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Last Updated on March 1, 2022
Genuine Japanese knives are difficult to come by. There are numerous fake Japanese knives on the market. Finding a traditional Japanese knife takes a lot of practice. That is why we have put together this review to introduce you to a nice brand that has a lot of legitimate Japanese knife sets.
We will discuss the brand, their best knife sets, two special knives, and the strengths and weaknesses of Kamikoto knives in this review. We’ll also go over its design, construction process, and so on, and make a recommendation based on our research.
So, without any further ado, let’s get rolling!
Short Overview of Kamikoto Brand
Kamikoto is a Japanese knife manufacturing company based in Tokyo. They are confident and always best to prove unbeatable quality. Their knives are made of high-quality materials such as Honshu steel (high carbon steel), which has a long history as a premium knife material.
They mostly design single bevel high-end knives which are very sharp, sturdy, and long-lasting. Kamikoto use traditional techniques like Mokume-gane while ironworking, swordsmithing, and metal casting. The customer service they provide is also great. The brand offers a lifetime warranty with each knife.
What We Liked
- Maintained impressive weight balance and sharpness
- Used high quality durable and rust resistant Japanese steel
- Offers Lifetime guarantee
What We Didn’t Like
- Price is a bit high but okay for us for the performance
- Not beginner friendly
- All the knives are blosterless
The Best Kamikoto Knife Sets
There are many Kamikoto knife sets on the market and it can be hard to find the right one. So, now we are going to look at some of the best Kamikoto knives sets and their pros and cons. This will help you find the perfect set, whether it’s a gift or just a nice addition to your kitchen.
Kamikoto Kanpeki Knife Set
The Kanpeki knife set is the most compact and popular knife set from Kamikoto. Comes with a beautiful wooden box, 3-pieces of knives in the box. Materials used in the blades are extremely high quality that makes the knives crazy sharp and stiff. Each knife is made of high-quality 420J2 Japanese steel from Honshu, well-tested, and known for durability and corrosion resistance.
The exceptionally designed knife set has 3 exclusive knives, stored in a decorated wooden case is a real deal for a chef’s den. These knives are – an 8.5” slicing knife for precisely cut meat, ham, or fish, another is a 7” nakiri knife for cutting all types of vegetables, and a 5” utility knife. Oh, the utility knife is used to mince and cut things like onion and garlic.
The wooden handle is really comfortable to grip. Also, the shape, position, and weight adjustment are perfectly balanced and easy to control. The set requires very little maintenance. The most amazing part is the elegant look that enhances the impression of the guest on you.
Pros
- Offers lifetime warranty
- Well sturdy with a 53+ Rockwell score
- High-end well polished edge cuts things effortlessly
- Most comfortable even in small hand
- Impressive design
Cons
- Price is a bit high comparatively
Kamikoto – Senshi Dual Knife Set with Wooden Display Stand
A Senshi dual knife set will be a great addition to a chef’s kitchen. The set includes the duo of a 10” chef knife and a 5” utility knife. Each knife is forged and crafted beautifully. For storing and safekeeping, an excellent wooden stand comes with a set that looks really classy as you can see in the picture. This looks even better in person.
Moving on to its quality, the Senshi set from the Komikoto Genten series is made with high-quality Japanese alloy steel. Which results in extremely hardness, wear resistance, and toughness.
Single bevel blade features supremely sharp and great edge retention which betters the experience when preparing western-style foods. Senshi is a great example of balance in weight between handle and blade. Though few chefs claim it is a bit weighty. But once you get used to it, you won’t find any better than this.
The wooden handle is really smooth and well gripped. The best part is you will get some desirous comments when your guests find this masterpiece on your counter attracting them.
Pros
- Super sharp blade with perfect edge retention
- Extremely compatible for western-style foods
- Includes an aesthetic wooden display stand
- Durability is on to with less maintenance
Cons
- Again price seems slightly higher
Kamikoto Steak Knife Set
If you’re thinking of giving a gift and making a good impression, the Kamikoto steak knife set would be a better option. In one word, the design, quality, and craftsmanship of this set are of another level.
The handcrafted knives come in an excellent handcrafted natural-colored ash wood box for storage and safekeeping. Four pieces of 5” steak knives are included in the box.
Like every other Komikoto knife, these knives are extremely tough and made of high-quality Japanese 420J2 steel which prevents rust. The specialty of Japanese steels is that they are very strong and sharp and can hold the sharpness for a long time. So you don’t often need to lend it and expenditure of time on its maintenance is very minimal.
The wooden handle is very nicely designed which ensures gripping with good comfort. Perfect balance has been maintained in all areas from look to weight division. Even if you are left-handed, you can use the knife very comfortably as it is a double bevel knife.
Pros
- Great weight balance
- Lifetime warranty
- Perfect for gift giving
- Extremely sharp
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Would be nice if features a magnetic stand
Kamikoto 7 inch Santoku Chef Knife
This 7” chef knife from Kamikoto can be the perfect equipment for your kitchen. The knife is made of high-quality steel which is collected from Honshu, Japan. As a result, it is possible to add uniqueness to the quality and features of the knife. The 420J2 steel is extremely strong and corrosion-resistant so it ensures the durability of your knife.
