, Thin, Light Kitchen Knife, Ideal for All-Around Food Preparation, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese Knife, Professional Chef Knife

Shun

10.0 score

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The Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife is a versatile and beautifully crafted tool suitable for both professional and home chefs. The blade, made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel cladding, offers exceptional sharpness and durability. The 16-degree edge ensures precise cutting, making it ideal for slicing, dicing, and mincing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
Blade Material
Blade Edge
Handle Material

Most important from
2101 reviews

Blade Material
The steel holds an edge decently well under normal usage, making you giggle with glee while cutting vegetables, breads, and deboned meats.
Blade Edge
Out of the box, you can cut ripe tomatoes, apples, and onions extremely thin with ease.
Handle Material
The handle fits very well and is easy to maneuver, even for someone with medium-sized hands.
Weight and Balance
The knife feels good in hand for both men and women, making it versatile for all users.
#2
9.1 score

SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

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SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

SHAN ZU

9.1 score

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The SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set is a high-quality kitchen tool designed for professional chefs and home cooks who appreciate precision and durability. The set features blades made from 10Cr15Mov Damascus Japanese steel, known for its impressive hardness (62 HRC), rust resistance, and wear resistance. The blades are super sharp and maintain their edge well due to the advanced forging techniques used in their construction. Each knife in the set has a blade length of 8 inches, making them versatile for various kitchen tasks. The plain edge ensures smooth and precise cuts, enhancing the cooking experience.

Rating
9.1
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4120 reviews

Blade Edge
Cutting vegetables is a revelation; the knives slice through instead of crushing and tearing.
Weight and Balance
They are balanced, comfortable, and incredibly sharp, enhancing the cooking experience.
#3
8.5 score

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Gifts for Men and Women, Christmas Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Gift Box, Gyutou Knives

35%OFF

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Gifts for Men and Women, Christmas Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Gift Box, Gyutou Knives

imarku

8.5 score

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The imarku Chef Knife is an 8-inch multipurpose kitchen knife designed for both professional and home use. Its high-carbon stainless steel blade, which includes 0.6-0.75% carbon, is notably harder than many other knives, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. This makes it a strong choice for a variety of tasks such as cutting, dicing, slicing, chopping, and even deboning meat. The blade's sharpness is further enhanced by modern Japanese engineering techniques, maintaining its edge even after repeated use on tough foods. Additionally, the blade is corrosion-resistant, thanks to the inclusion of 16-18% chrome, which also provides a sleek, glossy finish that resists tarnish over time.

Rating
8.5
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
13579 reviews

Blade Edge
A great go-to knife that's reliable, inexpensive, and holds an edge well.
Weight and Balance
Perfectly balanced with a comfortable handle, making it a joy to work with.

Top 10 Best Japanese Chef Knife 2026 in the United States

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Dalstrong

Dalstrong Boning Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series - Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel Knife Gift- Vacuum Treated- Crimson Red ABS Handle - Razor Sharp Fillet Knife - Meat Cutting, Carving, Trimming w/Sheath

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Shun

Shun Cutlery Premier Chef's Knife 8”, Thin, Light Kitchen Knife, Ideal for All-Around Food Preparation, Authentic, Handcrafted Japanese Knife, Professional Chef Knife

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, Damascus cladding
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: 7.5 ounces, well-balanced
Knife Type: Chef's Knife

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Chosen by 1284 this week

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Dalstrong

Dalstrong Boning Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series - Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel Knife Gift- Vacuum Treated- Crimson Red ABS Handle - Razor Sharp Fillet Knife - Meat Cutting, Carving, Trimming w/Sheath

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#2
9.1  score
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SHAN ZU

SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

Blade Material: 10Cr15Mov Damascus steel
Blade Length: 8 inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: G10 glass fiber
Weight and Balance: 2.31 pounds, well-balanced

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15% OFF
#3
8.5  score
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imarku

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Gifts for Men and Women, Christmas Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Gift Box, Gyutou Knives

