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Many knife brands are available to stock your kitchen with quality cutting tools, but how do you know if a knife brand is any good before you commit to a purchase? Tojiro is a knife brand commonly seen advertising kitchen knives, but are these knives good, and how do they compare to other brands?
Tojiro is a lesser-known knife brand, but the knives are of good quality, comparable with some well-known alternatives. The steel used in Tojiro knives ranges from VG10 to high carbon steel and Damascus, and the brand makes Western and Japanese-style kitchen knives.
Tojiro knives are readily available from various sources and are relatively affordable, but is the lower price a reflection of the quality of these knives? We will offer our opinion of Tojiro kitchen knives to give you the information you need to decide whether these knives should be considered for your kitchen.
Does ToJiro Make Good Knives?
The kitchen is one of the focal points in a home, and having the right tools can make all the difference in the safety and quality of your cooking.
A good set of knives is essential for any home cook or professional chef, but knowing where to start with so many brands and options can be difficult.
We will spotlight Tojiro, a lesser-known knife brand making waves in the culinary world. We’ll explore the brand’s history, the manufacturing process, the types of knives offered, and the price range.
We’ll also provide a detailed review of several Tojiro knives, looking at their design, blade material, quality, sharpness, edge retention, comfort, balance, maintenance and care, and customer reviews. This will show how Tojiro knives stack up against other popular brands.
Background On The Tojiro Knife Brand
Tojiro is a Japanese knife brand that has been around since 1953. The company is known for its high-quality knives using traditional Japanese techniques and the latest technology.
Tojiro’s knives are designed to be functional and beautiful, focusing on precision, sharpness, and durability.
Tojiro knives are made in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, a region known for its high-quality steel. Most of the knives produced by Tojiro have 3-layer steel, with a central core of VG10 sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. Tojiro also makes knives using high-carbon steel and Damascus steel.
Tojiro knives are made using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including handcrafting and precision engineering. The company’s knives are designed to be balanced and comfortable to use, focusing on reducing hand fatigue during long periods of use.
Tojiro offers a wide range of knives, including chef’s, utility, paring, and more. The company produces knives in the Western style as well as traditional Japanese-style kitchen knives.
Tojiro’s knives are priced reasonably, with most knives falling into the mid-range price category. This makes them a great option for both home cooks and professional chefs who want high-quality knives without breaking the bank.
Tojiro Knives Overview
To provide an in-depth understanding of Tojiro knives, we’ll review the key features of these knives. Tojiro knives are difficult to box into certain categories because the company makes a wide range of knives for different purposes and markets.
Most of my comments on their knives are generalized, but we will get to specifics when we review particular Tojiro knife models.
Design and Appearance Of Tojiro Knives
Tojiro knives have a simple, elegant, functional, and appealing minimalistic design. The handles are made of high-quality materials, such as Pakkawood or Micarta, which provide a comfortable grip and durability.
The blades are sleek and well-balanced, with a thin profile allowing precise cuts. The blade designs include Western and Japanese blade styles to offer a good cross-section of knives to choose from, depending on what you are looking for in a kitchen knife.
Blade Material And Quality Of Tojiro Knives
Most Tojiro knives are made from high-quality steel VG10 with stainless steel cladding, but they also make knives from Damascus steel and Japanese high-carbon steel.
The knives we will focus on are the VG10 steel range since these are the most affordable in the Tojiro offerings.
The steel is processed and forged in Japan, where it is given a sharp, durable edge. The blades are well-crafted, with a sharp edge that is easy to maintain.
Sharpness And Edge Retention Of Tojiro Knives
Tojiro knives are known for their sharpness and edge retention. The company uses a unique sharpening process that involves hand-grinding the blade at a precise angle. This produces a razor-sharp edge that can easily cut through even the toughest ingredients.
Tojiro knives are hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 60 or more which assures you of good edge retention in the steel and a robust, durable cutting edge.
Comfort And Balance Of Tojiro Knives
Tojiro knives are well-balanced and comfortable to use. The handles are designed to provide a secure grip, while the blade is thin and light, allowing easy maneuverability.
The knives have a good weight distribution, which helps to reduce hand fatigue during extended use. You can choose between Western-style and Japanese-style knives, which have a difference in balance-feel and grip method, and overall feel in your hand.
Many Western people prefer knives with a Western-style handle because this is what they feel most comfortable with, while others prefer the Japanese style for lightness and agility.
Tojiro offers both styles, which gives the potential buyer choice in the style that best suits how they use their knives.
Maintenance And Care Of Tojiro Knives
Tojiro knives are easy to maintain and care for, but each range has different characteristics that affect the care the knives should receive.
For example, the stainless steel clad VG10 range is more resistant to corrosion and staining than the high-carbon steel range.
The company recommends hand washing the knives and avoiding the dishwasher, which can damage the blade. This is good advice to apply to all your quality kitchen knives; never wash them in the dishwasher!
Regular sharpening and honing will help maintain the blade’s sharpness over time, but this applies to every knife in your kitchen.
Tojiro knives offer high-quality features at an affordable price. They are well-designed, sharp, and durable, with various options to suit different needs.
