WE Knife Co., Ltd., also known as WE Knife, is a prominent Chinese knife brand that has earned considerable acclaim within the knife community due to its exceptional designs and top-notch craftsmanship. Since its establishment in 2000, WE Knife has swiftly risen to prominence, becoming renowned for its meticulous manufacturing, careful attention to detail, and use of premium materials.

With a diverse product line, WE Knife caters to both collectors and outdoor enthusiasts by offering a wide selection of folding knives and fixed-blade knives. Their knives are highly regarded for their impeccable fit and finish, smooth opening mechanisms, and outstanding blade geometry. Leveraging advanced CNC machining technology, they employ top-tier materials, including premium steels such as S35VN, M390, and CPM-20CV, along with titanium, carbon fiber, and G-10 for the handles.

A distinctive characteristic of WE Knife is its dedication to collaborating with esteemed knife designers from all over the world. By partnering with renowned names like Elijah Isham, Ferrum Forge, and Rotten Design, they have produced an array of unique and visually striking knife models.

Headquarters: Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, China

Founded: 2000

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weknives (169K followers)
Website: https://www.weknife.com/

In 2002, the Shun brand made its debut, and shortly after, in the following year, it received its first prestigious Knife of the Year award. Since that initial milestone until the present day, the brand has maintained a steadfast commitment to delivering the utmost in quality and innovation, not driven solely by accolades, but rather by the profound significance it holds for the individuals who use their exceptional cutlery every single day.

Home cooks and professional chefs from all corners of the globe place their trust in Shun cutlery for its unparalleled excellence. Characterized by stunning design, premium-grade materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, Shun consistently delivers superior performance, effortless handling, and a lifetime of dependable service.

The brand derives its name from the Japanese culinary concept of "shun," which represents the perfect moment when ingredients reach their optimal state. This is when fruits are perfectly ripe, vegetables are at their peak, and meat is most flavorful. Home cooks and professional chefs alike embrace the idea of shun in their culinary practices, eagerly anticipating each season's harvest and serving ingredients at their prime. The Shun brand pays homage to this tradition of mindful, seasonal eating and reflects their commitment to crafting kitchen cutlery that consistently reaches the pinnacle of perfection as well.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Founded: 2002

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuncutlery/ (108K followers)

Website: https://shun.kaiusa.com/

Sakai Takayuki Cutlery is a Japanese knife brand and one of the Best Asian Knife Brands that has been producing high-quality knives for over 600 years. Sakai Takayuki Cutlery was founded in the 16th century and has been passed down through generations of skilled craftsmen. The company's knives are known for their sharpness, precision, and durability, and are highly regarded both domestically and abroad. The company is headquartered in Sakai, Japan, and is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Sakai Takayuki Cutlery is highly regarded both domestically and abroad for its superior quality knives. The company's knives are known for their sharpness, precision, and durability, which has led to them being sought after by professional chefs and home cooks worldwide. The brand has established a reputation for producing high-end knives that are designed to last a lifetime.

Sakai Takayuki Cutlery produces a wide range of knives that are designed for both professional chefs and home cooks. The company's knife products include traditional Japanese-style knives, such as Gyuto, Santoku, and Yanagiba, as well as Western-style knives, including chef's knives and utility knives. The company also offers custom-made knives that are tailored to the specific needs of individual customers.

Headquarters: Sakai, Japan

Founded: 16th century

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakai_takayuki_knife (41.2K followers)

Website: https://int.seisukeknife.com/collections/sakai-takayuki-1

Reate Knives is a Chinese knife brand that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality knives using precision craftsmanship and premium materials. Despite being established in 2014, Reate has quickly become a well-known brand in the knife industry by combining innovative designs, expert craftsmanship, and advanced technology.

Reate is dedicated to creating knives with exceptional fit and finish, paying close attention to every detail to ensure their knives are of the highest quality. The brand utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and CNC machining technology to create knives with precise blade geometry and tight tolerances. Each knife undergoes strict quality control to ensure it meets Reate's high standards.

An important aspect of Reate Knives is their collaboration with renowned knife designers such as Tashi Bharucha, Todd Begg, and Eric Ochs. This collaboration results in knives that showcase unique styles and innovative features with eye-catching designs.

Reate Knives uses premium materials for their blades and handles, including high-performance stainless steels like CPM S35VN, CPM 20CV, and M390, known for their excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Additionally, they use quality handle materials such as titanium, carbon fiber, and G-10, contributing to the overall durability and aesthetics of their knives. Reate's commitment to precision, innovation, and premium materials has made them a respected brand in the knife industry.

Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Founded: 2014

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reateknives/ (43.7K followers)

Website: https://reateknives.com/

GLOBAL kitchen knives were introduced in 1985 by the visionary designer, Komin Yamada. When entrusted with this project, Yamada's goal was to create a truly innovative range of knives using top-notch materials and the latest manufacturing techniques. His aim was to develop kitchen knives that would cater to both professional and amateur chefs, offering comfort, ease of handling, and meeting the most stringent requirements.

The key distinguishing features of GLOBAL knives lie in their edge and balance. The edge, in particular, is of paramount importance for any knife, and the GLOBAL edge is especially noteworthy. Most GLOBAL knives are sharpened on both sides of the blade, similar to Western-style knives. However, their edges are steeply ground to a fine point, as depicted in Fig. 1, creating an acute angle. This sets them apart from Western or European knives, which typically employ a beveled edge, as shown in Fig. 2. This unique straight edge results in a significantly sharper knife that retains its sharpness for an extended period.

