7 Best Japanese Chef Knives under 100 [Reviews – 2023]

Japanese Chef Knives are considered one of the finest knives in the world. Due to their sharpness, quality, and durability, the Japanese chef knives are very popular and superior to all. Most quality knives are expensive and so the Japanese chef knives are. That’s why we have been searching and researching the best Japanese chef knives under 100 so that users can easily find the best ones in their price range. In this article, you will know about the 7 best Japanese chef knives under 100 and their reviews.

All quality knives are highly expensive. It doesn’t mean that you cannot buy high-quality, durable, and the best Japanese chef knives for under $100. However, if you don’t want to follow our chosen and reviewed ones, what you need to do is do some research and spend some time on them. This is why we have narrowed down the 7 best Japanese chef knives under 100 for you. You can take a look.

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Best Japanese Chef Knives under 100 Reviews

Chef knives are the most essential equipment in a kitchen. A sharp knife is the best friend of a professional chef. If your knife is blunt, it can be very dangerous for anyone. In this article, you can learn about the best Japanese chef knives under 100 dollars. We will try our level best to narrow it down properly. So, let’s get started.

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Best High-Quality Japanese Chef Knife

1. Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife

A finely crafted knife can be the most essential ingredient in any memorable meal. If you are already searching for such a knife, that must be Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis 7-Inch Santoku Knife.

First off, Mercer Cutlery offers a Santoprene handle of the knife that provides comfort and a safe grip. You can work for a long time with this knife tirelessly. This knife has the best handle you will experience with.

In addition, Mercer Culinary M20707 Genesis is made of high-carbon forged steel from Soligen, Germany. It is a stain-resistant x50 Cr Mo V15 as well as resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration.

Moreover, this best Japanese chef knife has a full tang. It runs the entire length of the handle for superior balance. It would be truly amazing once you start to use this knife.

Besides, this Santoku Knife has a taper-ground edge that allows for added stability, easy honing, long-lasting sharpness, and increased efficiency when cutting and chopping.

Apart from this, this Japanese chef knife provides a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros	Cons
–         Comfortable and safe grip handle –         Rust, corrosion, and discoloration-free –         Superior balance –         Stable, easy honing, and long-lasting sharpness –         Safety backed NSF certification	–         Limited warranty

Product Specifications:

Materials	Carbon
Brand	Mercer Culinary
Color	Santoku Knife
Item Dimensions	2 x 1 x 13 inches
Handle Materials	Santoprene
Blade Materials	Carbon
Item Weight	3.2 ounces
Blade Edge	Plain

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Best Chopping Knife

2. DALSTRONG Chef Knife

A masterfully elegant knife is perfectly balanced that is really a beauty, purity, and power. The DALSTRONG Chef Knife is the one that features all the good adjectives.

First off, let’s talk about its building materials. The elegant knife is made of ice-tempered, high-carbon, Japanese AUS-8 steel. This phantom series boasts incredible sharpness, edge retention, strength, and durability. You will see some beautifully engraved writing on it. However, the blade has a hand-polished spine and ergonomic bolster shape.

In addition, this perfectly balanced knife is mercilessly sharp. It is enhanced hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. The DALSTRONG Chef Knife is able to have a precise cut with effortless ease. Really amazing. The hollow ground is for even less resistance.

Moreover, the DALSTRONG team has designed this blade thoughtfully and ergonomically. You will find the best comfort in using and holding the handle of the knife that is a velvety rich black Spanish pakkawood. It is hand polished and laminated as well.

Furthermore, the traditional Japanese D-shaped handle is designed to tuck perfectly in order to have ultimate control. The narrow blade design allows for maneuverability and nimble movement like never before.

These best Japanese chef knives under 100 are very perfect for any chef. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty, this knife is worth a shot. Highly recommended.

Pros	Cons
–         The ultimate steel for the ultimate performance –         Precisely tapered blade –         Polished spine –         Superior construction –         Full tang for maximum –         D-shaped handle design –         Lifetime warranty against defects –         Ensures effortless cutting –         Ultra-sharp long and narrow blade	–         Needs to hone sometimes

Product Specifications:

Materials	Stainless Steel
Brand	Dalstrong
Color	Variety Colors
Item Dimensions	14.72 x 1.81 x 0.09 inches
Handle Materials	Pakkawood
Blade Materials	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	7.1 ounces
Style	Chef Knife

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Best Value Japanese chef knife

3. Shun Sora 8 inch Chef Knife

Shun Sora knives are NSF certified for use in commercial kitchens. This is one of the best knives for all types of users. The Shun Sora is a must-have kitchen knife. The handcraft is in Japan.

