There are so many reasons that we need to buy gifts - birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, housewarming presents, office gifts / secret Santa’s and of course Christmas to name a few. I know from personal experience it’s not always easy to find the right sort of gift.

At Yagi Hana Retail we can help you find a “gift with a difference” and save you time in the process. Our range of Quality Japanese Kitchen Knives provides the opportunity to give a gift that will last and, in some case, even be handed down to the next generation.

When most of us think of high-quality Japanese Kitchen Knives we think of the price being in the hundreds of dollars or more. I have personally seen that this is not the case. Whilst visiting Japan I have found kitchen knives that are used daily in home kitchens around Japan, made to the same quality standards as the high-end knives and it was these knives that made me want to start my business.

While we do carry a range of the high end handmade Japanese kitchen knives, we also offer quality Japanese kitchen knives to meet all budgets.

Best Japanese Kitchen Knives Under $50

Can you really get a Quality Japanese Kitchen Knife under $50? I can guarantee you can, in fact the feedback I have had for these kitchen knives from Japan has been very good – “Amazing knife. I have been very pleased with my knife. A handle is very comfortable and easy to use. I absolutely would recommend this knife. Chie on May 30, 2021”,” The only knife that I use. Terrena on June 30, 2021”

1. Verdun Series

 Gyuto (Chef/Cook) Kitchen Knife - 185mm - $46.85

This delightfully light-weight Japanese Kitchen Knife is an All-Stainless-Steel knife and is one that I personally enjoy using in the kitchen. Its handle is integrated into the blade and its moulded shape is wonderfully comfortable, making easy to hold whist using this knife. One of the things I love about this knife is that it only weighs 135gm which makes it extremely user friendly. The blades of these knives are hand sharpened which provides an exceptionally fine cutting edge that hold its sharpness for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives. Being an All-Stainless Chef/Cook knife, it’s cleaning and maintenance is effortless. Shop Now.

If you prefer a straighter handle on your Japanese kitchen knife you can check out the Neo- Verdun Gyuto (Chef/Cook knife) which is the same price. Shop Now.

2. Teruhide Series

Santoku (Cook Knife/General Purpose) Kitchen Knife - 165mm - $38.35

Like the Gyuto (Chef/Cook Knife) the Santoku can be used for most tasks in the Kitchen and the 165mm blade on this knife makes it easy to use. This knife is a White Steel knife (High Carbon Steel) which is extremely hard and very durable which helps to hold its edge very well and makes it easy to sharpen. The Traditional Japanese handle of Natural wood is very comfortable to hold, and I have been impressed by the light feel at only 122g.

High Carbon Steel knives do require more care to be taken to ensure they a clean and dry before storage, but I have one in my kitchen that I have used for 5 years, and it is still going strong. Shop Now

More on how to store & care for your Japanese kitchen knives soon!

3. Murato Sharp Series

Petty (Utility) Kitchen Knife – 125mm - $42.60

Out of the box these knives are ready to go to work. The hand finished edge on the Utility knife is incredibly sharp and the Black resin handle makes the knife light and easy to use. Even though Petty, or as they are known Utility knives, are used for the smaller more delicate prep work they are often the perfect size for ladies to use. In fact, even though my wife has a full set of knives she uses the Petty / Utility knife for most of her prep work as it is so easy to handle.

The Murtato Sharp Petty/Utility knife is another great example of the high quality that can be found in our range of Japanese Kitchen knives. For a light weight, very sharp knife that is comfortable and easy to use I would certainly recommend this knife. Shop Now

Best Japanese Kitchen Knives Under $100

1. Tsunouma Tu-9000 Series

Gyuto (Chef/Cook) Kitchen Knife – 180mm - $72.05

If you need a knife that will last and continue to give you the results you need and expect from a quality Japanese kitchen knife, then this is the knife for you. Hand sharpening has given these knives an extremely fine edge making all types of cutting amazingly easy, resulting in an incredibly smooth cut surface.

I fell in love with these knives the first time I saw them and having run a Seafood Café Restaurant in the past I really wish I had these knives back then. This Gyuto is of a quality that you expect to see in a commercial kitchen.

