Introduction
Are Yatoshi Knives good? In my experience, they’re sharp, stylish, and comfortable to use, but they’re not perfect. I’ve used my Yatoshi knife set for everything from slicing sourdough to prepping fresh vegetables, and while the balance and grip are great, I did notice the blades dull faster than I expected. As someone who’s tested many kitchen knives, I’d say they offer solid value if you don’t mind a bit of upkeep. In this review, I’ll share what stood out to me, what could be better, and whether this set is worth adding to your kitchen.
Are Yatoshi Knives Good?

Yes — but it’s not for everyone.
I’ve used this set for daily cooking, from slicing bread to chopping fresh vegetables. The knives feel balanced, and the Pakkawood handles are smooth and comfortable. Still, after a few months, I noticed the blades losing sharpness and the handles changing color.
The blades use 7Cr17 high-carbon stainless steel with a hardness of 57–58 HRC. This makes them tougher than many low-cost knives. The Acacia wood block looks great and keeps the knives safe. It’s also a space-saver if you don’t have many kitchen drawers.
What I Like
- Sharp out of the box – The chef’s knife cut tomatoes and crusty bread without effort.
- Comfortable grip – The sloped bolster and wood handle reduce wrist strain during long prep.
- Attractive storage block – The Acacia wood block is sturdy and looks great on the counter.
What Could Be Better
- Edge retention – The knives dulled after about three months of regular use.
- Handle durability – The handles showed yellowing after repeated washing.
- Rust spots – The steel can stain if left wet for too long.
Recommendation
If you want a good-looking, complete set for daily home cooking, the Yatoshi Professional Kitchen Knife Set is worth trying. It’s ideal for new kitchens or as a budget-friendly gift.
If you want blades that stay sharp for many months, you might need to spend more on higher-grade steel. In the US, Yatoshi offers free shipping and a 60-day return policy, so you can test the set risk-free. Just be ready to sharpen and dry them often to get the most life out of them.
Yatoshi vs Henckels – My Honest Take
I’ve used both Yatoshi and Henckels knives in my kitchen. They work well, but in different ways. Yatoshi is light and stylish, while Henckels feels heavy and built for power. Here’s what I’ve learned from months of cooking with both.

Blade Quality & Sharpness
My Yatoshi knives were very sharp when new. They cut soft bread, ripe tomatoes, and onions with no trouble. But after a few months, they needed more sharpening to stay that way.
My Henckels chef’s knife has stayed sharp for much longer. Even after weeks of chopping meat and vegetables, I only needed to hone it once in a while.
Attribute | Yatoshi Knives | Henckels Knives |
Steel Type | 7Cr17 high-carbon stainless steel | German stainless steel (X50CrMoV15) |
Hardness (HRC) | 57–58 | 56–58 |
Edge Retention | Sharp at first, needs more upkeep | Keeps edge longer with less work |
Winner: Henckels – Holds sharpness longer.
Comfort & Handling
Yatoshi’s pakkawood handles feel warm and smooth. They are light, so I can chop for a long time without my wrist getting tired.
Henckels knives are heavier. This makes them better for hard foods like squash or dense meat, but my hand gets tired sooner.
Attribute | Yatoshi Knives | Henckels Knives |
Handle Material | Pakkawood (smooth, warm feel) | Polymer or wood (textured grip) |
Weight | Lighter, easy for long prep | Heavier, more force for tough cuts |
Balance | Good for casual cooking | Great for heavy chopping |
Winner: Tie – Yatoshi for light meals, Henckels for heavy prep.
Durability & Maintenance
After a few months, I noticed my Yatoshi handles turning slightly yellow. If I left the blades damp, they sometimes showed small rust spots.
My Henckels knives have been used for years without losing their look. They resist rust well and still feel strong in the hand.
Attribute | Yatoshi Knives | Henckels Knives |
Rust Resistance | Fair, can stain if left wet | Strong, resists rust well |
Handle Wear | Can change color over time | Keeps look for years |
Lifespan | Good with care | Excellent, lasts decades |
Winner: Henckels – More durable over time.

My Final Thoughts
Yatoshi is a solid pick if you want light, sharp knives that make daily cooking feel smooth and easy. They’ve been my favorite for quick veggie prep and bread slicing when I’m short on time. But if you’re after knives that hold their edge for years with little upkeep, Henckels has been the more dependable choice in my kitchen.
FAQs for Yatoshi Knives Review
Q1: Are Yatoshi knives good for home cooks?
A1: Yes, Yatoshi knives offer sharp blades and comfortable handles, great for everyday home cooking tasks.
Q2: What makes the Yatoshi knife set stand out?
A2: The set features high-carbon stainless steel blades and ergonomic pakkawood handles for better grip and control.
Q3: How long do Yatoshi knives stay sharp?
A3: Yatoshi knives stay sharp for a few months but may need regular sharpening with heavy use.
Q4: Where are Yatoshi knives made?
A4: Yatoshi knives are made using steel from China, crafted to provide good quality at an affordable price.
Q5: How does Yatoshi compare to Henckels knives?
A5: Yatoshi offers affordable sets with good sharpness, while Henckels provides longer-lasting edges and premium build.
Q6: Is the Yatoshi 13 knife block set worth buying?
A6: It’s a stylish and functional set ideal for beginners, but requires regular maintenance to keep blades sharp.
Q7: Are Yatoshi knives rust-resistant?
A7: Yatoshi knives resist rust fairly well but should be dried quickly after washing to avoid spots.
Q8: Can I use Yatoshi knives for heavy chopping?
A8: Yatoshi knives work well for most kitchen tasks but might not hold up as long under heavy chopping.
Q9: Do Yatoshi knives come with a warranty?
A9: Yes, Yatoshi offers a limited warranty and a 60-day return policy for customer satisfaction.
Q10: Where can I find reliable Yatoshi knives reviews?
A10: You can find honest Yatoshi knives reviews on trusted kitchenware blogs and major retail sites.