Last updated: April 2026
Japanese knives have a reputation for being expensive, but the reality is more nuanced. While mass-market knives cost €20-50, a hand-finished Japanese blade at €75-300 represents genuine value — these are tools built to last decades, not years. Here is what you can get at each price point, and our honest recommendations.
Under €100: sharpening stones and cutting boards
We will be honest: you will not find a quality Japanese chef knife for under €100. Any “Japanese knife” at that price is almost certainly mass-produced in China with a Japanese-sounding brand name. What you can get under €100 are essential accessories that dramatically improve your existing knives and cutting experience.
King #800 Japanese Sharpening Stone — €40
The King #800 is a coarse stone for re-profiling dull edges. If your knives have not been sharpened in months (or ever), this is where to start. A few minutes on this stone will transform even a cheap knife into something usable. Pair it with a finer stone later for a polished edge.
Aomori Hiba Kitchen Cutting Board — €75
The Aomori Hiba cutting board is one of our best-selling products (31 reviews, 4.7 stars). Hiba wood is naturally antibacterial and incredibly gentle on knife edges — it is the wood used in traditional Japanese bathhouses for its antimicrobial properties. This board will outlast any plastic alternative and actually improve your knives’ lifespan. Read more about why wood matters in our cutting board wood guide.
King KW-65 1000/6000 Sharpening Stone — €80
The King KW-65 is the most practical sharpening stone you can buy. The 1000 grit side handles regular sharpening, the 6000 grit side polishes the edge to a mirror finish. Twenty reviews confirm it is the go-to stone for home sharpeners. For guidance on choosing grits, see our complete whetstone guide.
European Walnut Kitchen Cutting Board — €95
Our European Walnut board (€95, 4.5 stars) is a step up in size and aesthetics. Dark walnut is one of the best woods for cutting boards — hard enough to resist scoring but soft enough to protect your edge.
Under €200: essential accessories and storage
This price range opens up knife storage, premium sharpening, and kitchen accessories that complete a Japanese-style kitchen.
King HT-65 PRO 1000/6000 Sharpening Stone — €85
The King HT-65 PRO is our Oishya-exclusive upgrade to the KW-65. The “PRO” designation means denser, harder stone material that wears more slowly and provides better feedback during sharpening. If you are serious about maintaining your knives, this is the stone professionals recommend.
King Gold G-1 #8000 Sharpening Stone — €75
For those who already own a 1000/6000 combo stone, the King Gold G-1 #8000 (4.9 stars, 12 reviews) takes your edge to a mirror polish. This is the stone that makes the difference between a sharp knife and a scary-sharp knife. It includes a Nagura correction stone for maintaining the stone’s flatness.
Wall Mounted Magnetic Knife Rack — €140
Available in steel, brass, or copper accents (all €140), our magnetic racks combine walnut wood with powerful neodymium magnets. They keep your knives safe, accessible, and displayed beautifully. The steel version is our most popular (4.7 stars, 9 reviews). For placement ideas, read our guide to the 10 best places for a magnetic rack.
Wooden Magnetic Knife Stand — €140
Prefer counter storage? The magnetic stand holds knives securely without the slot contact that dulls edges in traditional blocks. At 27 reviews, it is one of our most-discussed products. See our knife storage comparison to decide between wall rack and stand.
American Walnut Premium Cutting Board — €150
The American Walnut Premium Board (€150, 5.0 stars) is our finest board — large format (55x40x4cm), end-grain construction, solid American walnut. A serious board for serious cooks.
Seki Kyuba PAN Bread Knife — €190
The Seki Kyuba PAN (€190) is proof that a serrated knife can be beautiful. At 23.5cm with a walnut handle, it cuts through crusty sourdough without crushing the crumb. A bread knife is the one kitchen knife where Japanese craftsmanship makes an immediate, visible difference.
Under €300: your first Japanese chef knife
This is the sweet spot. Between €250 and €300, you enter the world of genuine Japanese chef knives — hand-finished blades made with premium steels by skilled artisans.
Seki Kyuba KATA Pairing Knife Petty 12cm — €250
The KATA Petty (€250, 5.0 stars) is the most affordable knife in our collection and an excellent entry point. VG10 steel, compact size, and a clean modern design. Perfect for peeling, trimming, and precision tasks.
Sakai Kyuba KYU Paring Knife Petty 15cm — €260
The KYU Petty (€260, 5.0 stars from 6 reviews) gives you a slightly longer blade and the full Damascus experience. A petty is the gateway knife for many — once you feel the difference, you will want the matching chef knife.
Sakai Kyuba KYU Santoku 19cm or Nakiri 16cm — €270
At €270, you can get either the KYU Santoku (5.0 stars, 12 reviews — our highest-rated knife) or the KYU Nakiri (5.0 stars, 9 reviews). Both are forged in Sakai with traditional Damascus construction and magnolia wood handles. This is where Japanese knife ownership truly begins.
Seki Kyuba RYU Petty 15cm — €270
The RYU Petty (€270, 5.0 stars) combines the elegance of the RYU line’s walnut handles with VG10 Damascus steel. If you plan to eventually build a matching set, starting with the RYU petty makes sense.
Seki Kyuba RYU Santoku 18cm — €280
The RYU Santoku (€280, 5.0 stars) is the best all-purpose knife you can buy under €300. Full Damascus blade, VG10 core, walnut handle — this is a knife that will serve you for decades.
Seki Kyuba KATA Santoku 16.5cm — €290
The KATA Santoku (€290, 5.0 stars) is compact and modern, with a three-layer VG10 construction that keeps things clean and simple. An excellent choice if you prefer minimalist design over the Damascus pattern.
Seki Kyuba RYU Nakiri 17.5cm — €290
The RYU Nakiri (€290, 5.0 stars) is our favourite vegetable knife in this price range. The Damascus pattern on a nakiri’s wide, flat blade is particularly striking.
Our recommendation: the best investment at each level
€40 — Start here: A King #800 stone immediately improves every knife you already own.
€80-85 — The essential upgrade: A King HT-65 PRO 1000/6000 combo stone covers all your sharpening needs.
€95-150 — Protect your investment: A quality walnut cutting board extends your knives’ lifespan.
€270 — Your first real Japanese knife: The Sakai Kyuba KYU Santoku — 5.0 stars, 12 reviews, a knife that changes how you cook.
Ready to explore? Browse our full Japanese knife collection or start with our guide to choosing your first Japanese knife.
Handcrafted Japanese Knives by Oishya
Forged by master craftsmen in Seki and Sakai, Japan. Free shipping worldwide • 100-day money-back guarantee • Lifetime warranty
