Chef knives are created for various purposes like hacking, cleaving, chopping, slicing, dicing, de-boning, and paring. Since different tasks require different abilities, it is common to get inquiries about the best chef knife for a kitchen. While a multi-purpose chef's knife like the Gyuto Executive Chef Knife can manage most kitchen tasks, it is advisable to have several types of chef knives in your kitchen.
SEIDO Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some commonly asked questions about our Seido™ Chef Knives!
SEIDO Knives FAQ
Q. What are the differences between your chef knives?
Q. I can’t decide between the Gyuto chef's knife and the Kiritsuke knife. What are the differences?
It's understandable to be undecided since both of these knives are excellent multi-purpose kitchen tools. The Awabi Gyuto Chef Knife is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for both right and left-handed chefs. It features a hardness rating of +60HRC and a double-beveled 15-degree angled blade.
On the other hand, the Kiritsuke has a sturdy Damascus steel blade and is sharper than the Gyuto. It also has a longer blade, making it ideal for cutting larger or thicker food items. Both knives are available in various handle colors.
Q. What kind of oil should I use for my knives?
When sharpening your knives, it's common to use sharpening oil to lubricate the sharpening stone and remove debris from the blade. However, after sharpening, it's important to wipe off any excess oil and not leave it in heavy amounts on the knife. Some popular options for sharpening oils include mineral oil, honing oil, vegetable oil, and synthetic oil.
Mineral oil is affordable and easy to find, while honing oil is specifically formulated for sharpening knives and provides extra lubrication. Vegetable oil is a natural and non-toxic option, although it may not offer as much lubrication. Synthetic oils are more expensive but are designed to provide superior lubrication and are often used in industrial settings. By properly caring for your knives and using the right oil, you can keep them looking professional and performing at their best.
Q. Which knife set would you recommend for a vegetarian chef?
For vegetarian chefs, we highly recommend the Seido 5-Piece Japanese Master Chef Knife Set, which includes all the essential knives needed for vegetarian cooking. This set includes a chef's knife, two santoku knives, a nakiri knife, and a paring knife, all made with high-quality carbon stainless steel and featuring an ergonomic handle for comfortable use. The chef's knife and santoku knives are perfect for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables, while the paring knife is great for more detailed tasks such as trimming and peeling. The nakiri knife is perfect for chopping and slicing vegetables with precision and ease.
With the Seido 5-Piece Japanese Master Chef Knife Set, you'll have all the right knives to make your vegetarian cooking experience effortless and enjoyable.
Q. What's the difference between a straight steak knife and a serrated steak knife?
The main difference between a straight steak knife and a serrated steak knife is the blade. The straight blade is designed for slicing through tender cuts of meat while maintaining the meat's texture and appearance. On the other hand, a serrated blade is ideal for cutting through tougher cuts of meat. For more information on the differences between serrated and non-serrated knives, you can check out this article.
Q. What is the best chef knife for a beginner?
The best kitchen knife for a beginner would be the Japanese Master Chef Knife. This knife is a versatile, all-purpose knife that can be used for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, fruits, and boneless meats. Its optimal length of 8” and unique shape make it easy to handle and control, which is ideal for beginners who are still getting used to using a knife in the kitchen.
Q. Which knife is best for cutting vegetables?
The best type of knife for cutting vegetables is a chef's knife. Chef's knives have a versatile, all-purpose design that makes them well-suited for a wide range of cutting tasks, including chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables. The Shujin Gyuto Damascus Knife is a great choice for slicing vegetables due to its well-balanced handle and sharp blade that can effortlessly cut through vegetables. It is also made with high-quality materials, including Japanese steel and a Damascus blade pattern, making it a durable and long-lasting tool in the kitchen.
Q. Which knife is best for cutting meat?
When it comes to cutting meat, there isn't a single "best" knife since it depends on the specific task you're performing. However, a chef's knife is a good all-purpose knife for cutting meat. With its versatile design, a chef's knife can handle a range of tasks, including slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables as well as cutting through meat.
Another option for cutting meat is a cleaver knife. This broad, heavy knife has a rectangular blade that tapers to a sharp edge. It can be used for various tasks, including breaking down large cuts of meat and chopping vegetables. For a cleaver knife, we recommend the Hakai Cleaver Knife or the Tora Tsuki Cleaver Knife. Both knives are well-balanced and made with high-quality materials, ensuring a comfortable and efficient cutting experience.
Q. Which knife is best for cutting fish?
When it comes to cutting fish, a chef's knife is a versatile option, but a boning knife can also be a valuable addition to your kitchen tools if you work with fish frequently. Although boning knives are primarily used to remove bones from meat, their narrow and flexible blade is also great for making precise cuts along the fish's backbone, which is especially useful when filleting small or delicate fish. Ultimately, the best knife for cutting fish depends on your personal preference and the type of fish you are working with. Choose your favorite knife set today.