These best Japanese chef knives under 100 are made with proprietary composite blade technology. Features with VG10 san Mai cutting core and Japanese 420J blade upper.

However, do you know what VG10 is? Well, VG10 is clad with one layer of stainless steel on each side to create the San Mai edge. It provides stain resistance.

Moreover, the traditional Japanese handle design is made of a textured PP/ TPE blend. And the blade is plain, not serrated.

Besides, the Shun Sora 8 inch Chef Knife is an 8 inches long knife. The steel with the handle is permanently joined.

Pros	Cons
–         Handcraft in Japan –         Stain resistance –         Traditional Japanese handle design –         Premium materials and state-of-the-art technology –         Durable and sharp –         Remarkable performance –         Hand-sharpened –         Simple yet beautiful	–         The edge becomes pitted and doesn’t stay sharpened always

Product Specifications:

Materials	High Carbon Stainless Steel
Brand	Shun
Color	Black
Item Dimensions	14 x 0.81 x 2 inches
Handle Materials	Textured TPE
Blade Materials	High Carbon Stainless Steel
Item Weight	6.6 ounces
Blade Edge	Plain

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Best Steel for Chef Knife

4. Hanzo Chef Knife Professional Knives

Got a new knife for your kitchen? Did it rust? Well, if that is the matter, you don’t have to face that situation cleaning rusting from your chef knives because Hanzo Chef Knife Professional Knives offer you rust-free steel that will keep you worry-free from it. These are also the best affordable Japanese knives.

In addition, these best Japanese chef knives under 100 are always shiny because the stainless-steel blade has 67 additional layers of stainless steel.

However, believe it or not, the Hanzo Chef Knife is truly smooth and versatile. It can cut meat or any vegetables like you are cutting butter. If you are experiencing any bitterness in terms of kitchen knives, this is high time you bought this Hanzo Chef Knife which is also the best Japanese chef knife under 100.

Apart from this, this alloy steel knife features an anti-slip safety handle. You can continue your work for a long time and it won’t even bother you. Considering all the aspects, the Hanzo Chef Professional Knife is one of the best ones.

Pros	Cons
–         Handcrafted and hand sharpened –         100% Japanese steel –         Extremely durable and sharp –         Corrosion and rust-resistant –         Ergonomic and non-slip grip –         Superior steel –         Military-grade G10 material –         Lifetime warranty	–         Could be less expensive

Product Specifications:

Materials	Alloy Steel
Brand	Hanzo
Color	Black and silver
Item Dimensions	9.5 x 0.86 x 1.96 inches
Blade Materials	Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, carbon
Item Weight	0.51 Pounds
Style	Kitchen knife

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Best Traditional knife for beef cut

5. Traditional Japanese Gyuto Kitchen Chef’s Knife

The Traditional Japanese Gyuto Kitchen Chef’s Knife is one of the amazing and sharpest knives. This is an 8-inch carbon steel sushi knife. Let’s see more features of it.

First off, this Japanese chef knife is made of high-quality stainless steel. The 420HC stainless steel blades are processed through the heat in order to optimum hardness and edge retention. The edge sharpness remains sharpened to a razor edge.

In addition, this heat-treated steel is very perfect for kitchen-specific tasks. Since contacting the knife with meat, fruits and vegetables is a regular job, nevertheless, the blade is able to oxidize with rust and this is why this Gyuto Kitchen Chef’s Knife is corrosion-resistant.

Moreover, this best Japanese chef knife under 100 features a single bevel knife edge. The single bevel knife edge provides the most precise and sharp edge. Besides, this blade is meticulously sharpened to a 15° edge on the right side while the other side remains flat. Additionally, the convention compound edge is incredibly sharp and helps to separate food slices.

Furthermore, the full-tang traditional rosewood handle provides the users with a non-slip and perfect gripping experience. The Rosewood is used in the handle for its durability and strength. The handle can give you the proper balance and a balanced feel when you are manipulating your knife.

Additionally, these best Japanese chef knives under 100 are specifically designed for chefs. The meaning Gyuto is “beef-sword” which is usually known in professional western cuisine as the chef’s knife. It is true that this is the be-all-end-all knife for would-be chefs. The multitasking and length of the kitchen knife allow for proper balance and use at the time of cutting vegetables or any cooking ingredients you want to cut.

