Limited Edition Collector Blades
Dalstrong vs Miyabi: Kaizen vs Shogun Compared
Dalstrong vs Miyabi, in short: The MIYABI Kaizen 8" Chef's Knife is handcrafted in Seki, Japan, with a VG10 steel core, a 65-layer flower Damascus blade and a black linen Micarta handle. It's rated 60–62 HRC and lists at $189.99. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" Chef's Knife is a similar Japanese-style, Damascus-clad knife with an AUS-10V core at 62+ HRC and a G10 handle for $129. Choose Miyabi for a Seki-made knife with a traditional D-shaped handle. Choose Dalstrong for similar hardness at a lower price.
Dalstrong vs Miyabi at a glance
| Knife | Price | Steel | Hardness | Build / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIYABI Kaizen 8" Chef's Knife | Not sold by Dalstrong | VG10 core, 65-layer flower Damascus, CRYODUR ice-hardened | 60–62 HRC | Black linen Micarta D-shaped handle, handcrafted in Seki, Japan |
| Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife | $129 | AUS-10V Japanese steel core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ HRC | G10, full tang |
| Dalstrong Shadow Black 8" Chef's Knife | $119 | 7CR17MOV-X stainless, black titanium nitride coating | 58+ HRC | G10, full tang, rivetless, NSF certified |
| Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife | $79 | German X50CrMoV15 stainless | 54–56 HRC | G10, full tang, triple riveted |
Who Miyabi is
Miyabi is a Japanese knife brand sold through Zwilling. The Kaizen line is handcrafted in Seki, Japan. Its blades have a resilient core of VG10 "super steel" protected by a 64-layer flower Damascus pattern, for 65 layers in total. They're ice-hardened with Zwilling's CRYODUR process and hand-honed with the traditional three-step Honbazuke method. The handle is black linen Micarta in a traditional Japanese D shape, and the knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
Miyabi's product page lists the Kaizen 8" at 60–62 HRC, with an authentic thin Japanese blade profile.
Who Dalstrong is
Dalstrong sells Japanese-style and German-style knives across many series. See our FAQ on where Dalstrong knives are made for production details.
The Dalstrong knives to compare
Dalstrong makes several series at different price points. Three 8" chef's knives cover most buyers:
- Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife ($79): German X50CrMoV15 stainless, 54–56 HRC, G10, full tang, triple riveted. It's a forgiving, Western-style workhorse.
- Dalstrong Shadow Black 8" Chef's Knife ($119): 7CR17MOV-X stainless, black titanium nitride coating, 58+ HRC, G10, full tang, rivetless, NSF certified. It's a modern, all-black design.
- Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife ($129): AUS-10V Japanese steel core, 66-layer Damascus, 62+ HRC, G10, full tang. It's the harder, Japanese-style option.
Key differences
Steel. Both are hard, Damascus-clad Japanese-style knives. Miyabi uses a VG10 core at 60–62 HRC. Dalstrong Shogun uses an AUS-10V core at 62+ HRC with 66-layer Damascus. Both steels are popular in high-end Japanese-style knives, and both reward careful use and a whetstone. See AUS-10V vs Carbon Steel.
Handle. Miyabi's Micarta handle is a traditional Japanese D shape. Dalstrong's G10 handle is a Western-style, full-tang design that some cooks find more familiar.
Price. The Shogun 8" ($129) is about $60 less than the Kaizen 8" at its $189.99 list price.
Where it's made. If a Seki-made knife matters to you, Miyabi delivers that.
Which should you buy?
- Buy Miyabi Kaizen if you want a Seki-made VG10 knife with a D-shaped Micarta handle and a lifetime warranty.
- Buy Dalstrong Shogun if you want a similarly hard, Damascus-clad knife with a Western G10 handle for less.
- Buy Dalstrong Gladiator if you'd rather have a tougher, more forgiving German-style knife for $79.
More Japanese comparisons: Dalstrong vs Shun, Dalstrong vs MAC and Global vs Dalstrong.
How to choose between Dalstrong and Miyabi in 7 steps
- Set a budget. Decide what one great 8" chef's knife is worth to you before you look at sets. Most people use one knife for most of their prep.
- Pick a steel style. Softer German-style steel (around 56–58 HRC) is tougher and easier to touch up. Harder Japanese-style steel (60 HRC and up) holds a keener edge longer but can chip if twisted or used on bone. See Japanese vs German Knives.
- Think about weight. Heavier, bolstered knives power through squash and chicken. Thinner, lighter blades glide through onions and herbs.
- Check the handle. Hold it in a pinch grip if you can. Handle shape matters more for comfort than any spec sheet.
- Look at how you'll sharpen. Harder steel rewards a whetstone. Softer steel is fine with a honing rod and occasional sharpening. See Honing vs Sharpening.
- Read the warranty and return terms on each brand's own site before you buy.
- Choose your handle shape. A D-shaped Japanese handle and a Western full-tang handle balance very differently.
Quick buyer's checklist
- 8" chef's knife first, extras later
- Steel hardness matches how I cut
- Handle feels right in a pinch grip
- I have a plan to hone and sharpen
- Hand wash and dry: see Can You Put Knives in the Dishwasher?
Frequently asked questions
Is Miyabi better than Dalstrong?
They're close in concept. Miyabi Kaizen is a Seki-made VG10 knife at 60–62 HRC for $189.99 list. Dalstrong Shogun is an AUS-10V knife at 62+ HRC with a G10 handle for $129.
Where are Miyabi knives made?
Miyabi says the Kaizen line is handcrafted in Seki, Japan.
Is Miyabi owned by Zwilling?
Miyabi knives are sold by Zwilling, and the Kaizen uses Zwilling's CRYODUR ice-hardening process.
Is VG10 or AUS-10V better?
Both are high-end Japanese stainless steels used in hard, keen knives. Heat treatment and grind matter as much as the steel name.
What is a cheaper alternative to Miyabi Kaizen?
The Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife: Damascus-clad, AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, G10 handle, $129 on dalstrong.com as of Nov 3, 2026.
Prices and specs are from each brand's own product pages, checked November 3, 2026. Prices change often. Sources: MIYABI Kaizen 8" Chef's Knife page on zwilling.com; Dalstrong Shogun, Shadow Black and Gladiator product pages.
