The Best Kitchen Knife Brands Still Made in Their Country of Origin
Imarku Japanese Kitchen Knives
Imarku is a Japanese brand that specializes in the production of general purpose kitchen knives and day-to-day kitchen items. Imarku knives are known for their affordability and durability in Japan, making them a popular entry level quality knife brand with a background of consumer trust. There are not many brands around that can produce professional quality knives at their price point. Depending on the product range, their knives are either made in Japan, China or Germany.
Imarku knives are crafted using high-carbon stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness rating typically ranging from 56 to 60 HRC, offering a durable, sharp edge suitable for daily use. Many models feature full-tang construction for added balance and stability, along with pakkawood or G10 ergonomic handles for enhanced grip and comfort. Blade angles often range from 12°–15° per side for razor-sharp precision. These specifications make Imarku knives ideal for both precision slicing and heavy-duty kitchen prep.
BKB Review: imarku 7-Inch Santoku Knife — A budget-friendly Japanese-style kitchen knife with premium features
★★★★☆4.5 out of 5
imarku’s 7-inch Santoku knife features a hollow-edge blade and ergonomic pakkawood handle.
First Impressions
It was great to finally use an imarku knife after hearing so much about them off my Japanese friends. It made a strong first impression with its sleek high-carbon stainless steel blade, Granton (hollow) edge and solid-feeling pakkawood handle.
While affordably priced, it feels far from entry-level in the hand, and its design mirrors more expensive Japanese-style blades.
Blade Performance
The Santoku blade is hand polished to a sharp edge each side and performs well across daily kitchen prep tasks like chopping vegetables, slicing fish and dicing herbs. It cuts cleanly through dense items like carrots and squash with minimal resistance. The Granton edge helps reduce sticking, especially useful for starchy items like potatoes.
Materials & Construction
Blade: Forged high-carbon German stainless steel (approx. 2.5mm thick)
Hardness: Estimated ~58 HRC
Handle: Polished pakkawood, ergonomically shaped
Weight: Lightweight at approx. 6.9 oz
The pakkawood handle offers a warm, comfortable grip and balances the blade well for controlled slicing. It’s worth noting that pakkawood, while durable, should not be soaked or placed in the dishwasher — hand-washing is best for longevity.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Sharp out of the box, ergonomic handle, stylish design, excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons: Requires careful hand-washing, edge retention slightly lower than higher-end Japanese steel
Who It’s Best For
This knife is ideal for home cooks looking for a reliable, stylish and affordable Japanese-style blade. While it doesn’t match the edge retention of SG2 or VG10 steel knives, it easily competes with blades twice the price in usability and comfort. It’s an especially good fit for anyone upgrading from low-tier knives or starting a proper kitchen toolkit.
Verdict
The imarku 7-Inch Santoku knife delivers sharpness, balance, and visual appeal at a budget-friendly price. With over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon backing its reputation, it’s a go-to pick for serious cooks seeking everyday performance without the premium price tag.
— BKB
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