Japanese Kitchen knives
Do you know why Japanese knives are considered to be the finest tool in the world of culinary? Japan is home to the oldest knife-making traditions. Japanese artifacts indicated that knives existed even during the Nara Era (710-749).
As a result, Japanese craftsmen have perfected their technique of producing a knife that is not only sharp but is well balanced and comfortable to use. Together with generations of knowledge and modern technology, Japanese knifemakers can produce knives that are second to none in this world. Japanese blades are appreciated and applauded all over the world for their detailed and beautiful design. These blades are typically thin and can cut with great precision. Thus, it also helps with presentation. In fact, it is argued that Japanese knives have also become popular around the world because they are a vital part of Japanese cuisine. A blade as sharp and thin allows for the accurate addition of ingredients, hence tremendously enhancing the flavor of the dish.
As a result, Japanese craftsmen have perfected their technique of producing a knife that is not only sharp but is well balanced and comfortable to use. Together with generations of knowledge and modern technology, Japanese knifemakers can produce knives that are second to none in this world. Japanese blades are appreciated and applauded all over the world for their detailed and beautiful design. These blades are typically thin and can cut with great precision. Thus, it also helps with presentation. In fact, it is argued that Japanese knives have also become popular around the world because they are a vital part of Japanese cuisine. A blade as sharp and thin allows for the accurate addition of ingredients, hence tremendously enhancing the flavor of the dish.
Yaxell Mon Knife Set
This six-piece set of full tang blades include one 3.25″ paring knife, one 4.75″ utility knife, one 6.5″ santoku knife, one 8″ chef knife, one 9″ bread knife, and one dark Ash storage block. The knives are forged using VG-10 stainless steel. This allows for rock well hardness and blade integrity. Yaxell has been a producer of world-class Japanese knife set for almost a hundred years now. Manufactured in Seki, Japan, these blades are destined for slicing, dicing, and cutting through food as swiftly as possible. The handles are made from micarta and the blades have an angle of 12 degrees. Thus, a perfect balance between ergonomics and performance can be seen. Giving great value to their consumers, the knife set also comes along with a lifetime warranty.
Enso HD Knife Set
Similar to Yaxell, this Japanese knife set also comes in micarta handles. This makes it evident that micarta is one of the premium materials used by Japanese blade makers for designing handles. This knife set includes 5 full-tang knives, kitchen shears, and a storage block. The specifications of the knives are as follows, one 3,25″ paring knife, one 6″ utility knife, one 6.5″ santoku knife, one 8″ chef knife, and one 9″ bread knife. Produced using 37 layers of VG-10 Max stainless steel, these knives are forged to produce razor-sharp blades that retain their edge for a long time. With the help of a 12-degree blade angle, these knives can pass through anything without stopping. The knife set also includes a lifetime warranty but it is advised not but these into a dishwasher as they are not dishwasher friendly, and you will end up ruining your blade. Moreover, some consumers have also raised the point of a missing honing rod but otherwise, this is a great Japanese kitchen knife set to have.
Tojiro DP Slim Knife Set
A feature that is seen across multiple kitchen sets is that the knives are full tang. Keeping up with the ritual, this knife set also includes an 8.25″ Chef’s knife, a 6.5″ Nakiri knife, a 3.5″ straight paring knife, a 4″ paring knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a pair of kitchen shears, and one Acacia wood storage block. Constructed using three-ply clad, these knives are extremely sharp right out of the box. These blades are forged in a manner that they achieve Rockwell hardness and great edge retention. An advantage of buying a Tojiro Knife set is that while it has a Japanese blade, it features western-style ergonomic handles. Henceforth, even a beginner chef can acquire a good grip on the blade. To further this notion of promoting cooking, the company also offers a full lifetime replacement warranty. Thus, you can experiment with your knife till you learn the technique that suits you best.
Miyabi Kaizen Knife Block Set
Last but not least on the list is this Damascus-style knife set. Damascus-style steel production is another great method of producing blades that are durable, sharp, and ergonomic. Put together using micarta handles, these full-tang blades include one 3,5″ vegetable knife, one 4.5″ paring knife, one 5.5″ santoku knife, one 6″inch chef’s knife, one 8″ chef’s knife, and a 5″ bread knife 9.5″ slicing knife. Accompanied with sharpening steel and a bamboo wood knife block, this knife set is a complete package. It has tools that would assist you in all of your culinary activities. The blades use a VG10 steel core that is wrapped around a 64-layer Damascus pattern and they are hardened by cryodur ice-hardening treatment. Resultantly, the blade formed is the true representation of Japanese craftsmanship. The layering method also allows for the formation of a pattern on the blade that is extremely chic and aesthetic. The set features D-shaped handles that allow an immaculate grip on the blade. The blades have a cutting angle that ranges from 9 to 12 degrees depending on the type of blade. Alike many other brands, it also has a lifetime warranty.
As mentioned earlier, Japanese blades need to be taken care of. Following are some things that you can do to preserve your blade.
From time to time run your blade against a ceramic rod in order to keep the edge of the blade consistent. Try to wash your knives by hand and wipe them dry after washing. Lastly, cut on the right surface. Using a cutting board that is made from hard minerals such as granite can damage the edge of your blade and it is also susceptible to chipping. Make sure that you have a cutting board made out of wood or plastic. This will increase the life of your blade.