Top Japanese Knife Brands: Craftsmanship and Precision Unleashed

If you're passionate about cooking or simply appreciate finely crafted kitchen tools, investing in a high-quality Japanese knife can transform your culinary experience. Known for their sharpness, precision, and exquisite craftsmanship, Japanese knives often surpass their Western counterparts in terms of performance and design. Brands such as Shun, Global, Miyabi, and Yoshihiro are some of the top choices that blend traditional techniques with modern technology to produce exceptional knives. Discover more about these and other leading Japanese knife brands as we explore their unique offerings below.

Illustration of japanese knives

Best brands of japanese knives in 2025

Shun

Shun Cutlery, introduced to the North American market in 2002, is renowned for its high-quality Japanese knives, maintaining a tradition of excellence that dates back to 1908 when Saijiro Endo founded the company in Seki City, Japan. Each Shun knife undergoes at least 100 handcrafted steps, combining ancient heritage with modern materials and technology. The brand is celebrated for its lightweight precision, sharper edges, and exquisite craftsmanship, making it a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks. Shun knives are handcrafted in Japan, honoring the tradition of "shun," the Japanese concept of seasonal, mindful eating. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Shun has become one of the most respected names in kitchen cutlery.

Global

Global, a renowned Japanese brand, is celebrated for its high-quality kitchen knives, particularly its Japanese-style knives. Established in 1985, Global knives are made from a significantly harder alloy of steel, known as CROMOVA 18, which enhances their sharpness and durability. These knives feature a thinner blade and a 15° cutting edge angle, making them sharper and more precise. Global knives have gained international recognition, with notable users including professional chefs like Anthony Bourdain and Michel Roux Jr. The brand's innovative designs and superior materials have solidified its position as a leader in the kitchenware industry. For more in-depth information about Global's kitchen knives, visit their Wikipedia page.

Miyabi

Miyabi is renowned as one of the best producers of Japanese knives, combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern German engineering, as it is owned by the German company Zwilling but manufactured in Seki, Japan, a city famous for its sword-making since the 14th century. Miyabi knives are crafted through a meticulous 100-step, 42-day process and feature high-quality steels such as SG2 with a hardness of 63 Rockwell and VG10 with a hardness of 60 Rockwell. The blades are honed using the Honbazuke technique to achieve an ultra-sharp edge angle of 9.5-12 degrees. Miyabi's knives, like the Miyabi Black, can have a hardness rating as high as 66 Rockwell, ensuring exceptional edge retention. These knives are favored by chefs like Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Gordon Ramsay. For a detailed review of Miyabi knives, visit The Rational Kitchen's website.

Masamoto

Masamoto is a renowned brand in the realm of Japanese knives, boasting over 150 years of history and craftsmanship. Founded by Minosuke Matsuzawa in Tokyo, Masamoto is celebrated for its high-grade carbon steel knives, which are prized for their ease of sharpening and durability, with a Hardness Rockwell C (HRC) rating of 62-63. The brand is particularly favored by professional sushi chefs and has been passed down through six generations of skilled craftsmen. Masamoto knives are known for their exceptional edge retention and are often considered a must-have for those seeking top-quality Japanese kitchen knives. The brand's commitment to traditional techniques and genuine materials has solidified its position as the No.1 maker of professional sushi chef knives in Japan. For more information, visit their official collection page.

Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki, a renowned brand from the historic city of Sakai, is celebrated for its exceptional Japanese knives, with a history dating back over 600 years. Founded in 1947 by Ichiro Aoki, the company has become a leading distributor of high-quality, handmade Sakai knives, utilized by nearly 90% of Japanese chefs. Sakai Takayuki knives are crafted using traditional blacksmith techniques, including the work of legendary craftsmen like Keijiro Doi and Mitsuo Yamatsuka, ensuring supreme sharpness and durability. The brand is recognized for its meticulous workmanship and has been designated as a traditional craft item, with products authorized by the city of Sakai since 2006. Their knives, such as the Homura and Genbu series, are highly regarded for their exceptional fit and finish. For more insights into these exceptional blades, you can explore the detailed overview on their official Sakai Takayuki page.

Tojiro

Tojiro is a renowned Japanese knife manufacturer, celebrated for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial technology. With over 60 years of experience, Tojiro has been producing high-quality knives since 1955, starting with a stainless steel fruit knife. Their knives, made from materials like VG-10 Super Steel Core and SG2 Micro Carbide Powder Steel, are highly regarded globally for their sharpness and comfortable handling. Tojiro's manufacturing process in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, combines the traditional techniques of forging Japanese swords with advanced metal processing technology. This balance of tradition and innovation has made Tojiro a trusted brand among chefs and knife enthusiasts worldwide. For more insights into their exquisite craft, visit Tojiro's official page.

Yanagi Sashimi

The Yanagiba Sashimi knife, often referred to as the "willow-leaf blade," is a pinnacle of Japanese knife craftsmanship, particularly renowned for its use in slicing boneless fish fillets for sashimi and sushi. Produced by esteemed manufacturers like Teruyasu, who have honed their skills over 140 years since their inception as a Japanese sword manufacturer, these knives feature a single-beveled edge, typically honed on the right side, with ratios such as 70:30 or 90:10 for maximum sharpness. The blades, often made from high-quality carbon steel or stainless steel, can range from 210mm to 360mm in length, with popular sizes including 270mm, 300mm, and 330mm. The acute edge angle and narrow blade design minimize cellular damage, preserving the flavor and texture of the fish. These knives are designed for a pull stroke, ensuring smooth and precise cuts. For more details, explore the Yanagiba Knife Collection.

Enso

Enso is a renowned brand in the Japanese knife industry, known for handcrafting professional knives that combine advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. Based in Seki City, Japan, Enso knives are made from high-quality materials such as VG-10, SG2, and Carbon steels, offering remarkable sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance. With a Rockwell hardness rating of up to 65, these knives are designed for both professionals and home cooks, featuring ergonomic handles for comfortable use. Enso's exclusive lines, such as the HD and SG2 series, showcase 37-layer and 101-layer stainless Damascus steel constructions, respectively. These knives are highly regarded for their precision and reliability, making Enso a standout in the market. For more details about their exquisite range, visit their website: Enso Knives.

Yaxell

Yaxell is a renowned Japanese knife brand, established in 1932, known for combining modern techniques with historical designs and materials. Their knives, such as the Yaxell Ran and Super Gou collections, feature high-quality steels like VG10 and SG2 powder steel, often layered in 69 or 161 layers of damasteel for exceptional sharpness and durability. The handles are made from micarta, a durable and waterproof material. Yaxell knives are crafted in Seki, Japan, and are appreciated for their ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal. With a Rockwell hardness of up to 63, these knives offer excellent performance and corrosion resistance. For more details, check out their complete knife lineup.

MAC Knives

MAC Knives is renowned for its exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, having sold over 25 million knives since 1964. These knives are precision tools made entirely in Japan, utilizing rust-resistant Molybdenum High-Carbon cutlery steel with a Rockwell hardness of 57-61 degrees, which ensures optimal edge retention and durability. The unique MAC edge, a hybrid between traditional Japanese and Western styles, offers versatility and sharpness. With their comfortable handles and great balance, MAC knives are a favorite among professional cooks and enthusiasts worldwide. Their superior craftsmanship has earned them a reputation as one of the finest knife brands, often praised alongside other top brands like Henckels, Wusthofs, and Shuns. For more information about MAC Knives, visit their about us page.