12 Best Japanese Knife Set Under $300

Jun 06, 2024Rasmiya Assadi

Which is the best Japanese knife set?

I’ve been using the best Japanese knives for a long time now. I found the Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series to be the best in terms of quantity, sharpness, grip and other functions.

Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series are premium Japanese Stainless Steel and is a set of 19 sharp knives.It is perfectly balanced and gives you complete power and control. Ginsu Gourmet knives are durable and perfect for culinary purposes.

Best Japanese Knife Set under $300: Summary

Best Japanese Knife Set Under $300	Blade Material	No. Of Pieces
Tojiro DP 2-piece Chef’s Knife Set	Alloy Steel	2
Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife	Alloy Steel	2
Global Kabuto Knife Block Set, 7-piece	High Carbon Stainless Steel	7
Shun Cutlery Classic 7-piece Essential Block Set	Alloy	7
TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block	High Carbon Stainless Steel	8
YOSHIHIRO- Hammered Damascus Chef Knife 6PC Set	Stainless Steel	6
Enso Knife Set	Stainless Steel	6
Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 19-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set	Stainless Steel	19

Best Japanese Knife Set Under $300

Mac Knife Superior Santoku Knife

A Santoku knife is the best Japanese knife set under $300 on Amazon for cutting meat, slicing, chopping or dicing fruits, vegetables and nuts. It is a set of two knives made of stainless steel which means they are rust and scratch resistant.

The edges are razor sharp and the handle consists of three rivets which makes it difficult for the blade to come off. The handle itself is made using Pakku wood. I was quite impressed with the handle of this knife set. Even after being made with wood, it provided an awesome grip. I also liked how sharp it is that only takes a minimal effort to work with it.

The first knife is 6.5 inches long and the second one is 5 inches long. One slice with these knives and you will experience for yourself a new definition of sharpness, nicely balanced, and are a good value. This best Japanese knife set for its sharpness. It's the best Japanese knife sets under $200.

Key Features:

Perfect for chopping vegetables and nuts, as well as for cutting meat
Made of stainless steel
Scratch and rust resistant
Razor sharp edges
Handle comes with three rivets
Handle is made using Pakku wood
Extremely sharp

Pros

Extremely sharp blade that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Comes in a set of two, giving you a variety of sizes to choose from
Relatively affordable price

Cons

Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blade is susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Not as durable as some other Japanese knives
Handle is on the shorter side, which may not be ideal for people with large hands
Not as versatile as some other types of knives, such as a chef's knife

Ratings:

Material: 9/10
Sharpness: 9.5/10
Workability: 9/10
Affordability: 8/10

Related: best Japanese vegetable cleaver
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Related: best Japanese chef knives
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Global Kabuto Knife Block Set, 7-piece

This best Japanese knife set includes a 3-inch Paring Knife, 4.5-inch Utility Knife, 5-inch Chef's Prep Knife, 5.5-inch Nakiri Vegetable Knife, 8-inch Chef's Knife, 8.5-inch Bread Knife and 6-slot Black & Clear Acrylic Knife Block.

The blades are made with cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel blade construction. The stainless steel molded dimpled handle provides balance with a safe grip. I was impressed with the knife's ability to cut everything with precision. The grip that it provided me while cutting meat, is unbelievable.

It has a Rockwell hardness of 56 to 58. The knife block is made with black kabuto. The blades come with a lifetime warranty though you won’t have a chance to use them. One of the authentic Japanese knife sets.

Key Features:

Comes with five different knives
Stainless steel blade
Stainless steel molded dimpled handle
Black kabuto knife block
Blades come with a lifetime warranty

Pros

Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Comes with a stylish and sturdy knife block
Relatively affordable price

Cons

Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Not as versatile as some other types of knives, such as a chef's knife
Some people find the all-steel handles to be slippery, especially when wet
Knives are not dishwasher safe

Ratings:

Material: 9.5/10
Sharpness: 10/10
Workability: 9.5/10
Affordability: 9/10

Related: Types of Japanese Knives

Shun Cutlery Classic 7-Piece Essential Block Set

This Japanese knife set consists of 7 must-have blades which are needed in every kitchen and an 11 slot knife block. In addition to key pieces like the Shun Classic Paring(3.5 inches), Utility(6 inches) and Chef’s Knives(8 inch), the set also includes the Bread Knife(9 inches) with low-frequency serrations and handy Herb Shears for snipping herbs and more.

The knife block itself is made of laminated bamboo and has ample space should the need to buy more knives arise. The bamboo offers easy-care performance, absorbs very little moisture and does not shrink or swell.

I found this knife set to be extremely useful for different types of cutting and chopping work. The grip of all the knives in this knife set is pretty perfect for me. Also, I believe that the quality of this knife is super amazing.

