Black Friday 2025 is the ideal opportunity to invest in a Japanese knife.
Versatile, durable, and renowned for their exceptional sharpness, these knives are not just kitchen gadgets: they become daily allies for cooking with precision and pleasure.
In this guide, discover which models to prioritize and how to choose the knife that truly meets your needs.
Why buy a Japanese knife during Black Friday?
A Japanese knife is much more than a utensil: it's a lasting investment.
During Black Friday, you benefit from:
A unique opportunity to acquire a high-end knife when the selection is widest.
A varied choice of models (Santoku, Nakiri, Kiritsuke, Utility) suitable for every use.
Long-term value, as a well-maintained Japanese knife can last several decades.
👉 Unlike kitchen gadgets that wear out quickly, a Japanese knife remains efficient for years.
It's the ideal time to transform your daily preparations into a precise and enjoyable culinary experience.
Comparison of the best Japanese knives Black Friday 2025
| Main Use | Recommended Model | Key Strengths | Limitations / To Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versatile / All-purpose | Santoku | Universal cut — vegetables, meats, fish. Good grip. | Less specialized for very hard vegetables or bones |
| Vegetables / Fine cutting | Nakiri | Ideal straight blade for clean cut without oscillation | Less suitable for thick meats |
| Premium mixed use | Kiritsuke | Combines straight blade + tip, effective for meats/vegetables | Less forgiving, requires more experience |
| Precision & small tasks | Utility / Petty | Maneuverable, ideal for peeling and precise details | Too short for big tasks |
Japanese Santoku
The Santoku (三徳, “three virtues”) is the ultimate versatile knife: it allows cutting vegetables, meats, and fish.
Its slightly curved blade adapts to both straight cuts and rocking motions.
Utility Knife (Petty)
The Japanese utility knife, or Petty, is designed for precision tasks: peeling, fine cuts, small pieces.
It complements a large knife and provides more comfort in delicate gestures.
Kiritsuke
The Kiritsuke is a hybrid knife, a mix between the Usuba (vegetables) and the Yanagiba (sushi).
Very versatile, it is suitable for experienced cooks who want a single knife for fish, meat, and vegetables.
Less accessible to beginners: it requires a certain level of skill.
Japanese Nakiri
The Nakiri (菜切り) is the vegetable specialist. Its straight blade allows for a clean cut without a back-and-forth motion.
Ideal for cooking vegetarian or finely chopping herbs and crunchy vegetables.
However, it is not designed for meats or bones.
How to choose the right Japanese knife during Black Friday 2025?
Buying a Japanese knife is not just a matter of the "best promotion". First, you need to choose a model suited to your culinary uses. Here are the main criteria:
Your cooking habits
If you cook a bit of everything (vegetables, meats, fish) → opt for a Santoku.
If you are vegetarian or cook a lot of fresh vegetables → a Nakiri will be more suitable.
If you enjoy precision dishes and fine slicing → go for a Kiritsuke or a Petty (utility) as a complement.
Comfort of handling
Check the weight: a knife that's too heavy tires quickly, too light may lack stability.
Observe the handle shape: traditional Japanese handles (wa-handle) offer good maneuverability.
The blade/handle balance is crucial for pleasant daily use.
The quality of the steel
Japanese knives use steels renowned for their hardness and sharpening fineness.
Carbon steel → exceptional sharpness, but requires regular maintenance (risk of oxidation).
Stainless steel → easier to maintain, ideal for daily use.
The budget and durability
During Black Friday, the best discounts often concern high-end ranges.
It is better to invest in a single durable and well-chosen knife than to buy several mediocre models.
A good Japanese knife, well-maintained, can last a lifetime.
👉 Tip: do not be guided solely by the displayed discount. Think in terms of quality/price ratio in the long term.
FAQ – Japanese Knives Black Friday 2025
What are the advantages of a Japanese knife compared to a Western knife?
Japanese knives are renowned for:
A finer edge thanks to harder steel.
A surgical precision suitable for delicate cuts.
Various blade shapes (Santoku, Nakiri, Kiritsuke) designed for specific uses.
In contrast, Western knives are often thicker, more forgiving, and designed for raw versatility.
Which Japanese knives should be prioritized during Black Friday 2025?
If you are starting out, begin with a Santoku, versatile and easy to use.
If you cook a lot of vegetables, the Nakiri is an excellent choice.
For cooking enthusiasts who want an exceptional tool, the Kiritsuke is an interesting investment, provided you already have a good mastery of the technique.
How to maintain a Japanese knife after purchase?
Washing: always by hand, never in the dishwasher.
Sharpening: use a Japanese water stone to maintain the edge.
Storage: prefer a magnetic block or a sheath to avoid shocks on the blade.
Carbon steel maintenance: wipe and lightly oil after each use to prevent oxidation.
Is Black Friday really interesting for buying a Japanese knife?
Yes, because it is one of the rare moments of the year when high-end ranges benefit from significant discounts.
However, be careful: not all promotions are equal. It is better to focus on a quality model rather than giving in to a discount on a less durable entry-level knife.
What budget should be planned for a good Japanese knife during Black Friday 2025?
Entry-level: from 70–100 € for a decent knife.
Mid-range: between 150 and 250 € for an excellent quality/price ratio.
High-end: over 300 € for exceptional blades, often handcrafted and damascus.
Thanks to Black Friday, it is possible to access a higher range without exceeding your initial budget.
