Discover the Highest-Quality Japanese Kitchen Knife Sets

Japanese knives have gained popularity all over the world due to their superior craftsmanship, sharpness and durability. These knives are not only used by professional chefs in Japan but also by home cooks and chefs worldwide. The Japanese take great pride in their knives-making tradition, which dates back centuries.

In this guide, we will explore the world of best Japanese kitchen knives sets and help you choose the best one for your needs. We will discuss the different types of Japanese knives, their features, and what to look for when buying a set.

Top-Rated Japanese Kitchen Knife Sets for Every Cook

The best Japanese kitchen knife sets feature high-carbon steel blades (VG-10, SG2), ergonomic handles (Pakkawood, Micarta), and a variety of essential knives (Gyuto, Santoku, Paring). Top brands include Shun, Global, and Yoshihiro. Expect exceptional sharpness and durability.

Shun Classic 7-Piece Knife Set: My 5-Year Experience

Key Features: VG-MAX steel, PakkaWood handles, 16-degree blade angle, full tang construction. Includes: Chef’s Knife, Paring Knife, Utility Knife, Honing Steel, Kitchen Shears, and Knife Block.

The Shun Classic 7-Piece Knife Set is where many home cooks discover the joy of Japanese knives, and for good reason. The VG-MAX steel is incredibly sharp and holds its edge exceptionally well. The D-shaped PakkaWood handles offer comfort and excellent control. This set covers all the essentials: a chef’s knife for primary chopping and slicing, a paring knife for intricate work, a utility knife for in-between tasks, a honing steel to keep everything aligned, and even kitchen shears. The full tang construction provides satisfying balance and weight.

I bought this Shun Classic set about five years ago, upgrading from some dull, generic knives. The first time I used the 8-inch chef’s knife to dice an onion, I actually laughed out loud. It was so much easier – no more squashed onions, just clean, precise cuts. It completely changed my perspective on food prep.

Why It’s Great:

• Razor-Sharp: Holds its edge really well.
• Comfortable: The D-shaped PakkaWood handles feel great.
• Well-Balanced: Full tang construction makes a big difference.
• Complete Set: Covers all the basic knife needs.

Worth the Money?

100%. If you’re serious about cooking and want to upgrade your knives, this set is a fantastic investment. You’ll notice the difference immediately.

Global Ikasu 7-Piece Knife Set Review: Lightweight and Precise

Key Features: Cromova 18 steel, stainless steel handles, 15-degree blade angle, lightweight design. Includes: Chef’s Knife, Bread Knife, Vegetable Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife

This Global Ikasu set is all about that sleek, modern look and amazing lightweight feel. If you hate heavy knives, you’ll love these. The Cromova 18 steel is tough and stays sharp, and the all-stainless design is super hygienic. This set provides you with a chef’s knife for general use, a bread knife for crusty loaves, a vegetable knife, a utility knife, and a pairing’s knife for precision work. My friend, Lora – a professional chef, swears by her Global knives. She lent me her 8-inch Global chef’s knife to prep a huge batch of vegetables for a dinner party, and I was amazed by how light and nimble it felt, even after extended use. Absolutely no hand fatigue. The seamless design is also a big plus for hygiene.

Why It’s Great:

• Featherlight: Seriously, these knives are incredibly light.
• Super Sharp: Cromova 18 steel does the job.
• Hygienic: One-piece stainless steel design is easy to clean.
• Well-Balanced: Even though they’re light, they feel perfectly balanced.

Are Global knives suitable for people with smaller hands?

Absolutely! The lightweight design makes them perfect for smaller hands or anyone who prefers a less hefty knife.

Miyabi Artisan SG2 8-Piece Knife Set

Key Features: SG2 micro-carbide powder steel, Cocobolo Pakkawood handles, 9.5-12 degree blade angle, Damascus pattern. Includes: Chef’s Knife, Santoku Knife, Bread Knife, Paring Knife, Utility Knife, Honing Steel, and Knife Block.

