Top Japanese Knife Brands: Precision and Craftsmanship at its Finest

When it comes to Japanese knives, enthusiasts and professional chefs alike will attest to the unparalleled craftsmanship and precision they offer. Known for their sharpness, durability, and elegant design, these knives are a staple in kitchens around the world. With a rich tradition of forging techniques passed down through generations, selecting the best brand can elevate your culinary experience to new heights. For a closer look at some of the top brands that continue to impress and inspire, explore the list below.

Illustration of japanese knife

Best brands of japanese knife in 2025

Shun

Shun is renowned as one of the best producers of Japanese knives, known for their incredibly sharp edges, premium materials, and unmatched beauty. Handcrafted in Japan since 1908 by the Kai Corporation, each Shun knife requires at least 100 individual steps to complete, reflecting the ancient traditions of Japanese swordsmiths. Shun knives are made from advanced "super steels" such as VG10, VG-MAX, and SG2, hardened to 60-61 Rockwell for VG10 and VG-MAX, and 61-62 for SG2, ensuring exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. These knives are sharpened to a precise 16deg angle on each side, making them extremely agile and precise. With a dedication to maintaining traditional craftsmanship combined with modern technology, Shun knives are a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks worldwide. Discover more about their craftsmanship on their official website.

Miyabi

Miyabi is renowned as one of the best producers of Japanese knives, combining German engineering with traditional Japanese techniques. Acquired by Zwilling J.A. Henckels in 2004, Miyabi knives are crafted in Seki, Japan, and are known for their exceptional sharpness and durability, with hardness ratings ranging from 57 to 66 on the Rockwell scale. Each Miyabi knife undergoes a 100-step, 42-day process, ensuring hand-finished attention to detail. The brand uses high-quality steels such as SG2 and VG10, offering superior edge retention and precision cutting. Miyabi knives are highly regarded for their thin, hard steel blades and traditional 9.5-12 degree edge angle, making them a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks.

Global

GLOBAL is a renowned Japanese brand of kitchen knives and accessory tools, known for its high-quality and innovative products. Established in 1954 by Yoshida Metal Industry Co. Ltd., GLOBAL introduced the Bunmei series in 1960, which featured a new alloy steel that combined the sharpening capabilities of carbon steel with the rust resistance of molybdenum and vanadium. By 1985, GLOBAL began its international expansion under Yuzo Watanabe, and its knives have since been praised for their harder alloy steel and thinner blades ground at a 15deg angle, making them sharper and more durable. GLOBAL knives are used by professional chefs such as Anthony Bourdain and Michel Roux Jr., and their designs include specialized knives like the tomato and crab/lobster knives. The company's G Series knives were recognized in 2006 by the Japanesque Modern Committee. For more details, visit their official website here.

Masamoto

Masamoto Sohonten, founded in 1866 by Minosuke Matsuzawa, is renowned for its exceptional Japanese knives, with over 150 years of family-operated craftsmanship. The brand is particularly celebrated for its high-carbon steel blades, such as those made from white steel and blue steel, which offer unparalleled sharpness and durability. More than 80% of their customers are professional cooks, chefs, or butchers, attesting to the quality and reliability of their knives. Masamoto knives have won several awards, including gold and bronze prizes at the Tokyo Industrial Exhibition in 1907 and recognition as a Sumida Modern Brand in 2010. Their knives are hand-forged using traditional techniques, often involving charcoal for higher quality blades. For more information, visit their official website.

Tojiro

Tojiro is a renowned brand in the Japanese knife industry, known for its high-quality and affordable knives. Founded in 1955, Tojiro transitioned from agricultural machinery to cutlery, focusing on improving stainless steel knives. Their knives, such as the DP3 and DP37 series, feature VG10 steel cores with multiple layers of stainless or Damascus steel, ensuring excellent edge retention and durability. Tojiro's commitment to traditional Japanese techniques combined with modern production methods has earned them numerous design awards. With a lifelong warranty on material and production flaws, Tojiro knives are a reliable choice for both amateur and professional chefs. For a detailed Tojiro knife review, visit the Rational Kitchen website.

Yoshihiro

Yoshihiro is a renowned brand in the Japanese knife industry, boasting over 100 years of history in producing premium kitchen cutlery. Known for their exceptional sharpness and durability, Yoshihiro knives are crafted with high-quality materials such as VG-10 and AUS-10 steel, often featured in 16 to 46 layers of hammered Damascus construction. These knives are highly regarded by both professional chefs and home cooks, with models like the Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto knife being particularly popular. The brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and modern technology ensures that their knives remain sharp and perform well over time. With a significant presence in the global sushi knives market, which is anticipated to grow from USD 200 million in 2023 to USD 350 million by 2033, Yoshihiro continues to be a leading choice. For more information, visit their official website.

MAC

MAC knives are renowned for their exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, having sold over 25 million knives since 1964. Produced entirely in Seki City, Japan, these knives feature a unique hybrid edge combining traditional Japanese and Western styles, with a 30-degree angle (15 degrees per side). The blades are made from rust-resistant Molybdenum High-Carbon steel, with a Rockwell hardness between 57 and 61, ensuring optimal edge retention and durability. MAC knives are praised for their razor-sharp edges, comfortable handles, and great balance, making them a favorite among professional cooks and enthusiasts worldwide. Their advanced stamping process and skilled craftsmanship result in thinner, sharper knives with superior edge retention. To learn more about their Japanese craftsmanship, visit their official website.

Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki is a renowned brand in the production of high-quality Japanese knives, boasting over 600 years of tradition and expertise. Founded in 1947, the company has become a prominent player in the region, with its knives used by nearly 90% of Japanese chefs. Sakai Takayuki knives are crafted using centuries-old techniques, including the use of Aogami steel, and are known for their exceptional sharpness and durability. The brand collaborates with skilled artisans like Keijiro Doi and Mitsuo Yamatsuka to ensure each knife meets the highest standards. Their knives are available in various series, such as the Blue Super and Gin San, catering to both professional and amateur chefs. For more information, you can explore their range of Sakai Takayuki Japanese knives.

Aritsugu

Aritsugu is one of the oldest and most renowned Japanese knife producers, established by Fujiwara Aritsugu in 1560, with a rich history spanning over 460 years. Originally a sword maker for the Imperial House of Japan, Aritsugu transitioned to producing kitchen knives during the Edo period. The company is now in its 18th generation of family ownership, with Shinichiro Terakubo at the helm since 1956. Aritsugu's knives are highly prized by professional chefs and home cooks alike, with nearly 60% of their customers being ordinary people and a significant portion coming from international markets like France, Germany, and the United States. Despite outsourcing their knife production to skilled craftsmen in Osaka, Aritsugu maintains its reputation for high-quality, traditionally made knives. For a deeper insight into Aritsugu's esteemed legacy, visit this interview with the Aritsugu knife maker.

KAI

KAI is a renowned Japanese knife brand, celebrated for its exceptional quality and innovative design. Founded in 1908 in Seki, Japan, KAI has been a leader in cutlery production for over 100 years, combining traditional Samurai blacksmithing techniques with modern manufacturing processes. Their Shun Classic series, for example, features knives made from 32-layer stainless damask steel with a VG MAX core, boasting a hardness of 61 HRC and 1% carbon and 1.5% cobalt content. KAI distributes its products in more than 30 countries and has received numerous awards, including the iF Product Design Award in 2005. The brand is run by its third generation and continues to innovate, as seen in their Seki Magoroku Composite series. For more information about their exceptional knives, visit their website.