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakka
Weight and Balance: 6.6 ounces, well-balanced
Knife Type: Chef Knife

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35% OFF
#4
8.5  score
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Shun

Shun Premier 8" Kiritsuke Knife

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#5
7.9  score
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MIYABI

Miyabi Birchwood SG2 Japanese Chef's Knife, 8-inch, Chef's Kitchen Knife, Karelian Birch Handle, 100-layer flower Damascus pattern, Handcrafted in Seki, Japan

Blade Material: SG2 Damascus Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Straight Edged
Handle Material: Birch
Weight and Balance: 1.18 pounds
Knife Type: Chef's Knife

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#6
7.3  score
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KYOKU

KYOKU Chef Knife - 8"- Shogun Series Japanese Style VG10 Steel Core Hammered Damascus Blade Kitchen Knife - with Sheath & Case

Blade Material: 67-layer Damascus VG-10 steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: G10 fiberglass
Weight and Balance: 1.34 pounds; well balanced
Knife Type: chef knife

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10% OFF
#7
7.3  score
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Shun

Shun Classic 8" Kiritsuke Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding Pakkawood Handle

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#8
7.3  score
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Shun

Shun Premier 7" Santoku Knife

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#9
7.0  score
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Tojiro

TOJIRO JAPAN Professional Chef Knife - 8.2" (21cm) - Hand Made, Flagship Model, VG10 - Easy Maintenance - Life Warranty

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#10
7.0  score
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Shun

Shun Classic 7 inch Santoku Knife, Handcrafted in Japan, DM0702

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Buying Guide for the Best Japanese Chef Knife

Choosing the right Japanese chef knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Japanese knives are known for their precision, sharpness, and craftsmanship. When selecting a Japanese chef knife, it's important to consider various factors that will affect its performance and suitability for your needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it determines the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include high-carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but can rust if not cared for properly. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and easier to maintain but may not be as sharp. Damascus steel offers a balance of sharpness, durability, and aesthetic appeal with its distinctive patterns. Choose a material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and your preference for sharpness and durability.
Blade LengthBlade length affects the knife's versatility and ease of use. Japanese chef knives typically range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) are easier to control and ideal for precision tasks like mincing herbs or slicing small vegetables. Medium blades (8-10 inches) offer a balance of control and versatility, suitable for most kitchen tasks. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are great for slicing large cuts of meat or fish but may be harder to handle for beginners. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and your comfort level with handling different blade lengths.
Blade EdgeThe blade edge determines the knife's cutting performance and maintenance needs. Japanese knives often feature a single bevel (sharpened on one side) or double bevel (sharpened on both sides). Single bevel knives offer extremely precise cuts and are favored for tasks like sushi preparation but require more skill to use and sharpen. Double bevel knives are more versatile and easier to use for general cooking tasks. Choose a blade edge based on your skill level and the types of cuts you need to make.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and comfortable grip but may require more maintenance to prevent cracking. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable but may lack the aesthetic appeal of wood. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a comfortable grip with a more refined appearance. Consider your preference for aesthetics, comfort, and maintenance when choosing a handle material.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a knife affect its ease of use and control. Japanese chef knives are generally lighter than their Western counterparts, allowing for more precise cuts and less fatigue during extended use. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable in your hand and provide better control. Test the knife by holding it and mimicking cutting motions to see if it feels balanced and comfortable. Choose a knife that feels right for your hand size and strength, ensuring you can use it comfortably for extended periods.
Knife TypeJapanese chef knives come in various types, each designed for specific tasks. Common types include Gyuto (general-purpose), Santoku (multi-purpose), Nakiri (vegetable knife), and Yanagiba (slicing knife). Gyuto knives are versatile and can handle most kitchen tasks, making them a great all-around choice. Santoku knives are also versatile but have a shorter, wider blade, making them ideal for chopping and slicing. Nakiri knives are designed for precise vegetable cutting, while Yanagiba knives are perfect for slicing fish and meat. Consider the primary tasks you'll be performing and choose a knife type that best suits your needs.

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