10 Best Japanese Chef Knives 2020

Reviewed by Gareth Otwell | Last Updated: Mar 13, 2020

After analyzing 680 products, scanning 1470 reviews, spending more than 36 hours of research and speaking with our test users, we think the KATSU Kiritsuke Chef Knife is the one of the Best Japanese Chef Knife on the market.

#	Image	Name	Brand	Price
1	⭐Best Choice	KATSU Kiritsuke Chef Knife - Damascus - Japanese Kitchen Knife - 8-inch - Handcrafted Octagonal Handle - Wood Sheath & Gift Box Check price	KATSU	$$$$$	Check price
2	💲Best value for the money	Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs Knife - Premium 8-inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Gyuto Sushi Knife with High Corrosion Resistance in a Single Bevel Chisel Edge Grind Check price	Simple Song	$$$$$	Check price
3	Best under $200	Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife (Octagonal Ambrosia Handle) (8.25" (210mm)) Check price	Yoshihiro Cutlery	$$$$$	Check price
4	Best under $50	8 Inch Chef Knife by Findking-Dynasty series-3 layer 9CR18MOV clad steel w/octagon handle Gyuto Knife (8 inch chef knife) Check price	FINDKING	$$$$$	Check price
5		DALSTRONG Chef Knife - 8" - Phantom Series - Japanese High-Carbon - AUS8 Steel - Sheath Check price	Dalstrong	$$$$$	Check price
6		WEKIT Chef Knife 8 Inch, Damascus Chef knife Japanese VG10 kitchen knife Sharpest 67-Layer High Carbon Stainless Steel knife, Meat Cutting Gyuto Chef Knife, Ergonomic G10 Handle Check price	N/A	$$$$$	Check price
7	👑Premium Pick	Miyabi 34373-203 Chef's Knife, 8-inch, Birch/Stainless Steel Check price	N/A	$$$$$	Check price
8		Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife with VG-MAX Cutting Core and Ebony PakkaWood Handle; All-Purpose Blade for a Full Range of Cutting Tasks with Curved Blade for Easy Cuts; Cutlery Handcrafted in Japan Check price	Shun	$$$$$	Check price
9		Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife (Octagonal Shitan Rosewood Handle) (9.5'' (240mm)) Check price	Yoshihiro	$$$$$	Check price
10		Cangshan J Series 62762 High Carbon X-7 Damascus Steel Chef Knife With Walnut Sheath, 8-Inch Check price	Cangshan	$$$$$	Check price

KATSU Kiritsuke Chef Knife – Best Overall Japanese 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
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, etc.

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.

Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife – Best under $200

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.

8 Inch Chef Knife by Findking-Dynasty series-3 layer 9CR18MOV clad – Best under $50

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 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
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.

DALSTRONG Chef Knife

Powerhouse Chef Knife: Masterfully elegant, perfectly balanced, razor sharp and with exceptional performance, the Phantom Series chef's knife is a statement in refinement, beauty, purity and power.
Peak Performance: Mercilessly sharp, the Phantom Series edge is painstakingly honed by experts craftsman to 13-15° and nitrogen cooled for enhanced hardness, flexibility and corrosion resistance. Carefully tapered for minimal drag, the agile blade ensures swift, precise cuts with effortless ease.
The Dalstrong Touch: Full tang and precision forged from a single piece of ice tempered, high-carbon, Japanese AUS-8 steel at 58+ Rockwell hardness, the Phantom Series boasts exceptional sharpness, edge retention, strength and durability. Beautifully engraved, the blade further features a hand polished spine and ergonomic bolster shape for a natural and smooth 'pinch grip'.
Design Perfection: A velvety rich black Spanish pakkawood handle is hand polished and laminated to ensure a heaven like grip with exceptional durability. The traditional Japanese D-shaped handle is expertly engineered to tuck perfectly into the palm of your hand for ultimate control, cut after cut, while the narrow blade design allows for maneuverability and nimble movement like never before. A distinct mosaic pin of brass and copper adds refinement and subtle luxury.
Dalstrong Trust: Rocksolid 100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, try it risk free. LIFETIME WARRANTY against defect. Renowned Dalstrong customer service and packaging. See why chef's around the world trust and love, 'The Dalstrong Difference'. Now you are slicing with POWER. Dalstrong POWER!

WEKIT Chef Knife 8 Inch

【RAZOR SHARP CHEF KNIFE】All-Purpose chef Knife with super sharp edges and perfect curvature(10-15°per side) meets all the chef's requirements for the knife. The razor-sharp forged edge can hold its sharpness for a long lifetime and makes slicing meat, chicken, steak, and sushi / sashimi feel like slicing butter. The well weighted Chef Knife with rounded handles requires minimal effort whether you're slicing, dicing or mincing.
【VG10 DAMASCUS STEEL KNIFE】Super Sharp Blade of the Chef Knife is precision forged by a single piece of ultra Quality high carbon VG-10 stainless steel with 67 Layers, which are over sharpness than normal steel knife and providing exceptional strength, a high level of rust-resistance, wear-resistance, long-lasting performance and a maximum sharpness. VG-10 Japanese super steel cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness. Minimal Slicing Resistance.
【ERGONOMIC G10 HANDLE】The ultra-premium G-10 handle of the Japanese Damascus Chef Knife, which is designed for superior control, agility and comfort, has gone through special treatment, making it extremely impervious to heat, moisture, cold with military grade strength and life-long sturdiness. Even if you use it for a long time, you won't feel tired and uncomfortable no matter your hand size or where you grip.
【Perfect Gift】Damascus chef knife is not only sharp, but the decoration is also world class. Stunning Fish-bone pattern surface makes your cooking moment to be the most enjoyable time in life. This is a wonderful gift for Home Cooks, Professional Chefs, Culinary Students and collection(Christmas, Weddings, Birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day).
【QUALITY Guarantee】 100% satisfaction or money back for the Chef Knife. Try it risk free. Superior Chefs Knife that will give you a lifetime of exemplary service. We are committed to providing our customers with quality products and friendly service.

Miyabi 34373-203 Chef's Knife – Premium Pick

G2 micro carbide powder steel
Authentic thin Japanese blade profile
Hand honed using the three step Honbazuke process to a 9.5 to 12 degree edge
Handle length:5.39 inch

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

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

Grade : NSW Damascus / Knife Type: Gyuto(Chef's Essential Knife)
Steel Type: VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel
Blade: Double-Edged (50/50) / Blade Length: 9.5" (240mm)
Handle Material: Octagonal-Shaped Shitan Rosewood with Mahogany Bolster
Hardness Rockwell C scale: 60 / Saya Cover: Natural Magnolia Saya Included

Cangshan J Series 62762 High Carbon X-7 Damascus Steel Chef

Unique Patent Pending Design that focuses on rich ultra-dense African Blackwood Handle
Forged from 67 Layers special formula Cangshan X-7 Damascus Steel with HRC 60 +/- 2 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
8-Inch chef's knife for versatile slicing, chopping, dicing, and more
Each Knife comes with dark walnut wood magnetic saya style sheath
Hand wash only, limited lifetime warranty