Best Japanese Knife Sets for the UK

Why Choose a Japanese Knife Set?

Japanese knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness, precision, and longevity. For many UK home cooks and professionals alike, a japanese kitchen knife set is the ultimate upgrade. Whether you are slicing sashimi, dicing vegetables, or trimming meat, the right set can transform your daily cooking. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose? This guide will help you understand what to look for and introduce you to three excellent sets we stock at Shimeru Knives. We have also included a steak knife set for those who love to entertain.

What Makes a Great Japanese Knife Set?

Before we dive into specific sets, it helps to know the key factors. The steel is the heart of the blade. Traditional high-carbon steel holds an incredible edge but requires more care to avoid rust. Stainless variants offer easier maintenance while still achieving impressive sharpness. Many Japanese knives use a Damascus pattern, where layers of steel are folded and etched to create a beautiful, wavy finish. This not only looks stunning but also helps food release from the blade. The number of layers can vary: the Suma steak knives have 67 layers, while the full sets from Asahi, Kitakami, and Shinano also feature a Damascus outer layer over a high-carbon steel core. The handle is another important consideration. Resin handles, often with coloured accents, are durable, comfortable, and chemically stable. Wood handles are traditional but require more oiling. Resin avoids that maintenance. You can read more about choosing the right knife for your needs in our knife guide.

Another factor is blade thickness. Some Japanese knives are thinner for precision slicing, while others are slightly thicker for heavier chopping. The three main sets we feature all have blades that are medium thickness, offering a good balance between sharpness and durability. This makes them suitable for a wide range of tasks, from mincing garlic to cutting through squash. The honing rod included in each set is made of ceramic or steel and helps maintain the edge between sharpenings.

Our Top Japanese Knife Sets

We have carefully selected three main sets that offer different aesthetics and handling characteristics. All are made with high-carbon stainless steel and feature a Damascus pattern. Each set includes eight essential knives: a chef's knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a carving knife, a santoku, a nakiri, a petty knife, and a honing rod. They come in a stylish wooden block with a magnetic slot for easy access. Let us look at them in detail.

The Asahi Red Resin Set

The Asahi set, known as Asahi 朝日川 Damascus Pattern Stainless Steel Kitchen 8 Knife Set£139.99View product →, stands out with its bold red resin handle. The high-carbon steel core is clad in a Damascus stainless steel outer layer, providing both sharpness and corrosion resistance. The red handle is not just for looks: the resin is chemically stabilised, meaning it will not absorb moisture or warp over time. This set is ideal for cooks who want a modern, vibrant look that still respects tradition. The blades are slightly thicker at the spine, giving them a robust feel for heavier chopping tasks. If you value durability with a splash of colour, this is a strong contender. It suits those who do a lot of vegetable prep and need a knife that can handle hard squashes and root vegetables without flexing.

The Kitakami Green Marble Set

For those who prefer a more organic, earthy aesthetic, the Kitakami set, Kitakami 北上川 Damascus Pattern Stainless Steel Kitchen 8 Knife Set£139.99View product →, features a green marble effect resin handle. The marble pattern is created by mixing different coloured resins, so each handle is unique. Like the Asahi, it uses a high-carbon steel core with a Damascus outer layer. The green handles are slightly lighter in weight, which some cooks find more comfortable for extended prep sessions. The blade geometry is similar, offering a good balance between sharpness and edge retention. This set feels both traditional and contemporary, perfect for a kitchen that values natural tones. It is particularly well suited to home cooks who spend a lot of time slicing fish or making delicate cuts, as the lighter weight reduces fatigue.

The Shinano Blue Resin Set

Another excellent full set is the Shinano set, Shinano 信濃川 Damascus Pattern Stainless Steel Kitchen 8 Knife Set£134.99View product →. This one features a striking blue resin handle that adds a cool, calm tone to the kitchen. The construction is again high-carbon steel with a Damascus pattern. The blue handles are slightly contoured for a comfortable grip, and the resin is durable and easy to clean. This set offers a similar performance to the Asahi and Kitakami but with a distinct colour choice. It is a great option if blue matches your kitchen decor or personal preference. The Shinano knives have a slightly slimmer profile than the Asahi, making them a good choice for those who prefer a nimble feel for tasks like peeling and trimming.

Steel and Blade Comparison

All three full sets share the same core steel: a high-carbon stainless material that strikes an excellent balance. High-carbon steel can be sharpened to a finer edge than standard stainless, but it is more prone to staining if left wet. The Damascus cladding helps protect the core and also reduces food sticking. The Suma steak knives, Suma 4.5" Damascus Steel Steak Knife Set 4 pieces ステーキナイフ£99.99View product →, use VG10 as the core steel, which is a premium powder steel known for even grain structure and very high edge retention. VG10 is a favourite among professional chefs because it holds an edge for a long time and is still relatively easy to sharpen. The 67-layer Damascus pattern on the Suma knives is not just decorative: it creates micro-serrations that help the blade grip and cut through meat fibres more cleanly.

When comparing blade sizes, the full set knives range from a 20cm chef's knife down to a 9cm petty knife. This variety covers almost every kitchen task. The Suma steak knives are 4.5 inches (about 11.4cm), which is ideal for table use and smaller cutting tasks. If you already have a good chef's knife, the Suma set could be a perfect complement for steak lovers.

Who Should Buy Each Set?

Choosing between the three main sets often comes down to handle colour and personal feel. The Asahi red is bold and energetic, best for someone who wants their knives to stand out. The Kitakami green marble is unique and natural, perfect for the cook who appreciates artistry. The Shinano blue is calm and cool, matching a modern minimalist kitchen. All three are excellent japanese knife set with block options. If you are a steak enthusiast, the Suma steak knives are a perfect standalone set or a gift. They are also great for people who frequently cook meat and want a dedicated knife that excels at slicing cooked proteins. For professional chefs, any of these sets will serve well in a commercial kitchen, but the Shinano or Asahi might be preferred due to their robust handle construction. The Kitakami is lighter, so it might suit a pastry chef or someone who does more precise, delicate work.

How to Care for Your Japanese Knife Set

Investing in a quality japanese cooking knives set means you will have knives that last for decades with proper care. Hand washing is essential: never put these knives in the dishwasher. Use a soft sponge and mild detergent, then dry immediately. Honing with the included rod before each session will keep the edge aligned. For sharpening, we recommend using water stones: start with a 1000 grit for routine sharpening, then a 3000 or 6000 grit for polishing. You can find detailed advice in our knife care guide. Always use a wooden or plastic cutting board, not glass or stone, to protect the blade edge. A good magnetic rack or wooden block is ideal for storage. Also, avoid using the knives to cut through bones or frozen foods; the thin edges are not designed for that. If you treat them with respect, a Japanese knife set will reward you with effortless cutting for years.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helps you navigate the world of Japanese knives. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, a good set will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Remember, the best knife is the one that fits your hand and your budget. The three full sets we have discussed all offer the same core performance: eight knives plus a honing rod in a block, made from high-carbon stainless Damascus steel. The colour choice is yours. The Suma steak knives add a specialised edge for meat lovers. Feel free to visit our full range at knife sets to see all options. And if you have any questions, our team at Shimeru Knives is always happy to help.

Photography: Andrey Matveev via Unsplash.