Holding a quality kitchen knife in your hand can make you feel like you can conquer the culinary world. On the other hand, a lesser knife could have you throwing in the towel before you even begin. With a Kamikoto knife review, you can find out for yourself if this brand makes the cut.
When purchasing a knife set for the first time, you may not know what exactly to look for. Don’t worry, there are only a few rules to keep in mind when considering a new knife set.
What to Look for in a Reliable Knife Set
Image via Amazon
When looking for a reliable knife set, there are a few simple rules to follow that ensure you make a good investment. The first thing to consider is the process of making your blade.
How was the blade crafted?
Make sure you know the terminology when it comes to purchasing knives. It is possible to craft knives by one of two ways: forging or stamping.
Forging is a process that involves crafting blades from single pieces of metal. Each forged blade entails a bolster and heel all from the same piece of metal. Forged blades require beating into shape after being cut down to the desired size.
Forged blades are typically more expensive than stamped blades, but the investment is worth it because forged blades usually tend to resist wearing down over time.
Stamped blades can perform up to your expectations as well and tend to be cheaper than forged blades. Stamping blades requires a specialized machine that cuts the steel out like cookie cutters.
All of the cut-outs are the same and lack the bolster and heel that a forged blade possesses.
Now let’s consider the amount of care you want to invest in your knives.
Consider maintenance
You can’t just throw expensive quality knives in the sink and forgot about them. Admittedly, I am guilty of throwing the dinner dishes in the sink and waiting until the next day to get around to washing them. The plates may even end up sitting in the dishwasher overnight.
When it comes to good blades, putting off cleaning and care is a no-no.
Look for blades that resist rusting and corroding. Buying quality knives gives you time when putting off doing those dishes. Don’t worry; I completely understand if you’re feeling too tired to clean up.
Now let’s factor in what you need in your knife set.
Consider your needs
When purchasing a new knife set, consider your needs. You may not need certain blades that are in a knife set. For example, chances are you won’t be using that filleting knife.
Most people nowadays buy their fish ready to go from the seafood department. Therefore they end up with knives in the block that they never use.
Read the set contents when buying knife block sets, or buy knives individually that cater to your cooking needs. Buying knives individually may be more expensive, but at least you will be getting to use the items you purchased.
A foolproof method for deciding on a blade is to physically pick that bad boy up.
When in doubt, try it out
Sometimes there is only one way to see if a knife has good balance and weight. If you can tangibly touch the knife set you are considering purchasing, then I highly suggest you do so.
You may end up realizing a certain knife is way too heavy for your everyday use, or that the grip is too unstable for reliable performance.
On the other hand, you may pick up a knife, and something in your brain screams, “This is the one!”
But you want to know what a Kamikoto knife review specifically has to tell you. Wait no more.
The Kamikoto Knife Set: What It Has to Offer
The set we looked at is the Kanpeki set. This three-piece Kamikoto knife set has the basic elements every chef needs to work their magic in the kitchen — along with an additional feature that can preserve your purchase for years to come.
Design
Forged from single pieces of steel, this set sports a traditional design with a sleek black handle. The Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set also features ashwood elements to protect and display your knives.
This flashy knife set will surely attract attention when displayed in your home.
The blades involve tapering on one side and hollow ground on the other side like traditional Japanese knives. Overall, the handles and blades on these knives have a pleasing satin finish.
What exactly is in this Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set?
What’s inside
The Kanpeki knife set features three different blades for three different tasks, and an ashwood box to preserve your knives when not in use.
The Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set includes a 7-inch long Nakiri vegetable knife, an 8.5-inch slicing knife, and a 5-inch utility knife for smaller tasks.
The company claims that each knife inside the Kanpeki set is balanced and weighted for precision master-crafted performance.
What are customers saying in their Kamikoto knife review?
Customer claims
When reading a Kamikoto knife review, I came across a common theme in all the posts; most people loved their blades.
Most Kamikoto knife reviews were happy with the performance of their new kitchen knives, stating they are razor sharp and well balanced.
Customers on social media happily post videos of themselves demonstrating the sharpness of their new tools on paper and other hard to slice objects like tomatoes.
Those that were unhappy said that the brand isn’t in Japan at all, and that the brand lacks information on the actual makeup of the steel involved in making Kamikoto knives.
The customers were not upset with the performance of their knives, but rather the false marketing on Kamiko’s website.
Overall, some customers were upset that these blades are not truly Japanese-made. Other customers don’t care about the specifics of their blades and love their Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set, especially the box it comes in.
How Does This Knife Set Stack up to Other Top Brands?
- New In Wood Display Box. Shelf Condition. Never Used, Certificate
While this knife set certainly looks sleek, the other brands on our list require more durable types of steel, like carbon steel.
It’s hard to tell if Kamikoto’s knives are up to par with carbon steel because Kamikoto’s website is lacking information on what exactly is in their steel.
Although, when it comes to performance, most customers aren’t complaining about Kamikotos lack of clarity. Customers say the Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set cuts and performs just as well as the other top brands that they use.
How we reviewed
We read each Kamikoto knife review from customers who bought these knives from all over the world. While searching through each Kamikoto knife review, we also found statements from renowned Michelin chefs.
Then we compiled information from research done on each Kamikoto knife review, and three other top brands. After analyzing the results of our findings, we compared the results of the information found from them all.
Now let’s compare the Kamikoto knife review to other top brands that perform well.
GLOBAL Kabuto Knife Block Set
- Set includes: 3" Paring Knife, 4.5" Utility Knife, 5" Chef's Prep Knife, 5.5" Nakiri Vegetable Knife, 8" Chef's Knife,...
- Cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel blade construction; stainless steel molded dimpled handle provides balance with a...