TIP: Cleaning and caring for Damascus steel knives differs from knives made from other steels. Read our article on caring for Damascus knives to preserve your knives!
PRO Tips: Taking Care & Cleaning Of Damascus Steel Knives
Comparison Of Tojiro With Other Knife Brands
Since Tijiro is not a well-known knife brand, it is useful to compare the knives from this company with other knife brands with which you may be more familiar. This strategy will give you a good reference point against which you can compare the Tojiro brand.
It’s important to note that the best knife brand for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
While Tojiro knives may be a great fit for some, others may prefer the heft and thickness of a Wusthof knife or the traditional craftsmanship of a Shun knife. It’s always a good idea to test out different knives to find the one that works best for you.
Tojiro Vs. Shun
Shun is a popular Japanese knife brand known for its high-quality knives. While Shun knives are more expensive than Tojiro, they offer similar features, such as sharpness, durability, and a comfortable grip.
However, the steel quality in Shun knives is superior to that of the steel used in Tojiro knives, which accounts for the price variance. Shun knife production follows the traditional Japanese knife-making processes more closely than the Tojiro brand.
However, Tojiro knives are more affordable and offer a wider range of options, making them a better choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Tojiro Vs. Wusthof
Wusthof is a well-known German knife brand that has been around since 1814 with a reputation in the western world for its high-quality and durable knives.
Wusthof knives are more expensive than Tojiro. They offer a wider range of knife designs and options with more advanced features, such as ergonomic handles, edge design, and sharpening techniques.
However, Tojiro knives are more affordable and offer comparable sharpness and durability. Much of the difference in price between the two brands is largely due to lower brand awareness of Tojiro than the Wusthof brand.
Tojiro knives are generally lighter and more agile than the heavier Wusthof knives, and some people prefer a knife with more heft.
In my opinion, the Tojiro knives are on par with Wusthof knives and make for an affordable option of similar quality to this brand.
Pros And Cons of Tojiro Knives
To provide a comprehensive understanding of Tojiro knives, I have listed some of the pros and cons of these knives, which will give you a feel for what you can expect from this knife brand.
Tojiro Knife Pros
I considered the advantages of Tojiro knives to compile this list, which counts in favor of anyone owning these knives for use in their kitchen.
- Affordability. Tojiro knives are priced reasonably, making them accessible to many consumers.
- High-quality steel. The steel used in Tojiro knives is high-quality, adding value and durability to the knives.
- Sharpness. Tojiro knives are razor-sharp and easy to maintain, with excellent edge retention, which comes from the quality steel used to make the knives.
- Comfort. Tojiro knives are well-balanced and comfortable to use, with handles made of high-quality materials. The knives are very light, which may not be an advantage to all knife users.
- Durability. Tojiro knives are well-crafted and built to last, making them a reliable choice for both home cooks and professional chefs.
Tojiro Knife Cons
Every knife brand has disadvantages or aspects some users may find unsuitable for their circumstances, making this a very subjective topic.
The disadvantages I see mostly in Tojiro knives are less concerning quality and design and more with marketing and diversity.
- Limited selection. While Tojiro offers a good range of knives, they may not have as many options as some other, more well-known knife brands.
- Aesthetics. While Tojiro knives are well-designed, the design is generally minimalistic and simple. Some people may prefer a more ornate or visually striking knife.
- Weight. Tojiro knives are lighter, which may not be ideal for those knife users who prefer a heavier knife.
Tojiro knives offer many benefits at an affordable price, but there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
While they may not have the same level of customization or brand recognition as some other knife brands, Tojiro knives offer high-quality steel, sharpness, and durability, making them an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and well-crafted knife.
TIP: How many kitchen knives do you need? The number of quality knives you need in the kitchen can be as low as three if you make the right choice.
You Need Exactly This Number Of Knives In The Kitchen + Why
Tojiro DP 8.2-Inch Gyuto
The Tojiro DP Gyutou 8.2-inch is an excellent knife that offers great value for an affordable price. This knife is made from high-quality steel, is incredibly sharp, easy to maintain, and has excellent edge retention.
The comfortable handle provides a secure grip and is well-balanced, making it easy to use for extended periods.
While the weight may be a little light for some users, this knife’s overall design and quality are hard to beat.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic home cook or a professional, the Tojiro DP Gyutou 8.2-inch (Amazon link) is a great choice to deliver excellent performance and durability for years to come.
The main features of the Tojiro DP Gyutou 8.2-inch include the following.
- Blade length. 8.2 inches or 208mm.
- Blade material. VG10 steel core with 13-chrome stainless steel exterior layers.
- Rockwell hardness. 60 HRC.
- Handle material. Black Micarta handle with stainless steel pins or rivets.
- Full tang. Full tang construction for balance and durability.
- Bevels. Double-bevel blade for versatility.
- Lightweight. A lightweight for easy maneuverability and agility.
Tojiro Fujiro 170mm Santoku
The Tojiro Fujiro 170mm Santoku is a fantastic knife that combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern materials and design.
