Kamikoto Knives – How Much Do They Cost? And Are They Any Good? 

Of the tremendous variety of kitchen tools, knives might be the most common.

There’s likely no other tool that you use every time you cook. You need a knife more often than you need an oven or a stove, and if you cook at least one meal a day, then a reliable knife is one of the most important parts of your culinary arsenal.

Needless to say, a well-made chef’s knife makes a difference in food preparation. If it’s easy to use, razor sharp and the right weight for your hand, it’s easier to chop ingredients quickly. Meanwhile, an unreliable knife not only makes cooking more time-consuming and frustrating, it could also become a safety issue.

There’s no such thing as a perfect chef’s knife, as there are many variables to consider that involve personal preferences and differences in body type, like the size of your hands, what kinds of foods you prefer to make, and just what feels comfortable for you.

Enter Kamikoto Knives, a Tokyo-based business dedicated to producing high-quality kitchen knives from Japanese steel that draw on Japan’s long history of producing some of the highest-quality steel in the world for kitchen knives.

A Rich History

Kamikoto Knives are made in the classic Japanese style. Honshu, the main island of Japan, has been the center of steel production for 800 years, resulting in some of the finest swordsmithing and metal casting in the world.

The island’s master steelworkers refined their techniques over hundreds of years, and now “Kamikoto builds on this legacy to keep tradition alive in a changing world,” the company’s website says.

The island’s industry dates back to the Edo period 江戸時代 , which lasted from the early 1600s to the mid-1800s. Even today, the craft of steel knives remains one of the most important parts of the region’s economy. Honshu’s artisans are still celebrated for their industry and dedication to quality.

Kamikoto’s First Knife

Kamikoto Knives offers many kinds of kitchen knives that draw inspiration from Japan’s long history with these tools, including the 7-inch Santoku, the 13-inch Yanagiba, as well as cleavers, steak knives, and many more options.

But the company’s first knife was its signature: a single-bevel knife from Japanese steel that drew on the country’s history, and could win the approval of both world-renowned chefs and home cooks who want the very best knives to use for daily family meals.

While the classic Western chef’s knife, or hybrid knife, is beveled on both sides, resulting in a cutting edge like a V, the knives from Kamikoto stick to the classic Japanese design, with a single-edge bevel. These knives aren’t just great kitchen knives — they reflect the long history of a nation proud of its heritage.

Reasonable Prices for Stellar Knives

By selling directly to consumers instead of through intermediaries, Kamikoto is able to offer knives as good as any in the world at a much lower price. The business cuts no corners with either the quality of the materials or the rigorousness of their process.

Kamikoto Knives use 420J2 steel (Genten series) and SLD steel (Ganjo series). The Genten series “offers the benefits of a practical, highly corrosion-resistant blade,” the website says. As for the knife-making process, the company’s website showcases its 19-step practice, which takes several years to complete, but results in knives with lifetime guarantees that customers can rely on.

The process results in knives that keep their edge longer before needing sharpening.

While each cook has different needs for their knives, the most commonly used kitchen knife is a chef’s knife, which is between 6 to 8 inches. It’s a versatile kind of knife capable of slicing and dicing meat and veggies, smashing garlic, and chopping nuts or herbs.

Luckily, Kamikoto also makes knives with wonderful versatility and durability. The company’s 7-inch Santoku Knife is a great way to try out their knives and see if they’re right for you. The handcrafted blade sells for $171 and comes with a beautiful ash wood box.

If you’d like a little more variety, their Kanpeki Knife Set comes with a 7-inch Nakiri vegetable knife, a 8.5-inch Slicing knife, and a 5-inch Utility knife — all made with the company’s famous Honshu steel. The set provides one way to get started with Kamikoto Knives and find out if they’re right for you.

Trust The Professionals

While many knife-makers claim to sell knives endorsed by professional chefs, Kamikoto has the evidence to back it up, with a web page dedicated to the many chefs who choose their blades — including a map with the locations of their restaurants across North America and Europe.

“We are so impressed with the Kamikoto knives,” said Rupert Blease, chef and owner of Lord Stanley restaurant in San Francisco. “They are of both extremely high quality whilst being functional and appropriate for everyday kitchen use. We would highly recommend them for professional and home use.”

If your existing kitchen knives need an upgrade, and you want something that will stand the test of time — and serve as a reminder of the history and culture behind all great cooking — Kamikoto Knives are hard to beat.