Japanese Kitchen Knives: Essential Characteristics and Types for Every Chef

The Mikoto collection represents the excellence of Japanese tradition: each blade is made with 101 layers of FC63 laminated Damascus steel with high corrosion resistance, embellished with an exclusive diamond pattern obtained through acid etching. The handle, embellished with the Miyabi logo, guarantees authenticity and craftsmanship.

Key features
* Balanced octagonal micarta handle, double riveted, non-porous and resistant to deformation
* FC63 laminated steel: cutting edge with 63HRC hardness and 101 outer layers of Damascus with diamond pattern
* 3-stage Honbazuke manual sharpening, with a 9.5°–12° edge
* Handcrafted in Seki, Japan

Recommended use: bread, desserts, savory pies, fruit, and hard-skinned vegetables

Country of manufacture: Seki, Japan
Blade structure: sanmai, with 101 layers of Damascus steel on the outside
Cutting steel: stainless steel, FC63 at 63HRC
Sharpening type: Honbazuke, symmetrical
Blade finish: Passive acid etching
Blade length: 230mm.
Construction: Forged
Handle: octagonal, micarta, with double rivets
Maintenance: wash by hand only

The Mikoto collection represents the excellence of Japanese tradition: each blade is made with 101 layers of FC63 laminated Damascus steel with high corrosion resistance, embellished with an exclusive diamond pattern obtained through acid etching. The handle, embellished with the Miyabi logo, guarantees authenticity and craftsmanship.

Key features
* Balanced octagonal micarta handle, double riveted, non-porous and resistant to deformation
* FC63 laminated steel: cutting edge with 63HRC hardness and 101 outer layers of Damascus with diamond pattern
* 3-stage Honbazuke manual sharpening, with a 9.5°–12° edge
* Handcrafted in Seki, Japan

Recommended use: fish, sushi, sashimi, cold cuts, and cooked meats

Country of manufacture: Seki, Japan
Blade structure: sanmai, with 101 layers of Damascus steel on the outside
Cutting steel: stainless steel, FC63 at 63HRC
Sharpening type: Honbazuke, symmetrical
Blade finish: Passive acid etching
Blade length: 240mm.
Construction: Forged
Handle: octagonal, micarta, with double rivets
Maintenance: wash by hand only

The Mikoto collection represents the excellence of Japanese tradition: each blade is made with 101 layers of FC63 laminated Damascus steel with high corrosion resistance, embellished with an exclusive diamond pattern obtained through acid etching. The handle, embellished with the Miyabi logo, guarantees authenticity and craftsmanship.

Key features
* Balanced octagonal micarta handle, double riveted, non-porous and resistant to deformation
* FC63 laminated steel: cutting edge with 63HRC hardness and 101 outer layers of Damascus with diamond pattern
* 3-stage Honbazuke manual sharpening, with a 9.5°–12° edge
* Handcrafted in Seki, Japan

Recommended use: meat and vegetables

Country of manufacture: Seki, Japan
Blade structure: sanmai, with 101 layers of Damascus steel on the outside
Cutting steel: stainless steel, FC63 at 63HRC
Sharpening type: Honbazuke, symmetrical
Blade finish: Passive acid etching
Blade length: 160 mm.
Construction: Forged
Handle: octagonal, micarta, with double rivets
Maintenance: wash by hand only

Fratelli Rizzi was founded at the end of the 19th century in Premana, a small Italian mountain village located between Valtellina and Valsassina. A flexible and competitive company that, combining the typical characteristics of craftsmanship with the continuous research of new technologies, is synonymous with quality in the production of professional cutlery.

In 2012, after about 50 years of experience in the cutlery sector, Fratelli Rizzi decides to propose its own lines of professional cutlery under the name of MaglioNero, combining them with numerous collaborations with the best Italian and European operators in the field of professional cutlery.

