Asian Knives Reviews

When I bought my Henckels (not the el cheapo Henckels International, mind you) knives I was looking for a sharpening steel but ended up with the pull-through gadget they call a "sharpener". Someone's already pointed out the difference, that the device is a "honer" that merely sets the blade straight. It returns usability but doesn't actually SHARPEN, i.e, shave off metal and recreate the edge. After reality set in that I could keep running my knives in this honer until I was blue in the face and never increase the sharpness but merely prolong it, I decided to look for a way to really sharpen a knife.

Local and mail-order services didn't appeal to me because I didn't want the knives out of my hands or tested on stuff I wouldn't cut in my kitchen. So I went looking for sharpeners I could use in the home.

- As I read opinions, the whetstone seems to be the best possible way. The electrical sharpeners are about the only alternative that actually re-create an edge, so I thought if the best of them doesn't satisfy me I'll have to go with a whetstone. And I bought this machine.

- As one reviewer pointed out on a slightly different model, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. If you think you'll simply get an edge by running the blades through the six grooves in order, you will be sorely disappointed.

- The first and second pairs of grooves are for different knives and the third works with the first, maybe the second too. And that's not all.

- You have to run the knife, test for a good burr on the new edge, and polish the edge straight to get your razor sharpness.

- Don't forget to wash the knives, before and after the sharpening. You don't want food or moisture in the sharpener, or microscopic metal in your cut food.

- Big question: is it razor sharp? Yes, but under some conditions. I tried this with five knives: Four Henckels five-star blades, and one some-other brand blade. On one Henckels santoku, I made do with a minimum burr and got a sharp blade, but it wasn't razor sharp. This will be done over. The other brand blade got a nice burr and everything, but never got razor sharp, though it was sharper than it had ever been. The three other Henckels knives, they are as close to razor sharp as anything.

- What do I consider razor sharp? I ran an edge across a small part of my arm and it took off all the hair. THIS IS NOT SAFE - I have shaved with a straight razor so I didn't cut myself. DON'T DO THIS, read on: I used the same blade to cut a slice off a vine ripened ripe tomato without using a chopping board, and established this test: The slice comes off with no skin left on the end of the slice where the knife finishes the cut. That is razor sharp. Vine-ripened, ripe tomatoes tend to have a skin that is almost like plastic wrap - thin and very resilient to the sharpest blade.

- None of my newly bought knives were able to pass the hand-held ripe tomato or hair-on-arm test when they were new. So the sharpness is better than the factory blade.

- The second groove can put a microscopic serration on the edge for better cutting in some situations. Or sharpen a serrated edge. I haven't tried this yet, will update the review when I do. But I'm very happy with this product.

- Criticism that won't take away a star: Reading the manual in this age of short-attention can be painful because the text is small and the lines too long. Paragraph breaks are scant. More pictures, narrower columns and some white space couldn't hurt, especially here where reading the manual is a requirement (not just an overload of warnings or obvious, unnecessary direction)

- All this seems long and tedious the way I describe it, but once you've read the manual, you will have your knives sharp in minutes. So sharp you may be tempted to try to work on the factory edge of a newly bought knife. Just remember, it's important to start with a reasonably good quality knife whose metal can stand up to a fine edge.

This sharpener does an absolutely GREAT job sharpening any knife. All of my knives are now sharper then when they were new, even sharp enough to shave with. No regrets from this buyer!

For an electric sharpener, this one is nice. I've used it on five knives now, and all of them are sharp enough to slice a tomato without any pressure from me (just run the knife across the surface under its own weight). So I'm happy. I know that on reviews of the previous models some people complained that the sharpener didn't get their knives razor sharp. This one doesn't either. But it gets them plenty sharp enough for cooking! And much sharper than the knife vendor here in town does...

The only serious negative is that I'm not very impressed with the manual. While it does give instructions on how to sharpen your knives, I didn't think it did a good job of explaining the different types of edges this sharpener can create.

I researched santoku knives before I bought this one. I have a Wusthof Santoku with the dimples in the blade that is supposed keep items you're slicing from sticking to the blade, it doesn't. The Wusthof is light and just didn't perform like I expected it too. I checked a professional chef's site that rated Santoku knives from 1 to 10 and #1 was Shun. Wusthof and Henckels tied at number 7. The Wall Street Journal also recommended Shun highly. In fact, everything I read about Shun was positive. When I received my Shun, I liked the heft and the handle immediately, it is extremely sharp right out of the box. It slices cleanly, no problems with thin skinned or stringy fruits or veggies. Working with this knife doesn't require the effort that the Wusthof knife does. The only downside to owning this Shun, is that you want to replace all your other knives with Shun.

