Tojiro Zen 4-Piece Set with Magnetic Stand

This set offers a complete lineup in our most affordable line of traditional Japanese kitchen knives. Tojiro’s Zen series is forged in Tsubame, Japan, and features the same design, chestnut handle, and fine craftsmanship as the premium Shippu Black series, but utilizes three-layer san mai construction instead of Damascus steel. Like the rest of Tojiro’s premium traditional lines, Zen is imported exclusively by Seattle Cutlery.

What you get

210 mm (8.3") Chef's Knife: Also known as a gyūtō (牛刀), meaning "beef knife," the chef's knife is your go-to tool for larger tasks. Originally designed for processing red meat, it can also be used to chop vegetables near the heel.

165 mm (6.5") Nakiri: Meaning "knife for cutting greens," the nakiri bōchō (菜切り包丁) is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife. While the gyuto's narrow blade and fine tip are better for cutting meat, the nakiri excels at chopping and dicing vegetables thanks to its broad, rectangular blade, which provides even chopping power along the full length of the blade. The rounded tip facilitates rock chopping.

130 mm (5.1") Petty Knife: This is the Japanese version of the European utility knife and is an excellent tool for any smaller tasks. It can be used for slicing and chopping meat, fish, and vegetables, as well as for carving poultry, paring fruits and vegetables, and cutting tough foods like cured meats.

90 mm (3.5") Paring Knife: The smallest knife typically found in the chef's arsenal, the paring knife is also the most agile. Perfect for paring fruits and vegetables, its narrow tip also makes it handy for garnish work and for fine tasks such as deveining shrimp. Tojiro’s Japanese paring knife is set apart from Western counterparts by the straight, angled blade, which also allows the knife to be used on a cutting board while maintaining clearance between the handle and cutting surface.

Magnetic Bamboo Knife Stand: This stand of our very own design, normally $39.90, is included with the set as our gift to you. It stands freely on your counter and securely holds up to five knives with blades of up to 9.5". We offer it in two shades—pick your favorite!

Materials & Design

The blade is made using the centuries-old san mai (“three-layer”) construction technique, in which a hardened steel core is forge welded to a jacket of softer steel for strength. Tojiro Zen and Zen Black blades are forged with a core of VG-10 cobalt alloy steel, a high-carbon stainless steel developed in Japan. Hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 60, it accommodates a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge. The core is clad in 13 chrome stainless steel, which strengthens the blade and guards against corrosion.

The handle is crafted from lightweight chestnut wood, which provides a secure grip without upsetting the knife’s balance. The wood is fire-blackened, enhancing its durability and water resistance, and secured with a ferrule (collar) of polypropylene resin. Its D-shaped shinogi profile maximizes comfort and ease of control.