Frequently Asked Questions about Utility Knives
What is an all-purpose knife?
A knife for the main daily tasks in the kitchen: cutting, dicing and trimming vegetables, meat and fish. In Japanese cuisine, the Kamagata and Gyuto take on this role.
Kamagata or Gyuto: which all-rounder is right for me?
The Kamagata works cleanly on the board with its straighter rear cutting edge and remains precise at the tip: ideal when lots of vegetables are on the menu. The Gyuto is the more versatile all-purpose shape for meat, fish, and vegetables.
Is a santoku also an all-purpose knife?
Yes, the santoku is the most well-known Japanese all-purpose shape. ISSHO TABERU deliberately chooses the kamagata: it covers the same tasks and remains more versatile thanks to its tapered point.
What size should an all-purpose knife be?
For most kitchens, 16 to 18 cm is ideal. The 18 cm Kamagata is the brand's bestseller, while the 16 cm size is the most popular Gyuto format in the range.
Is a single good knife enough?
For everyday use, yes: a well-maintained all-rounder does most of the work. Useful additions include a petty knife for delicate tasks and a nakiri if you handle a lot of vegetables.
