There’s something magical about a good kitchen knife when you’re cutting vegetables or meat. Best Japanese knives have long been the most popular choice for performing these tasks.
Kamikoto knives in 2023 are Japanese cutlery you might have heard about before if you’re looking for a new cookware set. Brands like this offer a wide selection of good products to suit all kinds of food enthusiasts, from professionals to home cooks. Despite their high price, these knives are mainly the subject of mixed opinions on the internet.
Being a believer in the notion that price is not always a defining factor of quality, I decided to investigate these further. In the ancient Edo period, Niigata had a long history of metalworking on Honshu and its surrounding areas! The Kamikoto family joined this guild of blacksmiths and metal workers and continues to practice their trade to this day.
It’s a characteristic of Japanese blades that they have distinctive patterns and are of high quality. A notable difference exists between Kamikoto’s metalwork and that from other parts of the world – Kamikoto is no exception.
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Brand History
As far back as 1908, the Kamikoto family had been forging Samurai swords, or Katana blades as they are also known. Their steel blades were even supplied to the Japanese navy at one point.
Kamikoto crafted products have evolved to meet the demands of different generations as a result of time. They relocated from sword-making to knife-making as a result. They were devoted to developing a single bevel steel blade knife in the traditional way using the techniques they mastered.
In the past, the Kamikoto brand was renowned for its sharp, corrosive-resistant, and highly durable kitchen knives. Their knife blades are forged from steel from Honshu island. Hand-crafted knives are then made in China by master knife makers.
To gain knowledge about Japanese blades, Kamikoto sought the counsel of blade experts and reputable Japanese bladesmiths. Their efforts resulted in knives that are now admired by some of the finest chefs in the world. They are even admired by knife enthusiasts. In addition, the district of Yanjiang in China where they make the Kamikoto blades has a history of blade-making that dates back to the Edo period.
Keeping the skills of an ancient craft alive and applying them to the making of high-quality knives is something that makes Kamikoto so proud. Their materials are also carefully chosen from carefully chosen steel mills, ensuring the highest level of quality in their finished products.
The process of making their beautiful blades has been refined through generations of their craftsmen’s dedication to excellence. There are 19 steps in the manufacturing process before a knife is ready for use! A select group of master craftsmen creates Kamikoto knives using techniques passed down through generations. This results in a quality product that is unparalleled.
The knives are also made to suit specific purposes, as it is in Japanese culture. One knife is designed exclusively for vegetables, whereas another is designed specifically for food like sashimi. There is even evidence that cutting your food could affect the flavor of a dish! We now have a better understanding of the heritage and quality of Kamikoto knives, so let’s move on to what they have to offer today…
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1. Kamikoto Kanpeki Knife Set
Features
- Brand: Kamikoto
- Model: 144993342
- Handle Material: Wood
- Blade Color: Silver
- Dimensions: 16.22 x 8.31 x 2.2 inches
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
This first set of three knives comes in a wood case made of lightly colored ash. They might compliment your kitchen quite nicely if it has more earthy tones. This elegantly simple knife set comes from superior quality Honshu steel, which makes it a pleasure to use when making sushi. Despite their versatility, these knives can be used for chopping and cutting of all kinds.
Among the items in this set are an 8.5-inch slicing knife, a 7-inch vegetable knife, and a 5-inch utility knife. This knife set features satin-finished handles and blades, making it a collectible and upscale knife set.
You will experience the benefits of owning a simple set of Kamikoto knives, like this Kanpeki set, for many years to come. Kamikoto knives are extremely durable and retain their sharpness easily with minimal maintenance.
They are a special kind of knife because they are so precisely balanced and weighted that they cut, chop, and slice smoothly and easily. A good knife will also save you from strenuous effort – perfect if you work long hours in the kitchen! You’d expect that these Kamikoto blades would stay sharp for years since they are corrosion-resistant.
2. Kamikoto 7in. Santoku Chef Knife
Features
- Brand: Kamikoto
- Model: B01573B49A
- Handle Material: Ash Wood
- Blade Material: Japanese Honshu 本州 Steel
- Dimensions: 18.11 x 6.69 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 2.48 pounds
The next knife we have here is a general-purpose kitchen knife from Kamikoto. The tool is versatile enough to be used in a variety of food preparation situations. As such, if you’re looking for an all-purpose knife that can cater to all your cutting, chopping, slicing, and carving needs, this is the knife for you!
Kamikoto’s 7-inch Santoku Chef Knife is corrosion-resistant and made from Honshu steel by master knife makers. Satin-finished handle and blade ensure quality and long-lasting performance. Satin finishes differ from polished finishes in that they are usually less shiny and appear more natural. Having a satin finish means that scratches won’t be as obvious.
This knife is designed especially for right-handed users and is beveled on one side. The weight and balance of the knife make cutting a fluid and easy experience.
You’ll also be pleased to know that the handle is non-slip. And it’s designed to suit the shape of your hand perfectly. The knife set is also packaged in a light ash wood box, as with the previous one. The box will work well in a kitchen with a natural and earthy theme.