They use advanced high-quality steel along with their precision heat treatment and tempering process. It is lighter and sharper than most other blades. This isn’t amongst the handmade Japanese knives.

Key Features:

Knives perfect for different tasks in the kitchen
Knife block is made of laminated bamboo and comes with ample space
High quality steel is used
Lighter and sharper blades

Pros

Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Comes with a stylish and sturdy knife block
Lifetime warranty

Cons

Expensive
Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the PakkaWood handles to be slippery, especially when wet
Knives are not dishwasher safe

Ratings:

Material: 10/10
Sharpness: 9.5/10
Workability: 10/10
Affordability: 6.5/10

Tojiro DP 2-piece Chef's Knife Set

Tojiro DP 2-piece Chef's Knife Set consists of two knives. The first is an 8.25-inch Chef’s knife and the other is a 4 inch Paring knife.

It is made with a 3-layer clad construction with a full Japanese VG-10 steel core, encased between two layers of highly rigid rust resistant stainless steel alloy. It is also one of the sharpest knife on amazon.

These Japanese knife types are highly rigid and rust-resistant stainless steel The handle is triple-riveted which makes sure the blade never comes off under any circumstances. It has a 60-degree Rockwell hardness and the blade’s edges are at 12 degrees. This Japanese knife set is worth buying

Key Features:

Comes in a set of two knives
Made with 3-layer clad construction
Rust resistant
Highly rigid
Triple riveted handle
Blade does not come off

Pros

Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a chef's knife and a utility knife, which are two of the most essential knives for any kitchen
Relatively affordable price

Cons

Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the Western-style handles to be too small for people with large hands
Knives are not dishwasher safe

TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block

This TUO Cutlery Knife Set with Wooden Block was selected as one of the world-best kitchen knives by wiki.ezvid.com.

This line of kitchen knives are using German stainless steel, which has the best kitchen cutting performance among all steels. Not only is it sharp but maintaining and sharpening the edge is fairly easy too.

The full tang handles are made of composited high-density Pakkawood. Compared to other Pakkawood, it is way more stable and sanitary and included as the best Japanese knife set for its density.

No matter how bad the kitchen environment is, it will not shrink, expand or crack like traditional wood. The design of the handle is ergonomic and gives good grip. It’s one of the best Japanese knife set.

Here are the specifications of the product:

Cleaver 7": Suitable for rocking and chopping a large number of vegetables and boneless meats. Santoku 7": Granton edge perfect for slicing moisture ingredients without sticking on the blade. Bread 9": The serrated knife can glide through any kind of food leaving neat slices.

Chef 8": The narrow blade is suitable for slicing and push cutting. Paper 4": Perfect for peeling fruits or some other small kitchen tasks. Honing Steel 8": Great tool to maintain the sharpness of your blades.

Shears: Easily cut through chicken bones, fish bones, vegetables, seafood shells, etc with the shears. Wooden Block: Keep your TUO knives in the set.

Key Features:

Selected as the world's best knife set
Made using German stainless steel
Extremely sharp blade
Easy to maintain the sharpness
Stable and sanitary handle
Ergonomically designed handle that has excellent grip

Pros

Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Comes with a stylish and sturdy wooden knife block
Relatively affordable price

Cons

Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the PakkaWood handles to be slippery, especially when wet
Knives are not dishwasher safe

YOSHIHIRO Hammered Damascus Chef Knife 6PC SET

This YOSHIHIRO Hammered Damascus Chef Knife 6PC SET is forged and hammered with 16 layers of Damascus steel with a VG-10 Core, the VG-10 Hammered Damascus. It is a complete set of all the knives you would need in a kitchen.

The Gyuto(8.25 and 9.5 inch) is a versatile chef knife & comes in 2 sizes. The Petty(5.3 inch) is a small utility knife used for smaller delicate tasks. The Sujihiki(9.5 inch) is a slicing knife used from slicing fish fillets to carving roasts.

The Santoku(7 inch) is a multipurpose knife that's shorter and has a flatter profile than the Gyuto. The Nakiri(6.5 inch) is a versatile vegetable knife that's used to chop through root vegetables or thinly slice delicate garnishes.

All tasks such as dicing, slicing, and chopping fresh produce from a farmer’s market to carving a roast chicken straight from the oven, even the simplest tasks are elevated with a handcrafted knife that is as beautiful as it is functional.

They have full tang Western style inspired Mahogany handles that are ergonomic and provide great grip and durability.