The GLOBAL knife's edge is prominently visible to the naked eye, extending a quarter of an inch or more from the knife's tip. One frequently asked question is why GLOBAL knives maintain their sharpness for prolonged periods without frequent sharpening. Apart from the combination of molybdenum and vanadium elements in their composition, this exceptional sharpness is also attributed to the design of the straight edge, as illustrated in the diagrams above.

Headquarters: Tsubame, Japan

Founded: 1985

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global_knives_uk/ (19.3K followers)

Website: https://www.globalknives.uk/

Kizer Cutlery stands as one of the best Asian knife brands celebrated for its top-tier knives and esteemed collaborations with renowned knife designers. Established in 2012, Kizer has built a strong reputation for crafting exceptional knives that harmonize precision craftsmanship, cutting-edge designs, and premium materials.

The fit and finish of Kizer knives are highly regarded, reflecting a meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of their production. Employing advanced manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, the brand achieves knives with impeccable tolerances and excellent ergonomics. Kizer's unwavering dedication to quality is evident in their use of premium materials, which encompass high-performance stainless steels like S35VN, CPM-20CV, and VG-10, as well as top-notch handle materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and G-10.

A standout feature of Kizer Cutlery lies in its collaborations with esteemed knife designers. By teaming up with renowned figures such as Matt Degnan, Ray Laconico, and Chris Conaway, Kizer creates a diverse range of knives that exhibit the distinct styles and expertise of these designers. The result is an impressive lineup of knives boasting various blade shapes, handles, and deployment mechanisms, each reflecting the unique touch of the designers involved.

Headquarter: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

Founded: 2012

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizer_co/ (16.1K followers)

Website: https://www.kizerknives.com/

Tojiro is a Japanese knife brand that has been producing high-quality knives since 1953. The company is headquartered in Niigata, Japan, and is known for its attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to using the highest quality materials.

Tojiro produces a range of knives that are designed for both professional chefs and home cooks. The company's knives are made from high-quality materials, such as VG-10 steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability. Tojiro also uses a unique manufacturing process that involves heat-treating the blades to enhance their hardness and resilience.

One of Tojiro's most popular knife lines is the DP series, which features a core of VG-10 steel that is clad with 13 layers of stainless steel. These knives have a sharp, long-lasting edge and are easy to maintain, making them a popular choice among both professional chefs and home cooks.

Tojiro is committed to using sustainable materials and production methods. The company uses recycled materials in its packaging and has implemented measures to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, Tojiro is dedicated to promoting the art of knife-making and has established a knife-making school to train the next generation of artisans.

Headquarters: Niigata, Japan

Founded: 1953

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tojiro_jp/ (7341 followers)

Website: https://www.tojiro-japan.com/

MAC Knives, a Japanese brand that has earned widespread popularity in the West, was founded by Mr. Tatsuo Kobayashi in 1965. Highly regarded for its professional design, superior craftsmanship, and remarkable feel, MAC Knives has been on a mission for more than five decades to create knives that are saltier, sharper, lighter, and more comfortable. With an impressive sales record of over 25 million knives, the brand offers a diverse range of products, including Western-inspired Japanese blades, sharpeners, and accessories such as cutting boards.

The Western blades from MAC Knives boast a Rockwell hardness of 58-60, and the company offers various series that encompass Japanese traditional to Damascus steel knives. Notably, the entire blade-making process is performed manually, from grinding to sharpening, resulting in razor-sharp edges that outlast those of other manufacturers.

The brand's reputation is upheld by satisfied customers and acclaimed publications like the New York Times, which praise MAC Knives for their agility, comfort, and exceptional sharpness. To further instill confidence in their products, MAC Knives provides a 25-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan

Founded: 1965

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macknifeinc/ (1708 followers)

Website: https://www.macknife.com

Founded in 1935, Misono has remained a small, family-owned business for many decades. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing kitchen tool blades specifically for vegetable peelers. It wasn't until the late 1960s that Misono ventured into producing their own knives. Today, they proudly hold the distinction of being Japan's oldest Western-style knife manufacturer, operating with a workforce of only fifty individuals, yet producing an impressive 150,000 knives annually.

Misono's diverse collections encompass all the popular Western knife types, including chef knives, paring knives, and Santoku, all expertly crafted from molybdenum steel or Swedish carbon steel. These knives retain Japanese elements, adding a sleek and professional touch to their appearance.

If you appreciate the charm and reliability of a small family business, Misono is an excellent choice. Their journey began with a specialization in vegetable peelers, and now they offer a modest selection of seven knife designs, with various variants and sizes in each category, catering to Japanese culinary needs such as sushi and ramen.

Headquarters: Seki, Japan

Founded: 1935

Instagram: n/a

Website: https://www.hocho-knife.com/misono/

CCK Cutlery is a Taiwanese knife brand that produces traditional Chinese-style knives. The company was founded in the 1940s and is headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan. CCK knives are known for their unique designs and high-quality materials.

CCK produces a range of knives that are designed for both professional chefs and home cooks. The company's knives are made from high-quality carbon steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability. CCK knives are also known for their thin, flexible blades, which are ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping.

One of CCK's most popular knife lines is the Chinese Cleaver, which is a versatile knife that is used for a range of tasks, including slicing meat, chopping vegetables, and crushing garlic. CCK's Chinese Cleavers are known for their sharpness and balance, making them a popular choice among professional chefs and home cooks alike.

CCK is a respected knife brand that is known for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability. Its knives are a popular choice among those who prefer traditional Chinese-style knives, and the company's dedication to craftsmanship and tradition has helped it become a leading brand in the culinary world.

Headquarters: Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Founded: 1940s

Instagram: n/a

Website: http://www.chanchikee.com/