Japanese knives are delicate precision-cutting kitchen tools. They are not the kind of knives you get to see everyday in kitchens. Japanese knives are made of high-quality alloys containing a higher amount of carbon compared to German knives. If you want to execute precision cuts, Japanese knives are ideal.
The techniques used in forging these knives incorporate more carbon into the steel-making process, making them harder than most knives. Their blade angles which could be 10 – 16 degrees per side, give them the sharpness that can hardly be found on any other kind of knife including German knives. On the Rockwell scale for hardness, Japanese knives rank as high as 62.
If you choose to transform your everyday kitchen experience into a more sophisticated one, a Japanese knife set should be on your countertop. To make sure you get the best quality ones, we have done some work for you. Below are our five (5) best Japanese knives sets reviews.
Best Japanese Knife Sets
| Image | Best Japanese Knife Sets | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Shun Classic 6-piece Japanese Knife Set | 99% |
 | 2. Enso VG10 Hammered Damascus Japanese Knife Set | 96% |
 | 3. Yaxell Mon 6-piece Japanese Knife Set | 92% |
 | 4. Global Ni 6-piece Japanese Knife Set | 89% |
 | 5. Shun Classic 8-Piece Japanese Knife Set | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our Best Japanese Knives Sets Reviews
1. Shun Classic 6-piece Japanese Knife Set
We recommend the Shun Classic 6-piece Knife Block if you are searching for a high-quality Japanese knife set. With a hollow blade edge and high-carbon stainless steel, you are sure to get that perfect slice. Considering the knives’ hardness in this knife set, the Shun Classic boasts of a 60 – 61 rating on the Rockwell hardness scale. Premium quality steel doesn’t get any better than this.
The blade of the knives in this set showcase a double-beveled blade angle, and they are easy to use compared to other Japanese knives with single beveled blade edges. Each beveled side is hand sharpened at a 16-degree angle which gives it superior sharpness. The Shun Classic Knife Block Set sports knives with a VG-MAX cutting core with 34 layers demonstrating improved edge retention. Although the blades can be quite brittle due to their hardness, you can be assured of extensive performance.
When holding the knives in this set, you will experience the comfort that its D-shaped Pakkawood handle offers. Such a moisture-resistant handle gives you an optimal grip for precision cutting. The Shun Classic knife set includes a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 9-inch combination honing steel, multi-purpose kitchen shears, and an 8-slot Dark wood knife block.
Why do we like it?
- Corrosion-resistant
- Strong handle
- Highly reliable
2. Enso VG10 Hammered Damascus Japanese Knife Set
Most left-handed people rarely find a Japanese knife best suited for them. The Enso Japanese Knife Set is ideal for left-handed people. Each knife features a double beveled blade edge that enables you to cut with precision whether you are right-handed or left-handed. More so, the black canvas Micarta handle of the knives in this set features 3 stainless steel rivets for firmly holding the tang.
While featuring an appealing hammered finish, each knife in this set is crafted from top-notch Japanese VG-10 37-layer stainless steel. Its corrosion resistance and its rust-proof properties make it an awesome piece to have on your kitchen countertop. Sharpness is not a thing to worry about. All the blades are sharpened at an angle of about 16 degrees. Do note that these knives may become brittle in time because they are made from high-carbon steel. On the Rockwell hardness scale, they have an outstanding 61 rating.
The Enso Japanese Knife Set includes a 3.25-inch paring knife for peeling and coring, a 6-inch utility knife, a 6.5-inch santoku knife for dicing and chopping, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 9-inch bread knife that can slice through tough crust, stainless steel kitchen shears and a beautifully designed Dark Ash knife block with 6-slots.
Why do we like it?
- Lifetime warranty
- Crafted by expert knife artisans
- Strong and reliable
3. Yaxell Mon 6-piece Japanese Knife Set
If you want a knife set with blades that have met the gold standard of stainless steel, you should consider the Yaxell Mon 6-piece Knife Set. Each knife’s blade core features a Japanese 3-layer VG-10 premium quality stainless steel. You can’t doubt a knife’s performance with a blade rating of 61 on the Rockwell hardness scale. Not only is the blade clad with top-quality stainless steel on both sides, but it also sports an impressive sand-blast finish.
