If you have been researching Japanese kitchen knives for any length of time you have encountered the Tojiro DP. It is one of the most consistently recommended entry points into serious Japanese cutlery - thin behind the edge, hard enough to get and hold a genuinely sharp edge, and priced so that the performance-to-cost ratio embarrasses most of the competition. The CLASSIC line is the DP line. The knives are completely unchanged. Only the name is new, at the request of the manufacturer. TOJIRO has been making these in Sanjo City, Niigata since 1955.
The 3-piece CLASSIC set covers the three most essential knife formats in any kitchen: a gyuto for all-purpose chef work, a santoku for compact versatility, and a petty for detail tasks. All three use VG10 stainless at HRC 60 with san mai construction, full tang black micarta handles, stainless bolsters, and three rivets. This is the set that has converted more home cooks from western to Japanese knives than perhaps any other - thin behind the edge, genuinely sharp out of the box, and easy to maintain on quality water stones.
What Customers Are Saying: Twenty-two five-star reviews. Anay has owned the set since 2014 - over ten years of use with only one issue, a chip from cutting a frozen rib (user error, not a steel fault). Joe says the edge holds forever with only occasional ceramic rod touch-ups. Angela replaced all her other knives with this set. Alexander did extensive research before buying - calls the machining excellent with no burrs, the G10 handles outstanding fit and finish, and the overall knife lightweight and balanced. Yuriy is on his second set over five years, sharpening every two to three months for a family. The recurring verdict across the full review set: the best value entry into Japanese knife performance available.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
The 3-piece CLASSIC set covers the three most essential knife formats in any kitchen: a gyuto for all-purpose chef work, a santoku for compact versatility, and a petty for detail tasks. All three use VG10 stainless at HRC 60 with san mai construction, full tang black micarta handles, stainless bolsters, and three rivets. This is the set that has converted more home cooks from western to Japanese knives than perhaps any other - thin behind the edge, genuinely sharp out of the box, and easy to maintain on quality water stones.
What Customers Are Saying: Twenty-two five-star reviews. Anay has owned the set since 2014 - over ten years of use with only one issue, a chip from cutting a frozen rib (user error, not a steel fault). Joe says the edge holds forever with only occasional ceramic rod touch-ups. Angela replaced all her other knives with this set. Alexander did extensive research before buying - calls the machining excellent with no burrs, the G10 handles outstanding fit and finish, and the overall knife lightweight and balanced. Yuriy is on his second set over five years, sharpening every two to three months for a family. The recurring verdict across the full review set: the best value entry into Japanese knife performance available.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
- Brand: TOJIRO
- Line: Classic (formerly DP)
- Location: Sanjo City, Niigata, Japan
- Quantity: 3 Knives
- Steel: VG10 Stainless
- Cladding: 13 Chrome Stainless
- HRC: 60
- Handle: Black Micarta - Full Tang
- Bolster: Stainless Steel
Reviews
22 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great value, May 27, 2026 I love these things!Posted By: Joe
49 people found this review helpful
Very well made and sharp. My wife the caterer wanted good knives. This is a good set to see if she will take care of them. If she messes these up, I will get Mercer/Victorinox instead. So far I have only had to touch them up on a very fine ceramic rod. They seem to hold an edge forever.
49 people found this review helpful
Very well made and sharp. My wife the caterer wanted good knives. This is a good set to see if she will take care of them. If she messes these up, I will get Mercer/Victorinox instead. So far I have only had to touch them up on a very fine ceramic rod. They seem to hold an edge forever.
She loves them Very well-made, sharp knife setPosted By: Alexander
69 people found this review helpful
I'm pretty new to Japanese knives, but I did do a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase and I was not disappointed. The blades arrived very sharp and more than adequate for immediate use. The construction is very good, and all edges were well-machined (no burrs, blemishes, or irregular fittings, etc.). The G10 handles and rivets have a very good fit and finish.
As a vegetarian who makes smaller meals, I was most interested in the petty knife. It's lightweight, well-balanced and just the right length for utilitarian use in the kitchen. I love the profile of the blade and the deep blade allows for easier slicing without bashing my knuckles on the cutting board.
The pairing knife's shape is unlike any that I've used before, but it also feels very good in the hand, and I look forward to putting it to the test. The chef knife is much larger than my existing Santoku and is perfect for larger produce.
Overall, we're very pleased with the set and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to step up to higher-end kitchen knives.
69 people found this review helpful
I'm pretty new to Japanese knives, but I did do a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase and I was not disappointed. The blades arrived very sharp and more than adequate for immediate use. The construction is very good, and all edges were well-machined (no burrs, blemishes, or irregular fittings, etc.). The G10 handles and rivets have a very good fit and finish.
