Best Kiritsuke Knives of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Kiritsuke knives are versatile and multipurpose Japanese kitchen knives that offer a unique blend of functionality and elegance. With a long, single-edged blade and a pointed tip, they are designed to handle a wide range of cutting tasks with precision and ease. Kiritsuke knives are often considered the master chef's knife due to their ability to perform both delicate slicing and powerful chopping actions. Crafted with high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship, these knives are a must-have for any professional chef or cooking enthusiast seeking exceptional performance in the kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover #TOP 1
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HOSHANHO 9 Inch Kiritsuke Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 9 Inch Kiritsuke Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover #TOP 3
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Kiritsuke Knives

#TOP 1

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 weight
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Great value for price
High build quality
What We Don't Like
Handle slightly chunky for some
A bit heavier than expected
#TOP 2

HOSHANHO 9 Inch Kiritsuke Knife

9 inch Kiritsuke Knife
Gray
HOSHANHO 9 Inch Kiritsuke Knife Cover
HOSHANHO 9 Inch Kiritsuke Chef Knife, Japanese Hand Forged 9 Layers 10Cr15CoMoV High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife, Professional Chef's Knife with Ergonomic Rosewood Handle

The HOSHANHO Kiritsuke Knife is a high-performance kitchen tool crafted from six layers of composite steel with a VG-10 core. This construction offers remarkable hardness and flexibility, ensuring lasting durability. Its ultra-sharp blade, honed to a precise angle, makes it perfect for mincing, dicing, and slicing a variety of foods, enhancing your culinary experience. The ergonomic rosewood handle is designed for comfort, providing a stable grip that reduces fatigue during long cooking sessions. Additionally, the knife's unique hand-hammered texture not only adds beauty but also helps prevent food from sticking, making it easy to clean and maintain.

What We Like
Excellent sharpness
Great value for price
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Attractive design
Well-balanced and lightweight
What We Don't Like
Minor handle finishing issues
Requires careful maintenance

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 durable blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Good balance and weight
Excellent value for price
Professional look and feel
What We Don't Like
Struggles with very hard foods
Not suited for heavy-duty tasks
#TOP 4

HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 8-inch Chef's Knife

13541-203
HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 8-inch Chef's Knife Cover
HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 8-inch Chef Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Black/Stainless Steel

Enjoy easy meal prep and paper-thin cuts with minimal effort with this lightweight, easy-to-use knife. The single-piece, precision-stamped blade construction provides durability, while the professional-level sharpness ensures precision cutting. HENCKELS knives are built to last, and this German-engineered knife is no exception. It's perfect for slicing, chopping, and mincing vegetables, fruits and herbs, to cutting through large slabs of meat and disjointing bones. The blade is stain and rust-free, ensuring no-fuss cleanup, in the dishwasher or by hand. HENCKELS knives start out razor-sharp and stay sharper longer, even with minimal care.

What We Like
Excellent sharpness out of box
Comfortable and balanced handle
Great value for the price
Durable and reliable performance
Easy to maintain edge
What We Don't Like
Edge retention could be better
Thinner steel than premium models

Babish 8-Inch High-Carbon German Steel Chef Knife

131293.01R
Babish 8-Inch High-Carbon German Steel Chef Knife Cover
Babish 8-Inch Chef Knife – High-Carbon German 1.4116 Steel Kitchen Knife – Professional Cutlery for Precise Slicing and Chopping

The Babish Chef Knife is crafted from a single piece of high-carbon German steel, which means it’s strong and built to last. Its blade is carefully tempered and ground to give you an incredibly sharp edge, making cutting tasks smoother and more precise. The full-tang design, combined with an ABS handle, offers a balanced and comfortable grip, so you can work longer without hand fatigue. This all-purpose knife is perfect for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing, helping you handle a variety of kitchen tasks with ease.