- Blade edge is ground on each side creating a straight sharp edge; Rockwell Hardness of 56-58°
GLOBAL cutlery is a well-known brand that is in high demand. These blades are manufactured in Niigata Japan, an island well-known for its rich ore deposits.
This Kabuto Knife Block Set includes a seven-piece set with a lifetime guarantee. The set contains knives for pairing, utilities, prepping, chopping vegetables, a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a seven-slot acrylic knife block.
One of the reasons customers rave about GLOBAL cutlery is because of the hardness of the blades. GLOBAL cutlery forges the steel with molybdenum and vanadium, which is why these knives are harder than the average stainless steel kitchen knife.
Customers also say GLOBAL’s blades stay sharper longer. The reason these knives stay sharp for so long is that they file the edge of the blade to a sharply acute angle.
Customers that buy GLOBAL knives love the way these blades perform. Other customers say they enjoy displaying them in the kitchen when not in use. Quite a few customers are saying that they receive compliments on their GLOBAL cutlery knives often.
Next, let’s look at another reputable brand called Messermeister.
Messermeister Meridian Elite Deluxe Knife Block Set
- The German 1.4116 high-carbon, stainless alloy blade resists stains and corrosion, exhibits toughness and durability,...
- This knife line is one-piece, hot-drop hammer forged, which produces the strongest blade from heel to tip. The blades...
- The three-step, 15 degree “Elite” edge is hand stropped on a cloth wheel, creating the sharpest possible cutting...
Based out of Germany, this company forges high-quality, high carbon knives that do more than just chop your veggies. With this knife set, you won’t have to worry about taking exceptional care of your blades.
These blades resist corrosion, rust, chipping, and bending. Not only are these blades sturdy and durable, but they can also retain their sharp edge.
The exceptional quality and performance of this set are all due to the forging process. By forging each blade from a single piece of steel, the metal then requires hot dropping and hammer forging, which produces the most robust blades.
This block set comes with a knife for life guarantee that will replace your knives if they become damaged or worn. This set contains 11 pieces, including the block, for catering to all of your culinary needs.
Although the majority of the customers had nothing but good things to say, a few did mention that the knife block that comes with their set was generic and didn’t function as well as they liked.
Finally, let’s look at one more brand that makes quality blades.
WÜSTHOF EPICURE 7pc Block Set
- Includes 3.5-inch Paring Knife, 5-inch Serrated Utility Knife, 5" Hollow Edge Santoku Knife, 8-inch Bread Knife, 8-inch...
- Ultra slim knife block design to maximize counter space (small 9.5 x 3.5-inch footprint)
- Precision forged full tang, high-carbon stain resistant stainless steel with bolster
Home to Solingen Germany, WÜSTHOF makes high carbon steel knives that resist the wear and tear of time. Wusthof creates these knives from single pieces of metal, through forging, and the blades are complete with a triple-rivet handle.
This WÜSTHOF classic set comes with seven pieces, including the block. Each piece serves a specific purpose, but a noteworthy part of this set is the take-apart kitchen shears that it includes.
The handle of WÜSTHOF knives consists of polyoxymethylene, a material with a tight molecular structure that prevents stains and damage.
Using high carbon steel in forging these blades, along with providing quality handles, creates a lasting knife set that is worth buying.
Customers of WÜSTHOF knives claim that they love their knife set and that the knives are “scary” sharp.
Not only do they love the sharpness of the blade, but the performance exceeds their expectations as well. Customers say they enjoy the wooden block as well.
Although one customer did complain that they received a block with damage, the company was happy to remedy the situation and quickly replaced their item.
Kamikoto Knife Review: Pros and Cons
Summarizing the Kamikoto knife review, we compiled a short list of pros and cons to help you decide for yourself.
Pros
- Kamikoto company carries a lifetime guarantee
- This feature come in handy if your Kamikoto knives become chipped, or damaged.
- Kamikoto has a smooth return policy in case anything should happen to your blades upon arrival.
- They create their blades by forging, not stamping.
- Being one piece of steel, these knives resist bending.
- To further protect your Kamikoto knife set, the knives come with an ashwood box to preserve them.
- Kamikoto states their steel comes from Niigata Japan, a region known for its rich ore deposits and superior steel.
- That’s a real selling point for avid knife collectors who know about Japanese steel.
- This brand also takes the time to sharpen carefully and balance each blade, in a 19 step process that ensures the quality of each knife.
Cons
- Cleaning Kamikoto knives after using them is a must do to staining and corroding.
- Kamikoto also recommends against putting the blades into the dishwasher; it may result in scratching the steel.
- Damages may occur during the wash cycle. For this reason, the knives may not be ideal for convenience.
- Kamikoto knives are not truly from in Japan. They make the knives in China with Niigata steel from Japan.
- Kamikotos knives are also relatively expensive, keep this in mind when considering purchasing these blades.
The Final Cut
While Kamikoto creates beautiful knives, all of the brands on our list are worthy of a try. To ensure your knives last a lifetime without chipping or bending, we recommend that you purchase a brand with quality steel.
Not all formulas are equal. We recommend buying a steel grade higher than average kitchen stainless steel.
Stainless steel is not as strong as carbon steel, or steels that contain molybdenum and vanadium.
If you’re looking for a brand that will perform well in the kitchen, any of these brands will do the trick. If choosing between them is too hard, let your budgeting be the deciding factor. After all, they are all excellent choices.
What do you think about the Kamikoto Kanpeki knife set? Tell us about your Kamikoto knife review in the comments section below!
Featured image via Amazon
I began my writing career writing for various content firms, but it was under the tutelage of the editors here at SavantMag.com that I grew as a writer and editor. I love the content we write here and bringing solid reviews to consumers is rewarding beyond what I can even describe.
