Types of Japanese blades: 2025 Complete guide to knives, swords & tools

Types of Japanese blades are more than just tools, they embody centuries of craftsmanship, precision, and tradition. From versatile kitchen knives to iconic samurai swords, each blade is designed with a specific purpose, blending practicality with artistry. In this guide, Kiichin explores the different types of Japanese blades, their uses, materials, and designs, providing collectors, chefs, and enthusiasts with insights to fully appreciate these exceptional tools.

1. What are Japanese blades?

Japanese blades span a wide range of tools, from culinary knives to martial swords, each carefully crafted for its intended function. Their design, steel quality, and finishing techniques define their performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Collectors and professionals alike value these blades for both practical use and cultural significance.

Key features of Japanese blades include:

• Exceptional sharpness and edge retention
• Ergonomic and balanced handles for precision control
• Diverse finishes and steel types for durability and beauty
• Historical and collectible value for enthusiasts

2. What are the main types of Japanese blades?

Below is a detailed overview of the different types of Japanese blades, highlighting kitchen knives, traditional swords, and utility blades. Each type includes descriptions, usage, and materials to guide collectors and users.

1. Japanese kitchen blades
2. Japanese swords and traditional blades
3. Japanese craft and utility blades

2.1 Japanese Kitchen Blades

The best Japanese knife brands are renowned worldwide for precision, sharpness, and specialized designs. They come in various shapes and sizes, tailored for slicing fish, vegetables, meat, or general-purpose tasks. The blades often use high-carbon or stainless steel, with finishes that maintain sharpness and ease of cleaning.

Different types include:

• Gyuto: Japanese chef knife, versatile for slicing meat and vegetables
• Santoku: Multi-purpose knife, shorter and thinner than Gyuto
• Nakiri: Straight-edged vegetable knife
• Deba: Heavy knife for filleting fish and cutting small bones

Japanese kitchen blades also vary by:

• Types of Japanese knife steel: VG10, White Steel (Shirogami), Blue Steel (Aogami)
• Types of Japanese knife finishes: Polished, Kurouchi, Honbazuke
• Types of Japanese knife handles: Wa-handle (traditional wood), Western-style, octagonal or D-shaped grips
• Types of Japanese knives with pictures: Visual guides often highlight blade geometry, thickness, and edge angles
• Types of Japanese knives material: Stainless steel, carbon steel, laminated steel

What they're best for:

• Precision cutting for professional chefs and home cooks
• Lightweight and ergonomically balanced for prolonged use
• Collectible and aesthetically pleasing designs

2.2 Japanese swords and traditional blades

Japanese swords reflect centuries of martial tradition, including samurai heritage. They are meticulously forged, often combining multiple layers of steel to achieve strength, flexibility, and sharpness.

Key types of swords include:

• Katana: Long curved sword, iconic samurai weapon
• Wakizashi swords: Short companion sword worn alongside a katana
• Tachi sword: Predecessor to the katana, with a deeper curve and ceremonial significance
• Kodachi: Shorter blade for close combat

These types of Japanese blades and their meanings often indicate rank, purpose, and era. Samurai swords were not only weapons but also symbols of honor and artistry.

What they're best for:

• Superior edge retention and cutting ability
• Historical and cultural value for collectors
• Durable craftsmanship suitable for display or martial practice

2.3 Japanese craft and utility blades

Beyond kitchen knives and swords, Japan produces a wide range of craft and utility blades for woodworking, leatherwork, and precision tasks. These blades include:

• Higonokami knives: Foldable utility knives with a simple lever lock
• Kiridashi blades: Small woodworking knives
• Japanese razor blades: For precision grooming and crafting

These blades combine specialized steel, ergonomic handles, and precise edge angles, making them suitable for hobbyists, artisans, and professionals.

What they're best for:

• Versatile use in craft, art, and utility work
• Durable and easy to maintain
• Sharp, precise edges for detailed tasks

3. How to care for different types of Japanese blades

Proper maintenance is essential to preserve sharpness, durability, and aesthetics.

• Cleaning: Wash knives immediately after use; avoid harsh detergents or dishwashers
• Drying: Thoroughly dry blades to prevent rust, especially carbon steel
• Storage: Use sheaths, knife blocks, or magnetic strips to protect edges
• Sharpening: Use a Japanese whetstone or honing stone for kitchen knives; use professional sharpening for swords
• Handling: Avoid dropping or bending the blade

>>> Do know how to select the right Japanese knife? If not, check out our comprehensive guide right here.

FAQs – What people often wonder about types of Japanese blades

We know there're still a lot of questions related to Japanese knife and blades, like how to hold a knife. Here are the most common questions about them, answered concisely for clarity.

4.1 What are the three types of Japanese swords?

The main types are Katana, Wakizashi swords, and Tachi swords, each with unique lengths, curves, and historical usage by samurai.

4.2 What blades do samurai use?

Samurai typically carried a daisho set, combining a katana and Wakizashi swords, for combat and ceremonial purposes.

4.3 What is a short Japanese blade called?

A short blade is called a Wakizashi, used as a companion to the katana and for indoor or close-quarters defense.

4.4 Which is longer, Kodachi or Wakizashi?

Wakizashi is generally longer than Kodachi, which is a small short sword for quick strikes and utility use.

4.5 What is a Muramasa Blade?

A Muramasa blade is a historically renowned Japanese sword known for exceptional sharpness and distinctive forging, often associated with samurai legends.

Exploring the world of types of Japanese blades reveals a rich blend of tradition, precision, and functionality. From culinary knives to Wakizashi swords and specialized utility blades, each piece offers unique advantages for daily use or collecting. Discover authentic, high-quality Japanese blades at Kiichin and elevate your kitchen, workshop, or collection with these exceptional tools.