This Miyabi Artisan set is in a league of its own. It’s expensive, yes, but you’re paying for the absolute best in Japanese knife making. The SG2 micro-carbide powder steel is ridiculously sharp and stays that way, the Cocobolo handles are stunning and comfortable, and the Damascus pattern is just beautiful. This set includes everything a serious cook could need: a chef’s knife, a santoku, a bread knife, a paring knife, a utility knife, a honing steel, and a beautiful block. I treated myself to a Miyabi Artisan chef’s knife, and it’s like nothing else I’ve ever used. Slicing a tomato felt like cutting through butter – seriously.

Why It’s Great:

• Unbelievably Sharp: The SG2 steel is on another level.
• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Beautifully made, from the blade to the handle.
• Ergonomic Design: Comfortable and perfectly balanced.
• A Work of Art: The Damascus pattern is stunning.

Worth the Splurge?

100% yes. If you’re passionate about cooking and appreciate the finest tools, the Miyabi Artisan SG2 is worth every penny. It’s an investment in your culinary future.

Yoshihiro VG-10 16-Layer Damascus Forged 3-Piece Knife Set

Key Features: VG-10 steel core, 16-layer Damascus cladding, Mahogany wood handles. Includes: Gyuto (Chef’s Knife), Petty (Utility Knife), Paring Knife. No block.

This Yoshihiro set is a gorgeous way to get into Japanese knives without breaking the bank (compared to, say, the Miyabi). The VG-10 steel is super sharp and holds its edge well, and the Damascus pattern is just stunning. The mahogany handles are a nice touch too – they feel warm and comfortable. It’s a great starter set with the three essential knives you need. My dad, who loves woodworking, got a Yoshihiro Gyuto as a gift, and he absolutely loves it. He even said it reminded him of his workshop tools!

Why It’s Great:

• Beautiful Damascus: The 16-layer pattern is eye-catching.
• Sharp and Durable: VG-10 steel is a great performer.
• Comfortable Handle: Mahogany wood feels great in the hand.
• Essential Trio: Covers the basic knife needs perfectly.

Tojiro DP 3-Piece Knife Set

What’s Included: Chef’s Knife, Petty Knife, Paring Knife. VG-10 steel, composite wood handles. No block.

The Tojiro DP set is all about bang for your buck. You get that famous VG-10 steel sharpness and durability without the crazy high price tag you often see with Japanese knives. The composite wood handles are durable and grippy. This set keeps it simple: a chef’s knife for most tasks, a petty knife for smaller jobs, and a paring knife for detail work. Back when I was in culinary school, tons of my classmates used Tojiro DP knives because they were affordable, reliable, and could handle the daily grind. I borrowed a friend’s Tojiro DP chef’s knife to practice my brunoise cuts, and I was impressed with how well it held its edge, even after hours of chopping. It’s a true workhorse.

Why It’s Great:

• Amazing Value: VG-10 steel at a great price.
• Durable: Built to withstand heavy use.
• Sharp and Long-Lasting: Holds its edge well.
• Simple and Effective: The essential knives you need, nothing more.

Worth the Money?

Absolutely! It delivers professional-grade VG-10 steel performance and durability at an accessible price point, making it a fantastic buy for both home cooks and aspiring chefs.

MAC Knife Professional 8-Piece Set: For Serious Chefs (and Serious Home Cooks!)

What’s Included: A variety of knives for pretty much any kitchen task, plus a roll bag. High-carbon molybdenum steel, Pakkawood handles. No block.

The MAC Knife Professional 8-piece set is geared towards, well, professionals – and serious home cooks who want pro-level tools. The high-carbon molybdenum steel is incredibly sharp and known for holding its edge like a champ. The Pakkawood handles are durable and give you a solid grip, even when your hands are wet. This set gives you a wide range of knives to handle any cooking job, and the roll bag makes it easy to transport your tools safely. I once worked alongside a pastry chef who only used MAC knives. She let me try her MAC bread knife on a delicate genoise sponge cake, and it was like slicing through butter – no tearing, just a perfectly clean cut. That’s a testament to the precision and quality of these knives.

Why It’s Great:

• Pro-Grade Sharpness: High-carbon molybdenum steel is top-notch.
• Excellent Edge Retention: Stays sharp for a long time.
• Secure Grip: Pakkawood handles are great, even when wet.
• Versatile Set: Covers a wide range of culinary tasks.
  Portable: Comes with a roll bag for easy transport.

