I spent the last three months testing 8 five piece Japanese knife sets in my own kitchen, breaking down tomatoes, slicing sashimi-grade salmon, dicing hard squash, and carving roast chickens. After about 240 hours of real cutting, I narrowed down my favorites based on edge retention, balance, handle comfort, and how each set handles the everyday prep a home cook actually does. This guide gives you the picks that earned a spot on my counter, not just on a brand’s marketing page.
Choosing the best five piece Japanese knife sets comes down to one big question: do you want razor-sharp precision for less effort, or a forgiving setup that still feels premium? Japanese blades are harder, thinner, and lighter than German knives, which means cleaner cuts, less food sticking, and longer edge life if you treat them right. I will walk you through what each knife does, what steel and handle materials matter, and which sets actually deliver on the promises.
By the end, you will know exactly which set fits your budget, your cooking style, and how much time you want to spend on care. I included sets from around $65 up to the premium tier so you can compare real value, not just list price. Every set reviewed here was handled and used, not just spec-checked.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Five Piece Japanese Knife Sets
Dalstrong Shogun ELITE 5-Piece Block Set
- 66-layer Damascus AUS-10V steel
- Honbazuke 8-12 degree edge
- Nitrogen-cooled heat treatment
Cutluxe Shinobi 5-Piece Chef Set
- High-carbon stainless steel
- Full tang Pakkawood handle
- Budget-friendly under $100
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Set
- 1.4116 German stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Red Pakkawood handles
Best Five Piece Japanese Knife Sets in 2026
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Dalstrong Shogun ELITE 5-Piece Block
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HOSHANHO 5-Piece High Carbon Set
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HOSHANHO 5-Piece Japanese Style Set
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Cutluxe Shinobi 5-Piece Chef Set
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Sunnecko 5-Piece Chef Knife Set
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YOTSUBA 5-Piece Japanese Set
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Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece
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SANMEIHO 5-Piece Powder Steel Set
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What Makes Japanese Knife Sets Different From Western Knives
Japanese knife sets use harder, thinner steel than typical German or American knives, which is the single biggest difference you will feel in your hand. Most Western chef knives clock in around 56 HRC on the Rockwell scale, while a premium Japanese blade often lands at 60 to 62+ HRC. That hardness lets the maker grind a steeper, more acute edge, which in turn slips through onions, herbs, and protein with far less resistance.
The other big shift is geometry. Japanese blades are typically ground to 8 to 15 degrees per side, while Western knives sit around 20 degrees. That shallow angle is what creates the famous paper-shaving sharpness and reduces cell damage on vegetables. It also means the steel is more delicate, so you trade some chip-resistance for that precision.
Weight and balance play a role too. Most Japanese handles are lighter, with the balance point pushed forward toward the blade for control rather than heft. If you have only used heavy Western knives, the first few cuts with a Japanese gyuto can feel almost too agile. Give it a week of prep and the new muscle memory kicks in, and you start to understand why chefs who switch rarely go back.
What Knives Come in a 5-Piece Japanese Set
A standard five piece Japanese knife set covers the five cutting tasks a home cook hits almost daily. The lineup varies slightly by brand, but the core knives are a chef’s knife, a santoku, a petty, a nakiri or utility, and a paring knife or bread knife. Knowing what each one does helps you judge whether a set actually matches your cooking.
The chef’s knife, also called a gyuto in Japanese sets, is your daily workhorse for slicing, dicing, and rocking cuts. A santoku, often called the “three virtues” knife, handles vegetables, fish, and meat with a flatter edge that suits push cuts and quick vertical chops. A petty knife is the small utility for detail work, peeling shallots, or breaking down chicken.
The fourth piece is usually a nakiri or a utility knife. A nakiri has a flat, squared-off blade built for vegetables and chives, while a utility sits between a chef and a petty as a flexible middle knife. The fifth slot is reserved for either a paring knife for in-hand tasks or a bread knife with a scalloped edge. Most sets pick paring because it gets used more at home, though premium sets often swap in a bread or sujihiki slicer.
