We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy
Home
All Categories
Home & Kitchen
Kitchen & Dining
Japanese Chef Knife

10 Best Japanese Chef Knife 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife – Lightweight Japanese Stainless Steel, Razor-Sharp Edge, Made in Japan, G-2

38%OFF

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife – Lightweight Japanese Stainless Steel, Razor-Sharp Edge, Made in Japan, G-2

Global

9.9 score

Check price

The Global 8" Chef's Knife is a popular choice for those wanting a lightweight, well-balanced Japanese-style chef's knife. Its blade, made from high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, holds a sharp edge very well, making chopping and slicing efficient and precise. The 8-inch blade length is versatile, suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks from mincing vegetables to cutting meat.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,408
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance
Handle Material

Most important from
3016 reviews

Blade Edge
The blade is astonishingly sharp, cutting through vegetables and even tough materials with almost no resistance, described as 'scary sharp.'
Weight and Balance
The knife's balance and lightweight design reduce fatigue, making it comfortable for extended prep work despite its stainless-steel handle.
Handle Material
The stainless-steel handle with dimples provides a secure grip, though some users might find it less comfortable than softer materials during prolonged use.
Blade Length
Its versatile 8-inch blade suits a wide range of kitchen tasks, from mincing vegetables to slicing meat, making it an everyday essential.
#2
9.8 score

imarku Chef Knife - 8 Inch Home Essentials Sharp Kitchen knife HC Steel Japanese Knife Paring knife, Birthday Gifts for Women/Men, Gifts for Mom/Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Premium Gift Box

imarku Chef Knife - 8 Inch Home Essentials Sharp Kitchen knife HC Steel Japanese Knife Paring knife, Birthday Gifts for Women/Men, Gifts for Mom/Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Premium Gift Box

imarku

9.8 score

Check price

The imarku Chef Knife is an 8-inch multipurpose kitchen knife designed for both professional and home use. Its high-carbon stainless steel blade, which includes 0.6-0.75% carbon, is notably harder than many other knives, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. This makes it a strong choice for a variety of tasks such as cutting, dicing, slicing, chopping, and even deboning meat. The blade's sharpness is further enhanced by modern Japanese engineering techniques, maintaining its edge even after repeated use on tough foods. Additionally, the blade is corrosion-resistant, thanks to the inclusion of 16-18% chrome, which also provides a sleek, glossy finish that resists tarnish over time.

Rating
9.8
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
16096 reviews

Blade Edge
A great go-to knife that's reliable, inexpensive, and holds an edge well.
Weight and Balance
Perfectly balanced with a comfortable handle, making it a joy to work with.
#3
9.7 score

SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

50%OFF

SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

SHAN ZU

9.7 score

Check price

The SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set is a high-quality kitchen tool designed for professional chefs and home cooks who appreciate precision and durability. The set features blades made from 10Cr15Mov Damascus Japanese steel, known for its impressive hardness (62 HRC), rust resistance, and wear resistance. The blades are super sharp and maintain their edge well due to the advanced forging techniques used in their construction. Each knife in the set has a blade length of 8 inches, making them versatile for various kitchen tasks. The plain edge ensures smooth and precise cuts, enhancing the cooking experience.

Rating
9.7
Blade Edge
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4524 reviews

Blade Edge
Cutting vegetables is a revelation; the knives slice through instead of crushing and tearing.
Weight and Balance
They are balanced, comfortable, and incredibly sharp, enhancing the cooking experience.

Top 10 Best Japanese Chef Knife 2025 in the United States

Sponsored

Slide 1

Dalstrong

Dalstrong Vegetable 8" Chef Knife - Gladiator Series Elite - Forged High Carbon German Steel - Full Tang - Black G10 Handle - w/Sheath Cover - Kitchen Cooking Knife - NSF Certified

Check price

#1

Winner

9.9  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

Global

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife – Lightweight Japanese Stainless Steel, Razor-Sharp Edge, Made in Japan, G-2

Blade Material: molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Weight and Balance: 7.8 ounces, well-balanced
Knife Type: Chef's Knife

Check price

38% OFF

Chosen by 1408 this week

Sponsored

Slide 1

Dalstrong

Dalstrong Vegetable 8" Chef Knife - Gladiator Series Elite - Forged High Carbon German Steel - Full Tang - Black G10 Handle - w/Sheath Cover - Kitchen Cooking Knife - NSF Certified

Check price

#2
9.8  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

imarku

imarku Chef Knife - 8 Inch Home Essentials Sharp Kitchen knife HC Steel Japanese Knife Paring knife, Birthday Gifts for Women/Men, Gifts for Mom/Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Premium Gift Box

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakka
Weight and Balance: 6.6 ounces, well-balanced
Knife Type: Chef Knife

