Frequently Asked Questions

"Nakiri" (菜切り包丁) means "vegetable-cutting knife."
It’s designed for chopping vegetables with clean, straight cuts. The flat edge makes full contact with the cutting board, which means no rocking — just fast, efficient slicing and dicing. If vegetables are a big part of your cooking, the Nakiri will quickly become one of your most-used tools.

"Kiritsuke" (切付包丁) translates to "slit-tip knife."
This knife blends the slicing power of a Yanagiba with the versatility of a chef’s knife. Its flat edge and angled tip allow for precise push cuts and elegant slicing. Traditionally reserved for head chefs in Japan, it’s a blade that combines performance and prestige.

A chef’s knife is the all-purpose workhorse of the kitchen. It handles everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat with ease. Its curved edge allows for a natural rocking motion, and its length provides control for bigger tasks. If you’re buying just one knife, this is the one to get.

"Santoku" (三徳包丁) means "three virtues" — slicing, dicing, and mincing.
This knife is compact, balanced, and ideal for everyday cooking. The flatter edge and shorter blade offer more control and speed, especially for home cooks. It’s a great choice if you want something nimble and versatile.

"Gyuto" (牛刀) means "beef sword."
Originally designed for slicing meat, the Gyuto has become Japan’s answer to the Western chef’s knife. It’s thinner, sharper, and often lighter — making it perfect for precise cuts across meats, vegetables, and herbs. A favorite of both professionals and serious home cooks.

A paring knife is essential for small, precise tasks — peeling fruit, deveining shrimp, trimming vegetables, or anything delicate. Its small blade offers control where larger knives feel clumsy. Once you start using it, you'll reach for it more than you expect.

"Pankiri" (パン切り包丁) means "bread-cutting knife."
With a serrated edge, it's perfect for slicing through crusty bread without squashing the soft inside. It also works beautifully on cakes, soft fruits, and anything with a delicate or tough exterior. A must-have for bakers and breakfast lovers.

"Chukabocho" (中華包丁) means "Chinese-style kitchen knife."
Though it looks heavy-duty, it’s actually versatile and precise. Great for slicing vegetables, chopping meat, scooping ingredients, and even crushing garlic. It brings a lot of power and efficiency to your prep work.

"Honesuki" (骨スキ包丁) means "bone-lover knife."
This Japanese boning knife is built for breaking down poultry with precision. The stiff, triangular blade gives you control around joints and bones without the bulk of Western boning knives. If you cook whole birds, the Honesuki makes it clean and efficient.

VG-10 is a high-quality Japanese steel known for staying sharp, resisting rust, and lasting a long time. It gives you pro-level performance with minimal maintenance.

Definitely. With proper care, a VG-10 knife can stay sharp and reliable for years — it’s a long-term investment in your cooking.

Yes. AUS-10V is a high-carbon Japanese stainless steel known for its sharpness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It’s an excellent all-around steel for everyday use.

No, AUS-10V is stainless steel with added vanadium, which boosts corrosion resistance and edge strength. Just rinse and dry after use, and you’re good to go.

Yes. 10Cr15CoMoV is a high-performance stainless steel similar to Japanese VG-10. It offers excellent sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance — all at a great value.

Definitely. Thanks to its high carbon and added cobalt, it holds a sharp edge well — perfect for daily cooking or professional prep.

Carbon steel gets sharper and stays sharp longer than most stainless steels. It’s a favorite among chefs for its cutting performance — but it does require a bit more care to prevent rust.

Carbon steel can rust if not properly dried after use. But with simple care — like wiping it dry and occasionally oiling the blade — it develops a natural patina that helps protect it.

We offer a hassle-free 30 day return policy for unused knives in original condition. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Simply contact our support team with your order details at info@theknifebase.com. We’ll guide you through every step of the return process.

Yes, we ship worldwide for free with reliable carriers. All shipments include tracking for your peace of mind.