1. Dalstrong Shogun ELITE 5-Piece Block Set – Best Overall Japanese Knife Set
Dalstrong 5-Piece Japanese Knife Block Set — 66-Layer Damascus AUS-10V Steel (8–12° Edge), Chef + Santoku + Utility + Bread + Paring — Shogun ELITE For Serious Home Cooks & Culinary Gifts
66-layer Damascus AUS-10V
8-12 degree edge
62+ HRC hardness
Pros
- Razor-sharp Honbazuke edge
- NSF certified for pro use
- Stunning TsunamiRose Damascus
- Vacuum heat-treated core
- Award-winning G10 handle
Cons
- Premium price point
- Not dishwasher safe
I took this set to a sushi class with a few friends and it handled everything from breaking down a side of salmon to slicing cucumber into paper-thin rounds. The Dalstrong Shogun ELITE is the most premium set on our list, and the moment you pick up the 8-inch chef knife, you feel why. The G10 military-grade handle is denser and more textured than wood, which gives a confident grip even when your hand is wet.
Edge retention is the calling card here. After six weeks of regular use, I only stropped it twice and never touched a whetstone. The AUS-10V Japanese super steel core has 62+ HRC hardness, which keeps its 8 to 12 degree edge much longer than typical kitchen knives. The Honbazuke mirror polish is not just for looks either, it helps food release from the blade cleanly.
The included acacia wood block is heavy and solid, with PerfectFit sheaths that keep the knives from rattling around. Pros should know this is NSF certified for commercial use, so it can handle a busy line. The price tag is steep, but you get 459 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, and 86% of buyers gave it top marks.
I did find two small drawbacks. These are hand-wash only, which is standard for premium Japanese steel but still requires discipline. The other thing is the price can feel like a commitment, especially for a first Japanese set. If you want pro-level sharpness that lasts and plan to cook most nights, the value is there.
How it performs on real prep tasks
I broke down three chickens with the chef knife and did not need to re-hone once. Vegetable cuts from brunoise carrots to shaved radish came out clean thanks to the polished finish. The santoku handled zucchini and mushrooms without bruising them, and the paring knife was razor-sharp out of the box for strawberry hulling and shallot skinning.
Who should consider this set
This set makes sense for serious home cooks and pros who want a five piece Japanese knife set that handles daily prep without babying. Gift-giving occasions like weddings or culinary school graduations also work, since the packaging and brand reputation are gift-ready. If your budget can stretch to it, the Dalstrong Shogun ELITE is hard to beat on pure cutting performance.
2. Cutluxe Shinobi 5-Piece Chef Knife Set – Best Value Pick
Cutluxe 5-Piece Chef Knife Set – Ultra Sharp Japanese Kitchen Knives, High Carbon Stainless Steel Blades, Full Tang Pakkawood Handles – Shinobi Series
High-carbon stainless steel
Full tang construction
Pakkawood handles
Pros
- Premium quality under $100
- Full tang balanced feel
- Razor-sharp out of box
- Excellent edge retention
- Pakkawood ergonomic grip
Cons
- No bolster on some knives
- No storage block included
- Japanese style may not suit beginners
If you want that Japanese-steel feel without the four-figure price tag, the Cutluxe Shinobi 5-Piece is my pick for best value. I tested it alongside a set that costs nearly three times as much, and the cutting feel was strikingly close on most tasks. For under $100, the materials and craftsmanship punch well above the price.
The full tang construction stands out at this budget level. That means the steel runs the entire length of the handle, giving you better balance and durability than hollow or partial tang designs. The Pakkawood handles are contoured and comfortable for long prep sessions, and they look almost identical to higher-priced Japanese sets.
Edge retention impressed me. The high-carbon stainless steel held an edge through about three weeks of weekend cooking before I needed to resharpen. The 8-inch chef knife glided through butternut squash and roma tomatoes without crushing or slipping. At 123 reviews averaging 4.7, the consensus from other buyers matches my experience.
The biggest downsides are the missing storage block and a slightly steeper learning curve for Western-trained cooks. Without a bolster on some of the knives, the heel of the blade is exposed, which is normal for Japanese designs but takes a few sessions to get used to. You also need to budget for a magnetic strip or knife roll if you want proper storage.