“Santoku” means “three virtues” in Japanese, and this style of knife is well-known for its versatility in the kitchen. The Tojiro Fujiro Santoku is no exception, offering a range of great features that make it an excellent choice for any home cook or professional chef.
I have included some key features of the Tojiro Fujiro 170mm Santoku (Amazon link), making it a possible choice for your next kitchen knife purchase.
- Blade length. 6.7 inches or 170mm
- Blade material. VG10 steel core with 63-layer Damascus pattern stainless steel exterior.
- Rockwell hardness. 60 HRC.
- Handle material. Black laminated ECO wood, which is water and contamination resistant. Stainless steel rivets hold the handle in place.
- Full tang. The knife is full tang for strength, durability, and balance.
- Bevel. Double-bevel blade for versatility, suitable for left and righthanded people.
The Tojiro Fujiro Santoku is a beautiful knife with a striking, well-crafted kitchen knife. The VG10 steel core provides excellent edge retention and sharpness, making it a great option for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
The Western-style handle is comfortable to grip and provides a secure hold, even when wet. The full-tang construction ensures balance and durability, and the lightweight design makes it easier to use for extended periods without causing fatigue.
Tojiro DP Petty Knife
The Tojiro DP Petty Knife is an excellent tool that every home cook or professional chef should have in their arsenal.
“Petty” is a Japanese term that refers to a small utility knife that is used for a variety of tasks in the kitchen. The Tojiro DP Petty Knife (Amazon link) is a perfect example of this style of knife, offering a range of features and characteristics that make it an essential tool for any kitchen.
If you are looking to try out a Tijiro knife without spending too much money, this would be the knife I recommend that you try first.
The following are the main features and specs of the Tojiro DP Petty.
- Blade length. 5.9 inches or150 mm.
- Blade material. Powdered HSS core clad with stainless steel.
- Rockwell hardness. 60 HRC.
- Handle material. Reinforced laminate material that is low maintenance, corrosion and contaminant resistant, and durable.
- Full tang. Full tang construction, providing balance and durability.
- Bevels. Double-bevel blade.
The Tojiro DP Petty Knife is a small but versatile knife that can handle a wide range of tasks in the kitchen. The Western-style handle is comfortable and makes maintaining a solid grip on the knife easy.
Overall, the Tojiro Fujiro 170mm Santoku is an excellent knife that offers great value for the price. It’s versatile, durable, and well-crafted, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality Japanese knife for their kitchen at an affordable price.
Tojiro DP 8-piece Slim Knife Block Set
The Tojiro DP 8-piece Slim Knife Block Set is a comprehensive collection of knives that provides everything you need to tackle any task in the kitchen.
The set includes 6 high-quality knives made with the same attention to detail, quality, and craftsmanship that you would expect from Tojiro. Buying knives in a set offers a range of advantages, including convenience, cost savings, and the assurance that you have all the knives you need to get the job done.
The knives included in the Tojiro DP 8-piece Slim Knife Block Set (Amazon link) are as follows.
- 3.5-inch straight Paring Knife – great for small delicate cutting and peeling tasks.
- 4-inch Paring Knife – the cutting edge is slightly curved, making it ideal for small dicing tasks.
- 6-inch Petty Utility Knife – This knife can be used to process fruits, vegetables, and herbs and slice smaller pieces of meat.
- 8.5-inch Serrated Bread Knife – ideal for slicing bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
- 6.5-inch Nakiri – This knife is easily made for processing herbs and vegetables.
- 8.25-inch Chef’s Knife – The multi-purpose chef’s knife or gyuto is the go-to knife for most general kitchen tasks.
The set also includes a set of kitchen shears and a 7-slot knife block made from durable Acacia wood to house the complete set.
Each knife in the set is made with VG10 steel for excellent edge retention and sharpness. The steel is san mai, or 3-ply, with the VG10 core positioned between an outer layer of stainless steel on either side.
The double-bevel blade design provides versatility in maintenance and a range of cutting tasks, while the Micarta handle held in place with three stainless steel pins offers a comfortable and secure grip. The handle design is Western style, so the knives will feel comfortable and familiar.
The full-tang construction of the knives ensures balance and durability, and the slim knife block provides convenient, compact storage for the entire set.
The Tojiro DP 8-piece Slim Knife Block Set is a fantastic investment for any home cook or professional chef. It offers everything you need to prepare food with precision and ease, and the cost savings of buying a set compared to individual knives are significant.
I think the Tojiro DP 8-piece Slim Knife Block Set is a high-quality collection of knives that provides great value for the price.
Conclusion
Tojiro knives are excellent and have much to offer people looking for an affordable, quality kitchen knife set. With high-quality steel, sharpness, durability, and a comfortable design, Tojiro knives are a great option for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
If you’re looking for a reliable and well-crafted knife that won’t break the bank, Tojiro is definitely a brand worth considering. With a wide range of options and a focus on quality, Tojiro knives will impress even the most discerning knife users.
TIP: Keeping your knives sharp is an important part of taking care of your knives and safe knife use. We have some top tips for keeping your knives sharp and ready for use!
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