Why Japanese Chef Knives Stay Sharp Longer
Have you ever wondered why your Japanese chef knife still slices tomatoes like butter after weeks of use, while other knives seem to dull after just a few days?
You're not imagining it — Japanese chef knives really do stay sharp longer, and there are several good reasons why.
Let’s dive into what makes these blades different and why so many home cooks and professional chefs choose them for long-term performance.
🔪 It Starts with the Steel
The biggest reason Japanese knives hold their edge longer is the type of steel used.
Most high-quality Japanese chef knives — like the ones in our OSERM collection — are made from harder steels such as VG10, AUS-10, or high-carbon blends.
- It resists dulling under daily use
- The edge can be ground to a finer angle (typically 12–15°)
- It stays razor-sharp much longer than softer Western steels
🔍 The Angle Makes a Difference
Japanese blades are typically sharpened to a narrower edge angle, allowing for incredibly fine and clean cuts.
- Japanese chef knife: 12°–15° per side
- Western chef knife: 20°–22° per side
This sharper angle slices through food with less resistance, putting less stress on the edge itself — which in turn helps it stay sharp longer.
🛠 Forged, Not Stamped
Most Japanese knives are hand-forged or forged in small batches, rather than mass-stamped from steel sheets.
Forging strengthens the metal on a molecular level, making the edge not only harder but more durable under precision pressure.
🧼 Proper Use Helps, Too
Japanese chef knives are designed for specific types of cutting — usually push or pull cuts, not heavy chopping.
Because users tend to treat them with more care (and because they’re so satisfying to use), they’re less likely to be abused on hard surfaces like bones or ceramic plates. That respectful use adds to their lifespan.
🧑🍳 The OSERM Difference
At OSERM, our Japanese chef knives are made with premium materials and precision edge geometry to ensure long-lasting sharpness.
We’ve had customers tell us they’ve been using their OSERM blade for months without sharpening — and it still glides through onions like it did on day one.
👉 Looking for a knife that stays sharp, feels balanced, and looks great in your kitchen? Try our 5+1 Knife Set — and feel the difference.
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Get 30% OFF + Free Mystery Knife with every OSERM knife set.
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