Top 10 Japanese Kiritsuke Knives: Ultimate Guide

Ever wished your kitchen felt like a sushi chef's haven? Meet the kiritsuke knife, a Japanese culinary marvel. This versatile slicer, with its unique hybrid blade shape, effortlessly tackles everything from delicate sashimi to robust vegetables. Its exceptional sharpness and balance make prep work a joy, transforming even everyday chopping into a satisfying experience. Upgrade your kitchen game with the precision and elegance of a Japanese kiritsuke knife – you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!

This curated selection of top-performing items prioritizes factors crucial for optimal user experience. We've considered material quality, ease of use, durability, and overall performance to ensure only the most highly-regarded options are included. This helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

1. Mitsumoto Sakari 8" Kiritsuke Chef Knife: 67-layer Damascus steel, blue pomegranate handle, sandalwood box.

Mitsumoto Sakari 8" Kiritsuke Chef Knife: 67-layer Damascus steel, blue pomegranate handle, sandalwood box.
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Durability
  • Appearance
  • Gift value
  • Comfort
  • Value for money
  • Balance
    Some controversy about
  • Handle slipperiness

This Mitsumoto Sakari Kiritsuke chef's knife is a serious piece of kit. The 8-inch blade, forged from 67 layers of 440C Damascus steel, is incredibly sharp and holds its edge well. The 2.3mm thickness makes slicing a breeze, whether it's fish, meat, or vegetables. The beautiful, hand-painted burl wood handle is comfortable and provides excellent control. It's presented in a stunning sandalwood box, making it a fantastic gift. While it's not designed for bones, its versatility makes it my go-to knife for most kitchen tasks. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail; it feels luxurious and performs flawlessly. Highly recommended!

These Japanese Kiritsuke knives boast exceptional sharpness, balance, and comfortable grip, exceeding expectations for both home and professional chefs, offering remarkable value.

  • Brand: MITSUMOTO SAKARI
  • Color: Ocean Dazzle
  • Country: Japan
  • Item length: 13.03 Inches
  • Manufacturer: MITSUMOTO SAKARI
  • Weight: 6.3 ounces
  • Rate: 4.5 / 397

2. Forged 8" Japanese Kiritsuke/Bunka Chef Knife - Carbon Steel, Full Tang

Forged 8" Japanese Kiritsuke/Bunka Chef Knife - Carbon Steel, Full Tang
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Blade durability
  • Value for money
  • Cutability
  • Ease of use
    Some controversy about
  • Design

This 8-inch Kiritsuke knife is a game-changer. The high carbon steel blade, forged and vacuum heat-treated, is incredibly sharp and durable. The balance is perfect; I felt no strain even after extended use prepping a large meal. Mincing, slicing fish and meat, even whole chickens, was effortless. The ergonomic handle is comfortable and secure, minimizing fatigue. While it needs hand-washing, the anti-rust oil layer is a smart touch. Overall, it's a high-quality, versatile knife that lives up to its professional claims. Highly recommended for home cooks and serious chefs alike.

This Japanese kiritsuke knife boasts exceptional sharpness and functionality at a remarkable value, exceeding expectations for its price point. Reviewers praise its ease of use and durability.

  • Brand: TAN REN
  • Color: Kiritsuke Knife 8 inch
  • Item length: 13 Inches
  • Manufacturer: TAN REN
  • Weight: 0.43 Kilograms
  • Rate: 4.4 / 114

3. Shun Premier Kiritsuke: Handcrafted Japanese chef's knife with VG-MAX core, Damascus cladding, and Pakkawood handle.

Shun Premier Kiritsuke: Handcrafted Japanese chef
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Beauty
  • Build quality
  • Hand feel
  • Balance
  • Weight
  • Fit
  • Value for money

This Shun Premier Kiritsuke is a serious piece of kit. The VG-MAX core with 68 layers of Damascus cladding delivers incredible sharpness and lasting edge retention; the 16-degree angle is seriously impressive. The hammered tsuchime finish is both beautiful and functional, minimizing sticking. The Pakkawood handle is exceptionally comfortable, equally suited for lefties and righties, providing excellent control. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the sloped bolster and choil. While pricey, the quality is undeniable – this knife is a joy to use and a testament to Japanese craftsmanship. It easily handles everything from delicate vegetable work to meat slicing.