THE ISIDE LINE
Developed with the help of Michelin-starred chef Iside De Cesare, it was created to best satisfy all cutting needs in the kitchen.
It features modern, elegant and functional lines, with a full silk handle and Nitro-B steel blades with a hardness of 57HRC to ensure a high level of edge retention and marked corrosion resistance. The handles, full tang, are made of polished POM with stainless steel rivets; their special design is studied to offer a comfortable ergonomics and optimize the balance of the knife.

Suggested use: vegetables, raw meat, fish

Country of production: Premana, Italy
Cutting edge steel: Nitro-B stainless steel with hardness of 57HRC
Blade finish: satin
Blade length: 170mm.
Construction: full tang with riveted handle
Handle: black POM
Maintenance: manual washing recommended; suitable for occasional washing in the dishwasher

The BEYOND series is the line of top-of-the-range professional knives produced by the Japanese MCUSTA ZANMAI for the year 2020.

The handles of the Beyond series are made of Hinoki wood and as per tradition have a decorative rivet with mosaic. The three-layer blade, with the two external stainless steel and the internal core in Aogami Super carbon (Super Blue Steel) is hardened to 62-63 HRC. Each knife is packaged in a wooden gift box with a bow.

Production: Semi-artisanal
Blade: 3-layer steel - stainless steel extrene plates, Aogami Super core (Super Blue carbon steel) 62-63 HRC
Handle: Hinoki wood
Blade length: 165 mm.
Blade thickness: 2 mm.
Total length: 315 mm
Weight: 170g.
Notes: not dishwasher safe
Packaging: elegant wooden box

Steel specifications:

Aogami Super (Hitachi Metals Ltd.) is one of the best Japanese carbon. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Blue Steel, it also includes molybdenum. It has excellent cutting ability and excellent thread retention. Aogami Super is also capable of achieving high hardness without being brittle. Many knife enthusiasts consider Aogami Super to be one of the best high carbon steels in the world.

The city of Seki in Japan has been the center of producing the best Japanese blades since the mid-13th century. Natural choice thanks to its wealth of natural resources: sand, iron, coal and water, all important elements for the processing of blades. The techniques and skills of the ancient blacksmiths, handed down over the centuries, have currently been combined with modern technologies. The city of Seki still remains today the center of production of the best Japanese blades.

Mcusta knives are made in Seki and are the pinnacle of this synthesis between Japanese artisan tradition and modern technology. Each knife is assembled by hand, finished and checked by the craftsmen of the Mcusta team. Mcusta knives are considered among the best in the world!

Coltelleria Collini is the official distributor for Italy of MCUSTA Japanese knives

Recommended Use: cutting and preparing vegetables, fish and white meat

Country of manufacture: Italy
Blade: surgical stainless steel with hardness of 54-56 HRC
Handle: made of sterilizable anti-corrosion polymer, with Biomaster antibacterial additive
Blade length: 160mm.
Total length: 285mm.
Packaging: cardboard blade cover with Sanelli logos.
Weight: 166g.

FORM AND FUNCTION
The Premana Professional line was created by analyzing and solving, in every detail, the problems faced by the most attentive professional who uses these working tools on a daily basis. By making the green knives of the Premana Professional line, Coltellerie Sanelli S.r.l. has significantly improved the concept of safety, reliability, and hygiene in a decisive way, paying attention not only to the hardness, flexibility and shearing power of the blades, but also to the ergonomic shape of the handle.

THE BLADES.
The convex shape of the blade provides effective support when considerable effort is required on the part of the user and is also characterized by: high hardness (54-56 HRC), good flexibility, high shearing power, long edge life, edge shape especially designed for professional use, and excellent ease of resharpening.

HANDLES.
Exclusive ergonomic design of the handle resulting from special studies carried out at qualified University Institutes (research unit called EPM: Ergonomics of Posture and Movement at the Polytechnic University of Milan) and validated by computerized experimental tests.

ANTIBACTERIAL PROTECTION
Sanelli and Biomaster have developed permanent antibacterial protection for the handles of Premana line knives through the use of silver ions.
Biomaster is a silver ion-based, inorganic additive suitable for imparting antibacterial characteristics to plastics that safely inhibits microbial growth from the first few minutes, reaching almost total inhibition within 24 hours. Once incorporated into a product, Biomaster becomes an integral part of it providing safe, effective and inexhaustible antimicrobial protection.
Laboratory tests have shown that Biomaster, incorporated into the handles of Sanelli Premana Professional Line knives, is effective in the permanent microbiological eradication of Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) to the extent of 99.7 percent, obtaining ISO22196:20111 certification.