As a vegetarian who makes smaller meals, I was most interested in the petty knife. It's lightweight, well-balanced and just the right length for utilitarian use in the kitchen. I love the profile of the blade and the deep blade allows for easier slicing without bashing my knuckles on the cutting board.
The pairing knife's shape is unlike any that I've used before, but it also feels very good in the hand, and I look forward to putting it to the test. The chef knife is much larger than my existing Santoku and is perfect for larger produce.
Overall, we're very pleased with the set and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to step up to higher-end kitchen knives.
Tojiro 3pc Set - DPGIFTSETAPosted By: Yuriy
55 people found this review helpful
An excellent set, this is not the first time I take it. I use it myself for about 5 years, I really like it. I point with blue Boride, everything is super. Sharpening is enough for my family for 2-3 months, then I just finish it with finishing stones. The work of the store, as always, is on top, everything is fast and accurate. Highly recommend!
55 people found this review helpful
An excellent set, this is not the first time I take it. I use it myself for about 5 years, I really like it. I point with blue Boride, everything is super. Sharpening is enough for my family for 2-3 months, then I just finish it with finishing stones. The work of the store, as always, is on top, everything is fast and accurate. Highly recommend!
Amazing kit, extremely sharp and beautiful knife set The best knives and company!Posted By: Shawn - verified customer
49 people found this review helpful
This is my second time purchasing these knives from chefs knives to go. They have made excellent college graduation gifts for my two sons who love to cook. The knives are great quality, extremely sharp, good weight, and they shipped quickly.
49 people found this review helpful
This is my second time purchasing these knives from chefs knives to go. They have made excellent college graduation gifts for my two sons who love to cook. The knives are great quality, extremely sharp, good weight, and they shipped quickly.
Great set Great knife Best knife set ever Fantastic set - great service! Excellent KnivesPosted By: Farmer John Maine
56 people found this review helpful
Shipping was reasonable since I ordered the set like New Years Eve.
Knives came in a nice box, will keep them in that box so they don't get abused and also they are VERY SHARP.
I've been cooking since I was about 10 years old, I cooked professionally for a about 15 years and I really wish I would have found these knives sooner, it would have been a game changer for me.
I sliced through an onion like it was like a "hot knife through butter " was like WOW..paradigm shift, very little resistance which would help with fatigue.
Second test I took the knife second biggest knife and used it to cut and trim a lamb that I had butchered, I was able to prepare beautiful stew meat chunks and it was so easy to do the trimming, much less waste when you can cut right next to the sinew, kinda like a Sushi chef does when they are trimming fish. Very light weight to hold and ergonomic and I have very large hands. I would not use the knife to debone as I think it would damage the blade, it's seems a bit delicate and could bend possibly...but this is not what the knife is designed to do so no worries there.
I found a new place to purchase knives going forward and I'm going to replace and throw away many old crappy knives in my collection and get done to having just a few good ones.
Thanks for a great connection to Japan for quality knives :)
56 people found this review helpful
Shipping was reasonable since I ordered the set like New Years Eve.
Knives came in a nice box, will keep them in that box so they don't get abused and also they are VERY SHARP.
I've been cooking since I was about 10 years old, I cooked professionally for a about 15 years and I really wish I would have found these knives sooner, it would have been a game changer for me.
I sliced through an onion like it was like a "hot knife through butter " was like WOW..paradigm shift, very little resistance which would help with fatigue.
Second test I took the knife second biggest knife and used it to cut and trim a lamb that I had butchered, I was able to prepare beautiful stew meat chunks and it was so easy to do the trimming, much less waste when you can cut right next to the sinew, kinda like a Sushi chef does when they are trimming fish. Very light weight to hold and ergonomic and I have very large hands. I would not use the knife to debone as I think it would damage the blade, it's seems a bit delicate and could bend possibly...but this is not what the knife is designed to do so no worries there.
I found a new place to purchase knives going forward and I'm going to replace and throw away many old crappy knives in my collection and get done to having just a few good ones.
Thanks for a great connection to Japan for quality knives :)
Ooooo So nice. . . Posted By: Dan Spacek - verified customer
55 people found this review helpful
Santa was so kind to me this year. This is my first set of good knives. I had fun using them while cooking Christmas dinner. The sharpness is on another level compared to the knives I have. They are beautiful and the box is nice too. :)
55 people found this review helpful
Santa was so kind to me this year. This is my first set of good knives. I had fun using them while cooking Christmas dinner. The sharpness is on another level compared to the knives I have. They are beautiful and the box is nice too. :)
Incredible knives!Posted By: William Bromley
47 people found this review helpful
If you want superior Japanese steel at a very reasonable price, look no further. In my opinion, The Tojiro DP series will impress both the novice cook to the most seasoned chef. The knives are nearly razor sharp straight out of the box. Tojiro DP series is the best bang for your buck hands down.
