Inspired by the Japanese sword and made for the everyday kitchen, Kanetsugu Pro S Series knives bring together a modern and sanitary stainless steel handle, a carefully sharpened convex and thin blade for practical use. For this Katana Sharpness Set, we have selected four knives for detailed preparation, daily cooking, larger ingredients and poultry work, each knife comes with a magnolia wooden saya.
Kanetsugu "Katana Sharpness Set"
4-Piece Pro S Series Knife Set with Magnolia Wooden Sayas
PS-01 Petty 130mm (5.1 inch)
PS-03 Santoku 170mm (6.7 inch)
PS-05 Gyuto 210mm (8.3 inch)
PS-08 Boning Knife 145mm (5.7 inch)
We recommend this set for right-handed users, as the included PS-08 Boning Knife is available only in a right-handed version.
A Swordmaking Heritage, Brought into the Kitchen
Kanetsugu is a knife maker with more than a century of history in Seki City, one of Japan’s historic centers of sword and knife making. The family’s roots reach further back, to generations of swordsmiths whose knowledge and techniques have been passed down over the centuries.
That connection to the Japanese sword is more than a design theme. In developing the Pro S series, Kanetsugu’s Mr. Kawamura set out to bring the cutting qualities associated with the katana into practical kitchen knives, combining traditional knowledge with modern production techniques.
We have been introducing Kanetsugu knives to our customers since 2006. What we appreciate about the Pro S series is how it brings together distinctive Japanese design, smooth cutting and everyday practicality. The comfortable stainless steel handles, easy-care blades and approachable pricing make these knives a rewarding choice for home cooks and professionals alike.
A Katana-Inspired Handle for the Modern Kitchen
The Pro S series gives the sword-handle motif a contemporary form in 18-8 stainless steel. The hollow handles help keep the knives light, while their rounded shape and textured design provide a comfortable, secure grip. The handle and bolster meet the blade with a seamless fit that is easy to clean.
The silver-toned blade and handle give each knife a clean, consistent appearance. Paired with a magnolia wooden saya, it is a distinctive combination of modern materials and a traditional Japanese blade cover. A design inspired by the Japanese sword, with the comfort and practicality of an everyday kitchen knife.
Hamaguri-ba: The Shape Behind the Sharpness
Kanetsugu’s Pro S blades have a specially designed convex profile, known as Hamaguri-ba. Rather than a completely flat cross-section, the blade has a gentle outward curve that leads into a thin cutting edge. This carefully shaped geometry is an important part of the series’ cutting performance.
The blades are made from AUS-8 molybdenum vanadium stainless steel, hardened to HRC 57. Good corrosion resistance, toughness and ease of re-sharpening make it a practical choice for daily cooking. We appreciate this balance: a keen cutting edge, manageable maintenance and a steel that is approachable when it is time to sharpen on a waterstone.
For these reasons, we also recommend the Pro S series to anyone choosing their first Japanese kitchen knife.
The name “Katana Sharpness Set” reflects Kanetsugu’s swordmaking heritage and its approach to cutting performance.
Four Knives, Each with a Purpose
From trimming the first ingredients to preparing a whole chicken, these four knives offer different ways to approach the work. The Petty handles small, precise tasks. The Santoku is a compact everyday choice, while the Gyuto provides extra reach. The Boning Knife adds a dedicated tool for poultry preparation.
PS-01 Petty 130mm (5.1 inch) US$63
A light, nimble knife for peeling, trimming and slicing fruit and vegetables, preparing garnishes and making detailed cuts. Its narrow blade is easy to control when a larger knife feels unnecessary.
PS-03 Santoku 170mm (6.7 inch) US$82
A versatile knife for vegetables, boneless meat and fish. Its tall blade and compact length make it a useful daily companion for chopping and slicing, particularly when you prefer a shorter main kitchen knife.
PS-05 Gyuto 210mm (8.3 inch) US$88
An all-purpose chef’s knife with more reach than the Santoku. Use it for larger vegetables, portions of boneless meat and fish, and a wide range of daily preparation. Its pointed tip also helps with finer work on the board.
PS-08 Boning Knife 145mm (5.7 inch) US$82
A specialist for breaking down poultry and separating meat from the bone. Its pointed blade helps you work close to bones and locate joints with care. For cooks who enjoy preparing a whole chicken, it adds a useful capability beyond everyday chopping. Work around bones and through joints; do not chop through bone.
The total individual price of all four knives and their four magnolia wooden sayas is US$383.
Holiday Special Price: US$300
A Magnolia Wooden Saya for Every Knife
Each knife in this set comes with a matching magnolia wooden saya to cover the blade when not in use. The natural wood provides a quiet contrast to the all-stainless design and carries the set’s Japanese sword-inspired character through to storage. Always clean and dry the blade thoroughly before placing it in its saya.
Japanese Character. Everyday Practicality.
We chose this combination for chefs who want more than one all-purpose knife, without losing the simplicity of a coordinated series. Choose the Santoku for compact daily preparation, the Gyuto when you need extra length, the Petty for small ingredients and the Boning Knife for poultry work.
Whether this is your first Japanese knife set or a fresh selection for a kitchen you already know well, we hope these four knives will make you look forward to preparing the next meal. Their appeal lies in the combination: Kanetsugu’s history, a recognizable modern design and cutting qualities you can enjoy in everyday cooking.
