Best Japanese Knife Brands

The Top Japanese Knife Brands

The Japanese have an unrivalled ability to make the best chef’s knives in the world. Japanese forging techniques are renowned all over the world and the Japanese mentality of perfection, making sure only the best materials and manufacturing techniques are used, ensures quality.

Global

Probably the most famous of all the big Japanese knife manufactures. Global have been making their signature range since 1985 when the knives were launched on the worldwide market and were truly revolutionary in design and performance.

Global make over 150 different knife styles today and are probably the most successful of the Japanese knife manufactures. Their knives are affordable, and the designs of the knife block sets are beautiful to own in the kitchen. Global outsells all other major Japanese knife brands due to the quality, performance and looks of the nice.

Masahiro

Since Masahiro’s founding, they have devoted themselves to making knives in Seki city. Masahiro are not in the pursuit of fashionable designs, but knives that are truly timeless, made with the best manufacturing techniques available. They aim to make knives that last 20-30 years. The sharpness of their knives is only surpassed by the handicrafts of the craftsmen who have been involved in making the knives for years.

Kasumi

Hailing from Seki city, Kasumi were one of the original produces of Damascus clad knives. Kasumi has been devoted to manufacturing high quality knives using the over 800 year traditi0ojs of Seki swordsmiths and its outstanding skill to harmonize new technologies with new materials.

Tojiro

The Tojiro moto is “Ichigo Ichie”, meaning once in a lifetime. Tojiro manufacturers knives whilst thinking always about the user. Tojiro believes that the use of the knife should enrich the user’s life each time that gives the feeling of a once in a lifetime use.

Tojiro is the brand name for knives made by the Fujitora factory in Niigata. Find all the Tojiro knife brands on the Knives From Japan website, including the Senkou, Supreme and Sha Ra Ku Mono ranges.

Kai Shun

Aside from Global, the other major Japanese manufacturer of chef knives. The Kai Shun series of knives is famous around the world. Pricier than Global, but utilizing VG-10 steel and Damascus blades, Kai has won fans around the world.

Misono

Another of Japan’s most famous Seki manufacturers.

MAC

MAC stain-resistant knives are entirely produced by professional craftsmen in Seki City, renowned for superior sword manufacturing since the Middle Ages.  MAC blades are made from rust-resistant Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium High-Carbon cutlery steel, with Tungsten added to selected models for extra durability and sharpness.  Blades are hand-ground, and hand-sharpened on water-cooled stones to optimize the quality of the finished blade.  The thin razor-sharp blades are sharper and stay sharp longer than other leading knife brands.  The steel has optimal hardness between 57º and 61º Rockwell C and is still easy to re-sharpen.

Yaxell

Yaxell has since 1932 been a leading knife produced in Seki city. Recently Yaxell has taken advantage of many of the newer powdered stainless steels to make knives of exceptional hardness and quality.

Tamahagane

Tamahagane Knives are made by the Kataoka factory in Niigata Japan. Kataoka specialises in the use of VG-5 stainless steel. VG-5 is very similar to the more widely used VG-10, considered to be the best of the stainless steels for knife making. VG-5 is a lower alloyed version of the VG family, with better edge retention and making it slightly easier to sharpen.

Miyabi

Purity, grace and elegance are qualities highly appreciated in Japanese culture and the Miyabi brand is synonymous with these qualities. Manufactured in Seki city, Miyabi combines German engineering with the finest Japanese craftsmanship and artistry resulting in very high performing Japanese knives.