Best Japanese Chef Knives of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Japanese chef knives are renowned for their exceptional quality and precision, making them a popular choice among professional chefs and home cooks alike. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, these knives are made from high-quality materials such as carbon steel and feature unique blade shapes that allow for effortless slicing, dicing, and chopping. Whether you're looking for a versatile all-purpose chef's knife or a specialized blade for filleting fish or slicing sushi, there's a Japanese chef knife to suit your needs. With their exceptional balance and razor-sharp edges, these knives are a must-have for any serious cook.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife Cover #TOP 1
Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HOSHANHO Damascus Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch Cover #TOP 3
HOSHANHO Damascus Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Japanese Chef Knives

Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife

Matsato
Brown, Silver
6.3"
Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife Cover
Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch

The Matsato Chef Knife is designed for both home cooks and professionals, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Its strong Japanese steel blade ensures durability and sharpness, helping you slice and chop with precision. The knife features a solid oak handle that offers a comfortable and secure grip, so you can work safely and confidently. Handcrafted with traditional Japanese techniques, this knife combines classic style with modern performance, allowing you to handle a variety of kitchen tasks with ease. Whether you’re preparing vegetables, meats, or herbs, this well-balanced knife enhances your cooking experience.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
High-quality construction
Comfortable, sturdy handle
Great value for price
Effortless cutting performance

HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife

8 inch Chef Knife
8 inch Chef Knife
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover
HOSHANHO Kitchen Knife in Japanese High Carbon Steel, Professional High-Class Chef's Knife 8 inch, Non-slip Ultra Sharp Cooking Knives with Ergonomic Handle

HOSHANHO's 8 inch Chef's Knife is made of high-end Japanese steel AUS-10, providing high sharpness and durability at a reasonable cost. The matte finish of the blade adds a touch of fashion to your cooking. The handle made of ultra-durable wood is designed with a sloped bolster shape, which encourages proper and safer grip while ensuring comfortable use. It is a versatile knife suitable for everyday kitchen tasks such as chopping, cutting, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheese.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Excellent balance and control
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Great value for price
High quality construction
#TOP 3

HOSHANHO Damascus Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch

8 Inch Chef Knife
Silver
HOSHANHO Damascus Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch Cover
HOSHANHO Damascus Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch, 33-Layer Copper & Damascus Steel Kitchen Knife, Ultra Sharp Professional Cooking Knives with Ergonomic Ebony Handle

The HOSHANHO Damascus Chef Knife offers a razor-sharp V-shaped blade, sharpened carefully by hand to keep its edge longer and make cutting easier for you. Its 33-layer copper and Damascus steel core provide strong durability and excellent shock absorption, so it can handle tough kitchen tasks without damage. The ergonomic ebony handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, giving you a secure grip and reducing hand fatigue during long cooking sessions. This versatile knife is perfect for slicing vegetables, meat, and seafood, and its textured steel surface helps food slide off easily, making cleanup simple and quick.

What We Like
Ultra-sharp V-shaped blade
Durable 33-layer Damascus steel
Ergonomic ebony handle
Versatile for multiple foods
Easy food release and cleaning

HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife

7 inch Santoku Knife
Silver
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife, Ultra Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife, Professional Santoku Knives with Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle

HOSHANHO Chef Knife is a high-quality kitchen knife made of ultra-tough stainless steel. Its blade is forged with triple-layer laminated steel, providing durability and resistance to cold, heat, and corrosion. The blade is made of high-end Japanese steel AUS-10, which is two times harder than other knives in its class. The unique design of the knife includes a frosted finish and a hand-sharpened 15° blade angle, allowing for thinner cuts and more precise tasks in the kitchen. The double-side groove design reduces cutting resistance and prevents food from sticking. The knife also features an ergonomic Pakkawood handle, ensuring optimum comfort, control, and agility. With its versatility, this Santoku knife is suitable for both home and professional use, making it perfect for chopping, slicing, dicing, and cutting various ingredients. The knife comes packaged in a luxurious gift box, making it an ideal gift for any cook or knife enthusiast.

What We Like
Ultra-sharp blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Excellent value for price
Good weight and balance
Durable build quality

Matsato Chef Knife with Leather Sheath

Matsato
Steel
5.8"
Matsato Chef Knife with Leather Sheath Cover
Matsato Chef Knife with Premium Leather Sheath – Japanese Steel Kitchen Knife for Home & Cooking, Christmas Gift Set for Men or Women, Kitchen Gift for Chefs

The Matsato Chef Knife is a versatile tool perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its sharp and durable Japanese stainless steel blade helps you slice, dice, and chop ingredients with ease and precision. The knife’s solid oak handle offers a comfortable grip, giving you excellent control and safety while preparing meals. Plus, the included premium leather sheath protects the blade from damage and keeps your hands safe when storing or carrying the knife. With the Matsato Chef Knife, you get a reliable and convenient kitchen companion that makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

What We Like
Sharp, durable blade
Comfortable oak handle
Protective leather sheath
Easy handling and control

KUROBARA Tsubaki 100% Pure Camellia Oil

4901508966132
Clear
3.4 oz
KUROBARA Tsubaki 100% Pure Camellia Oil Cover
KUROBARA 100% Pure Tsubaki Japanese Knife Maintenance Camellia Oil (3.4 oz)

The KUROBARA Tsubaki Camellia Oil is a versatile product designed to protect your carbon steel tools from rust, including knives, scissors, and gardening equipment. By applying a small amount on a cloth after cleaning and drying your blades, you can keep them in excellent condition and extend their lifespan. This oil also works well as a lubricant, helping to keep your machinery and tools running smoothly without friction. Made in Japan, it offers a natural and effective way to maintain the sharpness and functionality of your valuable kitchen and household tools.

