10 Best Japanese Chef Knives 2020

Reviewed by Gareth Otwell | Last Updated: Nov 17, 2020

After analyzing 108 products, scanning 425 reviews, spending more than 36 hours of research and speaking with our test users, we think the Pro Chef Knife 8 Inch is the one of the Best Japanese Chef Knife on the market.

#	Image	Name	Brand	Price
1	⭐Best Choice	Pro Chef Knife 8 Inch, Japanese AUS-10V Super Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife with Hammer Finish, Chefs Knife with a triple-riveted Ergonomic Handle, Professional Durable Cooking Knife with Gift Box Check price	N/A	$$$$$	Check price
2		FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Professional Japanese Chef Knife, 3 Layer 9CR18MOV Clad Steel w/octagon Handle Gyuto Sushi Knife for Home Kitchen & Restaurant Check price	N/A	$$$$$	Check price
3		Shun Classic 8” Chef’s Knife with VG-MAX Cutting Core and Ebony PakkaWood Handle; All-Purpose Blade for a Full Range of Cutting Tasks with Curved Blade for Easy Cuts; Cutlery Handcrafted in Japan Check price	Shun	$$$$$	Check price
4	💲Best value for the money	Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs Knife – Premium 8-inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Gyuto Sushi Knife with High Corrosion Resistance in a Single Bevel Chisel Edge Grind Check price	Simple Song	$$$$$	Check price
5		ENOKING 7 Inch Santoku Knife, Hand Forged High Carbon Steel Japanese Chef Knife, Super Sharp Blade, Ergonomic Wood Handle Professional Chef's Knife Check price	N/A	$$$$$	Check price
6		8 Inch Chef Knife by Findking-Dynasty series-3 layer 9CR18MOV clad steel w/octagon handle Gyuto Knife Check price	FINDKING	$$$$$	Check price
7		KATSU Kiritsuke Chef Knife - Damascus - Japanese Kitchen Knife - 8-inch - Handcrafted Octagonal Handle - Wood Sheath & Gift Box Check price	KATSU	$$$$$	Check price
8	👑Premium Pick	Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife (Octagonal Ambrosia Handle) (8.25" (210mm)) Check price	Yoshihiro Cutlery	$$$$$	Check price
9		imarku Chef Knife - Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives High Carbon German Stainless Steel Sharp Paring Knife with Ergonomic Handle Check price	imarku	$$$$$	Check price
10		Santoku Knife - imarku 7 inch Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Asian Knife Japanese Chef Knife - German HC Stainless Steel 7Cr17Mov - Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle, Best Choice for Home Kitchen and Restaurant Check price	imarku	$$$$$	Check price

Pro Chef Knife 8 Inch – Best Overall Japanese Chef Knife

【Multi-Functional Knife】This 8 inch Professional chef's knife designed to perform well at many differing kitchen tasks， It can be used for your daily kitchen tasks of chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing of all kinds of meat, vegetables, fruits and bread. This chef knife has been the top choice of both home chefs and professionals alike.
【Razor-Sharp Edge Retention】 Sharpness is key to achieving the best cuts and this is evident in the knife's blade which is quite sharp and will remain this way even after tough tasks such as cutting tough meat or removing flesh from bones. The sharpness is further boosted by use of the latest German engineering
【Long-Lasting Perfoemance】This kitchen knife features an ultra sharp AUS-10V Vacuum Heat Treated Japanese super steel cutting core at 59±2 Rockwell hardness: extraordinary performance and edge retention.The cooking knife will maintain its functionality and sharpness for a long time. You will have no regret in testing the durability of this knife during tough and challenging tasks.
【Ergonomic Handle For Comfort】 Featuring a triple-rivet handle that is slip-resistant and lends itself to extensive use, optimal knuckle clearance and long hours, our chef's knives helps alleviate accidents while also providing a smooth grip whether you are dicing, chopping, slicing, cutting or mincing food. All of these features result in a balanced, weighted knife that makes food and meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
【Exquisite Gift Box】 This 8 inch chef knife with a exquisite Gift Box is very suitable as a gift for mom, This is also a good choice as a gift for women, gift for dad, gift for wife, gift for grandma , such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas day, New Year, Easter Day, Halloween, birthday, etc, This is a great gift ideas

FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Professional Japanese Chef Knife

100% from Japan's High Quality Steel - FAMCUTE series uses 9CR18MOV. A great steel for the everyday use of any chef. With an HRC of 60+/-2 it will take an angled edge and hold it for long enough to help extend the life of your knife (w/ general maintenance). The clad dimple allow for easy food release while slicing or dicing. This blade is great for vegetables, fruits, fish, and meats. [Please refrain from cutting frozen products as this may detriment the knife's edge.]
Ergonomic Design- Design inspiration are designed to show the special beauty of chef’s knives. While focusing on comfortability, and efficiency for the everyday chef. Blade length is 21.2cm and handle length is 15.3 cm with an overall length of 36.5cm. When a pinch grip is used the blade length is considered “true 8” inch” where the user will be able to maximize maneuverability of the blades cutting edge
Full of Natural Handles - Is crafted from African rosewood, and is a great compliment to the beauty and comfort to the knife user. The stability of the handle allows the user full manipulation of the blade. This makes for effective use for precision, and endurance cuts. This handle makes mis en plas (food prep) FUN again
Weight/Balance- The balance point runs heel to spine up the billet. Allowing the user a comfortable grip with precise cuts, and less wear and tear on the users hands. The weight is towards the blade of the knife making for efficient use during rock chopping motion.
FAMCUTE's PROMISE- Quality is a massive focus of ours products. As a promise to our customers, When you open the package and receive a knife with any quality problems, we will replace it free of charge.

Shun Classic 8” Chef’s Knife with VG-MAX Cutting Core and

VG-MAX steel is a formula exclusive to Shun with extra tungsten for a sharper edge, more chromium for corrosion resistance and additional cobalt and carbon for strength and durability
Handle is ebony PakkaWood; PakkaWood is a hardwood infused with resin for a durable, water resistant finish, perfect for easy cleaning and tough enough for constant use
For proper slicing, push the knife forward and down while cutting through food and then pull it up and back, repeating the process in a “locomotive” motion; this prevents chipping for smooth cuts
“Shun” the Japanese word indicates a food’s peak ripeness; Shun draws on its Japanese roots and traditional blade-making practices to produce knives that perform excellently
The 8-inch Chef’s Knife is a staple kitchen utensil and a great gift for newlyweds, homeowners, parents, grandparents, cooks, aspiring chefs, hostesses or to keep as a personal kitchen tool

Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs Knife – Best Budget Japanese Chef Knife

HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Our 420HC stainless steel blades are heat treated for optimum hardness and edge retention while maintaining the ability to be sharpened to a razor edge. The steel used is perfect for kitchen specific tasks because of its corrosion resistance, preventing it from oxidizing with rust when it comes to contact with meat, fruits and vegetables. Our steel blades run the length of the knife and through the handle for a full-tang design.
SINGLE BEVEL KNIFE EDGE: Traditional Japanese knives in the hands of premier chefs are usually of a single bevel ground edge in order to give the most precise and sharp edge. Our blades are meticulously sharpened to a 15° edge on the right side while the other side remains flat. A conventional Compound edge is sharpened on both sides usually resulting in a 30° edge which is not as sharp. Our design gives you an incredibly sharp edge while you cut and a flat side helps to separate food slices.
FULL-TANG TRADITIONAL ROSEWOOD HANDLE: We wanted the handle of our knives to be able to remain in great working condition and maintain the test of time through use and ware. We thought of no other material to use in our handles than Rosewood. Praised for its natural ability to be strong and heavy while being able to maintain a polish. Using Rosewood and our full-tang knife design allows the blade to run throughout the Rosewood handle, giving you a balanced feel when manipulating your knife.
DESIGNED FOR CHEFS: Gyuto which translates to literally “beef-sword” is usually known in the professional western cuisine as the chef’s knife, this is the be-all-end-all knife for would be chefs. It’s versatility and length allows for proper use when cutting vegetables or long strokes for clean sashimi slices. Tackling tough meats such as pork belly or needing a sharp edge design for sinewy meats, this knife does it all with grace and professionalism.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: You satisfaction is our GUARANTEE. We are so confident that you will love your Traditional Japanese Professional Chef Knife that if you don’t feel the same way we do, you can contact our customer support team within 30 days of purchase and request a return, we will refund you the total amount paid for the knife. If you received a knife with any imperfections, you can also contact our support team and we will issue a return and send you a brand new one in the mail.

