For an aspiring cook, kitchen knives reflect how serious you are about your culinary skills as well as your personality. They are essential utensils in any kitchen, and they’re necessary for any recipe, except those that involve baking. Even then, you still need an Apple Slicer or Avocado Slicer among your Baking Tools if you want to make a pie.
If you’re serious about meal prepping and cutlery, it’s essential to get some high-end cutlery pieces in your arsenal, and that’s exactly what Yoshihiro, a Japanese brand that has been in the blade craft market for over a century, promises to offer. Although Yoshihiro is yet to be known all around the world, it’s essential to check our Yoshihiro knife reviews if you want to delve into the cutlery world the right way.
Without further ado, let’s get to the Yoshihito knives review list.
Yoshihiro Knives Review Center 2021
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#1 – YOSHIHIRO VG10 16Layers Hammered Damascus 6PC SET
The YOSHIHIRO VG10 16Layers Hammered Damascus collection is a set of six knives, and we’ve got to say, they’re quite popular. First and foremost, this is Yoshihiro that we’re talking about, so the set is kind of expensive (no surprise there). There are of course reasons behind this. Yoshihiro designed these knives to have a number of features, and what you’re getting is pretty worthwhile.
First, the set includes everything you need in your cutlery arsenal: a Gyuto 240 and a Gyuto 210, which are chef’s knives suitable for cutting meat, veggies, and fish, a Petty, which is a small chef’s knife for smaller ingredients, a Sujihiki, which is a slicing knife that you can add to your Meat Slicers, a Santoku, which is a Japanese all-around knife, and a Usuba, which is a vegetable Food Chopper. Quite the complete set, isn’t it?
The double-edged blades are made of VG10 16 Layers Nickel Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel, which is known for sharpness and for keeping an edge for extended periods of times, and the handles use Mahogany as the building material. In other words, they are comfortable to grip and durable.
For maintenance, keep these knives away from the dishwasher, and try to avoid using any low-quality Sharpening Stone or Sharpening Steel when honing the blades. Instead, look for a premium Japanese water stone, as that’s the best way to ensure perfect, safe honing every time.
What we like about it
This is a 6-piece set that includes premium-quality knives that not only boast incredible sharpness, thanks to the VG10 stainless steel construction, but are also comfortable to grip thanks to the Mahogany handles. The blades are well-balanced and feel great in hand, and they are bound to last for as long as you’re taking care of them properly. All in all, this is an excellent set for both professional and beginner chefs, and it’s worth every penny you’re paying, especially considering that it can last for a lifetime with proper maintenance.
#2 – YOSHIHIRO- Japanese Sushi Chef Kasumi Knife 3p Set
The Japanese Sushi Chef Kasumi 3-Piece Knife Set is one of the best Sushi knife sets on the market. The collection includes three cutlery items: a Yanagi knife, an Usuba knife, and a Deba knife, which are made of Shiroko high-carbon steel. The blades score 62 on the Rockwell hardness scale, which is expected considering that these knives are designed for serious Sushi enthusiasts and that they come at a steep price. Each of the three blades serves a specific purpose. The Yanagi is suitable for sashimi, the Usuba can be used for vegetables, and the Deba knife is intended for filleting. Quite the complete set for Sushi lovers.
What makes these knives unique is their solid, multi-layer construction, which protects the edge from everyday wear and ensures that the blades will remain sharp for long. That very layering of the surface makes an impressive wave near the cutting edge along the side of each knife, and it makes the maintenance a breeze, compared to professional knife sets in the same price range. Not to say that you shouldn’t maintain these knives. On the contrary, if you want to avoid stains, you need to take care of them properly, which is what you’d do with any knife set.
Along with their sharp blades, these knives boast magnolia handles in a traditional Japanese style, which adds to the beauty of the Japanese Sushi Chef Kasumi 3-Piece Knife Set.
What we like about it
The knives in Yoshihiro’s Sushi set are ultra-sharp, retain their edge for years, and are complete beasts when it comes to craftsmanship and design. They are also comfortable to grip thanks to the traditional magnolia handles that reflect the company’s care about the details. Although you’re unlikely to buy this knife set if you’re not a professional Sushi chef, it’s important to note that these knives are well-worth their price. If you’re serious about sushi prep, these are some of the finest, most efficient Yoshihiro knives that you can get your hands on and add to your Sushi Making Kits.