This Shun Kiritsuke boasts exceptional sharpness, lightweight design, and perfect balance, exceeding expectations for ease of use and cutting performance.

  • Brand: Shun
  • Color: Brown
  • Item length: 8 Inches
  • Manufacturer: Kai
  • Weight: 217 Grams
  • Rate: 4.7 / 285

4. Shun Classic Kiritsuke: 8" Handcrafted Japanese Chef's Knife

Shun Classic Kiritsuke: 8" Handcrafted Japanese Chef
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Build quality
    Some controversy about
  • Value for money

This Shun Classic Kiritsuke is a game-changer. The 8-inch blade, forged with VG-MAX steel and clad in 68 layers of Damascus steel, is incredibly sharp and holds its edge beautifully. The 16-degree edge makes slicing through anything a breeze, from delicate vegetables to tougher meats. The sloped bolster and comfortable D-shaped Pakkawood handle feel fantastic in the hand, providing excellent control for both left and right-handed users. It’s beautifully balanced and easy to clean, exceeding expectations for an all-around kitchen knife. The quality is evident in every detail, justifying the price. Highly recommended.

Exceptional sharpness, perfect balance, and effortless cutting make this Japanese kiritsuke knife a remarkable value, exceeding expectations for home and professional cooks.

  • Brand: Shun
  • Color: Black
  • Item length: 13.5 Inches
  • Manufacturer: Kai
  • Weight: 0.5 Pounds
  • Rate: 4.7 / 559

5. Huusk 8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife: Hand-forged, 3-layer high-carbon steel, ergonomic handle.

Huusk 8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife: Hand-forged, 3-layer high-carbon steel, ergonomic handle.

This Huusk Kiritsuke knife is a real workhorse. The 8-inch blade, forged from 3-layer 9CR18MOV high carbon steel, is incredibly sharp and holds its edge well. The hand-hammered texture is a nice touch, preventing food from sticking. The octagonal handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, even when wet. It's perfectly balanced, making extended use less tiring. I used it for everything – slicing fish, dicing vegetables, even mincing herbs – and it excelled at each task. While it needs hand-washing, the superior quality and versatility make this a worthwhile investment. It's a beautiful knife, too; the craftsmanship is evident.

This Japanese kiritsuke knife boasts exceptional sharpness, comfortable balance, and a remarkable value at its price point, excelling in vegetable and meat preparation.

  • Brand: Huusk
  • Color: Black
  • Item length: 14 Inches
  • Manufacturer: Huusk
  • Weight: 14.9 ounces
  • Rate: 4.3 / 47

6. Premium 8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife: High-Carbon Steel, Versatile Cutting for Meat & Vegetables. Perfect Gift.

Premium 8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife: High-Carbon Steel, Versatile Cutting for Meat & Vegetables.  Perfect Gift.
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Build quality
  • Appearance
  • Ease of use
  • Value for money
  • Comfort
  • Weight

This 8-inch Kiritsuke chef knife is a real workhorse. The hand-forged, high-carbon steel blade (HRC 56-58) is incredibly sharp and durable; it sliced through meat and vegetables with ease, even bone-in cuts. The clamshell edge design provides exceptional control and a consistently sharp edge. It's beautifully balanced and comfortable to hold, making even extensive use a pleasure. The gift box is a nice touch, making it perfect for a present. While there was a slight oil residue on arrival, as noted in the instructions, it cleaned up easily. Highly recommend for home cooks and professionals alike.

Exceptional sharpness, comfortable grip, and versatile use make this Japanese kiritsuke knife a remarkable value, exceeding expectations for its price.

  • Brand: XCHIEF PRO
  • Color: Gray
  • Item length: 13.27 Inches
  • Manufacturer: XCHIEF PRO
  • Rate: 4.4 / 48

7. 8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef's Knife: Premium 9CR18MOV Stainless Steel Blade with Wooden Handle

8" Japanese Kiritsuke Chef
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Weight
  • Look
  • Value for money
  • Comfort
  • Ease of use
    Some controversy about
  • Build quality
  • Handle stability

This 8-inch Kitory Kiritsuke chef's knife is a game-changer. The 9CR18MOV stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp and holds its edge remarkably well—I effortlessly sliced through vegetables, meat, and even some bone. The hand-forged clamshell edge minimizes resistance for cleaner cuts. The comfortable, beautifully crafted Lacewood and Dipterocarp wood handle feels perfectly balanced in the hand, preventing fatigue during extended use. It's easy to clean and maintain, and the included gift box makes it a fantastic present. While a bit pricey, the quality and performance easily justify the cost; this knife is a true investment for any serious cook.