Unlike typical Japanese-style knives like Shun, this cutting genius is a little thick and has a curved belly for which this knife works very well while using in a rocking motion. Santoku knife works great for mincing and chopping.
We haven’t seen a better option for cutting vegetables and chopping sausage. This is awesome when it comes to controlling. The ash wood handle provides a great grip. Although the knife is relatively a bit heavy, the balance is really nice which will help you in chopping, dicing, and slicing with great control.
Being single bevel, it is quite difficult for left-handed cooks to use. Thick blades should be borrowed from time to time. This will allow you to enjoy a better cutting experience.
Pros
- Impressive weight and sharpness
- Craftsmanship is top-notch
- Lifetime warranty
- Very comfortable in hand
Cons
- Single bevel makes it a bit hard to use for left-handed chefs
Kamikoto Kuro Series Knife Set
Kuro series is a popular 3-piece knife set that includes a 7” chef knife, 6.5” Nakiri Knife, and 5” utility knife. Kamikoto claims the knives in this series are the most powerful knives they have ever made. However, by observing the blade material, we are also convinced of their claim.
They used Zirconium Dioxide to make the blades, which are much harder than steel. A specialty of this material is that it is rust-resistant. Black always expresses nobility and so these knives will also bring out the best in your taste buds. The knives are presented as beautifully as they look.
The wooden box in which the knives come in is very beautiful. It has an ivory wooden handle even though it actually looks like plastic. But to be honest it is a very hard and resistant wood. The knife also feels quite nice and comfortable in the hand.
Again, this knife is not as light as the usual Japanese knife, rather a bit heavy and very well balanced. The blade is durable and extremely sharp which will give you an effortless cutting experience.
Pros
- Really classy color and design
- Nice craftsmanship
- Most hard blade material
- Lifetime warranty
- Very comfortable in hand
Cons
- Need more maintenance than others
Some Special Kamikoto Knives
Kamikoto knives are a must-have for every kitchen. These blades are made with the best materials and technology available, making them an excellent investment that will last you a lifetime. Here we will go through Kamikoto Chuka Bocho Cleaver and Kamikoto 13-inch Yanagiba knife to make you know more about them.
Kamikoto Chuka Bocho Cleaver
Kamikoto Chuka Bocho cleaver is a really special high-end Japanese-style knife. This is high-quality heavy and powerful cutting equipment to make your experience easy and fun in the kitchen. The thing cuts literally every item you put under it.
The asymmetrical blade is so very powerful and extremely sharp. Made out of mixed alloy carbon steel (pretty hard) from Honshu, Japan; a famous place where high-quality Japanese knives are manufactured. At the outset, we want to make it clear that this knife is not friendly for beginners.
The 13-inch knife is a bit large and relatively heavy. So, it will not be easy for them to control. However, the blades, handles, and other aspects are all highly balanced. Once you get it under control, you won’t even look back at another knife. It has been thoughtfully engineered to bring versatility to your kitchen.
So, this one is different from all other traditional cleavers. There is nothing special about the handles because they use almost the same handles on all their knives. In short, this extremely sharp and heavy-duty knife will make your cutting experience pleasant and make cooking fun and worth every penny you spent.
Pros
- Very powerful and sturdy
- Cuts everything
- Lifetime warranty
- Great balance and Control
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Kamikoto 13 inch Yanagiba
Kamikoto Yanagiba looks more like a chef’s sword rather than a knife to us. Yes, the length is quite unnatural and large but it does not affect its quality or performance at all. First, let’s find out together what metal the sword, we mean the knife is made of and what it is good at.
They used 420J2 Japanese Honshu steel here like most of their knives. And the fully handcrafted knife has been molted at 3092 degrees Fahrenheit, so you are guaranteed more hardness, toughness, and durability.
They follow the traditional process to sharpen the blades by expert knife smiths, this is why the knife is razor-sharp and edge retention is also perfect. As a result, you will experience long, deep, and straight cuts. The handle is very comfortable and balanced.
Let’s come to the usage though we are not sure about the daily use of this knife. But if you are a fan of sushi and grill fish and make it often then this knife will come in handy for you. Yanagiba knives are also specially recommended for commercial use and large kitchens. The knife is also very effective in cutting large fish such as salmon, tuna, and slabs.
Pros
- Very Durable
- Master of long and straight cuts
- Lifetime warranty
- Crafted by expert knifesmiths
Cons
- Larger than usuals
You can also read the review of:
Kamikoto Knives Bi-Section
Design
Originally, Kamikoto made Japanese knives. Most Japanese-style knives look almost the same although brands always try to bring variety to the design. But Kamikoto has decided to take an old traditional themed design with a slightly modern look. This sets the knives apart from other modern Japanese knives. If you are accustomed to the western style, you will not feel comfortable at first. But after using it for a few days and after using it, you will find the design of these knives really convenient. Each knife is remarkably balanced. The combination of refined bolster and matte black hardwood handle is amazing.