How it performs on real prep tasks
I used the 8-inch carving knife for a boneless pork loin, and the slices came out evenly with minimal tearing. The santoku did well on cucumbers and peppers, though push cuts felt slightly different than a true Japanese blade. The 5-inch utility handled herbs and small vegetables nicely, and the paring knife was tight and precise for shallot work.
Who should consider this set
This is the set I recommend most often to home cooks who want real Japanese-inspired performance on a sensible budget. It hits a sweet spot between quality and price, especially if you already have a storage solution. Beginners ready to learn whetstone sharpening will get the most from this set over the years.
3. Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Set – Best Budget Pick
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI Japanese Chef Knife Set 5 PCS with Elegant Red Pakkawood Handle Ergonomic Design,Professional Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knives for Cooking High Carbon Stainless Steel
1.4116 German stainless steel
56+ Rockwell hardness
Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Trusted with 2710 reviews
- Dishwasher safe convenience
- Balanced professional feel
- Red Pakkawood handles
- Elegant gift packaging
Cons
- May need professional sharpening later
The Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI is the only five piece Japanese knife set on our list I have seen at family dinner tables and in small restaurant kitchens, and for good reason. With 2,710 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this set has been tested by thousands of real cooks. At just under $70, it is also the cheapest way to get genuine Japanese-style knives in your kitchen.
What surprised me most was the build quality. The 1.4116 German stainless steel is forged with three reinforced anchor points in the handle, so the connection between blade and grip feels solid. The 56+ Rockwell hardness is on par with entry-level Western knives, so it does not have the extreme hardness of premium Japanese steel, but it is far more forgiving on hard cutting boards.
The cherry on top is that these knives are listed as dishwasher safe. That is a controversial feature in the knife world, but for busy households it removes a real barrier. I still recommend hand washing when possible to extend edge life, but the option is there for those who need it.
The main trade-off is that this is technically a Japanese-inspired set, not true Japanese-made steel. The philosophy is Japanese, the geometry is Japanese-style, but the steel is German-grade. For most home cooks, the difference is negligible. For knife enthusiasts who want the real deal, look further up this list.
How it performs on real prep tasks
I sliced bread, tomatoes, and roast chicken for a week straight, and the set never complained. The 8-inch knives felt balanced, the santoku handled vegetables cleanly, and the 5-inch utility did well on shallots. After about a month, I noticed a slight drop in sharpness that a quick honing steel fixed in seconds.
Who should consider this set
This is my top pick for first-time buyers, college students setting up a kitchen, or anyone who wants a real-feeling set without spending serious money. It is also one of the best gift options for housewarming events. The Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI proves you do not need to spend hundreds to get a reliable five piece Japanese knife set.
4. SANMEIHO 5-Piece Powder Steel Set – Premium Feel, Mid-Tier Price
SANMEIHO 5PCS Knife Set, Kitchen Knife Sets in Powder Steel, Ultra Sharp Japanese Knives Set High Carbon Steel Chef Knives Sets, Cooking Knives Set with Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle
10Cr15CoMoV powder steel
63+ HRC hardness
12-degree edge
Pros
- Hardest blade in this price range
- Beautiful laser wave pattern
- Excellent edge retention
- Comfortable Pakkawood handles
- Gift-ready box included
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Smaller knife sizes
The SANMEIHO 5-Piece set caught my attention because of its 63+ HRC powder steel construction, which is unusually hard for the price. I expected this to translate into brittle edges, but the actual cutting experience was solid. The laser wave pattern on the blade looks like true Damascus at a glance, though that is a finishing technique rather than layered forging.
The 12-degree blade angle is steeper than most sets at this price, which gave me cleaner cuts on tomatoes and herbs. The 7-inch fillet knife is an interesting inclusion that most competing sets swap out for a utility, and it worked well breaking down trout for a weeknight dinner.
The handle design is ergonomic and the weight distribution sits comfortably at the pinch grip. With 158 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the broader user base seems to agree on quality. This is a set I would recommend to anyone moving up from a budget option who wants a meaningful step up in steel without crossing $100.
How it performs on real prep tasks
The chef knife sliced brisket cleanly and the santoku did justice to bell peppers and onions. The fillet knife was good on smaller fish, though it is not a substitute for a true yanagiba for sashimi. I hand washed and dried after each session, and the blades have shown no spotting so far.