What We Like
Effective rust prevention
Food-safe formulation
Excellent blade lubrication
Enhances steel appearance
Convenient small bottle

Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set

BREWIN-US
8 inches
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set Cover
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI Japanese Chef Knife Set 5 PCS with Elegant Red Pakkawood Handle Ergonomic Design,Professional Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knives for Cooking High Carbon Stainless Steel

Brewin's CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set is a top-shelf cooking knife set that has been painstakingly crafted with expert chefs in mind. Featuring ultra-tough 1.4116 German stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness score of 56+, these knives are razor sharp and highly durable. The ergonomic design of the Pakkawood handles ensures perfect balance and a luxurious feel. This set includes two 8-inch knives, a Santoku Japanese knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a smaller paring knife for peeling and prep.

What We Like
Easy to clean
Sharp and durable
Well-balanced design
Elegant packaging
Great value for price

SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife

SZPCS-2017-002
Chef Knife
8 inch
SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife Cover
SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife

Experience the beauty and efficiency of a real Damascus knife with SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife. The 67-layer carbon steel structure ensures long-lasting use, while the real Damascus pattern is achieved through layering and heat treatment, not laser-etching. The frosted glass fiber G10 handle provides a comfortable and solid grip for high-performance cutting of meat, vegetables, and fish. Remember to follow the precautions for knife care and enjoy the 12-month warranty provided by SHAN ZU.

What We Like
67-layer carbon steel structure ensures long-lasting use
Real Damascus pattern achieved through layering and heat treatment
Frosted glass fiber G10 handle provides comfortable and solid grip

MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Gyuto Chef Knife, Japanese Hand Forged Kitchen Chef's Knives

MS-135
wooden,Black
8 inch
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Gyuto Chef Knife, Japanese Hand Forged Kitchen Chef's Knives Cover
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Gyuto Chef Knife, Japanese Hand Forged Kitchen Chef's Knives, 3-Layer 9CR18MOV High Carbon Steel, Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife is a professional kitchen knife made with traditional Japanese hand forging method, 3 layers of top grade 9CR18MOV high carbon steel, and a solid rosewood handle. It is a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, and comes with a professional gift box packaging. It is a great starter knife, with a sharp blade and durable edge, although the balance between the blade and the handle could be improved.

What We Like
Incredibly sharp
Comfortable handle
Beautiful design
Durable construction
Easy to maintain
#TOP 10

FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife

SHG-0008
Clad
8" Chef knife
FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover
FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Knife, Hand Forged 5 Layers High Carbon 9CR18MOV Steel Rosewood Handle Chef Knife, Ultra Sharp Durable Professional Kitchen Knife, A Thoughtful Gift for Husband/Wife

The FAMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife is a high-quality knife that is perfect for everyday use for any chef. Made from 9CR18MOV steel with an HRC of 60+/-2, this knife can hold an angled edge for a long time with general maintenance. Its clad dimple ensures easy food release while slicing or dicing. The handle is crafted from African rosewood, which is not only beautiful but also provides stability and comfort during cutting. This knife's weight and balance make it efficient during a rock chopping motion. FAMCÜTE promises quality and offers to replace the knife free of charge if any quality problems occur.

What We Like
High-quality 9CR18MOV steel with an HRC of 60+/-2 holds an angled edge for a long time with general maintenance
African rosewood handle provides stability and comfort during cutting
Efficient weight and balance make it perfect for rock chopping motion
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What knives do Japanese chefs use?

Japanese chefs often use a variety of knives, including Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, Usuba, Deba, and Yanagiba. These knives are considered staples in a Japanese chef's knife collection and are specialized for different tasks in the kitchen.

2. Are expensive Japanese knives worth it?

Yes, expensive Japanese knives are worth the investment. The high price is justified by the exceptional quality of the steel used in their construction. Japanese knife-makers use high-carbon stainless steel, which offers a perfect balance of hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. These knives are known for their durability and superior performance.

3. Which is better, German or Japanese knives?

Choosing between German and Japanese knives depends on personal preferences and intended use. German knives are thicker, more durable, and versatile for various tasks. On the other hand, Japanese knives are lightweight, thinner, and specialized for precise slicing and chopping. Consider your specific needs and cooking style to make an informed decision about which type of knife will suit you best.

Editor's Notes

During our japanese chef knives research, we found 24 japanese chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 107,528 customer reviews through our big data system to write the japanese chef knives list. We found that most customers choose japanese chef knives with an average price of $42.72.

The japanese chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of japanese chef knives, including Matsato, HOSHANHO, KUROBARA HAMONO TSUBAKI, Brewin, SHAN ZU. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,168 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.