Dalstrong Shogun Series X 5-Piece Knife Set

What’s Included: Chef’s Knife, Santoku Knife, Bread Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife, and an Acacia wood block. Japanese AUS-10V super steel core, Damascus cladding, G-10 handles.

The Dalstrong Shogun Series X 5-piece set is all about making a statement. It’s got striking looks and impressive performance to back it up. The Japanese AUS-10V super steel core is incredibly sharp and durable, and the Damascus cladding adds a beautiful visual element. The G-10 handles are practically indestructible and give you a rock-solid grip. This set includes a chef’s knife, santoku, bread knife, utility knife, and paring knife, all housed in a stylish acacia wood block. I saw a Dalstrong Shogun Series X chef’s knife featured on a cooking show, and I was immediately drawn to its bold design. The way the chef effortlessly sliced through a pile of vegetables was impressive. This is a knife that makes a statement.

Why It’s Great:

• Eye-Catching Design: The Damascus cladding and overall look are stunning.
• Super Sharp and Durable: AUS-10V steel is top-quality.
• Indestructible Handles: G-10 handles can handle anything.
• Complete Set: Covers all the essential knife needs.
• Stylish Storage: Comes with a beautiful acacia wood block.

Imarku 16-Piece Kitchen Knife Set: The Everything-Included Set

What’s Included: Chef’s Knife, Slicing Knife, Bread Knife, Santoku Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife, six Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, Honing Steel, and a Wood Block. High-carbon stainless steel blades, Pakkawood handles.

This 16-piece Imarku set is all about giving you a complete collection of knives at an affordable price. It features high-carbon stainless steel blades and Pakkawood handles, offering a good balance of performance and durability. The set includes a wide variety of knives – a chef’s knife, slicer, bread knife, santoku, utility knife, paring knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, and a honing steel – all housed in a wood block. My neighbor, who hosts a lot of family gatherings, bought this set and raves about how it has everything she needs to prep big meals. She especially loves that it includes steak knives. It’s a practical option for anyone who needs a lot of knives without breaking the bank.

Why It’s Great:

• Comprehensive Set: Seriously, everything is included.
• Affordable: Great value for the number of pieces.
• Good All-Around Performance: High-carbon stainless steel is decent.
• Includes Steak Knives: A big plus for many home cooks.
• Ready to Go: Comes with a block and honing steel.

Enso HD 6-Piece Knife Set

What’s Included: Paring Knife, Utility Knife, Santoku Knife, Bread Knife, Kitchen Shears, and a Slim Block. Hammered VG-10 Damascus steel, Black Canvas Micarta handles.

The Enso HD 6-piece set combines gorgeous craftsmanship with awesome performance. The hammered VG-10 Damascus steel isn’t just eye-catching; it also helps prevent food from sticking to the blade. The black canvas Micarta handles are super durable and give you a comfortable, secure grip. This set includes a paring knife, utility knife, santoku, bread knife, kitchen shears, and a space-saving slim block. I was looking for a gift for a friend who appreciates both form and function, and the Enso HD set immediately caught my eye. The hammered finish and sleek Micarta handles give it a sophisticated look, and I knew the VG-10 steel would deliver top-notch performance. My friend absolutely loved it. It’s a set that’s both practical and beautiful.

Why It’s Great:

• Stunning Looks: The hammered Damascus steel is gorgeous.
• Top-Notch Performance: VG-10 steel is sharp and durable.
• Durable and Comfortable Handles: Black canvas Micarta is a great material.
• Space-Saving Block: The slim block is a nice touch.
• Complete Essentials: Has all the key knives you need.

Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set Review

What’s Included: Chef’s Knife, Bread Knife, Boning Knife, Utility Knife, and Paring Knife, all in a glass block. X50CrMoV15 high-carbon German steel, Santoprene handles.

The Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-piece set is a fantastic entry point into the world of quality kitchen knives, inspired by Japanese design. Even though it uses high-carbon German steel (X50CrMoV15), it has a balance and feel similar to many Japanese knives. The Santoprene handles are especially noteworthy for their comfortable, non-slip grip, even when wet. This set includes a chef’s knife, bread knife, boning knife, utility knife, and paring knife, all housed in a stylish glass block. I recommended this set to a friend who was just starting to cook more at home. They loved the comfortable handles and how much easier it made prepping ingredients compared to their old knives. It was a great way for them to experience improved performance without a huge investment. It’s a solid choice for beginners.