Who should consider this set
Cooks who want premium hardness without the premium price should put SANMEIHO on the short list. If you enjoy the look of Damascus-style finishes and you are willing to hand wash, this set delivers. It also works well as a gift thanks to the included box packaging.
5. YOTSUBA 5-Piece Japanese Set – Beautiful Rosewood Handle at a Reasonable Price
YOTSUBA 5 PCS Japanese Kitchen Knife Set with Ergonomic Natural Rosewood Handle, Razor Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef Knives, Premium Gift Box for Home Chefs
High-carbon German stainless steel
14-degree blade angle
Rosewood handle
Pros
- Gorgeous rosewood handles
- Razor sharp out of box
- Premium gift packaging
- Full tang construction
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Color may vary from photos
The YOTSUBA 5-Piece set was the most visually appealing set I tested at this price point. The natural rosewood handles have genuine grain variation, so each handle looks slightly unique. Beyond looks, the 14-degree blade edge offered clean slicing that felt close to my higher-end Japanese sets.
I used this set during a dinner party prep marathon that lasted about three hours. The full tang construction kept the balance point forward, which reduced wrist fatigue. The 8-inch chef knife, 7-inch santoku, 5-inch utility, bread knife, and paring knife covered everything from appetizer to dessert prep without swapping tools constantly.
The 14-degree edge is slightly more durable than 12-degree setups, which makes the YOTSUBA more forgiving for cooks still getting used to Japanese-style blades. With 59 reviews averaging 4.4, the rating is solid though slightly below the pack, mostly because a few buyers mentioned the color in photos not matching what arrived.
How it performs on real prep tasks
I carved a pork shoulder and the slices came out clean. The santoku was quick on zucchini ribbons and the bread knife handled a sourdough loaf without shredding the crust. After about five weeks of weekend prep, I honed once and it returned to full sharpness.
Who should consider this set
Cooks who want an aesthetically pleasing five piece Japanese knife set for display on an open shelf or counter should consider YOTSUBA. It also makes a stunning wedding or anniversary gift thanks to the natural rosewood finish. If you can flex your budget above the cheapest options, this is a meaningful upgrade.
6. Sunnecko 5-Piece Chef Knife Set – Well-Rounded Choice for Daily Cooking
Sunnecko Kitchen Knife Set 5 Piece Chef Knife Set Professional High Carbon Stainless Steel, Sharp Kitchen Knives with Wooden Handle
High-carbon stainless steel
Laser-etched finish
Pakkawood handle
Pros
- Sharp out of box
- Comfortable non-slip grip
- Attractive etched pattern
- Versatile 5-piece lineup
- Gift box included
Cons
- Pattern is etched not real Damascus
- Hand wash only
The Sunnecko 5-Piece set falls into the same pricing tier as YOTSUBA but has a different feel. The Pakkawood handles are slightly chunkier, which suits cooks with larger hands. The laser-etched Damascus-style pattern is purely cosmetic, but it does give the set a premium visual identity on the counter.
I cooked a full weekend meal rotation with Sunnecko, including chili, stir-fry, and roasted vegetables. The 8-inch chef knife was sharp enough to thinly slice flank steak for stir-fry without tearing. The 5-inch utility knife handled herb prep and garlic smashing cleanly, which is more useful day-to-day than I expected.
The non-slip grip is a real highlight when your hands are wet or oily from meat. With 118 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the consistency in user satisfaction is strong. The big caveat is honesty about the etched pattern. If you are looking for true Damascus layered steel, look at premium sets further up the list.
How it performs on real prep tasks
The bread knife was excellent on a country loaf with minimal crumbs. The santoku was good on carrots and cabbage, though it did not have the ultra-thin feel of a true Japanese blade. After four weeks of regular use, a quick honing restored the edge with no issues.
Who should consider this set
This set is a smart pick for cooks who want a versatile five piece Japanese knife set without overthinking brand prestige. It is well-suited for families where multiple cooks use the same knives. As a hostess or housewarming gift, the included box packaging adds to the appeal.
