1. Are Shokunin USA knives handmade?

Yes. Shokunin USA offers handmade and artisan-crafted knives made with carefully selected materials. Our collection includes pocket knives, hunting knives, fixed blade knives, EDC knives, chef knives, and custom designs.

What types of knives does Shokunin USA offer?

We offer a wide selection of pocket knives, folding knives, hunting knives, fixed blade knives, Bowie knives, EDC knives, chef knives, Japanese knives, Damascus knives, and personalized knives.

Can I personalize or engrave my knife?

Yes. Many Shokunin USA knives can be personalized with custom engraving, including names, initials, dates, short messages, and other text depending on the knife design.

What is Japanese VG10 steel?

VG10 is a Japanese stainless cutlery steel valued for its combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. We offer Japanese VG10 knives in several folding, pocket, and kitchen knife designs.

What is the difference between Damascus, VG10, D2 and CTS XHP?

These steels have different characteristics. Damascus is especially known for its layered appearance; VG10 combines corrosion resistance with good edge retention; D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel known for wear resistance; and CTS XHP is a premium stainless tool steel designed to provide strong edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Can I order a custom knife?

Yes. Shokunin USA offers customization and personalization on many designs. Available options vary by product and may include engraving, handle materials, blade styles, and other custom details.

Are personalized knives good gifts?

Personalized knives can make distinctive gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Father's Day, weddings, groomsmen, graduations, and other special occasions. Adding a name, date, initials, or message can make each piece more personal.

What handle materials does Shokunin USA offer?

Depending on the design, our knives are available with materials such as olive wood, maple burl, exotic woods, resin, antler, bone, carbon fiber, titanium, G10, Micarta, and other premium materials.

Chef Knife or Santoku? A Practical Kitchen Buying Guide

The Shokunin buying guide

Choose for the way you cook.

Choose between a chef knife and a Santoku by the motion you use at the board. A curved chef knife edge can suit rocking cuts; a Santoku profile can appeal if you prefer more up-and-down preparation. Compare the actual edge shape, length and handle before deciding.

Explore 6 options ↓Compare options

Shinobi VG10 Handmade Damascus Chef Knife with Exotic Olive Wood Handle — FEATURED / ShinobiSHOKUNIN USA

Free engravingLeather sheath includedComplimentary pro sharpening

Begin with what matters to you

A better way to choose.

Practical advice.
Specific options. Personal detail.

01 / START HERE

Match the edge to your cutting motion

If you enjoy rocking, look for an edge curve that allows that movement. For push cutting and smaller ingredients, compare the Santoku options. These are starting points: the individual profile matters more than the name alone.

02 / LOOK CLOSER

Leave room on the board

Use your current favorite knife as a size reference and allow enough board space for the whole cutting motion. Compare handle contours and grip room. For a gift, a familiar blade size is often a more useful starting point than simply choosing the largest option.

03 / MAKE YOUR CHOICE

Check the finishing details.

Review your preferred size, material and included items on the selected listing. For a gift, confirm personalization and occasion timing before ordering.

The Shokunin selection

6 options worth a closer look.

Tap any photograph to explore that option.
Compare the details before you choose.

Showing all 6 options

01 / CHEF KNIFE

Shinobi

8″ blade

Olive Wood

Chef format with olive wood for your general preparation shortlist.

View this option

02 / CHEF KNIFE

Imperium

Olive Wood

Chef format with olive wood; compare its proportions with Shinobi.

View this option

03 / CHEF KNIFE

Cobalt

Carbon Fiber

Chef format with carbon fiber for a different handle option.

View this option

04 / SANTOKU

Sterling

Ebony Wood Composite

Santoku format with ebony wood composite.

View this option

05 / SANTOKU

Kurenai

Olive Wood & River

Santoku format with olive wood and river detail.

View this option

06 / SANTOKU

Edge VG10 Damascus Chef knife Santoku Knife with G10 Handle

Edge · G10

G10

Santoku format with G10 as an alternative to the wood handles.

View this option

Choose with confidence

The details make
the difference.

Your Shokunin knife includes a leather sheath and complimentary professional sharpening, with free engraving to make the choice personal. Use the product page to select your engraving before adding the knife to your cart.

Get help comparing your favorites →

The practical details

Compare your shortlist.

Option	Format	Material or design	Blade length
Shinobi ↗	Chef knife	Olive Wood	8″
Imperium ↗	Chef knife	Olive Wood	See listing
Cobalt ↗	Chef knife	Carbon Fiber	See listing
Sterling ↗	Santoku	Ebony Wood Composite	See listing
Kurenai ↗	Santoku	Olive Wood & River	See listing
Edge · G10 ↗	Santoku	G10	See listing

Blade measurements shown are taken from the selected product descriptions. Compare blade length with overall and closed dimensions on the individual listing.

Where can I see the complete product details?

Open a photograph or the View this option link to see the current product page, including its full description, available options and included items.

Can you help me compare two choices?

Send us the exact product links, the use or occasion, and any size or material preferences. We can help you narrow the choice and discuss the available options before you order.

Can I personalize my knife?

Complimentary engraving is available. Use the selected product page to review the options and enter your personalization before adding the knife to the cart. A gift message is available, with optional gift wrapping for an additional charge.

Shokunin USA / Chef knives & Santoku