#3 – Yoshihiro VG10 16 Layer Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chef’s Knife
This Yoshihiro Chef’s knife is perfect for people looking for a premium Japanese Knife that’s not too exotic or fancy. Although it calls the style of the classic Gyutos, this knife is primarily designed for western users, with a 3-mm spine, a slight curve near the end of the blade, and a traditional, comfy mahogany handle that’s simple, stylish, and comfortable to grip for hours on end. In other words, it gives you the best of both worlds; the simplicity of the western cutlery and the efficiency of the eastern blade craft.
The forged, full-tang blade of this knife is incredibly sharp out of the box, and it can hold its edge for years. It features a VG-10 cutting core that scores 60 on the Rockwell hardness scale and a water-resistant cladding that can withstand everyday wear and rigorous kitchen usage. Quite the unbeatable combo in our opinion. Just like any other high-end forged knife, Yoshihiro’s Chef’s knife can cut through virtually anything with ease. When using this blade, expect nothing less than perfection.
What really sets this knife apart is how user-friendly it is, as it features a double 50/50 bevel at a 15-degree angle with a 70/30 grind towards the end of the edge, making it fully ambidextrous. No need to worry about handling if you’re a left-handed cook, as this knife got you covered.
What we like about it
If you’re looking for an all-purpose kitchen knife that can take of your chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks all while looking incredibly stylish on your kitchen counter, you’ve just found it; that’s exactly what the Yoshihiro Chef’s knife is offering. Besides being ultra-sharp, durable, and comfortable, this beautiful piece of cutlery boasts an impressive, stylish design thanks to the beautiful Damascus finish that’s bound to impress the hardest of your critics, making Yoshihiro’s Chef’s knife a solid choice to consider when it comes Japanese knives.
#4 – Yoshihiro VG-10 Damascus Santoku Multipurpose Japanese Chef Knife
As per the previous product on our list, this chef’s knife is also kind of expensive, and that means it may not be for everyone. But you can look at it this way; you’re not just getting a quality product, you’re also getting a lifetime kitchen partner, seeing how this knife is made with durability and longevity in mind. When you take all of that into consideration, the price tag may not be as crazy as it seemed originally.
The Yoshihiro VG-10 Damascus Santoku boasts a 3-layer construction with a VG-10 Japanese stainless-steel core that scores 60 in the Rockwell hardness scale, which means that it can hold its edge quite well, just like an actual Samurai sword, which is the inspiration behind this excellent piece of cutlery. Not only that, but also offers impressive durability.
As for the outside of the blade, it’s made of a 16-layer hammered steel for a stylish, yet durable, design that reduces friction and prevents food from sticking to the edge.
The handle of this knife is made of the traditional Mahogany wood, which gives it a stylish Japanese look while keeping it balanced and comfortable to grip even for long periods of time.
Just like other Japanese knives, the Yoshihiro Santoku must be maintained and honed using only premium sharpening water stones to ensure their longevity.
What we like about it
The kind of person that would be willing to get a Yoshihiro knife is the kind of person who’s not ready to change his Santoku knife or get a different product to try out after years of usage. In that case, the price of the Yoshihiro knife can be justified, and you’ll find great value in buying it. Yoshihiro’s multipurpose Santoku is an excellent entry-level Japanese chef’s knife that can take care of all your cutting tasks around the kitchen while being comfortable, durable, and practical. If you’re just starting out with Japanese knives, this is an excellent product that can surely kickstart your journey.
#5 – Yoshihiro NSW 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Usuba Vegetable Chef knife
Yoshihiro NSW chef’s knife boasts a VG-10 Hammered Damascus construction with 46 layers divided between the two sides, with a 60-rating on the Rockwell hardness scale. The blade is sturdy and double-edged, which means that it’s suitable for both left and right-handed users, and it’s made in a way that allows it to keep the edge for long. The layered steel on the bevel is stylish and well-polished, and the hammered upper area is just aesthetically-appealing.
It’s worth noting that this is not a true a chef’s knife, it’s an Usuba, or a vegetable chef’s knife, which means that it’s suitable for veggies, but not for meat or fish, so keep that in mind if you decide to go with this blade.
The shape of the blade is quite convenient and ergonomic, as it doesn’t have a sharp tip. No need to worry about breaking or bending the edge when the tip hits the Cutting Board anymore. Using this knife, you can fly through cutting veggies hassle-free. It also comes with a Natural Magnolia Saya cover, which means that the knife won’t get damaged when you place it in your kitchen drawer alongside your other cutlery pieces, if you don’t have a knife block, that is.
The handle is made of Octagonal-Shaped Shitan with a double Mahogany bolster for extra protection. Just like other knives from Yoshihiro, this knife is comfortable to grip for extended periods of time.
