Japanese knives are strong, sharp, and well-made. Their use appeals to both chefs and home cooks. Japanese knife purchases might be difficult for beginners. This post explains how to buy a Japanese knife in the UK. We’ll discuss knife kinds and how to choose the best Japanese kitchen knife set.
Why Buy Japanese Knives?
Understand why Japanese knives are world-class before buying. Japanese knives are designed for performance with razor-sharp blades, excellent artistry, and elegant designs. Due to their reduced weight and finer edge, they cut more cleanly than Western blades. A Japanese knife is precise and controlled for slicing vegetables or cutting meat.
Japanese Knives Types
Japanese knives are shaped and sized for specific tasks. Popular varieties include:
- Chef’s Knife: Gyuto Western chef’s knife-like, most flexible in Japanese kitchens. Very handy for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- A slicing, chopping, and affected cutter. Fast, accurate cuts are possible with its shorter length than a Gyuto.
- Nakiri, a straight-edged vegetable knife for rocking.
Sujihiki: This long, thin knife slices meat, fish, and other proteins precisely.
Budget
Finding a cheap Japanese knife that matches your needs is vital. Entry-level knives cost £30; high-end ones cost £100–£1000. Beginners should use a cheaper knife. Choose excellent knives from well-known businesses for a lifetime blade.
The blade material is crucial when purchasing a Japanese knife. The steels used to make these knives vary. You should know:
- High-carbon steel blades are sharp. They can rust if they are addressed. They need frequent cleaning.
- Stainless steel blades rust less. They might get dull with time.
- Damascus steel: Layered steel is lovely. Strong and sharp. It also needs frequent upkeep.
- Good Japanese knives have unique designs. The middle is high-carbon steel, while the exterior is stainless steel for protection.
The handle of a Japanese knife affects comfort and control. There are two handle types:
- Japanese-style (Wa-style): Round or eight-sided handles. Made of wood or other materials. They’re light and conventional.
- Western-style handles resemble Western knives. Made of plastic or metal. They suit heavier knives.
- Choose a comfortable handle. It improves cutting.
How to Buy a UK Japanese Knife
Now that you know what to look for, here are some UK-Japanese knife-buying tips:
Trustworthy brands include Shun, Global, Miyabi, and Tojiro. The knives in these brands range from basic to professional.
Unique kitchen stores have nicer knives than supermarkets. The Knife Warehouse, Blok Knives, and Sushi Market sell authentic Japanese knives.
Buy knives online if you need help getting to a store. Amazon UK, Korin UK, and Kitchen Knife Co. sell nice knives. They provide facts and reviews to aid selection.
Best Japanese Kitchen Knife Set for UK Buyers
Excellent Japanese knife sets are here. A good set contains a chef’s, paring, bread, and utility knife.
- UK subscribers’ favourite sets:
- Sharp Damascus Steel Shun Classic 5-Piece Knife Set. This set suits chefs and home cooks.
- 5 Piece Global Knife Block Set: Sharp, light, pleasant. This set includes knives for various tasks.
Tojiro DP 3-Piece Knife Set: Strong and sharp. Quality and value are included.
Japanese Knife Care
Maintain your Japanese knife for maximum usage. Honing the blade frequently enhances its life and sharpness. Using a Japanese knife on glass or stone might damage it. After use, hand-wash and dry your knife to prevent corrosion.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Japanese knife in the UK might be scary, but with the appropriate information, you can discover one that meets your needs and improves your cuisine. Find the best knife for your kitchen, whether you desire one or a set. Happy cooking!
