10 Best Japanese Knives 2026 in the United States

The HOSHANHO 7 Inch Nakiri Knife is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile Japanese-style kitchen knife, especially for chopping vegetables but also capable of handling meat and fruit. Its blade is made from high carbon stainless steel, giving it good hardness (60 HRC) and the ability to hold a sharp edge well. The 15-degree edge angle is typical for Japanese knives, meaning it’s sharper than most Western knives, allowing precise, smooth cuts with less effort. At 7 inches, the blade length strikes a nice balance—not too long for control but enough to handle bigger veggies.

The knife’s handle is crafted from pakkawood, which offers a comfortable, ergonomic grip and nicely balances the blade’s weight, helping reduce hand fatigue during longer prep sessions. The hollow scalloped sides on the blade also help reduce sticking, making slicing easier. However, this knife is not dishwasher safe, so it needs careful hand washing to maintain its quality.

Weighing around 12.3 ounces (350 grams), it feels sturdy but not heavy, giving good control during chopping or slicing. Its forged construction adds strength and durability compared to stamped blades. Some users might find the pakkawood handle less resistant to prolonged moisture than synthetic materials, so proper care is important. This nakiri knife is well-suited for home cooks who want a reliable, sharp, and attractive knife for everyday kitchen tasks. It performs well for precise vegetable prep while also offering enough versatility for other ingredients. Just be mindful of hand-washing it to keep it in top shape.

The Matsato Chef Knife stands out as a versatile and well-crafted tool suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, which promises durability and sharpness, reducing the likelihood of dulling or chipping over time. The blade length of 6.2 inches makes it a practical choice for various kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meats.

The solid oak handle adds to its appeal by offering a firm and comfortable grip, contributing to the knife's balance and control during use. This makes it easier and safer to handle, whether you're in a kitchen at home or outdoors at a BBQ or camping trip. However, it’s important to note that the knife is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is required to maintain its quality and longevity.

The knife’s weight, at just 6.2 ounces, ensures it is light enough for easy handling, yet substantial enough to provide good balance. Its traditional Japanese craftsmanship combined with modern techniques ensures a high level of performance. The Matsato Chef Knife is highly rated by users, holding a 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,900 reviews, indicating a generally positive reception. This knife is a reliable, multi-purpose kitchen tool that combines traditional design with modern needs, although it requires careful maintenance due to its non-dishwasher-safe nature.

The Miyabi Birchwood SG2 Japanese Chef's Knife is a high-quality kitchen tool designed for those who appreciate sharpness and craftsmanship. Its 8-inch blade is made from SG2 micro carbide powder steel, a premium high carbon stainless steel known for holding a sharp edge longer than many other blades. The knife features a beautiful 100-layer Damascus pattern, which not only adds aesthetic appeal but also hints at its layered forged construction, enhancing durability. The blade edge is sharpened by a traditional Honbazuke process to a very fine 9.5 to 12 degree angle, making it sharper and more precise than many Western knives, resulting in smoother and more effortless cutting.

The handle is crafted from Karelian birch, a sturdy and attractive hardwood that provides a comfortable grip, although it may require some care to keep it in good condition since it’s not synthetic. At just over a pound, the knife has a reasonable weight that balances control with cutting power, suitable for both home cooks and professionals looking for precision. It is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is necessary to maintain the blade and handle quality.

This knife excels at slicing and fine chopping tasks, but its thin edge might be less ideal for heavy-duty work like chopping bones. It is a great choice for those seeking an authentic, sharp, and visually striking Japanese chef’s knife with a comfortable handle and excellent cutting performance, especially for slicing and detailed kitchen work.