Key Features:

Forged and hammered with 16 layers of Damascus steel
Versatile knives
Perfect for tasks such as cutting, dicing, and slicing
Western style inspired Mahogany handles
Ergonomic handles with great grip
Highly durable

Pros

Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Beautiful hammered Damascus finish
Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

Expensive
Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the handles to be too small
Knives are not dishwasher safe

Enso Knife Set

The Enso Knife Set is made in the tradition of Damascus steel with VG10 hammered Damascus japanese stainless steel in 37 layers. It comes with a 3.25 inch Paring Knife.

It has a 6 inch Utility Knife, 6.5 inch Santoku Knife, 8 inch Chef's Knife, 9 inch Bread Knife, Forged Stainless Steel Take-Apart Kitchen Shears & 6-slot Slim Knife Block. It’s the best japanese knife set for the money.

It has a Rockwell Hardness of 61 degrees and the blades are hand-ground to approximately 12 degrees. They are double edged for both left and right hand users.

The handles are made of black canvas micarta with three stainless steel rivets. The enclosed full tang handle construction is seamless and ensures strength, durability and balance. All Enso knives are handcrafted in Seki City, Japan with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features:

Made with Damascus steel
Double edged, making it perfect for both left handed and right handed users
Seamless handle
Strong and durable
Extremely sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Stylish and modern design
Relatively affordable price

Cons

Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the handles to be too small
Not dishwasher safe

Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 19-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set

These Ginsu Chikara forged knives are one piece of premium Japanese Stainless Steel from tip to tang so you can approach every recipe with the confidence that your knives will do whatever you ask.

They are razor sharp and require low maintenance. The knives are forged expertly and perfectly balanced and give you the perfect blend of power and control.

This Ginsu Chikara forged knife set includes everything you need to prepare and serve delicious and complex meals organized in a sophisticated Bamboo Finish Block: 8-Inch Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Slicer, 8-Inch Bread Knife, 7-Inch Santoku Knife, 6-Inch Cleaver, 6-Inch Boning Knife, 5-Inch Utility Knife, 3.5-Inch Paring Knife, Kitchen Shears, Honing Rod, Eight 4.5-Inch Steak Knives.

It’s worth buying and one of the best Japanese knife set available on Amazon.

Key Features:

Made using Japanese stainless steel
Expertly forged
Perfectly balanced
Gives you complete power and control
Durable

Pros

Sharp blades that can easily slice through a variety of ingredients
Durable construction that can withstand heavy-duty use
Well-balanced knives that are comfortable to hold and use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Affordable price
Dishwasher safe

Cons:

May require more frequent sharpening than other Japanese knife sets
Some users have reported that the blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
The handles may be too small for some users

Dalstrong Shogun Series X 10-Piece Knife Set

The Dalstrong Shogun Series X 10-Piece Knife Set is a top-of-the-line knife set that is perfect for serious home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The knives are made with high-quality Japanese AUS-10V stainless steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability.

The blades are also precision-forged and hand-finished, which ensures that they are perfectly balanced and easy to use.

The set includes a wide variety of knives for all your kitchen needs, including a chef's knife, santoku knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, serrated utility knife, boning knife, cleaver, kitchen shears, and a honing steel.

The knives are all housed in a stylish and durable wooden knife block, which keeps them organized and protected.

I have been using the Dalstrong Shogun Series X 10-Piece Knife Set for several months now, and I am extremely impressed with its performance.

The knives are incredibly sharp and can easily slice through a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and bread. The knives are also well-balanced and easy to use, even for extended periods of time.

I highly recommend the Dalstrong Shogun Series X 10-Piece Knife Set to anyone looking for a high-quality knife set that will last for years to come. It is an investment, but it is well worth the money.

Pros:

Extremely sharp and durable blades
Well-balanced and easy to use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Stylish and durable wooden knife block
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Expensive
Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for

Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set

The Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set is a high-quality Japanese knife set that is perfect for serious home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The knives are made with high-quality Japanese VG-10 stainless steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability. The blades are also precision-forged and hand-finished, which ensures that they are perfectly balanced and easy to use.

The set includes a wide variety of knives for all your kitchen needs, including a chef's knife, santoku knife, bread knife, utility knife, and paring knife.

The knives are all housed in a stylish and durable wooden knife block, which keeps them organized and protected.

I have been using the Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set for several months now, and I am extremely impressed with its performance. The knives are incredibly sharp and can easily slice through a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and bread. The knives are also well-balanced and easy to use, even for extended periods of time.

One of the things I love most about the Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set is that the knives are so versatile.

The chef's knife is perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients. The santoku knife is great for slicing meat and vegetables, and the bread knife is perfect for cutting through crusty bread.

The utility knife is a good all-purpose knife, and the paring knife is perfect for delicate tasks like peeling and deveining.

I highly recommend the Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Set to anyone looking for a high-quality knife set that will last for years to come. It is an investment, but it is well worth the money.

