Kamikoto is a brand of “Japanese” knives that has sparked considerable debate among chefs and within groups of knife enthusiasts and collectors. So, what is the truth about Kamikoto? This expensive knife set, priced at up to $2,000, raises the question: is it truly worth your hard-earned money?
In this section of the article, I have conducted a thorough investigation to reveal whether you can trust Kamikoto knives with your investment.
Review of Kamikoto Knives: History and Origins
Kamikoto claims that their headquarters is located in Nakano City, a region of Tokyo, Japan. However, the reality is that the brand is owned by Galton Voysey, a direct-to-consumer brand development company based in Hong Kong.
Kamikoto provides very little information about its company’s history.
The brand endeavours to assure you that their knives are manufactured in Japan. From the name Kamikoto to the frequent mentions of Honshu Japanese steel on their website, everything about this brand suggests production in Japan.
In contrast, Japanese knife makers such as Shun, Miyabi, and Global have long-standing traditions in Seki City or Niigata, Japan. These brands are transparent about how and where their knives are made, having perfected their craft over many generations. They clearly indicate where each product is produced.
I reached out to Kamikoto’s customer service team to inquire about the origin of the knife set I purchased.
The truth is, only the Kanpeki set (Genten line) is made from Japanese steel but is sharpened in Yanjiang, China—a town with a longstanding history in knife and sword making. They label the Genten product line as “Products of Japan and China.”
It took several emails for Kamikoto to admit that the majority of their knives are manufactured in China. This lack of transparency regarding the production location is a significant concern.
Are Kamikoto Knives Truly Japanese?
The short answer is no. Despite the Kamikoto brand having Japanese origins and its knives bearing names associated with Japan, the majority of Kamikoto knives are primarily manufactured in China.
This has sparked considerable debate within the knife community about whether Kamikoto knives should be classified as “Japanese” in nature, especially considering that they do utilize some Japanese steel for their Genten line.
However, the bulk of their production processes occur in China, which falls short of the rigorous standards associated with traditional Japanese knife-making.
If you are looking for the best Japanese kitchen knife set, Kamikoto is definitely not the brand you can trust.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Quality
One of the primary selling points of Kamikoto knives is their high price, with sets ranging from $1,200 to $2,000. However, when it comes to quality and performance, these knives often fall short of expectations.
Many customers have reported issues such as rusting and chipping of the blades after just a few uses, which is particularly disappointing given the steep investment required for these knives.
In terms of performance, Kamikoto knives are frequently compared to lower-priced Japanese brands like Tojiro or Yoshihiro. Numerous reviewers have noted that while Kamikoto knives may be visually appealing, they do not excel in terms of balance, sharpness, and overall cutting ability.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Material
If you explore their website and reviews, you will find that Kamikoto mentions the use of 420J2 steel for their Genten line.
So, what are the issues with this type of steel?
420J2 Steel
Firstly, 420J2 is a low-grade steel typically employed in budget knives. It struggles to maintain sharpness and has a very low hardness rating of up to 53 HRC, which is quite insufficient for a Japanese knife.
While it offers high corrosion resistance due to its chromium content, it quickly loses its hardness.
In simple terms, 420J2 is inexpensive stainless steel commonly found in low-cost knives.
According to Wikipedia, it is known for its cost-effectiveness and corrosion resistance, frequently appearing in cheap knives and diving knives.
SLD Steel
Kamikoto also mentions the use of SLD steel for their Ganjo line, which is a higher-quality steel that can achieve hardness levels of up to 62 HRC. This steel is known for its ability to maintain sharpness and offers improved performance compared to the 420J2 used in the Genten line.
However, a customer service representative candidly acknowledged that while the Ganjo knives exhibit superior corrosion resistance, they necessitate more frequent sharpening and maintenance to sustain their optimal cutting capabilities.
The Rockwell scale measures the hardness of materials, and most kitchen knives typically range from 57 to 62 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale). In contrast, Kamikoto’s 420J2 blades have a hardness rating of 53 +/-2, making them significantly softer than the majority of knives on the market. This softness necessitates frequent sharpening, prompting Kamikoto to recommend purchasing a sharpening stone for an additional $200.
On the other hand, the SLD steel used in their Ganjo Santoku knives boasts a hardness of 62 +/-2, indicating superior durability and edge retention.
Zirconium dioxide
Additionally, the blades in the Kuro line are made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic that can chip easily if used on hard materials like frozen food or bones. Maintaining ceramic knives generally requires a diamond sharpening wheel, best handled by professionals due to their delicate nature.
Furthermore, the reports of rust experienced by users can largely be attributed to the higher carbon content found in some steels used in Kamikoto knives, which are more prone to oxidation if not adequately cared for.
Ultimately, the combination of softness and maintenance requirements does not justify the premium pricing associated with Kamikoto knives.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Perfomance
The performance of Kamikoto knives has received mixed reviews from users. Some praise their durability and high performance, while others deem them excessively expensive and underwhelming. To evaluate this for myself, I purchased a Kanpeki knife set and conducted a series of tests.