What we like about it
All in all, we highly recommend this knife. It’s ultra-sharp out of the box, has a lot of aesthetic charm to it, and features a comfortable handle. All those traits allow the Yoshihiro NSW Usuba to cut through veggies effortlessly. You can add it to both your cutlery arsenal and salad making tools, just beside your Salad Dressing Shaker and Salad Spinner.
How we Chose the Top Yoshihiro Knives in our List
Each knife in our Yoshihito knife reviews is handcrafted by expert artisans following the industry’s highest quality standards. Granted, they are not cheap, but the brand isn’t by any mean overhyped, and the quality does live to the hype and price. Here are the factors that we went through before writing our Yoshihito knives reviews:
The Sharpness
Each of the reviewed products features an ultra-sharp blade that can hold an edge for long. Nevertheless, just like any other high-end products such as Shun Knives and Wusthof Knives, Yoshihito knives require occasional edge maintenance to remain sharp and efficient. Should you take care of them properly and hone them regularly, you’re bound to keep your kitchen knives nice and sweet for years to come.
The Construction
What’s impressive about Yoshihito is that the company uses different materials, styles, handles, metals, designs, and shapes to present an extensive catalog in which anyone and everyone can find their much-needed pieces of cutlery. Every Yoshihito knife is tailored to the needs of a specific category of people, meaning that you can choose an appropriate blade for your own kitchen rather than getting a generic knife that has a set of features that you don’t need or want.
The Style
Let’s ask the right questions; is Yoshihito the kind of brand that adds value to a knife through its name alone? If you’re thinking that the answer is yes, then you’re certainly not wrong. For this reason, it’s worth having one or more Yoshihito knives in your possession to bring out whenever you have guests. If you’re looking to make an impression, this is definitely a way to do so.
Different Types of Yoshihiro Knives
There are a few main types of Yoshihiro knives. Here they are:
Gyuto Vs. Chef’s Knife
Although you won’t probably find a western chef’s knife in Yoshihiro’s knife sets, you’ll come across the Gyuto knife, which is basically the Japanese version of a Chef’s blade. Gyutos can be used for the same tasks as the western chef’s knives, and they share the same shape and efficiency as well.
Despite their similarities, the western and eastern counterparts do have some differences. For starters, Gyutos tend to be thinner and lighter than Chef’s knives. Also, Gyutos have the edge when it comes to the material used as they tend to have a harder type of steel. Finally, the Japanese knives have a flatter edge. Nevertheless, the two models are really similar, and you’re unlikely to tell the difference on the field.
Knife Sets Vs. Single Knives
When they have the same brand label, knife sets and single knives don’t differ in quality nor in style. The difference between the two is the price. If you’re a collecting a new cutlery arsenal or renovating your old one, purchasing a knife set would be the cheaper, more reasonable option as getting a full collection is usually more economical than getting each knife separately. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a specific knife, then, by all means, go ahead and get it, as there’s no point in getting an entire set in that case.
Choosing which type(s) or a number of knives to go with entirely depends on your needs and preferences, so makes sure to determine those before studying your choices.
Why You Need the Best Yoshihito Knives in Your Kitchen
When you’re performing a cutting task in your kitchen, be it chopping some meat, slicing an apple, or dicing an onion without an Onion Chopper, you’re exposed to a great risk because of the blade you’re handling. A dull kitchen knife would only increase that risk, and it’s a quick way to turn what was an enjoyable culinary experience into a disastrous and unwanted task. All of that raises the need for quality knives that can remain sharp and keep their edge for extended periods of time, and that can be easily and quickly honed at home or at the local cutlery store. The best Yoshihito offer those very features, making them some of the safest and most convenient options when it comes to cutlery.
Furthermore, replacing your knives often can be very costly and hard on your budget, that’s why you need some cutlery items that can last for years and maybe decades. Being made of an array of quality materials, Yoshihito knives can last for a lifetime while keeping a sharp edge and remaining efficient to their last seconds.
Finally, comfort is crucial when it comes to cutlery especially if you’re one operating in a professional kitchen, that’s why you need a knife, or knives, which you can grip for long without feeling tired. Thanks to the traditional Mahogany used in the construction of their handles, the best Yoshihito knives are not only comfortable but also durable and stylish, making them the perfect piece of cutlery for heavy-users, which is exactly why you need some Yoshihito in your kitchen drawer.
While you’re here, check out some of our other kitchen accessories and knives! As always, we recommend you keep your knives sharp with an electric knife sharpener, as well as safely kept in either a knife block or on a magnetic knife strip held safely in your kitchen pantry or kitchen island.
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