Miyabi is Japanese-made knives engineered and processed by the Zwilling J.A. Henckels company from Germany.
They follow the Japanese blade-forging traditions observed in the knife-making capital Seki City.
Today, we will boast why these knives belong to the premium kitchen cutlery by providing some of the best Miyabi knives reviews.
We will showcase why Miyabi is among the best chef knives in the market today.
Comparison Chart
Best Miyabi Knives Reviews
1. Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Mizu SG2 chef’s knife model from Miyabi is an excellent choice for a functional yet beautiful kitchen tool.
Both home cooks and professional chefs would love this sharp and unique knife depicting the Japanese tradition in its design.
Product Highlights
Zwilling ensures that Mizu SG2 remains true to its Japanese heritage through its features and overall structure.
Some of the most notable ones are as follows:
- Blade and Materials
The SG2 material used in this Miyabi knife is stainless steel in powder form, famous for its excellent wear resistance.
It comes with an eight-inch blade processed with the Tsuchime method using three layers of SG2 steel, preventing the food from sticking to the knife.
Next is the Honbazuke process, where the Katana edge undergoes a three-step sharpening process; twice on whetstones before polishing on a leather wheel.
The Honbazuke process is the same ancient method used to create the utmost sharpness you will find in samurai swords.
Lastly, the final process called Criodur is for blade retention, where it is ice-hardened for flexibility and corrosion resistance.
The dual-beveled blade of the Mizu SG2 makes it ambidextrous, so both left and right-handed individuals can use it comfortably.
It also offers high edge retention, creating minor wear and tear, allowing you to sharpen it with more ease.
- Design
The eight-inch blade of this chef’s knife is made of hammered stainless steel, creating a Damascus texture with a wave-like pattern on its surface.
Mizu refers to water in Japanese, reflecting the Damascus pattern you see on the knife’s blade.
The name also means that it can cut through almost anything with ease.
Whatever design interpretation you may have, the Mizu SG2 knife is agile, flat, and sharp.
You will get a knife fashioned after the traditional Japanese heritage.
Every element of this impressive knife, from the hand-honed blade to the comfortable handle, are essential for its overall look and function.
- Handle
The D-shaped handle made from Micarta is the perfect match for Mizu’s sharp and high-performing blade.
Micarta, a resin-based solid material, can tolerate extremely high temperatures and resist moisture without becoming brittle.
This handle material is resistant to most caustic substances like grease and solvents with a wood-like design and a mosaic pin.
You will also find red spacers filling up the gaps with the company’s logo printed on the metal end cap of the handle.
What We Like
Most Japanese knives belong to the premium cutlery category because of their known durability, having some of the sturdiest and most long-lasting blades.
The manufacturer ensures that the traditional Japanese knife-making method is observed during its creation to maintain its quality.
Despite this chef’s knife’s proven durability, purchasing one also provides you with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
What We Don’t Like
When you are too busy, you are tempted to throw everything into the dishwasher.
However, this premium quality chef’s knife requires hand washing after every use.
Deciding to store your Miyabi Mizu using magnetic strips can weaken the blades of your knife.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ease of use
- Sharp blades
- Flexible edges
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- No sheath or blade-guard
- Manual washing required
2. Miyabi Birchwood 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
This Miyabi Birchwood chef’s knife belongs to the brand’s top-of-the-line kitchen tools, boasting excellent materials for its construction.
Product Highlights
The Birchwood is a high-performing chef’s knife with added weight that can do all your food preparation tasks with ease.
Some of its most notable features are:
- Blade Construction
Looking closely, you will see layers of Damascus flower pattern design on the knife’s blades, protecting the steel.
This Damascus pattern boosts the durability of the cutting edge while allowing it to pass through each food smoothly.
Each knife goes through four steps of ice-hardening during construction. Initially, the blade will undergo vacuum heat treatment.
Afterward, the heat is quickly reduced to room temperature. For excellent corrosion resistance, it also goes through cryogenic treatment at -321 degrees Fahrenheit.
Completing the double tempering method boosts the toughness of the steel while the unsharpened part of the blade is rounded in the process.