ENOKING 7 Inch Santoku Knife

🔪【Hand Forged Technology】Why our Santoku Knife is so special? It is forged and made by hand. Through countless forging processes like quenching and cold forging, it finally becomes a durable knife with high hardness, strong abrasion resistance and good texture. This unique and beautiful hand-forged pattern on the knife makes our cooking moment to be the most enjoyable time in life.
🔪【Super Sharp Edge】This Santoku Knife is super sharp through repeated folding and flapping process. The thickness of this knife is 2.5mm. During the gorging process, we sharpen the edges manually at an angle of 14-16 degrees on each side to achieve maximum clarity and edge retention, to ensure precise slicing every time. So it is easy to cut materials with sharp forged edges. In the meantime we can keep the sharpness for a long time.
🔪【Anti-Rust】You may be puzzled why our knife look so retro, because the material of our knife contains carbon, so it looks a little bit dark. But this kind of knife is stronger, wear-resistant, and not easy to rust.We have tested this knife hundreds of times, and it will not rust even after it has been used many times. It should be noted that keep the knife clean and dry after use.
🔪【Premium Carbon Steel】This super sharp knife is made of carbon steel. The hardness of the knife is as high as HRC60±2 through quenching technology, which is much higher than the standard HRC52±2 of knives made mechanically. In addition, our experienced blacksmith repeatedly beats the hammer, which can greatly increase the physical density and rigidity of such knives.
🔪【Sturdy Ergonomic Design】The blade of this chef knife is integrated with a soft and comfortable handle, creating the perfect grip. The ergonomic shape enables the right balance between the handle and the thin blade, ensuring ease of movement. The solid handle minimizes wrist tension while providing a secure, comfortable grip no matter where you grip. The durability and reliability of the kitchen knife are secured by the rivet design that attaches the handle firmly onto the blade.

8 Inch Chef Knife by Findking-Dynasty series-3 layer 9CR18MOV clad

DYNASTY SERIES BLADE QUALITY - Findking’s dynasty series uses 9CR18MOV. A great steel for the everyday use of any chef. With an HRC of 60+/-2 it will take an angled edge and hold it for long enough to help extend the life of your knife (w/ general maintenance). The clad dimple allow for easy food release while slicing or dicing. This blade is great for vegetables, fruits, fish, and meats. Please refrain from cutting frozen products as this may detriment the knife's edge.
DYNASTY SERIES HANDLE - is crafted from African rosewood, and is a great compliment to the beauty and comfort to the knife user. The stability of the handle allows the user full manipulation of the blade. This makes for effective use for precision, and endurance cuts. This handle makes mis en plas (food prep) FUN again
WEIGHT/BALANCE- The balance point runs heel to spine up the billet. Allowing the user a comfortable grip with precise cuts, and less wear and tear on the users hands. The weight is towards the blade of the knife making for efficient use during rock chopping motion
DESIGN- Dynasty series chef knives are designed to show the beauty of eastern chef’s knives. While focusing on comfortability, and efficiency for the everyday chef. Blade length is 21cm and handle length is 15.5 cm with an overall length of 36.5cm. When a pinch grip is used the blade length is considered “true 8” inch” where the user will be able to maximize maneuverability of the blades cutting edge
OUR PROMISE- Quality is a massive focus of Findking’s products. As a promise to our customers, price will not be affected by our strive for the highest quality in our products.

KATSU Kiritsuke Chef Knife

Kiritsuke knives are the true multipurpose knives in Japanese cutlery, it is one of the most versatile and essential of all knives a cook can have
A traditional Japanese convex grind (Hamaguri-ba) damascus blade that excels in sharpness, durability and ease of sharpening Handcrafted octagonal ebony wood handle with buffalo horn bolster is lightweight and ergonomically welds to the hand for seamless use
Handcrafted octagonal ebony wood handle with buffalo horn bolster is lightweight and ergonomically welds to the hand for seamless use
Each KATSU kitchen chef knife comes with a dark walnut wood magnetic saya style sheath, which is convenient when carrying out field activities
An exquisite KATSU gift box with unique patterns offers you the perfect gift idea for Christmas, Weddings, Birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Black Friday, etc.

Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife – Premium Pick

The VG-10 Hammered Damascus Series has been a perennial best seller, combining performance, beauty, and extraordinary value.
[[TRADITIONAL GYUTO STYLE] The most versatile and essential of all knives a cook can have is a Japanese chefs knife known as a Gyuto knife.
The Gyuto is a Japanese chefs knife with a curved blade that smoothly rocks back and forth and has an extended tip for quick chopping that can be used to cut meat, fish, and vegetables.
[46 LAYERS DAMASCUS VG-10] Proudly made in Japan and forged and hammered with 46 layers of steel in the Damascus tradition with a VG-10 Core.
[HAMMERED TEXTURE] The hammered texture of the blade eliminates friction and keeps food from sticking to the blade.
[ERGONOMIC OCTAGONAL WA-HANDLE] This knife is complimented with a traditional Japanese Wa-style handcrafted Octagonal Handle that is lightweight and ergonomically welds to the hand for seamless use.
[INCLUDED SAYA KNIFE COVER] A protective wooden sheath called a Saya is included, which protects the knife and adds to its appearance when not in use.
[WHETSTONE RECOMMENDED] Traditional Japanese knife making values a sharp edge, which requires attention and care. Sharpening and honing should be done with only water whetstones.
[CARE & HANDLING] Hand wash and dry only, and do so immediately if working with acidic ingredients. Do not use on objects such as bones, nutshells, and frozen foods.
From dicing, slicing, and chopping fresh produce from a farmer’s market to carving a roast chicken straight from the oven, even the simplest tasks are elevated with a handcrafted knife that is as beautiful as it is functional.

imarku Chef Knife

High-carbon stainless steel blade-It is manufactured from high-quality stainless steel that maintains its functionality for a long time. And to boost its sturdiness, the steel contains 0.6-0.75 carbon. This makes it two times as hard as other knives in its class as they contain about 0.3% carbon
Multi-functional knife-The gyutou knife is classified and designed to be multipurpose knife for professional applications .It cuts,dices,slices,chops and also cuts meat off bones. It comes with a HRC( Rockwell Hardness Scale) of 56-58 which makes it among the tough knives in its class
Ergonomic pakka handle- To make it more professional and minimize any fatigue, finger numbness or aches after holding it continuously for an extended time the knife's handle is made from Pakka. This is material that originates from Africa and its known for its comfort, strength and stability
Ultra-sharp edge- Sharpness is key to achieving the best cuts and this is evident in the knife's blade which is quite sharp and will remain this way even after tough tasks such as cutting tough meat or removing flesh from bones. The sharpness is further boosted by use of the latest German engineering
Corrosion and anti-tarnish blade- In addition to carbon, 16-18% chrome is also included in the blade's metal composition. This gives its a glossy finish which will not fade or tarnish even after using it for a long time

Santoku Knife

【PROFESSIONAL SANTOKU KNIFE】: This imarku Super Sharp Santoku Knife is made of German HC stainless steel that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. It can be used for your daily kitchen tasks of chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing of all kinds of meat, vegetables, fruits, and bread. It is suitable for both home and restaurant kitchens.
【ULTRA-SHARP EDGE】: Sharpness is key. The professional knife blade polishing makes this Japanese knife be more sharper than others, and it has been proven its ability to withstand the rigors of tough restaurant use. The thickness of this kitchen knife is 2.5mm. Its hand-polished edge is 15-18 degrees per side, which is sturdy and sharp to get the job done perfectly.
【Hollow edge design】: The 7-inch santoku chef knife scalloped hollow edge is add gap between the knife blade and the material being cut, keeping things from sticking to the knife blade, special for slicing, dicing, and mincing.
【ERGONOMIC DESIGN】: Advanced Pakkawood Handle manufacturing process minimizes wrist tension while providing a secure, comfortable grip no matter your hand size or where you grip. Special texture, smoothly. Compare to other Pakkawood, it is way more stable and sanitary, No expantion, no crack like traditional wood and pakkawood handle, which asures you the best food safety.
【THE PERFECT GIFT】: The knife comes in a high-quality black gift box, making it the perfect gift for whoever you love.