What We Like
Excellent value for price
Comfortable, ergonomic handle
Durable German steel construction
Sharp and easy to maintain
Dishwasher safe convenience
What We Don't Like
Requires occasional sharpening
Steel grade not premium
#TOP 6

PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife with Ergonomic Handle

N1-Chef Knife
Silver
PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife with Ergonomic Handle Cover
PAUDIN Chef Knife, 8 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Sharp Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Gift Box for Family & Restaurant

Designed for both home and professional use, the PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife is a versatile tool that can handle all your chopping, slicing, mincing, and dicing needs. The ultra-sharp 2mm thick blade is hand-polished for long-lasting sharpness, while the ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. This knife also comes with a special waved pattern on the blade, adding to its striking design. PAUDIN offers a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

What We Like
Razor sharp blade
Excellent for vegetables and meat
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Attractive presentation box
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Requires occasional sharpening
Not dishwasher safe
#TOP 7

KEEMAKE 8-inch High Carbon Chef Knife

Z1270103K
KEEMAKE 8-inch High Carbon Chef Knife Cover
KEEMAKE Chef Knife 8 inch - Sharp Kitchen Knife High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, Gyuto Knife Ergonomic Wood Handle, Professional Chef’s Knife for Home Kitchen and restaurant

The KEEMAKE Chef Knife is crafted from high carbon stainless steel, offering you a sharp, durable blade that resists rust and tarnish, making it easy to maintain. Its versatile design lets you chop, slice, dice, and mince a variety of foods, from meats to fruits and vegetables, helping you tackle all your kitchen tasks efficiently. The knife features an ergonomic Pakkawood handle, which provides a comfortable, balanced grip so you can control your cuts with ease. Ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs, this knife’s precise blade angle ensures smooth, effortless slicing every time.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Attractive craftsmanship
Well-balanced weight
Great price-quality ratio
What We Don't Like
Blade may dull after heavy use
Not dishwasher safe
#TOP 8

HOSHANHO 8 Inch 10CR15MOV Gyuto Chef Knife

20cm Gyuto Kochmesser
8 Inch Chef Knife
HOSHANHO 8 Inch 10CR15MOV Gyuto Chef Knife Cover
HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife, 9 Layers 10CR15MOV High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife, Japanese Professional Gyuto Chefs Knives with Octagonal Rosewood Handle

The HOSHANHO Gyuto Chef Knife is crafted with a high-quality Japanese 10CR15MOV steel core, giving you excellent cutting power and long-lasting sharpness. Its blade is hand-sharpened to a precise 12° angle, allowing you to slice smoothly and maintain food texture, whether you’re working with delicate fish or tough vegetables. The rosewood handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, providing balance and control for all cutting styles. Plus, the knife’s layered steel construction and protective cladding resist rust and wear, making it a reliable tool that stays sharp and durable through regular kitchen use.

What We Like
Premium 10Cr15MoV steel
Razor-sharp edge retention
Comfortable octagonal rosewood handle
Elegant layered blade design
Well-balanced and ergonomic
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Requires hand washing

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
Razor-sharp blades
Ergonomic, comfortable handles
Attractive red design
Excellent value for price
Easy cleaning and maintenance
What We Don't Like
Some knives may feel lightweight
Minor handle design concern
#TOP 10

Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Chef Knife

5173577
Black
Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Chef Knife Cover
Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Forged Triple Riveted Chef Knife with Self-Sharpening Blade Cover, High Carbon-Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Razor-Sharp Knife, Black

The Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Chef Knife is a versatile kitchen tool that features Edgekeeper technology, ensuring the blade is automatically sharpened with each use. The ergonomically designed handle provides exceptional comfort and durability while in use. The knife is made of ultra-sharp high carbon stainless steel and is perfect for chopping, dicing, slicing, and mincing. This knife also comes with a protective sheath that doubles as a self-sharpening tool. Hand wash recommended with warm water and mild detergent.

What We Like
Very sharp blade
Self-sharpening sheath
Comfortable grip
Good value for price
Easy to cut various foods
What We Don't Like
Hand wash recommended
May rust if left wet
Buying Guide Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Kiritsuke Chef Knife

Blade Material

The blade material plays a crucial role in determining the knife's durability, sharpness, and overall performance. Look for a Kiritsuke knife made from high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, while carbon steel provides exceptional sharpness and edge retention.

Blade Design

Kiritsuke knives feature a unique blade design that combines the features of a chef's knife and a sashimi knife. The blade is typically longer and wider, allowing for versatile cutting techniques. Look for a Kiritsuke knife with a well-balanced design and a sharp, thin edge for precise slicing, dicing, and chopping.