- Cutting Edge
This 8-inch Birchwood chef’s knife comes with an exceptional angle of 9.5 to 12 degrees.
A measurement results in a manual process used for its creation.
The blade’s sharpness was achieved using the Honbazuke three-step manual sharpening method.
- Knife Handle
You pay close attention to a knife’s blade most of the time and not enough focus on its handle, which is an essential part of your kitchen tool.
The ease and comfort of using the knife depend on its handle. Similar to most Japanese blades, this Miyabi Birchwood knife comes with a unique one.
This Miyabi chef’s knife model uses a Karelian birch egg handle, a highly-valued wood material that is the only kind used for a Faberge egg.
In between the gaps in the lower and upper portions of the handle are mosaic pins filled with red spacers, adding an accent to its overall look.
You will also find the brand’s logo displayed prominently on the metal cap at the bottom of the knife’s handle.
- Steel Quality
When it is a Japanese knife, you know that it only uses premium quality steel material for its blade.
For instance, the blade used for this Miyabi model is 100 layers of micro-carbide powder G2 steel constructed using an ingenious ice-hardening method.
What We Like
Similar to other Miyabi knives, this one also comes with a lifetime warranty given by the manufacturer.
This provision only shows that the company believes in its product and is willing to support its wear and tear concerns.
With the highly valued materials used for the knife, you can be sure to have a sharp and durable piece of premium cutlery in your kitchen.
The overall appearance of the combined blade and handle materials offer a striking impression of the Miyabi Birchwood chef’s knife.
Also, this easy-to-maintain chef’s knife provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring minimal rusting.
What We Don’t Like
The chef’s knife has a significant weight and hardness due to the numerous layers of steel, which can cause fatigue when used for extended periods.
Pros:
- Sharp blade
- Durable
- Uses higher quality steel
- Intricate protective design
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unable to hold an edge
3. Miyabi Fusion Morimoto Edition 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Miyabi Fusion Morimoto Edition combines Japanese and Western knife designs by using Western ergonomics with real Japanese steel and style.
Product Highlights
Miyabi knives are famous for their blades’ sharpness and eye-catching Damascus pattern designs.
Definitely, it has a lot to offer, including:
- Blade Material and Construction
The Fusion uses the Vanadium Gold 10 or VG10 steel material for its blade, primarily produced in Japan.
It is one type of stainless steel alloy with high vanadium and carbon content made by Takefu Special Steel Company, Ltd.
The Miyabi Fusion blade is made of 65 layers of Damascus construction which are ice-hardened using Cryodur.
It is the process where the steel is heated, cooled, and frozen to make it more corrosion-resistant, durable, and flexible.
- Blade Design
As with most Japanese knives, the Fusion also features the flower pattern Damascus blade design.
It comes with an eye-catching cascading and flowing design to prevent or minimize food from sticking to the knife’s blade.
This Damascus blade pattern, named after the same city, has been used in Japanese knives for centuries.
However, the flower design pattern on the Miyabi Fusion is a bit rare as it shows slight wavy lines.
- Edge Sharpness and Retention
As per Japanese-made knives, the hand-honed Fusion thin blade has a 9.5 to 12-degree angle on each side.
The hand-honing method called Honbazuke is a three-step process producing an extremely sharp blade.
Initially, you use a vertically rotating stone to ground the blade coarsely.
Then using a horizontally rotating stone, start honing the blade finely before polishing the edge using a leather stropping block.
The steel’s 60 Rockwell hardness rating makes it possible for the blade to remain sharp longer for edge retention.
- Handle Construction
The Miyabi Fusion knives use a durable plastic material for their handle known as POM or polyoxymethylene.
This heat and moisture-resistant material is popular among other famous knife brands when looking for durable handle options.
These Miyabi Fusion handles come in rounded spines and heels with glass beads as accents.
They also feature half bolsters that are highly influenced by Western culture.
- Handle Design
The sleek sheen and solid black handle design of the Miyabi Fusion chef’s knife indicates Western influence.
It comes with a thicker end which allows the user to have a firmer grip on the handle and prevent it from slipping while working, even when wet.