The Shun Pro Sho series focuses exclusively on blades with asymmetrical sharpening, i.e. traditional Japanese shapes. Due to the high quality of workmanship and materials, this series is particularly suitable for intensive professional use.

The knife's elegant design skilfully combines classic Japanese design language with Western components.

Main features

Use: ideal for processing whole fish, also used for meat and vegetables
Steel: Highly efficient stainless steel
Sharpening: Asymmetrical, chisel-shaped
Pakka wood handle: Traditional Japanese chestnut shape, resistant to wear and moisture
Continuous tang: Ensures stability and balance.

Blade: SOLID AUS10A stainless steel
Handle: Black Pakkawood
Blade length: 210mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Total length: 247mm.
Weight: 276g.
Maintenance: hand wash, not dishwasher safe

The Shun Pro Sho series focuses exclusively on blades with asymmetrical sharpening, that is, traditional Japanese shapes. Due to the high quality of workmanship and materials, this series is particularly suitable for intensive professional use.

The knife's elegant design masterfully combines classic Japanese design language with Western components.

Key Features.

Use: Suhi and Sashimi (fish)
Steel: stainless steel with very high efficiency
Sharpening: asymmetrical, chisel-shaped
Wooden pakka handle: Traditional Japanese chestnut shape, resistant to use and moisture.
Continuous tang: Provides stability and balance.

Blade: SOLID AUS10A stainless steel.
Handle: Black pakkawood
Blade length: 240mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Total length: 380mm.
Weight: 185g.
Maintenance: hand wash, not dishwasher safe

The Shun Pro Sho series focuses exclusively on asymmetrically sharpened blades, i.e. on traditional Japanese shapes. Thanks to the high quality of workmanship and materials, this series is particularly suitable for intensive professional use.

The elegant design of the knife skilfully combines the classic Japanese formal language with western components.

The blade of the knife is made of SOLID AUS10A stainless steel
Handle: Pakkawood
Blade length: 165 mm.
Handle length: 120 mm.
Blade thickness: 4.5 mm.
Total length: 305 mm.
Weight: 290 g.
Notes: not dishwasher safe

The Masahiro knives come directly from the city of Seki, Japan.

The quality of these Masahiro knives is very high and they are characterized by an asymmetric processing of the blades: the left side of the blade is flat, the other side of the knife is beveled up to the edge and then polished. This modern Japanese blade design translates into a superior cutting capacity.

The MV series is made of molybdenum vanadium stainless steel MBS-26 (similar to a Sandvik 19C27 or a 440C and predecessor of the VG-10). The handles are riveted to a full tang with thin layers of black-stained wood pressed into a transparent (but not polished) polyamide.

Recommended use: Meat, fish, fish cleaning

Country of production: Japan
Type of production: Industrial
Blade: Hitachi stainless steel MBS-26 at 58HRC
Handle: Synthetic, riveted
Blade length: 205mm.
Blade thickness: 1.5mm.
Total length: 335mm.
Weight: 114g.
Cleaning and maintenance: hand wash - not dishwasher safe

Knife with asymmetric sharpening, not suitable for left-handed people

Seki Magoroku Kinju

The kitchen knives of the Seki Magoroku Kinju series are particularly light in hand and allow a precise cut; convince with their high functionality and durability.

The typical Japanese blade shape in combination with the simple dark wood handle creates a minimalist and impromptu aesthetic.

