Despite there being hundreds of cooking utenseil brands on the market today, many people will opt for Japanese brands for numerous reasons. Japanese knives are lightweight, extremely sharp, and its thin profile makes food preparation easier and much more enjoyable. Many professional chefs swear by Japanese knives, and we’ll discuss the reasons why in this article.
Sharpness
Sharpness is one of the most important aspects when it comes to knives. Japanese knives are designed to be easily sharpened, however they don’t even require much sharpening to begin with. The blades feature long-lasting edges thanks to their sturdy, high-quality steel construction. Most Japanese knives utilize high-carbon stainless steel which gives the knives its hardness and excellent edge retention.
Lightweight and Thin
Heavy-duty cleaver style knives have their purpose, but when you’re looking for thin, precise cuts, a lightweight knife is important and that’s where Japanese knives excel. The lightweight construction of Japanese knives ensures ease of use. The steel tapers off in size towards the knife’s tip to reduce the overall weight of the knife ensuring superior performance. Thinner blades make cutting easier.
Stainless Steel Construction
The best kitchenk knives are made of steel. Common steels include high carbon steel, Damascus steel, and stainless steel, which are all used in Japanese knife manufacturing. Steel enhances the durability of kitchen knives, however they are prone to rust. To prevent rusting, regular cleaning and proper storage is important.
There are dozens of Japanese knife brands available, and they all produce a wide variety of knives in different shapes for different purposes. Let’s discuss 8 of the top Japanese knife brands on the market and talk about their best-selling knives.
SHUN
SHUN is one of the most popular Japanese knive brands. Even if you don’t know much about knife manufacturers, you’ve probably encountered a SHUN knife or at least heard of the brand. The company constantly strives towards designing the perfect knives, and is known for introducing lightweight, precision knives for both professional chefs and home cooks. Their lightweight and thinner blades featured sharp edges that gave SHUN a competitive advantage versus heavier blades that were bulky and heavy.
With over 100 years of history in the knife making industry, SHUN has become one of the most well-known Japanese knife brands on the market today. The company has won endless awards for quality and innovation.
New materials and new technologies has allowed SHUN to continue to innovate and produce high-performance Japanese cutlery.
One of SHUN’s most popular knifes is the SHUN Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife. This knife is made with a pakkawood handle with added resin for enhanced durability. The finish is water-resistant which makes it easy to knife, and the knife is built tough to withstand constant use. The knife undergoes a heat treatment process with ensures it provides long lasting value.
Below are some of the benefits and drawbacks of this knife:
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle that prevents sliding
- Excellent cutting ability
- Easy to sharpen
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Prone to rust
- Expensive
The SHUN DM-0700 is another knife in SHUN’s collection that is widely popular. This knife is sharp, versatile, precise, and easy to use which makes it a must-have knife for both professional and novice chefs. This knife features a D-shaped ebony pakkawood handle which allows for easy handling and features layered steel which presents a flowing pattern. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of the knife includes:
Pros:
- Ideal for both professional and beginner chefs
- High-quality steel means the blade is more durable
- Suitable for all types of users
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Expensive