Why It’s Great:

• Affordable Quality: Good performance without a premium price tag.
• Amazing Grip: Santoprene handles are super comfortable and non-slip.
• Inspired by Japanese design: Balanced and easy using
• Stylish Glass Block: Looks great on the counter.
• Essential Knife Selection: Covers the basic needs well.

Features	Shun Classic 7-Piece Knife Set	Global Ikasu 7-Piece Knife Set	Miyabi Artisan SG2 8-Piece Knife Set	Yoshihiro VG-10 16-Layer Damascus Forged 3-Piece Knife Set	Tojiro DP 3-Piece
Blade Material (Steel Type)	VG-MAX (Proprietary VG-10 variant)	Cromova 18 (High-Carbon Stainless Steel)	SG2 (Micro-Carbide Powdered Steel)	VG-10	VG-10
Handle Construction	Pakkawood (Resin-Impregnated Wood, D-Shaped)	Stainless Steel (Seamless, Dimpled)	Cocobolo Rosewood Pakkawood (Ergonomic)	Mahogany	Composite Wood
Blade Hardness (Rockwell)	60-61 HRC	56-58 HRC	63 HRC	60-61 HRC	60 HRC
Edge Angle	16 degrees (per side)	15 degrees (per side)	9.5-12 degrees (per side)	15 degrees	15 degrees
Number of Pieces	7	7	8	3	3
Included Knives	Chef’s, Paring, Utility, Honing Steel, Shears, Block	Chef’s, Bread, Vegetable, Utility, Paring, Block	Chef’s, Santoku, Bread, Paring, Utility, Honing Steel, Block	Gyuto, Petty, Paring	Chef’s, Petty, Paring
Price Range	High-End	Mid to High-End	High-End	Mid-Range	Mid-Range
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Craftsmanship Origin	Seki City, Japan	Niigata, Japan	Seki City, Japan	Japan	Japan
Overall Feel	Balanced, substantial, traditional feel	Lightweight, modern, exceptionally balanced	Exquisitely balanced, premium, traditional feel	Traditional, handcrafted	Balanced, substantial
Best Suited For	Home cooks & professionals seeking versatility	Home cooks & professionals, smaller hands friendly	Serious home cooks & professionals, ultimate sharpness	Starting a collection	Value seekers

Features	MAC Pro 8-Piece (Roll Bag)	Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece	Dalstrong Shogun X 5-Piece	Imarku 16-Piece	Enso HD 6-Piece
Blade Material	Molybdenum High-Carbon	X50CrMoV15 (German)	AUS-10V	High Carbon SS	VG-10
Handle Construction	Pakkawood	Santoprene	G-10	Pakkawood	Micarta
Blade Hardness (Rockwell)	58-61 HRC	56-58 HRC	62+ HRC	56-58 HRC	60-61 HRC
Edge Angle	15 degrees	15 degrees	12 degrees	15 degrees	15 degrees
Number of Pieces	8	6	5	16	6
Included Knives	Chef’s, Utility/Boning, Bread, Paring x2, Boning, Honing Steel, Roll Bag	Chef’s, Bread, Boning, Utility, Paring, Block	Chef’s, Santoku, Bread, Utility, Paring, Block	Chef’s, Slicing, Bread, Santoku, Utility, Paring, 6x Steak, Shears, Sharpener, Block	Paring, Utility, Santoku, Bread, Shears, Block
Price Range	Mid to High-End	Budget-Friendly	Mid to High-End	Budget-Friendly	Mid-Range
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Craftsmanship Origin	Japan	Taiwan	China (Japanese Steel)	China	Japan
Overall Feel	Professional, precise	Comfortable, beginner-friendly	Striking, sharp	Utilitarian, value	Elegant, functional
Best Suited For	Professional chefs on the go	Beginners	Home cooks	Large families, frequent cooks	Style-conscious cooks

Essential Knives in a Japanese Knife Set

Forget a random knife block! Japanese sets are all about having the right tool for the job. Here are the four key players:

Gyuto (Chef’s Knife): The All-Purpose

• Best For: Slicing, dicing, chopping – pretty much everything!
• Size: Usually 8-10 inches, with a double-bevel edge.

The Gyuto is the Japanese equivalent of the Western chef’s knife. It’s your everyday workhorse, great for a wide range of tasks. The curved blade allows for a smooth rocking motion when chopping.

Santoku (Three Virtues Knife): For Vegetables, Meat, and Fish

• Best For: Vegetables, meat, and fish. It’s a true multi-tasker!
• Size: Typically 5-7 inches, often with a Granton edge (those little dimples).

The Santoku, meaning “three virtues” or “three uses,” is a versatile knife renowned for its ability to handle vegetables, meat, and fish. The shorter blade and Granton edge (if it has one) make it super agile and prevent food from sticking.

Nakiri (Vegetable Knife): Precision Vegetable Cutting

• Best For: Cutting vegetables with incredible accuracy.
• Blade profile: Rectangular and thin.

If vegetables are a staple in your kitchen, the Nakiri is an indispensable tool. This knife features a thin, rectangular blade and a straight edge, specifically designed for cutting vegetables with unparalleled precision. The Nakiri’s straight edge allows for clean, complete cuts without tearing or bruising delicate produce. The thin profile minimizes resistance, making it easy to slice through even the densest vegetables. I used a proper Nakiri, a Takeda AS, to cut paper-thin slices of daikon radish, I was truly amazed by the level of control and finesse it offered.

Paring Knife: For Intricate Tasks

• Best For: Small blade, peeling, trimming, detail work, coring.
• Blade Size: Typically 3-4 inches (7-10cm).

The paring knife, with its small blade (usually 3-4 inches), is the essential tool for detail work such as peeling fruits and vegetables, trimming fat, deveining shrimp, or creating intricate garnishes.

Choosing the Right Handle Material

Your knife handle isn’t just for show! It affects how the knife feels, how well it balances, and how long it lasts. Let’s check out some popular options.

Pakkawood: The Durable and Elegant Choice

What it is: Layers of wood + super-strong resin.

Pakkawood is probably the most popular handle material for good Japanese knives. They basically take thin layers of wood, soak them in resin, and squish them together under a ton of pressure. This makes it super durable, waterproof, and it won’t warp or crack easily. Plus, it feels nice and warm in your hand, and it often looks like real wood. My favorite chef’s knife has a Pakkawood handle, and it’s held up amazingly well – even after years of heavy use!

Why it’s great:

• Super durable
• Waterproof
• Comfortable grip
• Looks good!

Micarta: The Grippy, Tough Choice

What it is: Layers of linen or canvas glued together with resin. Think super durable.
Feels like: Textured, almost slightly rough (in a good way!).

Micarta is another awesome handle material, especially if you want a rock-solid grip. It’s made by layering linen or canvas and bonding it with resin under high pressure. The result? A handle that’s incredibly tough, durable, and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and temperature changes. It gives you amazing grip, even when wet. I reach for my Micarta-handled knife when I’m working with slippery fish or oily foods because it feels so secure in my hand, even with greasy residue. It’s a fantastic choice for a demanding kitchen environment. No slipping, no kidding.

Why It’s Great:

• Unbeatable Grip: Even when wet or greasy.
• Super Durable: Resists pretty much anything.
• Stable: Won’t warp or crack easily.

Stainless Steel: The Clean and Modern Choice

What it is: Solid stainless steel, often with textured grips or dimples.
Feels like: Cool, smooth, and very easy to clean.

Stainless steel handles look sleek and modern, and they’re super hygienic and easy to clean. They’re also incredibly durable and require practically zero maintenance. Some people find them less comfortable than wood or composites, especially for long periods. To combat this, many stainless steel handles have textured patterns, dimples, or ergonomic designs to improve grip. While I prefer the feel of wood or Micarta, I appreciate the cleanliness and easy maintenance of stainless steel handles, especially for knives I use to prep raw meat or poultry.

Why It’s Great:

• Ultra-Hygienic: Super easy to clean and sanitize.
• Zero Maintenance: No need for special care.
• Modern Look: Sleek and stylish.
• Extremely Durable: Will last forever.

Choosing the Right Blade Material (Steel Talk!)

