Home » From Kickstarter to kitchen: My review of Ninja knives from Japan

From Kickstarter to kitchen: My review of Ninja knives from Japan

As the owner of the School of Sushi, I breathe sushi. Every weekend, I share my passion and knowledge at workshops, teaching my students the intricacies of the craft. And what is an essential tool for a good sushi workshop? Right, knife-sharp knives! I spent quite a long time searching for the perfect balance between quality, ease of use and affordability. Until I discovered the Ninja knives. And let me tell you honestly, my kitchen – and that of my students – has never been the same.

First time holding a Ninja knife in my hands

My first introduction to Ninja knives was through Christian Jagersma of Japansemessen.nl. Christian, an authority on Japanese knives, put me in touch with this relatively young brand. Ninja, started through a successful Kickstarter campaign, promised high quality knives inspired by Japanese blacksmith tradition, but with a modern twist.

When I got my first Ninja knife from him in my hands, I was immediately impressed. The knife felt perfectly balanced, had impressive sharpness and a stylish modern look.

Japanese knives are known for their precision and durability, and the Ninja knives are no exception. The handles were nice and comfortable in my hand, even after hours of cutting. But the most striking thing was the sharpness. Truly, I had rarely experienced knives that glided through ingredients AND through my sushi rolls so effortlessly right out of the box. Ideal for me, but certainly also for my students. It is truly a pleasure to work with.

Plus, not entirely unimportant to me, they are also very easy to clean and keep clean! Very nice, because I have 14 participants every workshop, so also 28 knives to clean. In fact, the participants use both the Gyoto (Japanese chef’s knife) and the Petty (Japanese paring knife).

How do Ninja knives perform during my workshops?

Of course, my own experience was important, but the ultimate test would be how the knives performed in the hands of my students. During my sushi workshops, people come from all levels, from complete beginners to enthusiastic home cooks. It’s crucial that the knives are user-friendly and safe, while also providing the precision needed to make perfect sushi.

And this is where the Ninja knives really proved to excel. The surprise on my participants’ faces when they cut their first sushi roll is worth its weight in gold! Consequently, the reactions to the Ninja knives are invariably positive:

“This knife cuts through salmon like butter!”
“I didn’t know a knife could make such a difference when making sushi.”
“Now I understand why Japanese knives are so special!” (Read more about why Japanese knives are so special here)

I always joke during my workshop about the blunt knives in most Western household kitchens, but even beginners immediately noticed the difference from the blunt kitchen knives they are used to at home. The Ninja knives made cutting not only easier, but therefore more fun and safer. You need less force, more control, and therefore less chance of accidents. This is essential in a workshop setting where safety is paramount.

Why Japanese knives are so special: The Ninja Philosophy

Ninja knives are inspired by traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques. And as I also explain in my article Why are Japanese knives so special? describe, there is a good reason why Japanese knives are so beloved among professional chefs worldwide. The combination of hard steel, a sharp cutting angle and lightweight construction provides unparalleled precision and control. Ninja manages to combine these traditional principles with modern materials and manufacturing techniques, delivering knives that are excellent value for money. This is precisely what makes Ninja knives so special:

Exceptional sharpness – Thanks to high quality steel, they stay sharp longer.
Perfect balance – The weight is optimally distributed for effortless cutting.
Stylish design – The finish and design give the knife a luxurious look.
Durability – With proper maintenance, these knives will remain a fixture in the kitchen for years to come.

For anyone who enjoys preparing sushi or other sophisticated dishes, a good knife is indispensable. The Ninja knives have not only made my job as a sushi chef easier, but have also taken my workshops to the next level. Every week I see how my (novice) participants cut very easily with these Ninja knives and that the end result is outstanding. For me this is proof that these knives are simply very good!

Also trying?

Are you curious about Ninja knives and want to experience them for yourself? Then take a look at Japansemessen.nl, where Christian Jagersma will be happy to help you out. And would you like to master the art of sushi making yourself using these fantastic knives? Then sign up for one of my sushi workshops! I promise you, it will be an experience to remember. And who knows, maybe you too will discover the ‘Ninja’ in yourself!

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?

READY TO ROLL SUSHI AND WOW YOUR FRIENDS?

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Keirico Japanese knives – Yanagiba (sashimi and sushi knife) – white steel – 270 mm

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