Construction
Kamikoto’s knives are the result of heavy construction. A complete masterpiece made through a few processes combining high-quality materials, craftsmanship, finishing, etc. Let’s see how it is done.
Blade: Made out of powerful high carbon Japanese steel (Niigata; corrosion-resistant steel) which is hand-forged. The blades are made using centuries-old Japanese traditional processes. That’s why they are hard, tough, sharp and edge retention is just perfectly okay.
Bolster: Basically, Kamikoto knives come without a ballast that allows you to use the full length of the blade. But for beginners, it is a problem. There is no protection for your index finger which makes it risky for newbies who do not have pro-level control over sharp knives. But Kamikoto maintains a great balance between their knives without any bolster.
Handle: Matte black hardwood and resin handle looks awesome. The wooden handle provides non-slip gripping with good comfort. A full-tang design is combined with the handle which prevents the handle from getting loose.
Sharpness
Kamikoto features razor-sharp blades in their knives. Most of their knives have a single bevel edge which contains sharpness in one side of the blade. We’ve experienced lots of double bevel knives and find no less sharpness in a single bevel from Kamikoto. They are extremely sharp and in many cases sharper than other knives.
Durability
Durability is the best feature we admire about Kamikoto. Kamikoto’s knives are made out of high-quality carbon alloy steel which is super hard and rust-resistant. Also, the full-tang design with a hand-forged mechanism gives the blade an eternal lifetime. Full-tang hand-forged design means a single piece of steel transformed into a complete knife from blade to handle.
Manufacturing Process
From collecting iron from the mountains of Chiba and Ibaraki in Japan to the exit of the Kamikoto workshop being a complete knife, it goes through 19 intense processes. At the end of these processes, a flawless complete knife is distributed to the customers. Although it may sound simple, it takes years for all these processes to be completed.
When the iron arrives at the workshop, it is first hot-drop forged, then expert bladesmiths beat it with a hammer and painstakingly shape it. The process causes the knife to become extremely hard. The metal is then forged and heated again to strengthen and harden it. Honshu steel is then heated for 2 hours at 1922 degrees Fahrenheit and annealed at 392 degrees Fahrenheit in Forge.
This process fortifies the knife and allows it to hold on for a longer period of time. Expert bladesmiths then polish and sharpen it, transforming it into extremely beautiful sharp and sharp edges. Throughout the process, each knife is individually inspected to ensure its quality. And They keep repeating the process until the steel piece turns into a standard sharp and balanced knife.
How to Care Kamikoto Knives
Care and proper maintenance can give you some extra years of using the same knife. You just simply have to stay away from cutting really hard things like bones, frozen items, hard nuts, etc. Then wash and dry it immediately after using the knife, do not soak for hours. Although they resist corrosion but not as effective as stainless steel. Also, lend the blade often to get a smooth and effortless cutting experience. If you can do it by yourself, it’s great, otherwise, sharpen the knife from professionals.
Guarantee of Kamikoto Knives
Kamikoto offers a limited lifetime guarantee for every knife they sell. The guarantee is only valid when manufacturing defects in material and construction are diagnosed. In that case, Customers need to provide proof of damage. Then they will replace or refund the product within their policy. But they take responsibility for rust, damage, or breakage due to improper use, improper maintenance, accidents, loss or theft.
FAQ’s About Kamikoto Knives
Where Do they Manufacture Kamikoto Knives?
Kamikoto is a Tokyo, Japan-based knife brand and from here they distribute the knives all over the world. But the source of their steel is Honshu Island in Japan.
Are Kamikoto Knives Good?
Yes, Kamikoto manufactures some legit knives. They use high-quality carbon steel to make their knives. Which gives assurance of better durability. Also, each knife is hand-crafted and balanced by expert bladesmiths. The knives are extremely sharp and heavy-duty.
Are Kamikoto Knives Worth the Price?
Due to the obvious materials used, Kamikoto knives are quite expensive. Quality is the most important factor. They undoubtedly provide high-quality knives. Each knife is handcrafted from premium carbon steel, is highly polished, and has good edge retention, all of which adds to the quality and price.
Should You Buy Kamikoto Knives?
If you’re not a beginner, don’t have issues with a single bevel (you shouldn’t), and give priority to quality over money then Kamikoto is a brand you should definitely try. We’ve already explained why this brand is worth your money.
Are Kamikoto Knives Fake or Scam?
Well, before writing this article, we have gone through hundreds of reviews from different blogs, forums, and eCommerce websites. And most of the reviews were positive. But yes sometimes manufacturing defects may occur. But ultimately they seem pretty nice to us.
Our Recommendation
Well, you should buy a knife according to what you use it for. Before that, you can carefully read everything we reviewed in the Kamikoto knives review article. Then you can get to know each knife better and decide which knife suits your needs.