Q. Are Seido Knives single bevel or double bevel?
Seido produces both single bevel and double bevel knives, however the majoirty of our knives are double (50/50) bevelled. Consult the descriptions for knives before purchasing if you have a preference of bevel.
Q. How does the control hole (e.g. Kyodai Knife) improve knife use?
The control hole, such as the one found on a Kyodai Knife, improves knife use by providing greater grip and control. By slipping their pointer finger through the hole, the user can apply expert pressure and maintain a secure grip on the knife while slicing. This design is especially useful for delicate or intricate cutting tasks that require precision and control.
Whetstones, Honing & Sharpening FAQ
Q. How often should I sharpen my chef knife with a whetstone?
For optimal performance, we recommend sharpening your knife with a whetstone weekly if you want to maintain a razor-sharp edge. However, this frequency may vary depending on how often you use your knife. For knives that are used less frequently, sharpening them annually should be sufficient to keep them in top condition. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your knife and ensuring it performs at its best.
It's also important to note that honing your knife regularly is crucial for optimal cutting performance. Honing helps to straighten out the edge of your knife, which can become misaligned through regular use. We recommend honing your knife after every use, or at least once a week, to ensure it performs at its best and to extend the life of your knife.
Q. How to sharpen a knife with a whetstone?
Sharpening your knife with a whetstone can be straightforward with a little practice. Start by soaking the whetstone in water for around ten minutes. Next, secure the whetstone in a stable position that won't slip during the sharpening process. To sharpen your knife, maintain a slight angle while sliding the blade along the stone, ensuring that you sharpen the edge and not the entire blade.
If your knife has a beveled edge with two sides meeting at the sharp edge, repeat the same process on the other side. Move the knife up and down the stone vertically while sliding it side to side in a consistent motion. Once you're finished, use a honing rod to refine the edge and remove any burrs. With some patience and practice, you'll be able to maintain a sharp, reliable blade for years to come.
Q. How do I choose the best whetstone for my knives?
The best whetstones for sharpening knives have dual-sided grit with one side having a finer grit for more frequent sharpening without over-sharpening. Meanwhile, the other side has coarser grit, such as 3000/8000 grit whetstones, which are ideal for dull knives, chipped edges, or those that haven't been sharpened in a while. For heavy-duty knives like cleavers, which are used for cutting through bone or other hard foods, using the coarser grit will help maintain a sharp edge.
If you're a beginner, or just looking to perform routine maintenance, 1000/6000 grit whetstones are perfect. The 6000 grit side is used for sharpening dull or damaged knives by removing more material from the blade and for repairing nicks or chips. The 1000 grit side is used for refining and polishing the edge of the knife to a razor-sharp finish.
Choosing the perfect whetstone and sharpening your knives like a pro is the key to keeping them razor-sharp, trustworthy, and ready for action!
Q. Can whetstones be used on any type of blade?
No, not all blades can be sharpened using whetstones. Serrated blades, with their individual notches, require a specialized tool for sharpening. Attempting to use a whetstone to sharpen them can damage the blade. Instead, use a honing rodto sharpen in between the saw-toothed blades.
However, most other blades with beveled or straight edges, including cleavers and multi-purpose kitchen knives, can be sharpened effectively using whetstones.
Q. How do I clean and maintain my whetstone?
When you have a whetstone, it becomes necessary to maintain it to extend its lifespan. To clean it, use a soft scrubbing brush or a toothbrush with honing oil to scrub the stone gently in a circular motion. After cleaning, wipe the whetstone with a damp cloth and allow it to air-dry completely. Lastly, store the whetstone in its original case to protect it from any damage.
Additionally, to maintain your whetstone, regularly use the included flattening stone. The surface of the whetstone can become uneven over time, affecting its effectiveness. Wet the flattening stone with water and rub it in a circular motion across the whetstone's surface, focusing on any uneven areas. This will help maintain a flat surface for optimal sharpening results.
Q. How does a 3-stage knife Sharpener work?
If you're looking for a more convenient option than a whetstone, a 3-stage knife sharpener may be worth considering. This tool has three special sharpening notches. The diamond notch is specifically for sharpening ceramic blades, but it can also be used to straighten crooked metal blades.
The ceramic "rod" notch removes burrs from metal blades and polishes them. The tungsten steel notch is ideal for rough-sharpening V-shaped blades, making them sharp enough to cut once again. However, it is not recommended as the final sharpening stage. It's best to move from the tungsten notch to the ceramic "rod" notch to ensure that your knives are perfectly sharp and polished.