Also, this ergonomically designed Pakkawood handle with an exposed tang with red and thin accent line borders.
What We Like
According to his preferences in a chef’s knife, this knife was designed by the famous and experienced Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto.
As the model name implies, the Miyabi Fusion combined the ancient Japanese knife-making techniques with Western ergonomic designs.
In addition to this Japanese and Western melding, this eight-inch knife has been constructed using premium quality materials.
The complete tang design of the Miyabi Fusion makes it more durable and well-balanced than other knives.
The knife’s overall construction makes it an excellent kitchen tool for professional chefs and home cooks alike.
What We Don’t Like
Although the Fusion blade is stiff, it is still unsuitable for cutting through bone or heavy-duty chopping.
Cleaning the knife inside the dishwasher is a big no-no if you want to maintain the blade’s sharpness and durability.
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed
- Comfortable handle
- Corrosion-resistant
- Sharp
- Excellent edge retention
Cons:
- Sharp spine edge
- Rough rivet edges
4. Miyabi Santoku 5.5- Inch Knife
Once again, Miyabi honors the Japanese knife-making craftsmanship and new techniques in this Santoku knife.
This handcrafted knife from Seki, Japan, combined the past and the present creating this exceptional Santoku knife.
Product Highlights
This Santoku 5.5-inch blade from Miyabi is a traditional Japanese knife constructed using the Honbazuke process.
Some of the things you’ll expect from it are:
- Blade
The potent core of the blade is made from a real SG2 micro-carbide steel in powder form finished in Tsuchime layers.
This thin stainless steel type helps resist rust and scratches while making the blade more rigid and durable.
Each Santoku knife comes with a hand-honed blade complete with a katana edge similar to an ancient samurai sword.
This traditional Japanese knife uses an intricate three-step process known as Honbazuke.
It would be best to have great care and precision as you manually hone and sharpen the blade, producing a razor-sharp edge with a 9.5 to 12-degree angle.
- Handle
To match the beautiful blade of the Santoku knife, the manufacturer constructed a Cocobolo Rosewood Pakkawood for its handle.
It is a D-shaped handle designed to let your hand rest comfortably, eliminating fatigue possibilities even during cutting sessions.
There are sophisticated details added to the beauty of the handle, including brass, a mosaic pin, red spacers, and a stainless steel cap at the handle’s bottom.
What We Like
It is impressive to note how the manufacturer replicated the old way of making knives using traditional methods.
This exquisite way of knife-making produces an eye-catching knife that is fully functional at the same time.
Its razor-sharp blade can cut through fruits, herbs, vegetables, or skin with ease and precision while retaining its edge at all times.
The Santoku’s lighter and shorter cutting edge makes it easier to complete your everyday kitchen tasks.
What We Don’t Like
Some users find these Miyabi Santoku knives a little heavy and awkward to use, requiring them to exert more effort than necessary.
Pros:
- Sharp
- Balanced
- Holds an edge
- Sleek
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- A little expensive than others
- Small for some users
5. Miyabi Wide Fusion Morimoto Edition 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
This knife merges the techniques of both Japanese and Western worlds similar to Chef Morimoto’s signature cuisines.
Product Highlights
The Miyabi Fusion Morimoto edition comes in various sizes, including this 6-inch Wide chef’s knife.
Like other Miyabi knives, this Wide Fusion construction uses premium quality materials with combined Japanese techniques and Western designs.
- Knife Specifications
This Wide Fusion 6-inch chef’s knife from Miyabi is lightweight at 0.6 pounds with an overall measurement of 14.75 x 3 x 1 inches.
The complete tang design of the knife gives it the balance and durability that you need in a kitchen tool.
- Blade Material and Construction
When it comes to the knife’s blade material, it uses a special kind of stainless steel known as VG10 super steel.
This metal is hand forged, folding it over, creating a 65-layer Damascus flower design, adding to the overall aesthetics of the knife.
Additionally, using the three-step process of Honbazuke significantly helps this hand-honed blade achieve a 9.5 to 12-degree edge angle.
This technique also includes an ice-hardening process allowing the blade to reach Rockwell’s hardness rating of 60.