Besides, this best affordable Japanese knife plays its role in tackling tough meats like pork belly that needs really a sharp edge design for sinewy meats and here it is. This high-corrosion-resistant knife does all this tough work with grace and professionalism.

Apart from this, the Simple Song team states “Your satisfaction is our GUARANTEE”. So you understand they are quite concerned about the quality, durability, and sharpness of the knife. However, if you find any issue, you can contact their customer support team within 30 days of purchase and request a return.

Pros	Cons
–         Versatile and durable –         Corrosion resistance and rust-free –         Optimum hardness –         Single bevel knife-edge –         Full-tang traditional Rosewood handle –         Specifically designed for chefs –         Satisfaction guaranteed	–         No finger protection

Product Specifications:

Materials	Stainless Steel
Brand	Simple Song
Color	Stainless Steel
Item Dimensions	14.25 x 2.68 x 1.26 inches
Handle Materials	Rosewood
Blade Materials	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	12.3 ounces
Style	Sushi Knife

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6. AMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife

When you are tired of searching for a quality kitchen knife for chefs, AMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife is the one you may be searching for. There are some features that can easily entice you.

First off, the AMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife is made of Japan’s high-quality steel. The FAMCUTE series uses 9CR18MOV. It is truly great steel for everyday use. Due to an HRC of 60+/-2, this blade will have an angled edge. It also holds the sharp edge for long enough.

In addition, the clad dimple allows for easy food release while slicing or dicing. However, this blade is ideal for cutting vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, and so on. But you are highly discouraged to cut any type of frozen product as it may lose the alignment of the knife’s edge.

Moreover, these best Japanese chef knives under 100 are designed ergonomically and thoughtfully. The knife designers especially focused on comfortability and efficiency for the everyday chef. The blade’s length is 21.2cm and the handle’s length is 15.3 cm with an overall length of 36.5cm. This is how AMCÜTE Japanese Chef Knife is considered an 8-inches knife.

Besides, the AMCÜTE 8 Inch Japanese Chef Knife is the best Japanese chef knife under 100. It provides a full of a natural handle that is crafted with African Rosewood. This is a true beauty. The balance, control, and stability allow the chef full manipulation of the blade. In addition, if you want precision and endurance cuts, the AMCÜTE Japanese Chef Knife is perfectly suitable for that.

Pros	Cons
–         High-quality Japanese steel –         3 layers clad steel –         Ergonomic design –         Non-slip and comfortable grip –         African Rosewood handle –         Comfortable grip with precise cuts –         Ideal for kitchen and restaurant	–         The blade and handle joint should be solid and stronger

Product Specifications:

Materials	Alloy Steel
Brand	FAMCÜTE
Color	8-inch chef knife
Item Dimensions	15.63 x 2.91 x 1.57 inches
Handle Materials	Alloy Steel
Blade Materials	Alloy Steel
Item Weight	12.3 ounces
Blade Length	8 Inches

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7. OWUYUXI Pro Chef Knife

If you are looking for a Japanese chef knife under 100, the OWUYUXI Pro Chef Knife would be suitable for you. This is a stainless steel kitchen knife with a hammer finish. There are also more features of this knife. Let’s dig deeper.

First off, OWUYUXI Pro Chef Knife is a multi-functional kitchen knife for chefs. It is an 8-inch Professional chef’s knife that is specially designed to make an outstanding performance at many differing kitchen tasks. If you need to use this knife daily use basis for cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing all kinds of meat, vegetables, fruits, and bread, OWUYUXI Pro 8 Inch Chef Knife would be so much perfect for you. To be honest, this chef kitchen knife has been the top choice of both home chefs and professionals alike.

In addition, chefs always get disappointed by losing the sharp edge of the knife but in this case, you will have razor-sharp edge retention. As we all know, sharpness is the best key to achieving the best and most precise cuts. These best Japanese chef knives under 100 are truly the best to retain sharpness for a longer time. It is also easy to cut tough meat and remove flesh from bones with this knife. Remember, the sharpness is further boosted by the use of the latest German engineering.

Moreover, these best affordable Japanese knives provide long-lasting performance. Do you know why? Because this knife uses an ultra-sharp AUS-10V Vacuum Heat Treated Japanese super steel cutting core at 59±2 Rockwell hardness. Unbelievable and extraordinary performance and edge retention.