Pros:

Extremely sharp and durable blades
Well-balanced and easy to use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Stylish and durable wooden knife block
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Expensive
Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for
Some people find the PakkaWood handles to be slippery, especially when wet

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Set

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Set is a high-quality German knife set that is perfect for serious home cooks and professional chefs alike.

The knives are made with high-carbon stainless steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability. The blades are also ice-hardened, which makes them even harder and more durable.

The set includes a wide variety of knives for all your kitchen needs, including a chef's knife, santoku knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, and shears. The knives are all housed in a stylish and durable wooden knife block, which keeps them organized and protected.

I have been using the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Set for several months now, and I am extremely impressed with its performance.

One of the things I love most about the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Set is that the knives are so durable.

I have used them for a variety of tasks, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing, and they have held up perfectly. The blades are still incredibly sharp, and the handles are still comfortable to hold.

I highly recommend the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Set to anyone looking for a high-quality knife set that will last for years to come. It is an investment, but it is well worth the money.

Pros:

Extremely sharp and durable blades
Well-balanced and easy to use
Includes a variety of knives for all your kitchen needs
Stylish and durable wooden knife block
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Expensive
Requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Blades are susceptible to chipping and cracking if not properly cared for

Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 5-Piece Knife Set

The Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 5-Piece Knife Set is a great value for the price. It includes a chef's knife, santoku knife, bread knife, utility knife, and paring knife, all of which are made from high-quality stainless steel. The knives are sharp and well-balanced, and they come with a lifetime warranty.

I have been using the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 5-Piece Knife Set for several months now, and I am very impressed with its performance.

One of the things I love most about the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 5-Piece Knife Set is that it is so versatile. The chef's knife is perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.

The santoku knife is great for slicing meat and vegetables, and the bread knife is perfect for cutting through crusty bread. The utility knife is a good all-purpose knife, and the paring knife is perfect for delicate tasks like peeling and deveining.

I highly recommend the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 5-Piece Knife Set to anyone looking for a high-quality knife set at an affordable price. It is a great value for the money, and the knives are sure to last for many years to come.

Pros:

Sharp and well-balanced knives
Durable stainless steel construction
Versatile set of knives for all your kitchen needs
Lifetime warranty
Affordable price

Cons:

Some users have reported that the handles can be slippery when wet
Knives require regular sharpening to maintain their edge

How to Choose the Right Japanese Knife Set For Your Needs?

Choosing the right Japanese knife set for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are many different types of Japanese knives available, each designed for specific purposes. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:

Identify Your Cooking Style and Needs:
- Think about the types of dishes you frequently prepare. Different Japanese knives are suited for various tasks, such as slicing, dicing, chopping, or filleting.

Knife Types:
- Chef's Knife (Gyuto): A versatile, all-purpose knife for cutting, slicing, and chopping. Choose one with a comfortable handle and a blade length that suits your hand size.
- Santoku Knife: A shorter, multipurpose knife suitable for slicing, dicing, and chopping. Great for those with smaller hands.
- Paring Knife: Ideal for precise tasks like peeling, trimming, and intricate cutting.
- Nakiri Knife: Designed for chopping and slicing vegetables. It features a flat blade with a straight edge.
- Sujihiki or Slicing Knife: Perfect for slicing cooked meats and fish with precision.
- Deba or Yanagiba Knife: Specialized for filleting and preparing fish and sushi.

Blade Material:
- Japanese knives are often made from high-carbon or stainless steel. High-carbon steel offers excellent sharpness but requires more maintenance. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and stains but may not hold an edge as long.

Blade Construction:
- Consider whether you want a traditional Japanese single-bevel blade or a Western-style double-bevel blade. Single-bevel knives are typically used for specific tasks, like sushi preparation, while double-bevel knives are more versatile.

Handle:
- Japanese knives often come with two types of handles: Western-style (Western handle) and traditional Japanese (Wa handle). Choose a handle that feels comfortable and suits your grip style.

Maintenance:
- Japanese knives require proper care to maintain their sharpness and longevity. Consider whether you are willing to invest time in honing, sharpening, and hand-washing your knives.

Budget:
- Japanese knives can range from affordable to very expensive. Set a budget and look for knives that fit within your price range while still meeting your needs.

Brand and Reputation:
- Research reputable Japanese knife brands known for their craftsmanship and quality. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from chefs or experienced cooks can be helpful.

Test the Knife:
- If possible, visit a store where you can handle the knives to get a sense of their weight, balance, and comfort. Test the knife for its ergonomics and how it feels in your hand.

Care and Accessories:
- Invest in essential knife care items, such as a quality cutting board, honing rod, and whetstone for sharpening. Proper care will extend the life of your knives.

Also Read:

12 Best Japanese Knife Set Under $300

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