Last Updated on June 21, 2025 by Kathay Lee
The kiritsuke knife is Japan’s top kitchen tool. This blade mixes the best parts of many Japanese knife types. It cuts clean and looks great.
Many home cooks and pro chefs want the best kiritsuke knife. You can buy dozens of types. Each brand has special features. This guide helps you pick the right kiritsuke knife.
Why Kiritsuke Knives Rock
The kiritsuke knife came from Japan’s pro kitchens. Top sushi chefs used these blades to cut fish just right. The word “kiritsuke” means “to cut and stick” in Japanese.
Today’s kiritsuke knives do many jobs. They work great for:
- Slicing fish and meat
- Chopping veggies
- Fine cutting jobs
- Making food look pro
The blade has a flat edge that looks different. This shape lets you make clean, straight cuts. The sharp tip gives you great control for detail work.
How Kiritsuke Knives Look
Blade Shape and Size
Kiritsuke knives are usually 8 to 10 inches long. The blade mixes parts from two knife types. This makes one tool that does many jobs.
The flat edge runs straight from back to tip. This shape is not like curved gyuto blades. The straight edge makes push cuts work better.
One Side vs Both Sides Sharp
Old kiritsuke knives are sharp on one side only. This means just one side of the blade gets sharpened. These knives need more skill to use right.
New ones are often sharp on both sides. Home cooks find these easier to use. Both sides get sharpened for better cutting.
Top Kiritsuke Knife Brands
Shun Classic Kiritsuke Knives
Shun makes some of the most liked kiritsuke knives in the West. The Shun Classic line gives great quality and works well.
Shun Classic Kiritsuke Facts:
- VG-MAX steel core for long life
- 32-layer Damascus steel build
- Comfy D-shaped handle
- 8.25-inch blade size
- Price: $200-$300
The Shun brand mixes old Japanese ways with new materials. Their kiritsuke knives work well at home and in pro kitchens.
Mitsumoto Sakari Kiritsuke Picks
Mitsumoto Sakari makes high-quality Japanese knives for good prices. Their kiritsuke knives give pro results without big costs.
Mitsumoto Sakari Kiritsuke Plus Points:
- High-carbon steel build
- Stays sharp well
- Looks like real Japanese knives
- Good prices
- Many size picks
This brand appeals to serious home cooks. The knives give real Japanese craft at fair prices.
Hikari Brand Kiritsuke Knives
Hikari makes artist-quality kiritsuke knives. Each blade gets special care when made. This makes cutting work great.
Hikari Kiritsuke Good Points:
- Hand-made build
- Top steel materials
- Custom handle choices
- Few made at a time
- Better edge shape
Hikari knives cost more than mass-made ones. But they give unmatched quality and work.
Kiritsuke vs Other Japanese Knife Types
Gyuto vs Santoku Knife Facts
Knowing gyuto vs santoku knife facts helps you understand kiritsuke knives. Gyuto knives have curved edges for rocking cuts. Santoku knives have wide blades for fast chopping.
The kiritsuke mixes parts from both types. It has the length of a gyuto with the straight edge of a santoku. This makes cutting benefits that are unique.
When to Pick Kiritsuke Over Gyuto
Kiritsuke knives work best in these cases:
- Fish and seafood prep
- Exact veggie cuts
- Pro food display
- Traditional Japanese cooking
Gyuto knives work better for:
- General meat cutting
- Rocking cut moves
- Curved slicing motions
- Western cooking styles
Kiritsuke vs Santoku Check
Kiritsuke knives are longer than santoku knives. This gives more cutting surface for big foods. The pointed tip also gives better control than santoku’s round edge.
Santoku knives feel better for many home cooks. They need less skill to use well. The wide blade gives better knuckle room during chopping.
Damascus Steel in Kiritsuke Making
What Damascus Steel Is
Damascus steel makes pretty patterns on knife blades. Modern Damascus uses layered steel build. Many steel types get folded and forged together.
This process makes wavy patterns that stand out. The patterns change between single knives. Each Damascus blade has unique looks.
Why Damascus Kiritsuke Knives Rock
Damascus kiritsuke knives have many plus points:
- Better rust resistance
- Improved edge keeping
- Stunning looks
- More blade life
- Higher resale value
The layered build also cuts down food sticking. This makes cutting jobs more efficient.
Popular Damascus Kiritsuke Choices
Many makers produce Damascus kiritsuke knives. Shun Classic uses 32-layer Damascus build. Other brands offer 16-layer or 64-layer choices.
Higher layer counts make more complex patterns. But they also boost making costs. The number of layers doesn’t always mean better work.
Key Things to Check When Shopping
Blade Material and How Hard It Is
Steel type affects knife work a lot. Common choices include:
High-Carbon Steel:
- Excellent sharpness
- Top edge keeping
- Needs more care
- Gets rust and stains easy
Stainless Steel:
- Easy care
- Rust resistance
- Moderate sharpness
- Good for beginners
VG-10 Steel:
- Premium stainless choice
- High hardness rating
- Excellent edge keeping
- Balance of work and ease
Hardness ratings range from 58-65 HRC. Higher numbers mean harder steel. Harder steel holds edges longer but chips easier.