Use: fish (sashimi and sushi)

Blade: Stainless Steel MV 58HRC
Country of production: Japan
Handle: in pakkawood, octagonal, with black nylon bolster
Sheath / Case: not supplied
Blade length: 180mm
Total length: 310mm
Blade thickness: 2.5mm
Handle Length: 128mm
Weight: 119g

Maintenance: NOT dishwasher safe

Production: Japan
Blade: in laminated steel with 6161 FCH cutting edge and 49-layer damask outer cheeks
Cut: symmetrical
Construction: forged
Handle: in micarta
Blade length: 240mm.
Recommended use: bread, pastry

Notes: made in collaboration with Chef Rokusaburo Michiba

Production: Japan
Blade: in laminated steel with 6161 FCH cutting edge and 49-layer damask outer cheeks
Cut: symmetrical
Construction: forged
Handle: in micarta
Blade length: 160mm.
Recommended Use: vegetables, cured meats, meats

Notes: made in collaboration with Chef Rokusaburo Michiba

For the trend-setting Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series, Kai has developed six additional knives made from corrosion-resistant 32-layer damask steel. It is embellished with a hand-hammered surface which in Japan is known as Tsuchime, thus combining timeless aesthetic qualities with ultimate sharpness. The blades have a massive core of VG MAX steel with a hardness of 61±1 HRC. 

In analogy to the limited Anniversary Knife, great importance was attached also in this series to the knives providing optimum grip as well as extraordinary hardness. The Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series, from bread knife to santoku, provides professional cutting tools which will set new standards in the premium segment by providing exceptional performance in a timeless design. 

True to Tim Mälzer‘s premise, „A good knife not only makes work easier but also helps to make cooking to turn out well“, each of the carefully manufactured damask knives was meticulously adapted to its respective area of use by the Japanese master forgers from Seki City. Due to the particularly symmetrical shape of their walnut handle, all shapes moreover ensure a precise cutting performance for both right-handed as well as left-handed use.

Shun Premier Tim Mälzer

Blade: Damascus stainless steel VG MAX hardness of 61 ± 1 HRC
Handle: Walnut wood
Blade length: 180 mm.
Handle length: 120 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 315 mm.
Weight: 212 g.
Notes: not dishwasher safe

Production: Japan
Blade: laminate with sharp steel FC61 to 61HRC and damask outer cheeks to 49 layers
Cut: Symmetrical
Construction: Forged
Grip: micarta
Blade length: 240mm.
Recommended use: sausages, meat, fish

Notes: developed in collaboration with Chef Rokusaburo Michiba

Production: Japan
Blade: laminate with sharp steel FC61 to 61HRC and damask outer cheeks to 49 layers
Cut: Symmetrical
Construction: Forged
Grip: micarta
Blade length: 240mm.
Recommended use: vegetables, meats,

Notes: developed in collaboration with Chef Rokusaburo Michiba

The innovative series Seki Magoroku Composite has 8 types of symmetrical blades. The blade, beautifully finished, the union of two different types of steel that create a fascinating contrast. The central part of the blade, polished, stainless steel is VG-MAX with a hardness of 61 ± 1 HRC, while the exterior is satin steel SUS420J2 to altissio chromium content.

The production process of the blades Composite is based on a new technology used in aircraft construction and ensures a high resistance over that extreme precision. The two types of steel are joined together by one particular welding process to the copper, and the thin line of copper that remains visible between the two steels adds a further touch of elegance to the design.

The grip is tapered in a light shade of pakkawood. The shape of the reason diagonally give these masterpieces lightness and movement.

Lama: laminate, stainless steel VG-MAX to 61HRC and 420J2, welded copper center
Handle: Wood Pakkawood clear
Blade length: 165 mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5 mm.
Overall length: 285 mm.
Weight: -
Notes: not dishwasher safe

The innovative series Seki Magoroku Composite has 8 types of symmetrical blades. The blade, beautifully finished, the union of two different types of steel that create a fascinating contrast. The central part of the blade, polished, stainless steel is VG-MAX with a hardness of 61 ± 1 HRC, while the exterior is satin steel SUS420J2 to altissio chromium content.

The production process of the blades Composite is based on a new technology used in aircraft construction and ensures a high resistance over that extreme precision. The two types of steel are joined together by one particular welding process to the copper, and the thin line of copper that remains visible between the two steels adds a further touch of elegance to the design.