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3. Kamikoto Senshi Dual Knife Set 46
Features
- Brand: Kamikoto
- Model: B01G6PPHW8
- Handle Material: Ash Wood
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Dimensions: 18.82 x 7.8 x 6.69 inches
- Weight: 6.19 pounds
On to this stunning set of Kamikoto Senshi dual knives, presented on a wooden display stand. A wooden stand provides easy access to your chosen blade if you use your knives frequently. You can also use the stand to allow your knives to dry out so quickly. The Honshu steel display in your kitchen will also add an impressive-looking feature to the room.
There is a 10-inch chef knife and a 5.5-inch utility knife included in this set. In addition to these two knives, we believe any avid chef can fulfill all their food preparation needs with ease.
Further, every knife is carefully weighed and balanced differently, depending on the user’s needs. Utility knives are excellent for cutting smaller items, while chef knives let you cut larger and stronger foods.
We have reviewed other knives with satin finishes for long-term use. Cutting or chopping is easy with well-designed handles to fit your hands comfortably.
The three knives we reviewed are simple yet effective and should serve you well for many years to come. In any case, you’ll have a good showpiece for your kitchen even if you don’t cook too much!
4. Kamikoto Kuro Series Knife Set
Features
- Brand: Kamikoto
- ASIN: B083CWMLKL
- Color: Black Handle
- Blade Material: Zirconium dioxide
- Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 2 inches
- Weight: 4.29 pounds
The same mistake Kamikoto made with the Kanpeki series was here also: they forgot to describe what core steel the company uses. This is something I don’t like about Kamikoto at all.
Maybe the black patina they added to this knife makes up for it. Good-looking knives are fine, but we all know that at the end of the day, it’s not their looks that make the food get cut properly. Thanks to its price, this knife cuts pretty well for the money you pay for it.
The set from Kamikoto comes with an additional santoku knife for those who desire one. This sets stands out the most to me compared to the Kanpeki series.
Moreover, all the knives in this series feature a double bevel, which should result in an even greater cutting angle, ensure double-handed use, and make the knives more maneuverable and comfortable to use. Oh, and if all goes well, this would make a wonderful kitchen knife, too.
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Buying Guide: Kamikoto Knives
The following details and features would make Kamikoto knives appealing to me when considering them for my own kitchen.
Construction
Know the components of a knife, and think about them when choosing one. Knives can be broadly categorized into three types:
Blade: Hand-forged from high carbon steel, Kamikoto’s blades are a complex and time-consuming process. This gives them exceptional sharpness, wear resistance, and edge retention. The steel is additionally naturally corrosion-resistant.
Bolster: In their traditional “no bolster” style, Kamikoto knives can be used completely without a bolster. Beginners shouldn’t use these knives since they do not protect their lead fingers. However, Kamikoto’s bolsters are well-made and heavy, which gives the knives an excellent balance and stability.
Handle: Kamikoto’s knives have polished wood and resin handles which give them a refined appearance. These comfortable handles, when combined with the full tang design, make this knife an excellent overall tool.
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Design
You’ll see the difference between Kamikoto knives and knives at a similar price if you place them side by side. Kamikoto knives are, simply put, more traditional than most knives available in the marketplace today. Their feel may be unfamiliar to some initially.
It becomes apparent after a few days of practice how the knives are designed. They are well-balanced and have the ability to cut with great precision. Combined with matte black handles and refined bolsters, they look great.
Durability
Every Kamikoto knife is made with full tang construction. From the blade to the handle, a single sheet of metal extends throughout the entire knife. This ensures the blade will last the longest and be the strongest. The full tang design made Kamikoto’s knives nearly indestructible when paired with the high-quality steel they use. By taking proper care of these knives, you’ll be able to pass them down to your family for many years to come.
Price
There is no question that these knives are of very high quality, as reflected in their price. Kamikoto knives can sometimes be found at discounts, making them an affordable purchase for plenty of consumers.
Final Thoughts
Kamikoto knives are a really good deal if you ignore the inflated “discounts” listed on the site. They’re versatile, beautifully designed, and come in a box made out of wood for safe storage. As an added bonus, the brand carries knives for seasoned cooks as well. However, they have a confusing pricing scheme, and they are always offering deals.
There are three main competitors to Kamikoto: Shun, Miyabi, and Yoshihiro. The blades of each of these competitors are as expensive (or more expensive) as Kamikoto’s knives. These knives are good, but they are not first-class. Kamikoto knives are a great choice for people who enjoy traditional style single bevel blades and wooden handles.
The brand makes such an effort to portray these knives as pro-grade tools even though, in reality, they are aimed more at the average home cook. That being said, everybody’s tastes and requirements are different. I believe, as always, that the best cookware depends on your budget and needs.
As well, make sure that you understand how to properly care for your knives so they will last a long time. As you know, there is no one magic knife that always keeps its edge. There is an excellent knife care guide offered by Kamikoto to help you maintain your knives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Different people require different types of knives for their kitchens. Beginning cooks will have drastically different cooking needs than an experienced home chef. Whatever your level of kitchen expertise, you must start with an excellent chef’s knife.
In addition, you can use a paring knife to perform small and delicate tasks. You can also get a breakdown of the best kitchen knives with my guide to essential kitchen knives.
Any Kamikoto item that you are dissatisfied with within 60 days can be returned. If you contact the company in advance, its team will guide you through the returns process.