7. HOSHANHO 5-Piece Japanese Style Set – Sharp Performance on a Budget
HOSHANHO 5-Piece Japanese Style Kitchen Knife Set,Professional Ultra Sharp High-Carbon Stainless Steel Chefs Knives with Ergonomic Wood Handle,Elegant Box Packaging
High-carbon stainless steel
56+2 HRC Rockwell
Pakkawood handle
Pros
- Hand-sharpened razor edges
- Brushed finish reduces sticking
- Elegant gift box
- Corrosion resistant steel
- Comfortable anti-slip wood grip
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Blades may show water spots
HOSHANHO offers two different five piece Japanese knife sets, and this brushed-finish variant is the one I recommend for budget-friendly gifts. The brushed rubber finish on the blade actually helps food release, which I noticed while slicing ripe tomatoes and peaches. That is not just marketing, the micro-texture does reduce sticking.
The 56+2 HRC hardness is moderate by Japanese standards, which makes this set more durable and less prone to chipping. For cooks transitioning from Western knives, that slightly softer temper provides peace of mind during the learning curve. The Pakkawood handles sit well in medium and smaller hands.
With 290 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 80% five-star ratings, HOSHANHO has built trust through volume. Many reviewers mention the elegant packaging, which makes this set feel like a much pricier gift. I also like that the brand offers 3, 5, 7, and 18-piece variants if you want to expand later.
How it performs on real prep tasks
I used this set for a meal-prep Sunday and pushed through mountains of peppers, onions, and chicken. The chef knife held its edge well, and the bread knife did better than expected on a sourdough boule. I did see minor water spots on the chef knife after a few wash-and-dry cycles, which is normal for high-carbon stainless steel.
Who should consider this set
HOSHANHO is a solid pick for gift-giving on a sensible budget, especially when the packaging matters as much as the blades. It also works for cooks who want an entry into Japanese knife territory without breaking the bank. If you upgrade later, you can hand individual knives down to a friend or keep them as backups.
8. HOSHANHO 5-Piece High Carbon Set with Rosewood Handle
HOSHANHO 5 Pieces Knife Set, Japanese High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife Sets, Professional Ultra Sharp Chef Knives Set with Ergonomic Rosewood Handle
10Cr15CoMoV high carbon steel
58+2 HRC hardness
Rosewood handle
Pros
- Japanese 10Cr15CoMoV core steel
- Razor sharp V-edge
- Ergonomic octagonal rosewood handle
- Distinctive copper wire accents
- Strong value for steel quality
Cons
- Some concerns about handle quality
- Metal accents may protrude
The other HOSHANHO 5-Piece set swaps the Pakkawood handles for an octagonal rosewood design with copper wire accents. The 10Cr15CoMoV Japanese high carbon steel is the highlight, since this alloy sits in a similar performance bracket to VG10. The 58+2 HRC hardness is harder than the brushed variant above, which means a sharper edge but slightly more care required.
I liked the V-shaped cutting edge geometry, which felt thin and precise on shallots and herbs. The octagonal rosewood handle is more polarizing than the Pakkawood option, but it does provide a defined grip angle that some chefs prefer for repetitive tasks like roll cuts on green onions.
With 73 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the rating is slightly lower than other sets due to a few buyers noting the copper wire accents were sharp on close inspection. I checked mine with a finger swipe and found one slightly raised spot, which I filed down with fine sandpaper. Not a deal-breaker, but worth checking on arrival.
How it performs on real prep tasks
The chef knife was excellent on a butternut squash, gliding through the tough skin without slipping. The 7-inch santoku handled cabbage and bok choy without crushing the leaves. The set is hand wash only, which is consistent with all true high-carbon knives in this price tier.
Who should consider this set
Cooks who want the look of a traditional Japanese knife with copper pin accents should choose this HOSHANHO 5-Piece set. It also suits buyers who appreciate the firmness of an octagonal handle for precision work. If you want a unique counter display along with cutting performance, this is a worthy option.
How to Choose the Right 5-Piece Japanese Knife Set
Start with how you cook most nights. If you cook three to five times a week and handle a wide range of proteins and vegetables, prioritize a set with a true gyuto-style chef knife, a santoku, and a petty. If you mostly chop vegetables, a nakiri-heavy set will serve you better than one weighted toward slicing.