Handle Materials and Comfort
Handle comfort affects cutting work. Common materials include:
Wood Handles:
- Traditional looks
- Natural grip texture
- Needs care
- Can crack or split
Composite Handles:
- Tough build
- Easy to clean
- Modern looks
- Same quality
Western-Style Handles:
- Familiar grip for most users
- Balanced weight spread
- Comfortable for long use
- Often dishwasher safe
Pick handles that fit your hand size. Test the grip before buying when you can.
Edge Keeping and Sharpening
Sharp knives make cooking safer and more fun. Think about these facts:
Initial Sharpness:
- Factory edge quality varies
- Some knives arrive very sharp
- Others need quick sharpening
Edge Keeping:
- How long sharpness lasts
- Depends on steel type and use
- Quality varies between brands
Sharpening Needs:
- How often sharpening is needed
- How hard the sharpening process is
- Special equipment needs
Japanese knives often need special sharpening ways. Think about your sharpening skills when picking.
Best Kiritsuke Knives by Type
Best Kiritsuke for New Users
New users should focus on ease of use over tradition. Look for these features:
- Both-sides sharp edge design
- Stainless steel build
- Comfortable handle design
- Moderate pricing
- Good customer support
Top Beginner Pick: Shun Classic 8.25″ Kiritsuke offers the best balance of quality and ease for new users.
Best Pro Kiritsuke Knives
Pro chefs need top work and long life. Key needs include:
- High-carbon steel build
- Excellent edge keeping
- Comfortable long use
- Pro looks
- Reliable work
Pro Pick: Hikari hand-forged kiritsuke knives give unmatched work for serious pros.
Best Value Kiritsuke Choices
Budget-minded buyers can find excellent choices. Focus on:
- Quality steel materials
- Solid build
- Good warranty coverage
- Fair pricing
- Reliable work
Value Pick: Mitsumoto Sakari kiritsuke knives offer top value without giving up quality.
Premium Damascus Kiritsuke Knives
Collectors and fans prefer premium choices. These feature:
- Complex Damascus patterns
- Premium steel materials
- Artist craft
- Limited availability
- Investment value
Premium Pick: Limited edition Damascus kiritsuke knives from established Japanese makers.
Proper Care and Care
Cleaning Your Kiritsuke Knife
Proper cleaning extends knife life a lot:
Quick Cleaning:
- Rinse after each use
- Avoid soaking in water
- Hand wash with mild soap
- Dry right after washing
Deep Cleaning:
- Remove tough stains with care
- Use special knife cleaners
- Polish Damascus patterns regularly
- Check for damage or wear
Never put Japanese knives in dishwashers. The harsh space damages both blade and handle materials.
Sharpening Needs
Kiritsuke knives need regular sharpening care:
Sharpening How Often:
- Pro use: weekly
- Home use: monthly
- Light use: quarterly
- Storage affects timing
Sharpening Ways:
- Whetstones give best results
- Pro services available
- Electric sharpeners not recommended
- Honing steels for care
Learn proper sharpening ways or use pro services. Poor sharpening damages knife shape permanently.
Storage Tips
Proper storage prevents damage and accidents:
Safe Storage Choices:
- Magnetic knife strips
- Wooden knife blocks
- Individual knife guards
- Roll-up knife cases
- Special knife drawers
Avoid storing knives loose in drawers. This damages edges and creates safety hazards.
Complete Buying Guide
What to Look for When Shopping
Think about these facts before buying:
Your Skill Level:
- Beginner: both-sides sharp, stainless steel
- Middle: high-carbon choices
- Advanced: traditional one-side sharp
Intended Use:
- Home cooking: 8-inch length
- Pro use: 9-inch or longer
- Special jobs: think about alternatives
Budget Range:
- Entry level: $100-$200
- Mid-range: $200-$400
- Premium: $400+
- Collector: $800+
Care Commitment:
- High-carbon needs more care
- Stainless needs less care
- Think about your available time
Where to Buy Real Japanese Knives
Buy from good sources to ensure they are real:
Authorized Dealers:
- Special knife retailers
- Japanese import stores
- Authorized brand dealers
- Established online retailers
Warning Signs:
- Very low prices
- Unknown sellers
- Poor product photos
- No warranty offered
- Suspicious branding
Real Japanese knives cost more than cheap copies. Quality materials and craft justify higher prices.
Budget Facts
Set realistic expectations for your budget:
Under $200:
- Good quality choices available
- May lack premium features
- Suitable for most home cooks
- Focus on basic function
$200-$400:
- Excellent work range
- Premium materials available
- Pro quality choices
- Best value for serious cooks
Over $400:
- Artist-quality build
- Premium materials standard
- Collector-worthy pieces
- Investment potential
Remember that expensive doesn’t always mean better. Match the knife to your actual needs and skills.
Final Tips and End
The perfect kiritsuke knife depends on your individual needs, skills, and budget. Think about these final points:
For New Users: Start with a both-sides sharp stainless steel kiritsuke. The Shun Classic offers excellent quality and support for new users.
For Home Cooks: Pick based on your main cooking style. Traditional Japanese cooking benefits from real designs. Western-style cooking may prefer hybrid choices.
For Pros: Invest in high-quality choices that match your work demands. Think about multiple sizes for different jobs.