Let’s take a quick look at some other steel types you might come across:

VG-10 Steel: The Popular Choice

Sharpness, durability, corrosion resistance, edge retention.

Think of VG-10 as the trusty workhorse of Japanese knife steel.

VG-10 is a fantastic all-around choice and super popular in Japanese kitchen knives. It’s a high-carbon stainless steel, striking a great balance between sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance. The addition of cobalt, vanadium, and molybdenum boosts its performance, allowing it to hold a sharp edge for a respectable amount of time. It’s relatively easy to sharpen and maintain, too.

SG2 (R2) Steel: The Premium Pick

Extreme hardness, excellent edge retention, ultimate sharpness, powder steel.

If you’re looking for ultimate sharpness and edge retention, SG2 steel (also known as R2) is your go-to. This is a powder steel, meaning it’s made using a special process that allows for an incredibly hard blade (around 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale) that can be sharpened to a razor-like edge and stay that way for an extremely long time. I once saw a demonstration where a chef used an SG2 knife to slice a piece of paper held in mid-air. Impressive!

Keep in mind that this extreme hardness also means sharpening can be more challenging.

Other Notable Steels (AUS-10, Blue Steel #2, White Steel #1)

• AUS-10: A Japanese stainless steel similar to VG-10, but often with slightly better toughness (resistance to chipping). It offers a good balance of sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance.
• Blue Steel #2 (Aogami #2): A high-carbon steel known for its excellent edge retention and ability to take a very sharp edge. It has added chromium and tungsten for improved durability compared to White Steel. Blue Steel knives are famous for their incredibly smooth and sharp cutting feel. However, it’s not stainless, so extra care is needed to prevent rust.
• White Steel #1 (Shirogami #1): An extremely pure high-carbon steel that can achieve arguably the sharpest edge of these three. However, it’s also the most prone to chipping and requires careful handling and maintenance. It’s also not stainless. White Steel is often favored by traditional Japanese chefs who prioritize ultimate sharpness above all else.

What’s the difference between Blue and White steel in Japanese knives?

Blue Steel (Aogami) has added chromium and tungsten, making it more durable and giving it better edge retention than White Steel (Shirogami). White Steel is purer and can take a slightly sharper edge, but it’s more prone to chipping and rusting.

Caring for Your Japanese Kitchen Knives

Are Japanese kitchen knives dishwasher safe? Absolutely not.

High-quality Japanese knives should never go in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents, high heat, and jostling around can damage both the blade and the handle. I once made the mistake of putting a cheaper knife (thankfully not one of my prized Japanese ones!) in the dishwasher, and the handle came out warped and discolored. Lesson learned!

Proper Storage: Knife Blocks and Magnetic Strips

Knife blocks, magnetic strips, and sayas (knife sheaths) are all excellent options. Avoid simply tossing them in a drawer where they can bang against other utensils, causing chips or dulling. I personally prefer a magnetic strip; it keeps my knives within easy reach and displays them beautifully.

Honing and Sharpening

There’s a difference between honing and sharpening. Honing realigns the blade’s edge, maintaining sharpness between sharpenings. Sharpening, on the other hand, removes metal to create a new edge. I highly recommend using a ceramic honing rod regularly, ideally after every few uses. This simple step will significantly extend the life of your blade. When your knife is truly dull, it’s time for professional sharpening.

How often should I sharpen my Japanese kitchen knives?

Hone regularly (after every few uses) and get them professionally sharpened once or twice a year, depending on usage.

FAQs About Japanese Kitchen Knife Sets

What’s the best Japanese kitchen knife set for beginners?

The Tojiro DP 3-Piece is a great option, including a chef’s knife, paring knife, and utility knife. It’s a fantastic balance of quality and value.

What’s the difference between a Gyuto and a Santoku?

A Gyuto is a Western-style chef’s knife, generally longer and more versatile, while a Santoku is shorter and often has a granton edge (those little divots), making it great for slicing vegetables, meat, and fish.

Can I use my Japanese knife set to cut frozen food?

No. Cutting frozen food can chip or even break the blade.

What’s the best way to store my Japanese knife set?

In a wooden block, on a magnetic strip, or using individual knife sheaths.