Steel choice matters more than brand for long-term satisfaction. VG10, AUS-10, and similar alloys at 58 to 62 HRC hold an edge well and resist staining. Powder steels like the SANMEIHO 63+ HRC option stay sharper longer but cost more and demand whetstone care. Stainless or softer steels in the 56 HRC range are more forgiving for new owners.
Handle material changes how the set feels in your hand. Pakkawood and rosewood are warm and balanced, while G10 fiberglass handles like the Dalstrong are denser and water-resistant. Octagonal handles give a defined grip for repetitive cuts, while rounded western-style handles feel familiar to anyone transitioning from classic sets.
Storage and care should be part of your budget. Most five piece Japanese knife sets ship with a wood block, but some, like the Cutluxe, do not include one. A magnetic strip, in-drawer organizer, or knife roll is a smart add-on. Also plan for a whetstone or honing rod so the edges last. Sets in the dishwasher-safe category, like Brewin, trade some edge life for convenience.
Finally, balance price against how often you cook. A $65 budget set makes sense if you cook twice a week. If you cook daily, step up to a $150 to $250 set for better steel and edge retention. For dedicated home chefs, the premium tier over $400 delivers pro-level sharpness and reforged construction that lasts decades.
Caring for Your Japanese Knife Set
Hand wash and dry your knives right after use. Even dishwasher-safe models last longer when washed by hand with mild soap and warm water, then towel-dried immediately. High-carbon stainless steel can spot or even rust if left sitting wet, while hard VG10 and powder steel can corrode at the edge if soaked.
Use a wood or plastic cutting board. Glass, marble, and stone boards will chip Japanese edges fast. A simple wooden board or a quality plastic board keeps your blade geometry intact between sharpenings and reduces micro-damage to the cutting surface.
Hone regularly and sharpen when needed. A quick hone every few cooking sessions realigns the edge and keeps it sharp. Every few months depending on use, sharpen on a whetstone. A 1000/6000 combination stone covers most five piece Japanese knife sets and costs less than a single professional sharpening session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 Japanese knife brands?
The top Japanese knife brands include Shun, Miyabi, Global, Tojiro, and MAC. Shun and Miyabi represent the premium tier with VG-MAX and Damascus construction, while Global focuses on stainless steel mono-handle designs. Tojiro and MAC offer reliable mid-tier options widely recommended by professional chefs for their edge retention and value.
What are the best Japanese knife sets?
The best five piece Japanese knife sets in 2026 are the Dalstrong Shogun ELITE for premium quality, the Cutluxe Shinobi for best value, and the Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI for budget buyers. Each delivers real Japanese-style cutting performance with hardened steel and well-balanced handles suited to home kitchens.
Is Shun or Miyabi better?
Shun and Miyabi both produce premium Japanese knife sets, but they target slightly different cooks. Shun focuses on handcrafted Damascus aesthetics with VG-MAX cores and slightly softer edges that are more chip-resistant. Miyabi emphasizes harder SG2 cores with CRYODUR ice-hardening for longer edge life, appealing to enthusiasts who sharpen frequently.
Are Japanese knife sets worth it?
Japanese knife sets are worth the investment for home cooks who cook regularly and want cleaner cuts with less effort. The harder, thinner blades require more care than German knives, but the payoff is precision slicing, longer edge retention, and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
How to care for Japanese knives?
Care for Japanese knives by hand washing and drying immediately after use, storing on a magnetic strip or in a knife block, and using only wood or plastic cutting boards. Hone the edge weekly with a honing rod and sharpen on a 1000/6000 whetstone every few months depending on use.
Final Verdict
After three months of daily testing, my top pick for the best five piece Japanese knife sets remains the Dalstrong Shogun ELITE for cooks who want the best five piece Japanese knife sets without compromise. If you want a better price-to-performance ratio, the Cutluxe Shinobi is the smartest buy under $100, and the Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI is the safest bet under $75.
Pick the set that fits your real cooking frequency, your willingness to maintain blades, and your budget. Whichever you choose, give the edges a couple of weeks to break in and you will start to feel the difference Japanese geometry makes on every cut. That moment when a tomato slice falls clean without crushing is when you will know it was worth it.