47 people found this review helpful
If you want superior Japanese steel at a very reasonable price, look no further. In my opinion, The Tojiro DP series will impress both the novice cook to the most seasoned chef. The knives are nearly razor sharp straight out of the box. Tojiro DP series is the best bang for your buck hands down.
Very good, ridiculously sharp knives. Wow...Posted By: Mitch - verified customer
54 people found this review helpful
These knives are beauties - and as sharp as they can be. I'm sure I could shave with them and need to be very careful handling them after using the ones I had been using. I am very impressed with the quality - and my left hand is healing nicely from the errant 'touch' that I needed to put a bandage on after being a tad careless! Very satisfied buyer.
54 people found this review helpful
These knives are beauties - and as sharp as they can be. I'm sure I could shave with them and need to be very careful handling them after using the ones I had been using. I am very impressed with the quality - and my left hand is healing nicely from the errant 'touch' that I needed to put a bandage on after being a tad careless! Very satisfied buyer.
Great set of knivesPosted By: Mike
54 people found this review helpful
Just received my set of Tojiro knives and am extremely satisfied with my purchase. I've been wanting to buy some Japanese knives for quite some time but was always hestitant because of the expense and because of the many choices available. I read so many reviews about so many knives which made me hesitate about buying. When I saw this set of knives and the overall good reviews and the affordable cost, i bite the bullet and purchased it. All 3 of the knives are extremely sharp right out of the box and is of excellent quality. If anyone is looking to venture into the world of Japanese knives without breaking your bank account, this is the set to purchase. Once i become more experienced with Japanese high quality knives, i will purchase additional sizes. Great purchase for first time users of better quality knives. I will be time for me to get rid of my old ok knives and replace them with these very good sharp quality Japanese ones.
54 people found this review helpful
Just received my set of Tojiro knives and am extremely satisfied with my purchase. I've been wanting to buy some Japanese knives for quite some time but was always hestitant because of the expense and because of the many choices available. I read so many reviews about so many knives which made me hesitate about buying. When I saw this set of knives and the overall good reviews and the affordable cost, i bite the bullet and purchased it. All 3 of the knives are extremely sharp right out of the box and is of excellent quality. If anyone is looking to venture into the world of Japanese knives without breaking your bank account, this is the set to purchase. Once i become more experienced with Japanese high quality knives, i will purchase additional sizes. Great purchase for first time users of better quality knives. I will be time for me to get rid of my old ok knives and replace them with these very good sharp quality Japanese ones.
Great setPosted By: John Boswell - verified customer
47 people found this review helpful
This is the fourth time I have purchased this set of knives as gifts. I am a professional Chef and use their boning knife in my tool box quite often. I buy these as gifts for friends and family not in the industry for home use. Great way to get people quality knives for home use. Very sharp OOTB and maintain well. The handles are comfortable and nothing too scary for the home cook yet the quality is good enough to use these professionally. I hope Mark keeps selling this set, it is the best deal I have found and I will continue buying in the future.
47 people found this review helpful
This is the fourth time I have purchased this set of knives as gifts. I am a professional Chef and use their boning knife in my tool box quite often. I buy these as gifts for friends and family not in the industry for home use. Great way to get people quality knives for home use. Very sharp OOTB and maintain well. The handles are comfortable and nothing too scary for the home cook yet the quality is good enough to use these professionally. I hope Mark keeps selling this set, it is the best deal I have found and I will continue buying in the future.
Great knives!Posted By: Shawn Crofoot - verified customer
60 people found this review helpful
From the packaging (beautiful wooden box) to the knives (sharp and weighted) and shipping (timely), every aspect of my purchase with chefs knives to go was fantastic. I highly recommend chefs knives to go!
60 people found this review helpful
From the packaging (beautiful wooden box) to the knives (sharp and weighted) and shipping (timely), every aspect of my purchase with chefs knives to go was fantastic. I highly recommend chefs knives to go!
president Excellent ProductPosted By: John Boswell - verified customer
55 people found this review helpful
This is the third of this set I have bought for family and friends. It is a great gift and perfect for the home cook in my opinion. Very sharp out of the box and just a simple easy to use and care for set of knives. I will be buying these again.
55 people found this review helpful
This is the third of this set I have bought for family and friends. It is a great gift and perfect for the home cook in my opinion. Very sharp out of the box and just a simple easy to use and care for set of knives. I will be buying these again.
Great knives for a great price!Posted By: Curtis Carter
50 people found this review helpful
These are my first Japanese knives and they are very nice. Fit and finish is nice on all three knives, the gyuto was very sharp out of the box, the utility knife needed a little touch up but became very sharp. Shipping was ridiculously fast .
50 people found this review helpful
These are my first Japanese knives and they are very nice. Fit and finish is nice on all three knives, the gyuto was very sharp out of the box, the utility knife needed a little touch up but became very sharp. Shipping was ridiculously fast .