Q. How do I use a knife sharpening rod?
There are two correct ways to use a sharpening rod. Seido's sharpening rod has a sturdy rosewood handle that offers a solid grip for positioning the rod vertically on a hard surface. You can either draw the knife backward and then push it forward against the rod or simply slice downward and away with the blade at an angle to the rod.
8-Piece Master Chef Knife Set FAQ
Q. Can you describe each knife in the 8-piece Master Chef Knife set?
8" Gyuto (Chef) knife & 7" Santoku: Our most popular kitchen knives. These knives are sharp enough to slice through tough meat and easy enough to chop through vegetables.
8" Serrated (Bread) Knife: Effortlessly slices through bread. It allows you to saw through a tough crust without mangling or compressing the tender crumb within.
8" Slicing Knife: The blade is more flexible and longer than a regular carving knife. Slicing knives are perfect to delicately cut thinner slices of roast, fruits and vegetables.
7" Nakiri knife: Largely used as a vegetable knife for chopping. The knife's broad side can also be used for crushing, in food preparation (such as garlic).
6" Boning (Fillet) knife: The special curved blade of the knife allows you to cut meat away from bones and joints from meat and fish, and its flexibility allows for thin, precise cuts.
5" Santoku knife: A smaller, easy to use all-purpose knife to easily chop through vegetables.
3.5" Paring Knife: This is a straight-edge multi-function knife that has many uses. Due to its size, the paring knife is an excellent tool for any food that requires attention to detail. Ideal for peeling and paring ingredients.
Q. Does the 8-piece knife set have everything I need in the kitchen?
Chef Knife 8"
Slicing Knife 8"
Bread Knife 8"
Santoku Knife 7"
Nakiri Knife 7"
Boning Knife 6"
Santoku Knife 5"
Paring Knife 3.5"
Gift / Storage Box
Q. How do I clean and care for my Seido™ knives?
These knives are very easy to care for. Simply avoid the dishwasher, wash after use but do not soak or leave it submerged in water and immediately dry with a towel; and you’ll never have an issue. For more product care information see: care & maintenance.
Q. What's inside each Seido™ Master Chef knife set?
Our most popular and best value knife set is the 8-piece chef knife set. We do however have smaller sets. Here's what's in each set:
8-Piece Master Chef Knife Set:
8" Chef (Gyuto) knife, 8" Slicing knife, 8" Bread knife, 7" Nakiri, 7" and 5" Santoku, 6" Boning knife, and 3.5" Paring knife
5-Piece Master Chef Knife Set:
8" Chef knife, 7" Cleaver, 7" and 5" Santoku, and 3.5" Paring knife
Q. What are the Seido™ Master Chef Knives made from?
STEEL: 7CR17 High-Carbon Stainless Steel (high corrosion resistance and durability)
HRC RATING: 58 (will hold a sharp edge)
BLADE EDGE ANGLE: 15°(ruthlessly sharp)
HANDLE MATERIAL: Pakkawood (will not warp or absorb water)
HANDLE MATERIAL: Pakkawood (will not warp or absorb water)
Q. Are your Master Series knives made by Japanese blacksmiths?
SEIDO artisan knives are traditionally crafted by our expert Japanese blacksmiths with a combined 100 years of experience. We only use premium materials. Our signature, best selling 8-piece Master Chef Knives are specifically crafted using 7cr17 high-carbon stainless steel. Each knife is meticulously and precisely handmade.
Knives in our Damascus Series collection are forged using imported Japanese VG-10 super steel. Our blades are heat treated, cold-rolled and annealed to reveal the layered Damascus pattern. We have served +100,000 customers worldwide and counting. We always offer unparalleled quality without compromise. Our fundamental principles are quality and loyalty to our customers without exception. Our competitive pricing is due to the fact that we are true to our customers; we cut out the bloat caused by the middleman and sell directly to you! That means you get high-quality products, at an honest price.
Q. Are your knives made from Damascus Steel?
Our Seido Master Chef knives are made of premium 7cr17 premium stainless steel. Our Damascus Steel knives are available in our Damascus collection and have a VG-10 super steel cutting core, with high-carbon stainless steel cladding.
Q. Is there a money back guarantee?
We are incredibly confident that you will like our Seido Knives that we offer a 30 day no-risk, money-back satisfaction guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, reach out to our customer support team and we will provide you with a refund: no questions asked!
Ordering FAQ
Q. Can I buy Seido knives as a gift?
Now that's a great idea! Our customers regularly gift the Seido 8-piece and 5-piece Master Chef knife set to their friends or family chefs and home cooks. It comes in a beautiful gift box which is perfect for the occasion. Simply enter their delivery address at checkout and the lucky recipient will receive your kind gift - we'll make sure it gets there!