To me, if you are looking for a gift with a difference this is the Japanese kitchen knife for you. The packaging is of the usual Japanese high quality looks amazing when you open the present. Shop Now

2. Murato Fit Series

Gyuto (Chef/Cook) Kitchen Knife – 180mm - $65.55

These high-quality, hand finished Japanese kitchen knives are another great example of the All-Stainless-Steel knives. Very similar to the Global knife range these knives are known for their durability and quality in Japanese Kitchens. For me these knives are a perfect example of Japanese craftsmanship, providing a light, durable knife that is very comfortable to use.

As with the Verdun Series of knives these knives are only 135gm and the one-piece structure makes them easy to maintain. Once you use one you will want all the knives in the series. Shop Now

3. RYUJI Black Series

Honesuki (Boning/Utility) Kitchen Knife- 150mm- $65.75

The Honesuki is a traditional Japanese boning knife used for deboning and breaking down poultry. However, it is also particularly good for fileting fish, cleaning up cuts of meat as well as general kitchen jobs like a Petty/Utility knife.

This knife was made for use in a commercial kitchen with its one-piece black polymer handle and its sturdy design, however it fits perfectly in a home kitchen as well. The Honesuki is a single bevel knife with the bevel on the right side of the blade. Its sturdy more rigid blade gives it a solid feel when you are using it and the incredibly sharp edge results in exceptionally clean cuts.

It’s the perfect gift for the chef/home cook who is looking for the next knife for their kitchen arsenal. Shop Now

Best Japanese Kitchen Knives Under $200

1. Ohishi VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Series

Gyuto (Chef/Cook) Kitchen Knife – 180mm - $174.30

The Ohishi VG10 Handmade Gyuto is a stunning example of quality Japanese artisanship. This knife uses VG10 super steel, a hard stainless-steel core that is surrounded by fifteen layers of “Damascus” steel with the “Hammered” Tsuchime finish. These knives have made for the discerning chef who wants a high performing knife that is a true work of the blacksmiths art.

If I had the room in my own kitchen, I would have the full range of these knives as they look fantastic, hold an incredibly fine edge and are a joy to use. The Western Mahogany handle is so comfortable in your hand and the slightly heavier feel at 170gm makes cutting with this Gyuto a real pleasure.

If you are looking for a Japanese Kitchen Knife to impress, then this is the knife for you. Shop Now

2. TADAFUSA AOGAMI NASHIJI Series

Santoku (Cook/General Purpose) Kitchen Knife – 170mm - $192.65

Tadafusa is a very well-known name from the Sanjo City, Niigata region of Japan and they have been hand making Japanese Kitchen knives since 1948. This range has a very special place in my heart as it was one of the first knives I purchased for my own collection. I really love using this knife for any general food prep in the kitchen

The Aogami steel core is clad in a softer Stainless steel and the Nashiji (meaning rough finish or pear skin) finish which compliments the walnut handle. The blade is distal tapered for better balance and has a sealed bolster which seals the blade to the handle, resisting dirt and water.

If you are looking for a gift that can then grow into a set of high-quality Japanese Kitchen knives, then this is the knife for you. Shop Now

3. Tosa/Ohishi Blue series

Petty (Utility) Kitchen Knife – 135mm - $126.55

Tosa knives are known for their hammer forged technique known as Warikomi. This is a method where a glowing piece of cladding is split and the core cutting edge inserted. It is then forged together by hand in a complicated process that requires an exceptional level of finesse and competence.

The Kurouchi (Rustic or Blacksmith) finish makes the knife feel like it is always ready for work. The traditional Kebony Maple handle and fine balance of the knife makes working with this knife amazingly easy. The Blue Steel blade does require more care when cleaning and you must ensure you dry it well but the fact that it holds a seriously fine edge outweighs everything.

A fantastic handmade Japanese Petty/ Utility knife at a very affordable price. 

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Blow Your Budget (Knives $200+)

The knives we have in the $200+ range are from different blacksmiths in the Sanjo area. These knives are all handmade and are high quality Japanese Kitchen knives that would suit any kitchen.

The knives below are the ones we recommend for the discerning buyer who wants that special gift.

1. OHISHI VG5 MIGAKI Series Gyuto (Chef/Cook) Kitchen Knife – 240mm - $213.15

2. OHISHI GINSAN Series Sujihiki (Slicer) - 240mm - $346.20

3. HINOURA AOGAMI SUPER Series Kiritsuke (Slicer) Kitchen Knife - 210 mm - $483.95

More about these knives and their makers soon!