Japanese Knife Lab
The world's finest blades,
explained by the people who make them.
The definitive editorial guide to Japanese kitchen knives — in 4 languages. Field reports from Kappabashi, Sakai and Echizen, plus a complete map of every knife shop worth visiting in Japan.
Flagship Field Test
April 2026 — Field Report
Best Japanese Knife Under $150 — Tested.
We bought a stainless santoku under $150 from each of six Kappabashi specialists and ranked them on tomato, onion, and daikon. 18 videos, 29 photos, full field test.
2026 Sharpening Field Test
We Sent the Same Knife to 5 Shops to Be Sharpened
We damaged one santoku identically, then sent it to 5 Kappabashi shops for sharpening. Sharpness, finish, price and turnaround — fully compared in video and photos.
Updated daily
Latest Articles
MAC vs Shun: Which Japanese Knife Brand Should You Buy? (2026)
MAC vs Shun compared honestly: steel, hardness, edge feel, handle, maintenance, warranty and price. MAC is the thin, light, understated pro workhorse (the MTH-80 is an icon); Shun is the premium Damascus favourite with the best US warranty and free sharpening. Two excellent Japanese-made brands — here is how to choose.
Read moreGlobal Knives Review (2026): Are They Good Japanese Knives? Models, Steel & Honest Verdict
Are Global knives good — and are they really Japanese? An honest 2026 review of Global (Yoshikin) knives: the one-piece steel design, CROMOVA 18 steel, popular models (G-2, GS-3, G-48), pros, cons, and who should buy them.
Read moreBest Misono Knives (2026): UX10 vs 440 vs Molybdenum vs Sweden — Which Line to Buy
A buyer's guide to Misono's knife lines — UX10 Swedish stainless flagship, 440 mid-tier, Molybdenum value entry, and carbon Sweden for enthusiasts. Which Misono line fits your kitchen, plus gyuto, petty, and sujihiki shapes.
Read moreTojiro vs Global vs MAC: Which Japanese Knife Brand Is Right for You? (2026)
Tojiro vs Global vs MAC — three Japanese knife brands compared for your first serious knife. Steel, handle, balance, edge feel and price, side by side. Our honest 2026 verdict.
Read moreShun vs Miyabi: Which Premium Japanese Knife Brand Should You Buy? (2026)
Shun vs Miyabi, compared head-to-head — steel, hardness, edge angle, Damascus, handle, warranty, US availability and price. An honest 2026 buyer's guide to the two most visible premium Japanese knife brands in the West.
Read moreWhat Is Honyaki? Honyaki vs Kasumi Knives Explained
Honyaki vs kasumi, explained honestly. What a honyaki knife really is, how the hamon forms, why it costs so much — and why almost no home cook actually needs one.
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