Japanese kitchen knives, explained from Japanese sources
Buying guides and care guides built from what Japanese knife makers and shops tell their own customers — with hands-on notes from our editor in Japan where we have them. How we work
New to Japanese knives? Start here
- Types of Japanese knives: a home cook’s guide (the big picture first)
- Gyuto vs santoku: which Japanese knife to buy first
- VG-10 vs Aogami vs Shirogami: steel for a first knife
- How to take care of a Japanese knife every day
- Buying a knife as a gift? Which to give and which to skip
Browse by topic: Choosing a knife · Sharpening · Care & cutting boards
All guides
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Can you bring knives back from Japan? Yes, in checked bags
Yes, in checked bags, not the cabin. How the Nov 2026 tax-free refund, the airport check, trains and shipping fit together when you buy a Japanese knife.
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Oroshigane vs Microplane: how Japanese graters differ
Is an oroshigane a Japanese Microplane? Compare how copper, stainless, ceramic and etched graters are made, what they grate, and how to care for them.
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Which Benriner to buy: Classic, No.64, Super, or Jumbo
Pick a Benriner by board width (64, 95 or 120 mm), then by adjuster. We match five English listings to the maker’s Japanese catalog by barcode.
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Bunka vs santoku: same knife or a different tip?
Bunka vs santoku: the clearest difference is the tip, angled or gently curved. Plus how Japan-side sources use the name and four santoku picks.
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How Sakai knives are made, and who does each step
In Sakai’s traditional craft, a smith forges, a sharpener grinds and a third specialist fits the handle. Three official pages count the steps differently.
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Japanese bread knife: which edge and what length to buy
Wavy, straight, or hybrid edge? How long? Japanese maker guides on choosing a bread knife, the sharpening catch, and three picks with dated prices.
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Japanese knife set or single knives: what to buy instead
Should you buy a Japanese knife set? Start with two knives that do different jobs, compare a set with singles, and check where every knife was made.
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Sujihiki vs carving knife: do you need one for the roast?
Sujihiki vs carving knife: See if your chef’s knife is enough, what length to buy, and two stainless picks for turkey, roasts, and brisket.
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Are damascus knives worth it? What the pattern does
Are damascus knives worth it? For core-clad knives, Japanese makers’ specs show the core forms the edge, not the pattern, plus a price check and care tips.
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The cheap Japanese knife that’s actually made in Japan
Yes — some cheap Japanese knives are made in Japan. Real prices and origin lines from Japanese stores, plus how to check any listing yourself.