Check price

#3
9.7  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

SHAN ZU

SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

Blade Material: 10Cr15Mov Damascus steel
Blade Length: 8 inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: G10 glass fiber
Weight and Balance: 2.31 pounds, well-balanced

Check price

50% OFF
#4
9.5  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

KAWAHIRO

KAWAHIRO Japanese Chef Knife, 210mm Black Forged VG10 Kitchen Knife, Handcrafted Professional Chefs Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Perfect Birthday Gifts for Men Women, Luxury Gift Wood Box

Blade Material: VG10 stainless steel
Blade Length: 8.25 inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Ebony, Turquoise, Ruby Wood
Weight and Balance: 6.7 ounces
Knife Type: Chef Knife

Check price

#5
9.4  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

Shun

Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife, Handcrafted Japanese Kitchen Knife for Professional and Home Chefs, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, Damascus cladding
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: Pakkawood
Weight and Balance: 7.5 ounces, well-balanced
Knife Type: Chef's Knife

Check price

#6
9.2  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3

Mac Knife

MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples MTH-80

Blade Material: Alloy Steel
Blade Length: 8 inches
Blade Edge: Hollow
Handle Material: Pakka wood
Weight and Balance: 10 ounces
Knife Type: Chef's knife

Check price

11% OFF
#7
9.0  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

KYOKU

KYOKU Chef Knife - 8"- Shogun Series Japanese VG10 Steel Core Hammered Damascus Blade Kitchen Knife - with Sheath & Case

Blade Material: 67-layer Damascus VG-10 steel
Blade Length: 8 Inches
Blade Edge: Plain
Handle Material: G10 fiberglass
Weight and Balance: 1.34 pounds; well balanced
Knife Type: chef knife

Check price

#8
8.7  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

FAMCÜTE

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 Birthday Gifts for Mom/Dad

Check price

29% OFF
#9
8.5  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

MITSUMOTO SAKARI

MITSUMOTO SAKARI Gyuto Chef Knife 8 inch - Hand Forged Japanese Kitchen Knives, 3-Layer 9CR18MOV High Carbon Steel, Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box

Check price

26% OFF
#10
8.2  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

Shun

Shun Sora 8" Chef's Knife

Check price

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Japanese Chef Knife

Choosing the right Japanese chef knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Japanese knives are known for their precision, sharpness, and craftsmanship. When selecting a Japanese chef knife, it's important to consider various factors that will affect its performance and suitability for your needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it determines the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include high-carbon steel, stainless steel, and Damascus steel. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but can rust if not cared for properly. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and easier to maintain but may not be as sharp. Damascus steel offers a balance of sharpness, durability, and aesthetic appeal with its distinctive patterns. Choose a material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and your preference for sharpness and durability.
Blade LengthBlade length affects the knife's versatility and ease of use. Japanese chef knives typically range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) are easier to control and ideal for precision tasks like mincing herbs or slicing small vegetables. Medium blades (8-10 inches) offer a balance of control and versatility, suitable for most kitchen tasks. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are great for slicing large cuts of meat or fish but may be harder to handle for beginners. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and your comfort level with handling different blade lengths.
Blade EdgeThe blade edge determines the knife's cutting performance and maintenance needs. Japanese knives often feature a single bevel (sharpened on one side) or double bevel (sharpened on both sides). Single bevel knives offer extremely precise cuts and are favored for tasks like sushi preparation but require more skill to use and sharpen. Double bevel knives are more versatile and easier to use for general cooking tasks. Choose a blade edge based on your skill level and the types of cuts you need to make.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and comfortable grip but may require more maintenance to prevent cracking. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable but may lack the aesthetic appeal of wood. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a comfortable grip with a more refined appearance. Consider your preference for aesthetics, comfort, and maintenance when choosing a handle material.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a knife affect its ease of use and control. Japanese chef knives are generally lighter than their Western counterparts, allowing for more precise cuts and less fatigue during extended use. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable in your hand and provide better control. Test the knife by holding it and mimicking cutting motions to see if it feels balanced and comfortable. Choose a knife that feels right for your hand size and strength, ensuring you can use it comfortably for extended periods.
Knife TypeJapanese chef knives come in various types, each designed for specific tasks. Common types include Gyuto (general-purpose), Santoku (multi-purpose), Nakiri (vegetable knife), and Yanagiba (slicing knife). Gyuto knives are versatile and can handle most kitchen tasks, making them a great all-around choice. Santoku knives are also versatile but have a shorter, wider blade, making them ideal for chopping and slicing. Nakiri knives are designed for precise vegetable cutting, while Yanagiba knives are perfect for slicing fish and meat. Consider the primary tasks you'll be performing and choose a knife type that best suits your needs.

FAQ