Yes, a kiritsuke is an excellent knife if you are looking for a nimble, high-performance blade, though it requires specific cutting techniques and maintenance. Because of its unique design, it serves as a fantastic multi-purpose tool for experienced home cooks and chefs alike.
Kiritsuke: The Precision Specialist
This design makes it highly efficient for precise slicing of fish, vegetables, and meats. Kiritsuke knives are often seen as a hybrid between the Yanagiba (which is used for slicing fish) and the Usuba (a traditional vegetable knife).
Gordon Ramsay relies on a few core, heavy-hitting brands in his kitchens. His absolute top recommendation and daily go-to for an all-purpose knife is the German-forged Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife. For full sets, he is a major advocate for the HexClad Japanese Damascus Steel line and frequently uses the Zwilling Four Star series by Henckels.
Navy SEALs do not have a single standard-issue knife, but rather carry a mix of specific duty blades, hard-use survival tools, and custom-chosen personal knives.
Is a kiritsuke worth the investment? Yes—its precision, versatility, and longevity make it a valuable cooking tool. This Japanese Kiritsuke knife review supports its long-term worth.
For most kitchens, you only need three foundational knives to handle 95% of prep work: a Chef's Knife, a Paring Knife, and a Serrated (Bread) Knife. These three powerhouses can tackle anything from dicing onions and slicing crusty bread to peeling fruits and carving small meats.
In the high-end folding knife community, the original "Holy Trinity" refers to three legendary American makers who pioneered the modern premium tactical folder. Together, their designs set the gold standard for durability and precision.
John Wick famously wields a signature series of high-end, out-the-front (OTF) automatic knives in his movies. The specific knives vary depending on the film, transitioning from production models by Microtech Knives in the first three movies to a highly exclusive custom blade in the fourth.
The CIA doesn't issue a single, official knife to its personnel; instead, operatives typically carry versatile, non-metallic, or concealable blades suited for specific missions. Historic and publicly recognized blades range from the famous Cold Steel Kobun used during Operation Jawbreaker to highly covert non-detectable tools.
The legendary KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife (Mark 2) is the most iconic blade associated with the United States Marine Corps. Officially adopted in 1942, it features a 7-inch clip point blade made of 1095 carbon steel and a stacked leather washer handle.
Bobby's Favorite: Shun Classic Western Chef's Knife
Bobby has sung the praises of Shun, his favorite chef's knife brand, on more than one occasion. The celebrity chef recommends the Shun Classic Western Chef's Knife, which is handcrafted in Japan.
Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He underwent successful surgery to have the cancerous cells removed from his jawline and used the opportunity to share photos of his stitches and a public service announcement encouraging fans to wear sunscreen.
What knife does a chef use most? The chef's knife is the most-used knife in both home and professional kitchens. It's an all-purpose kitchen hero that can prep virtually any ingredient and handle most kitchen tasks, making it an essential tool in kitchens across the world.
For kiritsuke knives, the core steel is typically a high-carbon Japanese steel like VG-10, AUS-10, or traditional carbon steels like White Steel (Shirogami) or Blue Steel (Aogami). These cores deliver the razor-sharp edge retention Japanese knives are famous for.
German and Japanese knives represent two different culinary philosophies: durability versus precision. German knives are heavier, softer "workhorses" built for heavy-duty chopping and rocking, while Japanese knives are lighter, harder "lasers" built for razor-sharp, precise slicing.
A Kiritsuke knife is a versatile, traditional Japanese all-purpose knife used for slicing fish, chopping and peeling vegetables, and doing fine detail work. It functions as a hybrid between a Yanagiba (sushi/sashimi knife) and an Usuba (vegetable cleaver).
Navy SEALs do not have a single standard-issue knife, but rather carry a mix of specific duty blades, hard-use survival tools, and custom-chosen personal knives.
Yet despite all the talk about knives that goes on in both home and professional kitchens — and despite all the knives out there that are truly great to have — there are just three knives every kitchen ultimately needs: a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife.
In many cultures, giving someone a knife or another sharp object is thought to symbolically cut or sever the bond between giver and receiver. The knife's sharp edge represents division, which can be interpreted as bringing misfortune to a friendship, romantic relationship, or family tie.
There is no single "number one" knife brand, as the title depends entirely on the knife's primary purpose. Leading experts and enthusiasts consistently recognize distinct industry leaders across different categories:
Rule #1: It is important to use a knife adapted to what you want to do / food you want to prepare. For example, you shouldn't use a bread knife to slice a roast or use the blade of a paring knife and use it as a screwdriver (don't laugh, we've all done it!) Rule #2: Don't drop your knife on the floor.
The "best" American knife company depends on your intended use. For everyday carry (EDC), Benchmade, Spyderco, and Chris Reeve Knives are top-tier. For outdoor survival and heritage, Buck Knives is iconic, while Zero Tolerance leads in heavy-duty tactical folders.
Marines don’t walk on the grass primarily to maintain the pristine appearance of base landscaping. Repeated foot traffic would quickly wear down designated lawns, creating unsightly dirt and mud trails. Additionally, taking shortcuts over grass rather than using sidewalks is symbolically discouraged, as it signals a lack of discipline and a willingness to avoid established routines.
The USMC KA-BAR was adopted by the Marines as well as the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Underwater Demolition Teams. Years after World War II, many KA-BAR knives were unofficially reactivated in the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom conflicts.
MOS OCC Field 72: Air Control/Air Support/Antiair Warfare/Air Traffic Control.