Customer reviews from Zwilling.com
Miyabi - Kaizen II 8-inch Chef's Knife - Stainless Steel
Average customer rating
4.9
(560 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 560 reviews
5 Stars
533
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
1
98%of customers recommend this product.
(
517 out of
525)
Customer Reviews for Miyabi - Kaizen II 8-inch Chef's Knife - Stainless Steel
Customer Rating
5
Love it! And comparison with Kaizen
on August 2, 2020
Posted by: rw303
Frequency of use:Daily
Just got this a couple of days ago and am loving it so far. I actually couldn't decide between this and the original Kaizen, and actually got the Kaizen first. However, beautiful as it was, I just couldn't get used to the super smooth and smaller handle on the Kaizen, esp. coming from a 4 star which I've been using for about 25-30 years now. Yes, it was beautifully made and finished, but it just felt like I couldn't get a firm grip. I ended up returning the I and getting a II
Now, on to the Kaizen II vs I comparison. It's really such a different knife from the Kaizen that I don't know why Miyabi/Zwilling just decided to slap a "II" onto the Kaizen. You can get all the spec diffs from the website, but here are my observations from having handled both:
- The steel and damascus color and pattern are totally different. The Kaizen II has almost 2 different steel colors forming the pattern, a matt gray and silver contrast, which makes the damascus very "unsubtle", and more unique. The Kaizen has a more traditional all shiny silver pattern, just like any other damascus out there. The website photos are quite accurate.
- The handle on the II is much beefier all round than the I, and has a slight belly. Also, the pakkawood has more of a satin finish, compared with a super smooth shiny finish on the micarta on the I. These 2 factors for me made the II a much more comfortable knife to hold. Yes, the I has one more ring of red near the bolster, but that is purely an aesthetic, not functional thing.
- The blade on the II is just a smidge taller, at about 1 15/16" at the heel, vs. about 1 3/4" for the I.
- The balance point of both knives are about the same, right at the bolster.
- The steel and damascus color and pattern are totally different. The Kaizen II has almost 2 different steel colors forming the pattern, a matt gray and silver contrast, which makes the damascus very "unsubtle", and more unique. The Kaizen has a more traditional all shiny silver pattern, just like any other damascus out there. The website photos are quite accurate.
- The handle on the II is much beefier all round than the I, and has a slight belly. Also, the pakkawood has more of a satin finish, compared with a super smooth shiny finish on the micarta on the I. These 2 factors for me made the II a much more comfortable knife to hold. Yes, the I has one more ring of red near the bolster, but that is purely an aesthetic, not functional thing.
- The blade on the II is just a smidge taller, at about 1 15/16" at the heel, vs. about 1 3/4" for the I.
- The balance point of both knives are about the same, right at the bolster.
Overall, I'm much happier with the II than the I. It's a lot lighter than my 4 star Zwilling 8" chefs, so will probably take a bit of getting used to, but so far, am really liking it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Customer Rating
1
Beware the knife chips!
on July 15, 2020
Posted by: Arker
Frequency of use:Daily
My knife chipped during regular use. Zwilling were kind enough to offer a replacement though. However, they destroyed my goodwill by not shipping the replacement for 2 months.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Posted by: Sarah Anne
Frequency of use:Daily
Verified Purchase:Yes
I was in search of a quality chef knife for personal use in my kitchen. This knife exceeding my expectations. It is beautiful and with care I know it will last me a lifetime.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Posted by: David M
Frequency of use:Daily
Verified Purchase:Yes
The knife is beautiful and sharp as can be. With precision of a razor and a level of craftsmanship that outshines any other knife I’ve owned, Miyabi has me for life.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Posted by: TRON
Frequency of use:Daily
Verified Purchase:Yes
What a wonderful knife. Super super sharp. It feels so light and nimble while cutting. Love the layers of damascus steel.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Customer Rating
5
on May 11, 2020
Posted by: jmarilyn42
Frequency of use:Daily
The 8" chef is one of, if not the most used in the kitchen. Because of this fact you will want a chef knife that you feel comfortable with both in size and in the feel of it in your hand. The 8" is the pefect size for most people and the traditional D-shape handle on this line, feels like it was made especially for you. This means that you can work in the kitchen and not get fatigued in your hands. The FC61 steel plus the special ice-hardening makes these knives very sharp and ensures they will retain their sharpness.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Customer Rating
5
Function and Beauty
on April 28, 2020
Posted by: kammya108
Frequency of use:Daily
This is the most beautiful and best knife I have ever used! The bade is so gorgeous with the design and it is super sharp. I also love the handle because it is shaped to my hand. The knife isn't super heavy, but still has some weight to it. I think if perfection were a knife, this would be it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com
Customer Rating
5
New Kaizen-Traditional Knife
on April 25, 2020
Posted by: Lars Reich
Frequency of use:Daily
Hard steel core wrapped many times to create Damascus-look. Super sharp and stays that way. Very cool contrast in blade. Pakka wood handle just adds to package!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting Zwilling.com