Famous Japanese knife brands range from globally available premium retail lines to authentic handcrafted artisan blades.
Because "popularity" depends on whether you are looking at Western kitchens or professional Japanese settings, the crown is generally shared by a few globally recognized names:
Gordon Ramsay primarily recommends German-style chef’s knives for their weight and durability, with his long-time go-to brand being Henckels (and Zwilling J.A. Henckels). He also heavily favors Wüsthof knives for heavy-duty chopping and personal kitchen use.
The "top" knife brands depend on whether you are looking for everyday carry (EDC) folding knives or kitchen cutlery.
There is no single "best" knife brand because the right brand depends on whether you are looking for kitchen prep, outdoors, or everyday carry (EDC) use.
For most people, the three absolute essential knives to own are the Chef's Knife, Serrated (Bread) Knife, and Paring Knife. These three versatile, multi-purpose blades handle 99% of kitchen prep—from slicing tough crusts to mincing garlic.
The "holy trinity of knives" refers to either the foundational trio of folding pocket knives that defined the high-end knife industry, or the three essential blades every kitchen needs.
The "best" knife brand depends entirely on your intended use. For precision kitchen work, Japanese-forged Shun Cutlery is a top choice. For durable outdoor use, USA-based Benchmade dominates.
US Navy SEALs don't carry just one specific knife; they use a variety of blades tailored to their specific mission, environment, and personal preference. However, several specific, high-durability knives are historically standard-issue, highly favored, or custom-designed in the SEAL community.
High-end knife companies range from premium everyday carry (EDC) folders to elite culinary blades. The highest-tier brands feature premium powder metallurgy steels, tight manufacturing tolerances, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Bobby Flay’s go-to blade is the Shun Classic Western Chef's Knife. He frequently praises this handcrafted Japanese blade for its lightweight, nimble design and incredible versatility, which he uses for everything from mincing herbs to cracking crab shells.
Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer.
Guy Fieri uses his own branded line of knives, the Knuckle Sandwich series, developed in collaboration with Ergo Chef. His go-to knife is the 8-inch Chef’s Knife, which features high-carbon steel, a Bowie-style tip, and a distinctive ergonomic Pakkawood handle.
If you are buying your first Japanese knife, start with a Gyuto (all-purpose chef's knife, 210mm) or a Santoku (all-rounder, 170mm). Prioritize stainless steel (easier to maintain) over carbon steel, and choose a Western-style handle if you want a familiar grip.
Neither brand is universally "better"; rather, they cater to different cooking styles and maintenance preferences. Choose Miyabi if you prioritize razor-sharp, ultra-thin, hard steel for precision cuts. Choose Shun if you want easier maintenance, more forgiving steel, and a comprehensive warranty with free lifetime sharpening.
Anthony Bourdain’s favorite everyday Japanese knife was the Global G-2 8-inch Chef's Knife.
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 official multi-purpose knife and bayonet issued to the United States Marine Corps is the OKC-3S. Manufactured by the Ontario Knife Company, it replaced the older M7 bayonet to better serve modern requirements for both close combat and field utility tasks.
CIA agents do not have a single standard-issue knife. Because they operate in various covert, clandestine, and urban environments, they generally treat knives as personal tools and select gear based on their specific mission needs, personal preference, and local carry laws.
The "best" knife depends heavily on whether you need it for the kitchen, outdoor survival, or everyday carry (EDC). Top-rated options feature premium steel, high durability, and excellent ergonomics.
Behn narrows his choices for best Japanese knife brands to Miyabi, Shun, and Tojiro. Miyabi is the most expensive, Shun moderate, and Tojiro a great value brand low on bells and whistles. He says Tojiro is the most durable and is less about the design, although they do have high-end options.
Neither is inherently better; they are just built for completely different purposes. Think of it like comparing a sports car to a pickup truck: Japanese knives offer razor-sharp precision and speed, while German knives provide rugged durability and everyday versatility.
Gifting someone a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) is a versatile gesture that generally symbolizes preparedness, self-sufficiency, and deep trust. It shows that the giver respects the recipient's capability to handle a practical tool and wants to equip them for everyday adventures or emergencies.
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.
The Holy Grail of Pocket Knives
The Sebenza 31 is the latest version of a pocket knife that was first released in 1987 and is widely considered among blade enthusiasts as the best pocket knife ever made.