Furthermore, one of the most important parts of the knife is its handle. In this case, the OWUYUXI Pro Chef Knife has a triple-riveted ergonomic handle that is slip-resistant and lends itself to extensive use. Additionally, you can use this best Japanese chef knife for optimal knuckle clearance and long hours. All these features result in a balanced and weighted knife.

Apart from this, This 8-inch chef knife comes with an exquisite gift box which can be the best gift for a mom or a wife. This chef knife is a good choice as a thoughtful gift to any cook or food lover. This is one of the best affordable Japanese knives.

Pros	Cons
–         Very multifunctional kitchen knife –         Super stainless steel kitchen knife with hammer finish –         Triple-riveted ergonomic handle –         Razor-sharp edge retention –         Durable and extraordinary performance	–         The front part of the knife may be a bit heavier

Product Specifications:

Materials	Stainless Steel
Brand	OWUYUXI
Blade Length	8 Inches
Item Dimensions	14.21 x 3.19 x 1.34 inches
Handle Materials	Triple-rivet handle
Blade Materials	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	14 ounces
Blade Edge	Plain

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Best Japanese Chef Knives under 100 Buying Guide

There are a few things that are necessary to consider while buying a kitchen chef knife. If you are lacking experience in buying a knife, this buying guide is for you. We are going to focus on some considerable factors that can help you purchase a quality knife at a reasonable price. So, let’s see the features and buying guide factors about the best Japanese chef knife under 100.

Material

What you should first check for buying a knife is its material. The materials matter highly. In fact, due to different quality materials, a kitchen knife varies the price from high to low. Most times a knife made of stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel is preferable. They are meant to easy maintenance, excellent rust resistance, good sharpness, and easy retention. Besides, a high-carbon steel knife is able to resist stain, discoloration and maintains sharpness for a long time. However, while buying a kitchen knife, buying a sharpening whetstone would be a good choice. And yes, if you want to use it regular basis in your kitchen, buying a sharpening rod would be wise too because it helps realign the edges of your knives easily. You can find the best Japanese knives on amazon.

Length

The length of a chef knife is important too. An ideal Japanese chef knife comes with a size of 8-inches. The knife size depends on your necessity. However, an 8-inch kitchen knife is big enough to cut, chop, mince, or dice any vegetables or meats. In addition, this perfect size of the knife would be great, ergonomic, and well-maneuverable to chop small foods. If you in case need any other sizes, you can have a Japanese chef knife set. Well, you can find the best Japanese knives under $50 but they might not be as good as the best chef knife under $100.

Weight

Another important considerable factor while buying a chef knife is weight. The weight and balance are connected to each other. The average weight of a high-quality knife should be up to 15 ounces. This weight is neither too heavy nor too light. Perfect for working for a long duration. A heavy knife can make you exhausted in a short time. On the contrary, a light kitchen knife can be imbalanced and uncontrollable. So, choose the weight of the knife on an average weight so that you can use it comfortably for a long time. Gyuto knife or shun knives are great knives for you.

Handle

Handles of any knives are a great factor to consider. Your blade could be very sharp, well-balanced, and of average weight, but if the handle is not good enough, you cannot be comfortable working with it. Most quality knives use good-quality wooden handles. Wooden handles are because they are lightweight and easily shapeable. Besides, it looks really nice and beautiful. Remember, the better the handle is, the more balanced the knife be.

Hardness

Choosing a knife for the kitchen, the hardness of a blade must be a vital point to consider. We all know that the more hard a blade be, the more durable and long-lasting it will be. However, the hardness of knives is measured in Rockwell. 60 HRC hardness of a knife would be an ideal knife. A good hardness can provide outstanding precise cuts and good balance. To keep you away from any unexpected accidents in the kitchen, having a durable magnetic knife holder would be a great idea. You must be safe from sharp knives as you are always dealing with them.

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Final Words

We have tried to present the 7 best Japanese chef knives under 100 to help you. We don’t know how much you found this article helpful but honestly we are trying our level best to quench your thirst for knowledge. If you see this article as helpful we would be proud. You will love the best Japanese chef knife under 100 if you read it. Stay with us and support us in making more related articles. If you don’t like any knife from our picks, you can find a high-quality and best Japanese chef knife under $200. Besides, there are the best affordable Japanese knives out there and we will try to cover this article later.

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Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API