How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

The distinct characteristics of Japanese and Western knives stem from deep cultural influences and differing culinary traditions. Variations in food preparation and knife-use philosophy have shaped their design, functionality, and performance, leading to striking differences between them.

How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

Western and Japanese kitchen knives differ significantly in several key aspects, including:

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the main differences between Japanese and Western knives:

How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

Note that there are also many hybrid versions of the two, so there are exceptions to what is outlined here. For other features, as well as a more detailed explanation of the differences between Japanese and Western knives (and the reasons behind them), scroll on.

For a long time, Japan’s blades, especially katana blades, and Japanese samurai culture in general, have been well-known all over the world. In fact, in Japan, the tradition of making weapons has directly influenced the techniques used for making knives.

How did this happen?
In 1876 Japan, the Meiji government attempted to crush the influence of the feudal Samurai class. It issued a special Haitōrei edict, which banned the carrying of weapons in public. This was a terrible blow to the numerous swordsmiths in Japan. They were specialized in the thousand-year tradition of forging and sharpening exquisite blades, which had been passed down to them through generations. When the edict came into effect, this put the swordsmiths out of business. In order to survive, they needed to find new ways to use their skills. As a result, many turned from sword smithing to making culinary knives, which allowed them to continue using their exceptional talents in a similar context.

Among Western makers (which include French, American, and European makers), Germans are the most globally recognized and influential; the cutlery of Western manufacturers tends to closely match German designs.

The different perceptions of knife functionality between Japan and the West

In Western (German) culture, the qualities most valued in a knife are durability and versatile use. Consequently, Western makers have created blade designs that offer a very broad range of functionality. They are usually stouter and heavier and thus able to handle heavy-duty tasks, such as chopping bones. Western knives are double-bevel and their design and shape allow for more versatile use across the board.

How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a ComparisonIn Japan, it is quite the opposite. The Japanese believe that it is best to do each task with a tool that is specialized specifically for that task. Whereas they do have a few multi-purpose knives, such as gyuto, santoku and bunka, they have many different types of knives that have been developed for specific cutting tasks and ingredients, such as:

  • Unagisaki - specialized for filleting eel

  • Maguro kiri - specialized for filleting tuna

  • Fuguhiki - specialized knife for cutting slices of Fugu (puffer fish)

  • Sushikiri -  designed to slice sushi rolls

  • Sobakiri - designed for slicing soba noodles

A Japanese knife can be single- or double-bevel. In Japan, the knife is valued for its precision and sharpness, which has a lot to do with the nature of Japanese cuisine.

Did you know?
In the past, meat (with the exception of fish) was not often on the menu in Japan. It began to gain popularity due to the influence of the West, and this also influenced Japanese knife designs and the popularity of specific knife types. For example, traditionally, nakiri (for vegetables) and deba (for fish) were the main knives used in Japanese households. Eventually, due to the influence from the West, meat became more frequently included in Japanese diets. The knives used in Japan adapted to this change and santoku, a multi-purpose knife used for meat, fish, and vegetables, was developed, and is now the most commonly used knife in Japan.


How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

The Focus of Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cooking is centered around delicate, often raw food and seasonal ingredients. This has also influenced the Japanese perception of what a sharp knife is – the focus is not so much on the strength of the knife as it is on its precision.

The Japanese see a knife as truly sharp when it does the least damage to the cut ingredient’s cell membranes. For them, this holds the utmost importance, because it enables the food to retain its juices and remain fresh – a quality vital in Japanese cooking.

In fact, the Japanese value the freshness and cell integrity of the food so much that they even have a special term associated with it—‘shun’.

Did you know?
‘Shun’ is the essence of the season, food enjoyed locally and seasonally, in harmony with the current time of the year.

The Focus of Western Cuisine

In the West, a blend of different flavors, often accompanied by lengthy cooking, was favored. In stark contrast with Japanese cuisine, not much emphasis was placed on the preservation of cellular membranes of ingredients. In the West, the focus was more pragmatic and focused on minimizing effort. As a result, in the West, a knife is seen as sharp when it requires minimal added force to cut through ingredients. This is why German knives are typically much heavier than Japanese knives—the force of gravity aids in cutting.

As a result of these and other factors, traditional Western and Japanese kitchen knives have distinct characteristics that differentiate them in terms of blade and edge geometry, steel composition, weight, balance, and intended usage.

How do Japanese knives differ from Western knives?

The Characteristics of Japanese Knives

  • Japanese knives are famous for their sharpness and precision. They are intended for food preparation that demands meticulous control, such as slicing sashimi.
  • Japanese knives are nearly always handcrafted and have a thinner blade than Western knives. 

  • Because they are often forged from harder, high-carbon steel, this gives them exceptional sharpness and edge retention.

  • At the same time, this steel composition makes them more delicate and susceptible to chipping, so they are unsuitable for cutting very hard materials and require increased maintenance and protection from moisture.

  • Their flatter blade profile enables precise push and pull cuts. 

  • Japanese knives typically feature a thinner edge bevel, resulting in a narrower edge angle (usually 15 to 16 degrees) and an incredibly keen edge. This permits precise cuts with minimal drag—however, it renders the edge more vulnerable to damage and deformation.

  • Japanese knives usually have a hidden stick tang and are generally lighter than Western knives, with their center of balance situated farther towards the tip.


How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

The Characteristics of Western Knives

  • In contrast to Japanese knives, Western knives are designed for robustness and heavy-duty work, such as slicing and chopping bones. 

  • They are usually heavier, machine-made, and crafted from softer (rarely above 60 HRC), typically stainless steel, which enables them to cut through very hard material. 

  • Their steel composition requires less maintenance and makes the blade less prone to chipping, but it also results in worse edge retention, requiring more frequent sharpening. 

  • The blade profile is curved and shaped to accommodate a rocking motion during cutting, and it usually features a V-shaped edge bevel with a wider angle (usually around 20 degrees). While this increases durability, it also means less sharpness and more drag. 

  • Western knives typically have a full tang construction with a bolster, and their center of balance is located at the junction of the blade and the handle.

A Japanese or a Western Knife – Which is Better?

We have a strong preference for Japanese knives, of course. They are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique design characteristics, making them a preferred choice for many culinary enthusiasts. They are not just tools, but art, pieces of history, and if they are well-maintained, they will outlive their owner. Their razor-sharp blades are renowned for their edge retention and precise cutting, which cannot be matched by Western knives.

However, the choice between Japanese and Western knives ultimately hinges on personal preference and specific culinary needs. If you prioritize versatility and prefer a heftier blade for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bones or hard-skinned large vegetables (like a pumpkin), a Western knife may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize finesse in your food preparation, with an emphasis on precise cuts and intricate slicing, a Japanese knife may be your ideal choice.

In essence, the superiority of a Japanese knife over a Western knife is not absolute but rather context-dependent. Your culinary habits, cutting techniques, and the ingredients you work with should be carefully considered when deciding, which knife type you will buy. Both types of knives have their merits, and the final decision should align with your individual cooking style and preferences. And—when in doubt—why not both?

How do Japanese Knives Differ from Western Knives? - a Comparison

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