The grip is tapered in a light shade of pakkawood. The shape of the reason diagonally give these masterpieces lightness and movement.

Lama: laminate, stainless steel VG-MAX to 61HRC and 420J2, welded copper center
Handle: Wood Pakkawood clear
Blade length: 165 mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5 mm.
Overall length: 285 mm.
Weight: -
Notes: not dishwasher safe

Seki Magoroku
This type of traditional Japanese knives are produced for hundreds of years in similar forms. This series captivates thanks to its polished blade and polished steel with high carbon with a hardness of about 58HRC and the magnolia wood handle carved in the form of a dishwasher with toe in black polypropylene.

Occupation: meat / fish

Blade: Stainless Steel 58HRC MV
Lama origin: Japan
Handle: Red Wood, wood very hard and resistant to water and black polypropylene
Sheath: -
Blade Length: 210mm
Overall Length: 350mm
Blade Thickness: 2.5 mm
Handle Length: 130mm
Weight: 116g

* Not dishwasher safe

Seki Magoroku
This type of traditional Japanese knives are produced for hundreds of years in similar forms. This series captivates thanks to its polished blade and polished steel with high carbon with a hardness of about 58HRC and the magnolia wood handle carved in the form of a dishwasher with toe in black polypropylene.

Occupation: meat / fish

Blade: Stainless Steel 58HRC MV
Lama origin: Japan
Handle: Red Wood, wood very hard and resistant to water and black polypropylene
Sheath: -
Blade Length: 240mm
Overall Length: 378mm
Blade Thickness: 2.5 mm
Handle Length: 134mm
Weight: 140g

* Not dishwasher safe

The Premana Professional line from Coltellerie Sanelli has been created by analyzing and solving, in every detail, the problems faced by the professional, the private individual or the most attentive enthusiast who uses these working tools on a daily basis.

Use: Meat

Japanese Blade Type: Deba
Blade: Surgical steel 54-56 HRC
Handle: Sterilizable anti-corrosion polymers
Blade length: 160 mm.
Total Length: 285 mm.
Max blade height: 48 mm.
Weight: 158 g.

La linea Premana Professional delle Coltellerie Sanelli è stata realizzata analizzando e risolvendo, in ogni minimo dettaglio, i problemi che si presentano al professionista, al privato o all'appassionato più attento che usa quotidianamente questi strumenti di lavoro.

Uso: Filettare, carne, pesce e prosciutto

Tipologia Giapponese della Lama: Yanagiba

Lama: Acciaio chirurgico 54-56 HRC

Impugnatura: Polimeri sterilizzabili anticorrosione

Lunghezza lama: 240 mm.

Lunghezza totale: 365 mm.

Max Altezza lama: 31 mm.

Peso: 142 g.

La linea Premana Professional delle Coltellerie Sanelli è stata realizzata analizzando e risolvendo, in ogni minimo dettaglio, i problemi che si presentano al professionista, al privato o all'appassionato più attento che usa quotidianamente questi strumenti di lavoro.

Uso: Generico, verdure e carne

Tipologia Giapponese della Lama: Santoku

Lama: Acciaio chirurgico 54-56 HRC

Impugnatura: Polimeri sterilizzabili anticorrosione

Lunghezza lama: 160 mm.

Lunghezza totale: 285 mm.

Max Altezza lama: 48 mm.

Peso: 166 g.

The Wasabi series by Kai is the entry level line offered by the Kai Group (which currently also includes the Kershaw and Zero Tolerance brands), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the early 1900s. It is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts that stands out for its excellent quality/price ratio. It offers stainless steel blades and ergonomic polypropylene handles with added Bamboo powder that are heat resistant up to 100°C and therefore dishwasher safe.

Kai Japan - Wasabi - Yanagiba 210mm.

Due to the special cut, this knife is not suitable for left-handed people.