This Japanese Kiritske knife boasts exceptional sharpness, durability, and balance, offering remarkable value for its price, exceeding expectations for both amateur and professional chefs.

  • Brand: Kitory
  • Color: Kiritsuke Chef 8''
  • Item length: 8 Inches
  • Manufacturer: Kitory
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Rate: 4.4 / 647

8. KYOKU Shogun Series 8.5" VG10 Damascus Kiritsuke Chef Knife with Sheath

KYOKU Shogun Series 8.5" VG10 Damascus Kiritsuke Chef Knife with Sheath
    Highly rated
  • Sharpness
  • Quality
  • Design
  • Comfort
  • Balance
  • Weight
    Some controversy about
  • Value for money
  • Rust resistance

This Kyoku Shogun series Kiritsuke knife is a real workhorse. The 67-layer Damascus VG-10 steel blade is incredibly sharp, holding its edge beautifully even after heavy use. The cryogenic treatment makes it tough and resistant to corrosion. The 8.5-inch blade is perfectly balanced, thanks to the full tang construction and ergonomic handle – no hand fatigue here! The herringbone pattern is gorgeous, and the included sheath keeps it pristine. It slices through anything with minimal effort; vegetables, meat, fish – this knife excels. Highly recommended for both home cooks and professionals.

This Japanese kiritsuke knife boasts exceptional sharpness, beautiful design, and comfortable handle, offering remarkable value for its quality and performance, exceeding expectations for its price.

  • Brand: KYOKU
  • Color: Life-time Warranty, Japanese VG10 Steel Core, Full Tang, G10 Handle with Engraved Rivet & Mosaic Pin, Included Guard, Ice Tempered & Heat Treated, Superior Sharpness, Ergonomic handle & well-balanced design
  • Item length: 13.8 Inches
  • Manufacturer: KYOKU
  • Weight: 9.6 ounces
  • Rate: 4.7 / 430

9. FINDKING 9" Damascus Kiritsuke Chef's Knife (Black Rose Series)

FINDKING 9" Damascus Kiritsuke Chef

This FINDKING Kiritsuke knife is a real workhorse. The AUS-10 Damascus steel blade is incredibly sharp and held its edge beautifully throughout my testing; slicing through everything from tomatoes to tougher meats with ease. The rose pattern is a nice touch, though honestly, I cared more about the performance. The octagonal handle is incredibly comfortable, fitting my hand perfectly and providing excellent control. The ox horn, resin, and burl wood combination feels luxurious and durable. It's a hefty knife, but the balance is excellent, making it less tiring to use than I expected. It’s pricey, but the quality justifies the cost if you’re serious about your cooking.

This Japanese Kiritsuke knife boasts exceptional sharpness and balance, making slicing effortless. Its high-quality AUS-10 Damascus steel ensures lasting durability and remarkable value.

  • Brand: FINDKING
  • Color: Silver
  • Item length: 15.03 Inches
  • Manufacturer: FINDKING
  • Size: 9"
  • Weight: 7.1 ounces
  • Rate: 5 / 12

10. 8-Inch Aus10 Damascus Kiritsuke Chef Knife with Ergonomic G10 Handle

8-Inch Aus10 Damascus Kiritsuke Chef Knife with Ergonomic G10 Handle

This 8-inch Kiritsuke chef knife is a real workhorse. The Damascus steel blade, forged from multiple layers of 9CR18MOV carbon steel, is incredibly sharp and holds its edge beautifully—I put it through its paces and was impressed. The 15° V-shaped edge made slicing and dicing effortless, leaving ingredients perfectly intact. The G10 handle is comfortable and the inverted design is a smart touch, keeping countertops clean. It comes in a nice gift box, making it a great present. While pricey, the quality and performance justify the cost; it’s a substantial upgrade from my previous knives.

This Japanese kiritsuke knife boasts exceptional sharpness, durability, and a stunning Damascus steel finish, offering remarkable value for its price.

  • Brand: Plys
  • Color: Kiritsuke Knife
  • Item length: 13 Inches
  • Manufacturer: Plys
  • Weight: 0.43 Pounds
  • Rate: 4.8 / 50