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Japanese Knives, Cookware and Cooking, Explained

Japanese knives & kitchen gear, explained

Find the right Japanese knife for the way you cook

Clear, research-based buying guides that compare steel, blade shape, handle and value, so you can buy once and buy well.

See the best Japanese knives →Best picks under $100

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A selection of Japanese kitchen knives

Start here: knife buying guides

Pick the guide that matches what you cook. Each one ranks the top options by budget and explains who each knife suits.

The Best Japanese KnivesBest overallThe Best Japanese KnivesTop picks for every budget, from a first knife to a handcrafted showpiece.See the top picks → Best Gyuto Under $100Best valueBest Gyuto Under $100Seven chef’s knives with real Japanese steel at an entry-level price.Compare the 7 picks → 11 Best Nakiri KnivesFor vegetables11 Best Nakiri KnivesFlat-edged vegetable knives for fast, clean chopping.See the nakiri picks → The Best Yanagiba KnivesFor sushi & sashimiThe Best Yanagiba KnivesFour long slicers for clean, single-stroke cuts of fish.See the yanagiba picks →

Care and kitchen gear

A good knife needs the right board and a way to keep its edge. These guides cover the gear worth paying for.

Best Japanese WhetstonesKeep it sharpBest Japanese WhetstonesWhich grits you need and the stones worth buying.Find your whetstone → 5 Best Cutting BoardsProtect the edge5 Best Cutting BoardsBoards that are gentle on hard Japanese steel.See the 5 boards → 5 Best Japanese Rice CookersPerfect rice5 Best Japanese Rice CookersFrom simple one-button models to induction flagships.Compare rice cookers → Essential Japanese CookwareStock your kitchenEssential Japanese CookwareThe pots, pans and tools a Japanese home kitchen relies on.See the essentials →

Learn before you buy

New to Japanese knives? These three guides explain the terms you will meet in every product listing.

29 Japanese knife typesGyuto, santoku, nakiri, deba and more: what each shape is for. Knife steel typesVG-10, Blue, White and SG2 compared for sharpness and upkeep. Best Japanese knife brandsWho makes what, and which makers fit which budget.
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Hi, I’m Chef Goku!

I’m just a regular guy that loves Japanese food and cooking. I’m also a self-certified Japanese knife nerd. 🤓

I started this blog to document everything I learn about Japanese food/cooking/knives.

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