Blade: M.V. Stainless Steel, polished steel
Handle: combination of bamboo powder and black polypropylene - Heat-resistant up to 100°C
Blade length: 210 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 340 mm.
Weight: 125 g.
Notes: dishwasher-safe, however we recommend hand washing as this will better preserve materials and finish over time

The Wasabi series by Kai is the entry level line offered by the Kai Group (which currently also includes the Kershaw and Zero Tolerance brands), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the early 1900s. It is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts that stands out for its excellent price/quality ratio. It offers stainless steel blades and ergonomic polypropylene handles with added Bamboo powder that are heat resistant up to 100°C and therefore dishwasher safe.

Kai Japan - Wasabi - Nakiri 165mm.

Blade: M.V. Stainless Steel, polished steel
Handle: combination of bamboo powder and black polypropylene - Heat-resistant up to 100°C
Blade length: 165 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 300 mm.
Weight: 170 g.
Notes: dishwasher-safe, however we recommend hand washing as this will better preserve materials and finish over time

The Wasabi series by Kai is the entry level line offered by the Kai Group (which currently also includes the Kershaw and Zero Tolerance brands), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the early 1900s. It is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts that stands out for its excellent price/quality ratio. It offers stainless steel blades and ergonomic polypropylene handles with added Bamboo powder that are heat resistant up to 100°C and therefore dishwasher safe.

Kai Japan - Wasabi - Yanagiba 240mm.

Due to the special cut, this knife is not suitable for left-handed people.

Blade: M.V. Stainless Steel, polished steel
Handle: combination of bamboo powder and black polypropylene - Heat-resistant up to 100°C
Blade length: 240 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 370 mm.
Weight: 142 g.
Notes: dishwasher-safe, however we recommend hand washing as this will better preserve the material and finish over time.

The Wasabi series by Kai is the entry level line offered by the Kai Group (which currently also includes the Kershaw and Zero Tolerance brands), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the beginning of the 1900s. It is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts that stands out for its excellent price/quality ratio. It offers stainless steel blades and ergonomic polypropylene handles with added Bamboo powder that are heat resistant up to 100°C and therefore dishwasher safe.

Kai Japan - Wasabi - Santoku 165mm.

Blade: M.V. Stainless Steel, polished steel
Handle: combination of bamboo powder and black polypropylene - Heat resistant up to 100°C
Blade length: 165 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 300 mm.
Weight: 146 g.
Notes: dishwasher-safe, however we recommend hand washing as this will better preserve materials and finish over time

The Wasabi series by Kai is the entry level line offered by the Kai Group (which currently also includes the brands Kershaw and Zero Tolerance), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the beginning of 1900. It is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts that stands out for its excellent quality/price ratio. It offers stainless steel blades and ergonomic polypropylene handles with added Bamboo powder that are heat resistant up to 100°C and therefore dishwasher safe.

Kai Japan - Wasabi - Deba 210mm.

Due to the special cut, this knife is not suitable for left-handed people.

Blade: M.V. Stainless Steel, polished steel
Handle: combination of bamboo powder and black polypropylene - Heat-resistant up to 100°C
Blade length: 210 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 345 mm.
Weight: 230 g.
Notes: dishwasher-safe, however, we recommend hand washing as this will better preserve materials and finish over time

Shun Classic is one of the flagship lines of the Kai Group (which currently also includes the Kershaw and Zero Tolerance brands), a famous Japanese manufacturer of knives and razors since the early 1900s. This is a series of knives and kitchen accessories suitable for professionals and enthusiasts.

The blades are made of rolled steel consisting of an inner layer of VG-10 stainless steel and two outer cheeks of 32-layer damask. The result is excellent cutting capacity combined with excellent edge retention and good flexibility, which is also guaranteed by the differentiated tempering.

Today, these knives represent the pinnacle of Japanese culinary technology. The quality does not stop with the steel used, however, but continues with the care of the workmanship (sharpening in particular) and the materials used, such as the splendid Pakkawood used for the handles.

Blade: 32-layer Damascus laminate and VG-10 stainless steel
Handle: Black Pakkawood
Blade length: 165 mm
Blade thickness: 2.5 mm.
Total length: 300 mm.
Weight: 230 g.
Notes: not dishwasher safe