Q. Can I cancel my order?
Orders can be canceled so long as the order has not been shipped. If you want to cancel your order please contact our support team immediately after purchase. There is no guarantee that we can cancel your order after that timeframe as we start processing orders immediately.
Q. Can I make a change to my order?
If your order has not yet shipped and you want to make a change, please contact us right away at support@seidoknives.com with your Order ID or email so that we can assist you and make any necessary amendments. Alternatively, you can also use the self-service chat widget. Please note, once your order has been shipped we will not be able to make any amendments.
Q. Will I receive a confirmation when I place my order?
Yes, you will receive an e-mail confirming your order shortly after you’ve placed it. Once the order has shipped, you will receive an additional e-mail with shipment notification and tracking information. If you provide your mobile number at checkout, then you may also receive SMS text updates.
Q. How can I pay for my order?
Accepted payments include: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay. We also accept installments by AfterPay; 4-interest-free payments. Learn more here.
Payments are made in the currency of your choice. Simply select your country from the pop-up prompt and the checkout will process your order in your local currency.
Q. Is the checkout on this site safe and secure?
You can be absolutely sure that all purchases here are 100% safe and secure using the worlds best checkout and are SSL-encrypted to protect your data!
Q. If I order multiple items, do they come in the same package?
Depending on the products ordered, typically, multiple items come in separate packages because we try to provide the fastest shipping time possible and at times we ship from multiple warehouse locations.
Q. Do I need to pay customs on my order?
Orders received from within the US (and most of Canada) do not need to pay any customs fees.
However for all other international orders, please note that you may be subject to tariffs and duties and are responsible for any country-specific tariffs and duties, charged by your government to the purchasing party for importing items. Unfortunately, we are not in control of any country-specific tariffs and duties imposed on your order by your respective government. Taxes and duties may be charged on the items you order. If taxes and duties are placed on your package by officials, the fees will be your responsibility. We are legally obligated by Border Agencies to show the original price of any of the item(s).
Shipping / Tracking FAQ
Q. Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we offer worldwide shipping.
Q. How much does shipping cost?
U.S. & Canada Shipping is free! We understand that a good kitchen knife set is a much needed investment and we don't want you spending any more then you need to. Shipping charges apply to all other international countries.
Q. Do you offer shipping protection?
Yes. We offer A+ Shipping Protection, which gurantees the replacement of your product(s) in the event of lost, stolen or damaged goods. A+ Shipping Protection ensures coverage for your shipment for uncontrollable events.
Claims must be filed no later than 10 business days after the expected delivery date or 20 business days after the expected delivery date for APO and similar shipments. Claims can be filed here.
Q. What is: A+ Shipping Protection?
A+ Shipping Protection is a third-party application, that allows our customers to buy shipping protection for all orders. A+ Shipping Protection ensures protection from lost, stolen, or damaged goods.
A+ Shipping Protection is added to each order by default, but may be waived by the customer at checkout by deselecting the A+ Shipping Protection toggle option. However, your Seido Knives are a quality investment and therfore we strongly recommend you get shipping protection. If coverage is waived by the customer, or when claims are not filed in accordance with the guidelines here, Seido Knives will not be liable for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
Q. Can I track my order?
Once your order is processed, you'll be sent an email with a tracking number. You can then track your order by clicking the link in your email or directly through our website on the "Track My Order" page.
Q. How long will it take to dispatch the order?
It can take up to 2 business days. But normally, under 24 hours.
Q. How long will it take for my items to arrive?
We offer Free standard shipping in North America with Fast, Priority shipping also available.
Free, Standard U.S. & Canada shipping can take between 3-7 business days depending on location.
Fast, Priority U.S. & Canada shipping usually takes between 1-4 business days.
For UK, EU and all other international orders, please allow between 7-15 business days for delivery.
Please see our shipping policy for more info.
Q. Do you deliver to P.O. Boxes?
Yes, but it would greatly depend on if the size of the PO Box can accommodate the package. We therefore don't recommend P.O. boxes.
Warranty & Returns FAQ
Q. How does the lifetime warranty work?
We’re perfectly confident in the product we’ve made, this is why we provide a ‘no-questions-asked’ return policy. In addition to our 30 days no-risk money back guarantee, we also offer a FREE limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and construction, and to perform as advertised when properly used and maintained.
We take great pride in our Seido™ knives and therefore we only tolerate excellency - nothing less. Please contact us and we will gladly schedule a return and issue a replacement if there are quality issue with the knives.
Q. Can I return my Seido knives?
Yes, we accept returns. We have a 30-day no-hassle money back guarantee return policy (please see our return policy for more details). Which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. If you aren't completely satisfied with your product, please reach out to our customer service team and we'll try to resolve the issue. To start a return, you can contact us at support@seidoknives.com. Please see our return policy here for more details.