Shun knife's are unbelievably sharp and well made. I started my knife collection with Global, not bad but nothing like Shun. When I was in Sydney, I found a knife ship at the fish market that had a great selection and was introduced to Shun. I've wanted a Santoku and was going to go Global to go with the collection but when I was told about Shun (did some research on the web at my hotel that night), I went back the next day and purchased this knife. It's very, very sharp, keeps an edge much longer than my Global's ever did. If you're looking for the ultimate knife, this is it. Since then, I've picked up a Shun pairing knife which I love as well.

Absolutely the best vegetable knife ever, I do have small hands, and while these are heavy, they are ergonomic and so comfortable to hold. The blade has stayed sharp with months of heavy duty vegetable cutting use and the dishwasher too... I've spent a lot more on german and french knives whose ergonomics don't work for me, and those knives did not hold their edge as long, I just freshen with a sharpening steel every few days so far.

The other reviewer was absolutely right, I am going to forgo a little LCD for my kitchen and will indulge in more of these Shun classic knives instead. Just gave away two knife blocks and their contents ! I can slice 4 lbs of beets to transclucent slices without my hands feeling fatigued -- this knife has made cooking a so much fun, I don't groan when I look at that huge pile of veg I picked up at the farm market since I know it will be a breeze to slice thro them. I don't feel compelled to turn to the mandoline as often. I can see how I would want to own and treasure these for a lifetime. Makes me feel silly in the kitchen -- can imagine myself in the kitchen stadium iron chefing away almost. I plan on getting the Alton angle set tho, can see how the angle would make this fabulous knife even better! Plus I bought this on Alton Brown's recommendation.

I love tomatoes and find that I can cut the thinnest slices with this knife, yet it is useful for cutting breads and cucumbers as well. I also have the 6.5 inch veggie knife and find that very sharp and easy to use. I like lightweight and these are very easy to handle, and compliment my Global veggie knife well.

I purchased this knife for my mother and used it several times before deciding I wanted a Santoku for myself. The reason I purchased the Wusthof is because she is one of those utterly silly people who think they need to have the same brand for every style of knife, regardless of other choices available. Anyway, the knife is a typical Wusthof: decent quality but lacking in sharpness compared to the higher quality knives available. Nonetheless, I liked the santoku style so I got my own: a Shun. While the Shun was a fair amount more than the Wusthof, the difference in price is well worth it. Comparing these two knives together leaves no doubt to which is superior. The Shun is better crafted, weighted, styled, and most importantly, waaaaay sharper than the Wusthof. One test I did was to drop potatoes of equal size and firmness from about 18" above each knife. The Wusthof 'caught' the potato about half way into it while the Shun shaved it right in half. For me, I would compare the two knives to swords of the past: the Wusthof being a Medieval style- decent quality but not very sharp while the Shun is a Samurai sword- the highest quality and sharpness available.
Spend the extra dough for the superior knife, opt for the Shun.

Working as a prep cook I use many different types of knives and also cut many different types of meats, vegetables, fruits, ect. Of my entire knife set, my Wusthof Santoku is by far my favorite. The balance and how light it is as well as how well it fits into my hand makes it the perfect knife for cleaning the rhines of fruits, creating finely diced vegetables, or anything else that requires a lot of control. You can chop, rock, or use any type of cutting technique with this knife well, and I have absolutly no complaints about it.

Obviously, for some things a heavier knife is required, and for that I have a Wusthof classic chef's knife, but I still use this more than any other.

Quite frankly, I am one of those guys that will check out the reviews, but not give one. I have to give a review on this knife. It is simply incredible. Wusthof is certainly a well known and established manufacturer of fine cutlery, but this particular knife is the best everyday knife you will ever use. Go try it. You will agree and then tell your family and friends about it.

This is a very well designed knife. The weight, size, and width of the blade all seem to work in concert. If I have one complaint it would be its sharpness. I think I expected something miraculously sharp.
Another benefit of the design is its stability, which makes it feel safe.

Previous comment about not being sharp did not apply here. I sliced a dead-ripe tomato paper-thin slices without even using my steel.

And the knife has nice balance. As a long term Chef's knife user, this one balances better and I've owned a nice, forged set of knives for years.

I dont know what "Gift Card Recipient' was talking about. I just bought mine, put a fresh edge on it and just cut an onion into paper thin slices, with no tears even. This knife is very well balanced with no feeling of awkwardness like so many of those cheap knives have. Definately a good buy.

In general, I like the Centurion line of knives. I own an 8" chef, 8" slicer, 5" utility and 3.5" parer. I use them daily and am very satisfied. They're attractive, well-balanced, sharp, and hold their edge well.

However, their Santoku knife wasn't nearly as sharp out of the box and, despite considerable effort, I couldn't get it sharp enough to suit me. I ended up giving it away. I use my chefs knife for my heavy chopping and prep work. It does a fine job.