Handle Construction

The handle of a Kiritsuke knife should be comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip, especially during extended use. Look for knives with ergonomic handles made from durable materials like hardwood or synthetic materials like G-10 or Micarta. These materials offer excellent durability, moisture resistance, and a comfortable grip.

Blade Maintenance

Consider the maintenance requirements of the Kiritsuke knife. Some blades may require regular sharpening and honing, while others may be more low-maintenance. Additionally, consider if the knife is dishwasher safe or if it requires hand washing and drying to maintain its longevity.

Price and Brand Reputation

Finally, consider your budget and the reputation of the brand. While quality knives can be a bit more expensive, they often provide better performance and durability. Look for reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality knives to ensure you are investing in a reliable and long-lasting Kiritsuke chef knife.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a kiritsuke chef knife used for?

A kiritsuke chef knife is primarily used for thinly slicing fish, vegetables, and fruit using a push/pull cutting technique. It is a Japanese-style slicing knife traditionally used by executive chefs. Its use requires skill and is considered a symbol of status in the kitchen.

2. Why is a kiritsuke knife difficult to use?

The kiritsuke knife is challenging to use because it combines the features of two different Japanese knives, the Usuba and Yanagiba. It has considerable length, height, and weight, along with a single-bevel edge. Mastering the unique design and handling of the kiritsuke knife requires considerable skill and practice.

3. What is the difference between Bunka and Kiritsuke?

While both Bunka and Kiritsuke knives are general-purpose Japanese knives, the main difference lies in their edges. Bunka and santoku knives have double bevel edges, making them easier to use and maintain. On the other hand, the kiritsuke knife has a single bevel edge, which requires more skill to handle. Western chef knives always have double bevel edges.

4. Is kiritsuke an all-purpose knife?

Yes, the kiritsuke knife is considered a versatile and multipurpose knife. It combines the features of a Yanagiba (long and thin sushi, sashimi knife) and a Usuba (vegetable knife). This combination allows it to perform various tasks in the kitchen, making it one of the few Japanese knives that can be used for multiple purposes.

5. Why do chefs prefer Japanese knives?

Chefs prefer Japanese knives for several reasons. Japanese knives are generally lighter and feel more balanced in the hand. They are made of steel that is harder and thinner, allowing the blade to hold its edge for a longer time. These characteristics make Japanese knives more suitable for precise and delicate tasks in the kitchen.

Editor's Notes

During our kiritsuke knives research, we found 24 kiritsuke knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,061 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kiritsuke knives list. We found that most customers choose kiritsuke knives with an average price of $38.57.

The kiritsuke knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kiritsuke knives, including HOSHANHO, HENCKELS, Babish, PAUDIN, KEEMAKE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 918 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.

Kiritsuke Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand HOSHANHO HOSHANHO HOSHANHO HENCKELS Babish PAUDIN KEEMAKE HOSHANHO Brewin Farberware
Color 8 inch Chef Knife Gray Silver Black/Stainless Steel Chef's Knife - High Carbon Stainless Silver Sliver-8 Inch Chef Knife 8 Inch Chef Knife Red Black
Handle Material Pakkawood Rosewood Pakkawood Stainless Steel Stainless Steel,Abs Handle,Steel Wood Pakkawood G10 & Rosewood Pakkawood Plastic, Stainless Steel,Steel
Blade Length 8 Inches 9 Inches 7 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches
Construction Type Forged Forged Forged Forged Forged Stamped Forged Forged Forged with Pakkawood handle Forged
Item Weight 350 Grams 238 Grams 11.2 ounces 7.8 Ounces 320 Grams 6.88 ounces 7.04 ounces 0.35 Kilograms 2.6 Pounds 11.3 ounces
Blade Color Silver Grey Silver Silver Silver Silver silver Silver Black,Silver stainless
Is Dishwasher Safe
Size 8" 9" 7" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8" 8 inches 8"
Blade Material High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel High Carbon Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Steel - Stainless Steel
Blade Edge Plain Plain Plain Chef's Knife Plain Plain Plain Plain - Plain
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy