Best Kiritsuke Knives of 2025

"I discovered they're not actually Japanese; the box reveals they're Chinese. However, I found that you can get high-quality cutlery from China if you're careful. These knives are solid, balanced, and sharp. They claim to be VG10, so I'll update if the edge holds up like my other VG10 knives. The hammer forging looks authentic, with no signs of stamping. They're a joy to hold and an incredible value. If you're seeking fine cutlery without spending a fortune and aren't a brand snob, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Plus, the free magnetic mount was a nice touch."

"I use this knife every day at work. It fits comfortably in my hands and provides a great grip. I appreciate its sharpness, durability, and length. It covers everything I cut with ease, which makes my work much faster."

"This knife has truly improved my work experience. The handle is super comfortable, making the blade easy to maneuver. It looks great, too, and is a nice addition to my magnetic knife block. I regret not buying the set from the start!"

"After years of using various knife sets, I discovered this amazing knife that has transformed my cooking experience. Its balance and sharpness make every task a delight, and I've learned that investing in a single high-quality knife is far better than a whole set of unused ones."

"As someone with over a decade of cooking experience, I can't recommend the Shun Classic enough. The 8" kiritsuke is my new favorite, offering unparalleled sharpness and exceptional edge retention. Although they are expensive, their performance justifies the price, and I've had mine for years without issues."

"I had my doubts about switching to an 8” blade, but after using this knife, I'm amazed at its control and cutting ability. It has made my meal prep quicker and more enjoyable. I'm already considering adding more pieces to my collection because of this knife's style and performance."

"This knife is a weird but perfect hybrid of gyuto and santoku styles. I appreciate how light it is, making it feel like a feather in my hand. The blade curve is perfect, and it cuts through food effortlessly. It's sharp out of the box, which is a rarity for production knives. While I'm not a fan of the polished finish, it doesn't detract from the knife's performance. Overall, it's been an outstanding addition to my kitchen."

"I received my knife quickly, within just three days. The craftsmanship is flawless; the hand-hammered finish and dark wood handle look stunning. The balance and weight feel just right, making it a joy to use. I couldn't believe how easily it cut through everything, even a watermelon! Cooking has become much more enjoyable with this tool, and I'm thrilled to have it in my collection."

"As a collector, I have to say this knife is one of the sharpest I've ever used. It's incredibly comfortable for prolonged use in the kitchen. The design is visually appealing, and the damascus steel finish is impressive. This kiritsuke is a perfect choice for almost any culinary task. Just make sure to use proper sharpening techniques to maintain its edge."

"This knife is a work of art and a workhorse. I received the Kyoku Shogun boning knife just before processing two large hogs. It was razor sharp and remained so after extensive use. The balance is perfect, and the textured grip is easy on my arthritic hands. I love it so much I also ordered the Santoku knife!"

"I stumbled upon this knife while searching for a good sushi knife, and it's by far the best I've used. It's extremely comfortable and looks amazing in person. I would definitely buy it again, giving it a 10 out of 10!"

"I use this knife daily, and it's incredibly sharp with the right weight for serious cutting tasks like slicing and chopping. Plus, it's very beautiful, which adds to the joy of using it."

"I'm absolutely impressed with this knife! Incredibly sharp and cuts through everything effortlessly, whether it's fruits, vegetables, or tougher ingredients like meat. The precision is outstanding, making meal prep so much quicker and easier. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the knife feels well-balanced, which adds to the overall ease of use. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality knife, this is the one to get."

"As a professional chef, I was very surprised by the exquisite craftsmanship of this Japanese chef's knife. The gift box is top-notch, and the knife is a beautiful work of art that also does its job effectively and effortlessly. I love the feel and weight of it. After showing it to colleagues, they all praised it as a top quality knife. If you're considering it, get it!"

"This knife arrived beautifully packaged and is indeed an elegant little beauty. It's perfectly balanced and comfortable for my fairly large hand. I'm very pleased with this purchase, as it’s nimble and razor sharp."

"As a restaurant cook in Boston, I've used Wusthof knives since culinary school, but after trying Japanese brands, I knew I needed an upgrade. I found Dalstrong's Shogun series and was impressed by their sharpness and quality. After using them at work, I couldn't believe how effortlessly I could prep. These knives are high-quality, beautiful, and perform excellently—definitely worth the investment!"

"I love my 6-inch utility knife! While I enjoy the 9.5-inch chef knife, this little brother is more versatile for everyday tasks. It's quick, handy, and incredibly comfortable to use. Plus, it holds an edge well with minimal maintenance. If you're considering this knife, rest assured it offers great value and quality!"

"I received my first Dalstrong chef knife in 2010, and I've used nothing else since. The edge lasts long with a bit of care, and the grip fits my hands perfectly. Truly, I can't recommend this brand enough for its durability and performance!"

"This knife is simply the best I've ever used. The quality is definitely worth the investment. The packaging was impressive, and the knife itself looked stunning. I could tell it was crafted to high standards. The stainless steel blade is razor-sharp, making cutting an absolute breeze. The ruby wood handle with the turquoise ring is not just aesthetically pleasing but provides maximum comfort and control. I would happily gift this knife to anyone, knowing it would be cherished as a piece of art."

"When I first encountered the price of this knife, I was initially shocked at $139.00. However, after using it, I completely understand why! It has the perfect weight and balance, making it feel effortless to use. The super sharp blade slices through food like butter. I emphasize that this is a hand wash knife; I would never risk ruining it in the dishwasher. Cleaning it is simple, and the handle feels great—no rough edges. I'm not a cooking expert, but this sharp knife has quickly become my go-to."

"As a fan of Japanese knives, I appreciate the Kawahiro Kiritsuke's quality and craftsmanship. While it’s a beautiful piece, it’s best not to judge it from a Western chef's perspective. The 21 cm blade and unique design are perfect for traditional Japanese tasks, making it great for mincing garlic and shallots. I've found it excels at slicing meat and vegetables, although it’s not made for Western chopping styles. If you're interested in a knife tailored to Japanese cooking, I can confidently recommend the Kawahiro Kiritsuke."

"I really love this knife; it is very sharp and fits well in my hand. Although I haven’t tried shaving with it, I believe it would perform well. It makes easy work of vegetables and meats, but I advise caution with harder items to avoid damaging the blade. I always wash and dry it immediately after use to keep it in top condition, and I might need to get it sharpened professionally or use the right tools myself."

"As a prep knife for my wife, who loves fruit, this knife has been a delightful addition to our kitchen. She uses it for almost all meal prep, and it yields great results. Slicing requires just a slight downward pressure, and it’s extremely sharp so far."

"This knife is a fantastic addition to my kitchen. The blade is beautifully crafted and incredibly sharp right out of the box. It slices through all types of ingredients with ease, and the handle feels solid and comfortable. The only thing preventing a 5-star rating is the need for occasional sharpening to maintain its edge."

"This knife has become my go-to kitchen knife! It's so sharp and cuts everything with extreme ease. It's not only extremely useful, but it's a beautiful knife too! Love it so much!!!"

"I was impressed from the first cut; slicing an onion felt like cutting through butter. When I moved to a tomato, it made the task feel like child's play. This knife not only looks good, but it performs exceptionally well. If you take your cutlery seriously, you should definitely consider this option. I'm very impressed with it!"

"First off, the knife arrives in a nice gift box with a cloth and instructions. It is absolutely gorgeous and feels perfectly balanced, like an extension of my hand. This is my first professional knife, and I've realized there are many dos and don'ts to follow. Although it feels a bit overwhelming, I'm committed to caring for it properly. It's incredibly sharp and makes slicing and dicing a pleasure. I highly recommend it!"

"I recently bought this knife and I’m really impressed by its sharpness and quality. It cuts through everything effortlessly. The design is stunning and it feels great in my hand. I’ve used it on various fruits and veggies, and it’s held up wonderfully. For the price, it’s an incredible value!"

"This knife is now my go-to in the kitchen. I appreciate the balance and the lightweight feel, which makes cutting a breeze. It’s been weeks and the blade is still in excellent condition. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a versatile kitchen tool!"

"I’m thrilled with this knife. The sharpness is outstanding, and it feels very natural in my hand. The aesthetic is a bonus, with the hammered finish and wooden handle looking really nice. Just be sure to take care of it to maintain its performance."