The first aspect that struck me was their weight—heavier than most traditional Japanese knives. The thick blade and sturdy handle provide a comfortable and solid grip, exuding an impression of durability. These knives are balanced well, comparable to premium brands like Shun and Zwilling.
The single bevel blade is exceptionally sharp right out of the box, effortlessly slicing through tomatoes, carrots, onions, and celery.
However, if you’re accustomed to double-edged knives, you may notice a slight tendency to veer to the left during long cuts. While this is something that can be adjusted with practice, it’s important to keep in mind when using Kamikoto or any single bevel knife.
Although initially very sharp, the Kamikoto knives require frequent honing due to the relatively soft 420J2 steel. After about a month of daily use, I observed the blade starting to dull.
The 7″ Nakiri vegetable knife in the set quickly became my favourite, especially for slicing cucumbers, carrots, and herbs. Its flat blade and ease of cutting turn what is often a tedious job into a pleasurable experience.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Versatility
With three knives in the set, you can perform most tasks in the kitchen. While the 7″ Nakiri may resemble a cleaver at first glance, it is not suitable for chopping bones. For small bone cutting, I still rely on a traditional chef’s knife; alternatively, I have a cleaver tucked away for such tasks.
The one limitation I found with this knife set is its inability to peel. A paring knife is best suited for this job, but due to the single bevel edge, I often find myself cutting too deep into the fruits or vegetables while attempting to peel.
If you’re as clumsy as I am, it becomes essential to keep a small utility knife or a simple peeler handy for those delicate peeling tasks.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Sharpness
Upon first using the Kamikoto knives, I was genuinely impressed by their sharpness.
Unlike typical single-bevel knives, which may sometimes leave a thin layer, akin to skin, beneath the cut—particularly when slicing soft vegetables like tomatoes and green onions—these knives excelled in producing clean, precise cuts.
The blades, especially in the Genten line featuring 420J2 steel, indeed require frequent honing. Fortunately, Kamikoto offers a sharpening stone as an additional option, strongly recommending its use to maintain and enhance the sharpness of their knives.
However, whether the blades can sustain their sharp edge over time remains to be seen. Numerous customers have reported that this sharpening stone does not perform optimally with the 420J2 steel, often leading to a duller edge rather than helping maintain sharpness.
Kamikoto Knives Reviews: Price
The primary aspect I wish to critique regarding this knife set is the price point. While it is true that these knives are handcrafted and built to last, the $1,400 price tag seems exorbitant.
Personally, I would not invest such a significant amount in these knives.
Kamikoto frequently offers steep discounts, reducing prices by 70-80%, bringing them down to around $300, which feels more reasonable compared to the standard retail price.
However, even at this reduced rate, there are numerous reputable brands that provide knives of comparable quality, or even superior performance, often accompanied by greater versatility and efficiency in the kitchen.
Review of Kamikoto Knives: What Customers Think
If you search for Kamikoto knife reviews on popular platforms like Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit, you will find ratings ranging from five stars to one star.
Five-Star Reviews
Most positive reviews stem from Amazon, where the products boast an average of over 4,000 ratings. Users praise the sharpness and lightweight feel of the knives, particularly noting satisfaction with the Genten line products.
One-Star Reviews
Conversely, negative reviews frequently highlight issues such as blade chipping and rusting, alongside dissatisfaction with Kamikoto’s customer service. Some customers reported that their knives chipped after only a few uses, while others experienced rust formation shortly after the initial use. Additionally, many expressed disappointment upon discovering that Kamikoto knives are manufactured in China, which contrasted sharply with their expectations based on the brand’s origins.
Customer Insights on Kamikoto Knives
Many professional chefs and bloggers have voiced their opinions on Kamikoto knives, with the majority leaning toward a negative outlook. Below are some customer reviews that provide further insight into the brand’s reputation:
“After two months, the blade chipped. There was nothing tough in what I was cutting, just regular carrots and potatoes.” — Norris
“Would I recommend buying them? I would say ‘Yes – if you have money to spare!’ I would still advise waiting for the knives to go on sale again.” — Rowena Hines
“I work in a professional kitchen. A colleague purchased one of these knife sets, and although they initially looked impressive, they are dreadful to use. They are excessively heavy, poorly balanced, and do not retain sharpness for long. Nowadays, instead of using this set, he will borrow my Victorinox Fibrox chef’s knife. They don’t disclose what type of steel they use. Honshu is a region in Japan and not a reputable steel type or manufacturer. They do not provide Rockwell hardness ratings. Any reputable knife manufacturer would prominently list such specifications, as they help sell the product. If a manufacturer does not disclose, it likely means the product is subpar and not worth considering for anyone familiar with quality.” — Amazon Customer
A home cook on Reddit aptly summarized their experience with Kamikoto knives: “I bought a trio of knives for €197 plus shipping. Upon receiving the product, I ultimately realised that it was manufactured in China but marketed as if produced in Japan. No registered company in Japan goes by the name Kamikoto or manufactures knives under this label. Even the company registration number mentioned on their website does not exist in Japan. Companies and corporations have a 13-digit identification number, while the one stated on their site has 12 digits, rendering it invalid. I even left a 1-star review on their site detailing these truths, but interestingly, their website only displays 4-star and above reviews. Essentially, they filter and only post positive feedback to persuade others. Proceed with caution… In summary, the product is inauthentic, not made in Japan, and not worth the price.” — Reddit User.