This knife is actually quite a good value. The forged blade is full tang (the same piece of steel runs all the way through the handle allowing the manufacturer to adjust the balance by the thickness of steel in the handle)and is pretty nicely balanced. The Far East is making some darn good cooking utensils which means that serious home cooks on a budget can finally own very good equipment without the need for a second mortgage. I sharpen ALL new knives...even $200 ones. Once sharpened, this knife has turned out to be a good one. If you are itching for a Santoku, this is a good one. After you sharpen it.

Nice heft, handles well, excellent value for the money. Not razor sharp, but good enough for most uses.

I've had this knife for nearly about a year, purchased at the same time as a name brand chef's knife, which cost 5x more. I've used the Komachi much more often--twice daily, and it has kept its sharp edge much better than the other knife! So I give this 5 stars for function and price. It has become my favorite knife. When it finally goes, I won't hesitate to buy another one.

This knife and the pink meat knife are the best bang for your buck. I use mine every day and they are still very sharp. I never put them in a drawer only on a magnetic knife holder hooked on the side of the kitchen cabinet. I took my pink meat knife to my work and prepared lunch for a group and ended up ordering 5 of them on line for my friends. I was excited to find them on Amazon as I had purchased mine in CA. last year for the same price. These knives will be my new "wedding gift" of the future - shipped direct - can't get much better and easier.
I have had the pink meat knife for a year and used it for cutting everything - now I have the green vegetable knife and there again it works for everything - just better for chopping veggies - it's inexpensive and a great working kitchen tool!

This knife is a pleasure to work with, my hands are not very big, but this knife fits really well! It is very sharp and it looks pretty!

I guess I'm the only one who did not like this knife. I have French, German, Swiss, Japanese, and Chinese knives. This one falls into the Chinese variety. I was not at all impressed with the quality of this knife. When I compare it to a global (Japanese), it just looked cheap. I sent it back and ordered a golbal 7" santuko, which cost more. I just could not live with a Chinese knife for $70.

I'm becoming more and more of a 'foodie' as of late, and saw this knife advertised on the Food Network and then saw it in a chef's store here in Seattle, so I picked one up.

Overall, a very easy knife to 'wield' and surprisingly lightweight, when compared to other santoku knives. The only thing I felt was kind of silly about it was the copper tip at the end of the handle.. I don't know anyone whose hands are sensitive enough to 'feel' when a knife has gotten off-balance, let alone anyone who would actually shave down the end of the handle to rebalance it.

Nevertheless, I feel like I got my money's worth and have enjoyed using it as I build skill/confidence in choppin' like a pro.

My wife and I really love the Furi! We have a set of Cutco knives that have been used a lot over the years, but lately this one has been our mainstay. The 7" size is extraordinarily versatile and we end up using it for everything we used the old chef and veggie cleaver knives. I was surprised that it was lighter than it looks, but it actually makes using it more comfortable. The balance is great and it cleans up well too. Very happy with this one!

I had high hopes when I bought it. After cutting two onions and a slice of stake, the knife is dull. I am shopping for another one now. It looks like the knife has built in child saftey features.

I purchased this knife because my daughter didn't like using any of my knives; she wanted one like the chefs all use on Food Network. I wasn't willing to pay the high prices of the professional ones so this was a good compromise, and I'm pleased with it. It's nice-looking, feels comfortable to hold, works well for chopping vegetables. Overall, a decent knife at a very reasonable price.

I use this knife daily and love it. It is light in weight with a shape that fits comfortably in my hand. I have used it almost daily for about 6 weeks and it has remained very sharp. I'm very happy with the value.

I love this knife. We've had ours for about ten years and we take it with us when we're going on trips and picnics. It is extremely useful for slicing meat, cheese and bread; for spreading butter and cream cheese; and for cutting and peeling fresh fruit and vegetables. The blade has remained sharped over the years and it's small enough that it easily slips into a picnic basket or a cooler. The sheath fits well so you don't have to worry about it becoming accidentally separated from the knife. It's easy to clean. It's perfect.

This near-razor sharp little knife is a great kitchen or camp tool and a handy self defense item for a lady's purse or concealed carry: The built in plastic sheath has a friction fit that keeps the knife safe until it is extracted for use as a deep slashing or stabbing edged weapon or innocent looking apple slicer.

I have had this knife for many years - kept at my desk to slice fresh fruit. It was so liked by co-workers - someone absconded with mine while I was out of town. So I am back to order several more. The blade stays nice and sharp - easy to clean - and the blade is right sized for small tasks and reduced risk of cutting fingers. I love the cover and knowing that visitors to my desk are protected and blade is not exposed while not in use. Highly recommend this knife!