TLDR Review: Howfrey 8" Japanese Chef Knife
Pros
- •Extremely sharp right out of the box with a 1egree dual bevel, suitable for both left- and right-handed users.
- •Blade edge retention is impressive, holding sharpness for a long time and comparable to much more expensive knives.
- •Thinly ground blade behind the edge enhances cutting performance, allowing smooth, precise cuts and easy gliding through food.
- •Dual steel blade design with a hard core edge and flexible outer layer boosts durability and functionality.
- •Attractive Damascus pattern and overall knife design stand out visually.
- •Comfortable sandalwood octagonal handle provides decent grip and balance, even though it's a bit handleavy.
- •Excellent value for the price, providing performance close to premium chef knives without breaking the bank.
- •Packaging and blade protector are thoughtfully designed and functional.
- •Blade hardness and heat treatment result in good wear resistance and edge retention.
- •Versatile enough to handle vegetables, small carving tasks, and some meat preparation effectively.
Cons
- •Handle fit is somewhat limited, comfortably accommodating only one or two grip styles and not everyone’s favorite.
- •Water can potentially seep between the handle material and metal pommel, so immersion in liquids should be avoided.
- •Blade profile has a slightly more curved shape than some users prefer, less like a gyuto edge, which may affect certain cutting styles.
- •Damascus pattern is purely decorative cladding, not true patterelded steel, and minor blemishes or rough spots on the surface can be noticed.
- •Edge asymmetry exists, with one side more ground than the other and a small bald spot on the Damascus pattern.
- •Factory sharpness is passable but not perfect— it cuts paper but doesn’t shave hair comfortably right away and may need some honing.
- •Handle has a small imperfection like a blue ring flaw, and overall may not feel as luxurious or ergonomic as pricier knives.
- •Blade is handleavy, which can be a downside for those who prefer more blade-forward balance.
- •Minor surface imperfections are common due to the mostly handmade and masroduced process.
- •Packaging inside the box could be improved despite the presentable outer box.
Bottom Line
The howfrey Professional Kitchen Knife is an excellent choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly, ultra-sharp Japanese chef knife that punches well above its weight in sharpness and edge retention. Its thin blade and dual steel design offer precision and durability rare in this price class, though the handle comfort and blade profile may not suit everyone’s preferences. Those wanting a true Damascus steel pattern or a wider range of grip options might want to explore higher-end options, but for most home cooks starting a knife collection, this knife offers great utility and style without breaking the bank.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!