Kamikoto vs. Shun
If you are familiar with the world of Japanese knives, you have probably heard of brands like Shun and Miyabi. These two brands are well-established in the market and have proven their quality over many years. So how does Kamikoto compare to them?
(I will make a specific comparison table so you can have a quick mapping view).
Firstly, both Shun and Miyabi are transparent about their product origins. They clearly state on their websites where each knife is manufactured, whether it be in Japan or other countries such as Germany.
Both Shun and Miyabi offer a wide range of individual knives as well as sets, giving customers more options to choose from depending on their needs and preferences. Kamikoto has a more limited selection of knives.
Finally, Shun and Miyabi have a strong focus on traditional Japanese knife making techniques and materials, while Kamikoto relies heavily on branding and marketing to give the appearance of a Japanese brand.
| Features | Kamikoto | Shun |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Claims to be Japanese, but mostly made in China | Established Japanese brand |
| Transparency | Lacks transparency about production location and steel types | Clear about manufacturing locations and steel types |
| Price | High ($1,200-$1,400 for sets, $200-$500 for individual knives) | High, but generally less expensive than Kamikoto |
| Steel Quality | Uses lower-grade steel (420J2) for some knives | High-quality Japanese Steel (VG10, AUS8, HAP37) |
| Performance | Initially sharp, frequent sharpening needed | Long-lasting sharpness, less sharpening required |
| Durability | Average, prone to chipping and rusting | High, less prone to chipping and rusting |
| Customer Reviews | Mixed, with quality concerns | Mostly positive reviews |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (US) or 25-year warranty (elsewhere) | Limited lifetime warranty |
Warranty Information for Kamikoto Knives
Kamikoto provides a limited lifetime warranty for knives purchased within the United States, while offering a 25-year limited warranty for those bought elsewhere. This warranty pertains to defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover normal wear and tear, rust resulting from inadequate care, or damage arising from misuse, accidents, modifications, or theft.
To qualify for warranty service, you must be the original purchaser of the knife, possess valid proof of purchase, and return the knives to Kamikoto or an authorized dealer for assessment. Should your knives be deemed defective, Kamikoto will either repair or replace them at their discretion or refund the purchase price.
The warranty explicitly excludes:
- Normal signs of wear and tear
- Rust due to improper care
- Damage incurred from accidents, misuse, or abuse
- Knives that have been altered or modified
- Lost or stolen knives
To initiate a warranty claim, reach out to Kamikoto customer service through this link. Be prepared to provide your proof of purchase and describe the issue you are encountering, as Kamikoto will give you detailed instructions on returning the knives for inspection.
Additional warranty details include:
- The warranty is non-transferable.
- It is applicable only to knives purchased from authorized retailers.
- Kamikoto reserves the right to modify the warranty terms at any time.
For more information, you can visit the following links:
Maintenance Guide for Kamikoto Knives
Proper care is essential to ensuring the longevity and performance of your Kamikoto knives. While each knife type may have its specific cleaning guidelines, general maintenance practices can help keep your knives in pristine condition:
Cleaning:
Always hand-wash your knives using warm water and mild soap after each use. Avoid dishwashers, as heat and harsh chemicals can damage both the blade and handle. Thoroughly dry the knives with a soft cloth right after washing, ensuring they do not sit wet or retain food residue for extended periods.
Storage:
Store your knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to prevent blade-to-blade contact, which can lead to dulling or scratches. Avoid placing them in drawers to protect them from other objects. Also, protect them from high heat and excessive moisture, never leaving them in sinks or weighting them down with other utensils.
Sharpening:
Use a Japanese whetstone for sharpening your knives, as Kamikoto only recommends this method. Other sharpening tools, including honing rods or electric sharpeners, can harm the blade. Maintain a sharpening angle of 15-20 degrees and avoid excessive sharpening, which can thin the blade over time.
Important Reminders:
Refrain from using your Kamikoto knives for cutting bones or extremely hard foods, as well as highly acidic items like tomatoes or lemons. It’s best to avoid using them for peeling fruits or vegetables, and take care to prevent accidental drops that could damage the blades.
Final Thoughts: Is Kamikoto Worth the Investment?
In my personal opinion, no. Despite their marketing claims and high price point, Kamikoto knives do not live up to the expectations one would have for a true Japanese knives. The lack of transparency about their production location and the numerous reports of quality issues make it hard to justify such a large investment.
There are many other reputable Japanese knives brands that offer similar or even better quality at a lower price. It is important that you really understand them and compare them to your needs so that you are not influenced by clever marketing tactics.
Thank you for reading my Kamikoto knives review. I hope this has provided some helpful insights into the brand and their products. Remember to always do your research and make informed decisions when purchasing any high-priced items.