Overall, this Wide Fusion 6-inch knife model comes with a premium quality hardened steel material with a sharp edge that can last a long time without sharpening.
Adding to the blade’s ability to stay sharp for longer is its excellent corrosion resistance, reducing rusting.
The short blade and lighter weight of the Wide Fusion make it easy to control and maneuver for everyday kitchen tasks.
- Handle Material and Construction
The glass bead-enhanced POM handle has a triple rivet design for added security and stability.
It is an ergonomically designed solid wood handle that you can hold safely even when your hands are wet.
The special steel used for the blade, combined with the black POM with red accents, completes the overall aesthetics of this Wid Fusion knife.
What We Like
The shorter blade of the Wide Fusion makes it more versatile and maneuverable.
Use it with ease as you chop ginger, mince garlic, or break down a small chicken.
This flexibility adds more to the overall functionality and beauty of the Damascus flower design of the VG10 swiper steel.
Another thing worth mentioning is the lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer for all its Miyabi knives.
What We Don’t Like
Some users find that the handle could use an additional inch or two for more comfortability, especially for those with big hands.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Comfortable grip
- Corrosion-resistant
- Razor-sharp
- Excellent edge retention
Cons:
- Expensive
- Short handle
Buyer’s Guide
There are many Japanese knife brands in the market today. How is Miyabi different from others?
What distinguishing characteristics should you look for when buying a Miyabi knife?
Below are some factors worth checking out.
1. Blade
The first and most vital factor you need to look for is the blade material used for the knife.
Almost all Miyabi knives choose various types of stainless steel for their toughness, ease of sharpening, and superb edge retention.
However, all of them are constructed using traditional Japanese knife-making techniques combined with German engineering.
All Miyabi knives boast a high Rockwell hardness rating, proving their durability while showcasing their razor-sharp edges.
2. Handle
The handle’s design is also crucial to its overall balance and comfort when holding and using the knife.
Your comfort as you hold it is crucial to ensure ease of use and eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries.
Before making any purchase, ensure that you try holding the knife and see how it feels on your hand.
3. Tang
If you decide to buy an expensive kitchen knife, usually those within the $100 range and up, look for one constructed with full tang.
It means it is made from a single sheet of steel from the tip to the bottom of the handle.
A full tang is a clear indicator of durability and balance, which means that these knives are made to last for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miyabi Knives
1. Are Miyabi knives worth investing in?
Miyabi knives are some of the most expensive knives in the culinary world.
This high price point is due to how they are constructed and the premium materials used.
With these reasons, you can be sure that all Miyabi knives are created to last a lifetime, making it worth the investment.
2. Why should you buy a Miyabi knife?
Miyabi knives go through rigorous quality control before heading out into the market and your kitchen.
They only use high-quality materials with excellent durability, superb edge retention, and significant hardness.
These attributes allow you to use them in almost any food preparation task, making them an excellent kitchen tool.
Miyabi knives also come in different varieties, giving you a wide range of options to choose from depending on how you wish to use them.
Aside from these knives’ excellent functionality, they also offer some of the most eye-catching models in the market.
3. What is the Honbazuke honing method?
We kept on mentioning the Honbazuke honing process throughout this best Miyabi knives review.
Let us try to explain it further to understand how these Miyabi knives became rugged and durable.
Honbazuke honing is an ancient Japanese method of giving the blade an exceptional sharpness originating from their old knife production.
Each blade is sharpened and polished manually through three complex processes. First, ground the edge coarsely through a vertical rotating sharpening stone.
Next, use a horizontal-turning sharpening stone to fine hone the blade. Finally, polish the edge on a leather stropping block.
Our Final Recommendation
After completing the best Miyabi knives review, we can assure you that you can choose any of these five options as part of your kitchen cutlery
These are the kind of kitchen tools that you can pass on to the next generation.
Nevertheless, we consider the Birchwood 8-Inch Chef’s Knife as the top choice.
It is one of Miyabi’s top-of-the-line models crafted from premium quality materials resulting in eye-catching work.
The blade’s long-lasting sharpness and durability paired with the Karelian birch handle creates an eye-catching knife for your collection.
