Kai Luna 3-Piece Starter Knife Set

The three knives that cover a kitchen, from a Japanese maker.

An 8-inch chef's, a 3.5-inch paring and a 6-inch utility. Between them they handle dicing, garnishing, slicing chicken for a stir-fry, and all the awkward middle ground where a chef's knife feels too big and a paring knife too small.

Why this one

• Hand-sharpened to 16 degrees per side, considerably finer than the 20 degrees most Western knives arrive at.
• Hardened high-carbon stainless, giving edge retention closer to knives costing several times more.
• Soft-grip overlays top and bottom — secure without adding weight, which you notice across a long prep session.
• Each knife comes with a sheath, so they store safely in a drawer without buying a block.

The details

• 3 pieces — 8" chef's, 6" utility, 3.5" paring
• Hardened high-carbon stainless, 16 degrees per side
• Matching sheaths included

Looking after it

Hand wash and dry immediately, never the dishwasher. Hone regularly, sharpen once or twice a year.