The knives in the Yaxell Mon Knife Set have a superior balance when held and utilized. Do note that the blades are prone to scratches if not used carefully. You also need to be careful when using it because the edges which are sharpened at a 12-degree angle are extremely sharp. Beyond that, the knives have black linen and canvas Micarta handles which are comfortable to hold, and they reduce hand fatigue.
Included in the set are a 9-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 6.5-inch santoku knife, a 3.75-inch paring knife, a 4.75-inch utility knife, and a 5-slot Dark Ash slim knife block. All these come with a lifetime warranty. We recommend that you hand wash the knives with warm water and mild detergent when dirty.
Why do we like it?
- Very durable
- Nice appearance with Katana sword wave line on the blades
- Lightweight
4. Global Ni 6-piece Japanese Knife Set
If you use a knife regularly, we know that you will prefer a set that requires less energy to cut through items. We recommend the Global Ni 6-piece Knife Block Set. Seamless and smoother cutting is achievable with its Cromova steel blade. It features a thick and heavy blade and a handle that is long enough to balance the weight. Also, the handles are dimpled and designed to offer you a comfortable grip.
The Global Ni Knife Set includes a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 9.25-bread knife, a 4.5 high quality and flexible utility knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, and a durable 7-slot bamboo knife block. All the knives have rounded spines to offer you safety and comfort at the same time.
You can speed up your cooking by using knives in the Global Ni Knife Set. This is due to the hard high-carbon steel blade with a 56 – 58 Rockwell hardness scale rating. Do not try to underestimate the 10 – 15 degree angle blades that are factory sharpened. They are really sharp. The unique convex edge also cuts through meat, veggies, and fruits with a smooth action. Ultimately, you’ll be getting your kitchen work done on time and in great shape without looking exhausted from strenuous cutting and slicing.
Why do we like it?
- Strong blade tips
- Innovative design
- Serves as a perfect gift
5. Shun Classic 8-Piece Japanese Knife Set
The Shun Classic 8-Piece Knife Set features heat-treated VG-MAX steel blades that are corrosion resistant and strong. Not only does it improve impact resistance when cutting meat and vegetables, but the blades remain sharp and do not lose their color. Shun Classic blades are thinner, fine-grained, and don’t get blunt easily. Their handles are also not left out in terms of quality. The knives in this set have traditional Japanese-style handles with a slight ridge on their sides. More so, the Pakkawood used in its production is waterproof and do not have openings for bacteria infestations.
Slicing tenderloins or vegetables won’t be tedious due to its 16-degree angle sharpened blades. Using the knives in this set is easy and satisfying because they are designed for stress-free cutting and slicing. No matter the ingredients’ toughness, their edges will last long without the immediate need of honing. Shun Classic features a stainless Damascus cladding of 34 layers of stainless steel on both sides, making it one of the best Japanese knives set available on the market.
Included in the set are an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a boning/fillet knife, a 9-inch bread knife, a hollow-ground slicing knife, and honing steel.
Why do we like it?
- Highly versatile
- Offers unparalleled performance
- Easy to clean
Japanese Knives Sets Buyer’s Guide
Japanese knife sets of good quality are not easy to find. If you want to buy the best knives possible, you need to know which features to look out for. Our Buyer’s Guide below highlights important things to consider when choosing the best Japanese knife sets.
Type of steel
The major thing to consider is the kind of steel the knife blade is made of. Different types of steel have different properties. Japanese knives with high-carbon steel are harder than others with less steel, and they are brittle. If you must buy Japanese knives, make sure you go for blades that have high carbon properties.
Bevel
The angle of a knife is referred to as the bevel. Take note that some quality Japanese knives are single-bevel, meaning that the sharpened edge is only on one side of the blade. However, many have a double bevel and are easier to use than single beveled blades. The option you choose should be a matter of personal preference.
Handle
The handles will determine how balanced the knife will feel in your hands. Make sure you choose the best Japanese Knives sets that contain knives that are not too big or too small for your hands. If the handle is uncomfortable in your hand, it is sure to lower your performance. We recommend that you hold the handle before purchasing.
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