Cangshan Cutlery

About Cangshan Cutlery

When placed side by side with established knife brands like Zwilling and Wusthof, Cangshan Cutlery is pretty much the new kid on the block. But despite being a relatively new entrant, Cangshan is already making waves in the kitchen knife market.

Named after the majestic Cangshan Mountain range in southwest China and the city where founder Henry Liu was born, Cangshan Cutlery began operations in the United States in 2015. In 2022, it expanded operations and established a new headquarters in Georgetown, Texas.

What's included in a Cangshan block set?

Cangshan knives can be purchased per piece or as a knife set.

A Cangshan knife block set typically includes 3-23 pieces of knives and kitchen accessories, such as:

• Chef knives set: Chef's knife, carving knife, bread knife, Santoku knife, boning knife, serrated and fine-edge utility knives, paring knife, steak knife

• Essential kitchen accessories: Honing steel, kitchen shears, knife block

Other Cangshan knife set options include:

• Starter knife sets (boxed)

• Carving knife sets (boxed)

• Steak knife sets (boxed)

• Knife roll sets

Are Cangshan knives good?

Cangshan knives are well-regarded kitchen knives. They're reliably sharp, beautifully designed (Cangshan has 33 design awards so far!), and equipped with comfortable, balanced handles. Precision-crafted to meet the rigorous demands of busy home and professional kitchens, they've been tested by millions of satisfied customers.

For real-world insight into how they fare, check out the Cangshan knives review from USA Today and the Cangshan cutlery review of the Thomas Keller 8" chef's knife on the Curated website.

Are Cangshan knives made in China?

Yes, they're forged, handcrafted, and hand-honed in Cangshan's knife factory in Yangjiang, China. Cangshan's team of quality assurance specialists ensure they meet the highest standards.

What is the best Cangshan knife series?

Cangshan has 20+ knife collections. Each is crafted to high standards, features high-quality materials, and is designed to provide exceptional durability and performance—so picking just one to label "the best" is a tall order.

Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, there's a Cangshan knife series that's perfect for you. Here are some of them:

• KITA Series: These knives feature a full-tang X-7 Damascus blade, a hammered texture, and a striking blue handle.

• OLIV Series: Knives in this series come with a solid olivewood handle and blades made from durable Swedish 14C28N steel.

• YARI Series: YARI knives have Damascus steel patterns, X-7 full-tang blades, and gray G-10 handles.

• Thomas Keller Signature Collection: Made from Swedish powdered steel, this knife line features designs by Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, Cangshan Cutlery's most prominent brand ambassador.

Are Cangshan knives real Damascus?

Cangshan manufactures different types of knives, some made from Damascus steel, which are notable for their unique, wavy patterns. These patterns are formed by layering multiple sheets of steel and forging them together.

Cangshan knife series featuring Damascus steel include the KITA, YARI, HAKU, SOBU, and J Series.

Other steel types used in Cangshan knives:

• German X50CrMoV15 steel: Exceptionally hard and durable, known for its sharp and precise edge but without the brittleness

• German MA5 steel: Similar to the X50CrMoV15 but more corrosion-resistant

• X-7 steel (proprietary steel): Harder than German steel, forms a unique Damascus pattern from folding together 67 layers

• Swedish 14C28N steel: Incredibly hard and durable, edge retention up to 5X other knives in the market

• Swedish DAMASTEEL RWL34 powdered steel: A high-alloy blend of metals for creating remarkably strong and hard steel

What materials are Cangshan knife handles made from?

The type of material will largely depend on the knife series. But handle materials commonly used in Cangshan knives include walnut, African blackwood, teak, food-safe polymer, and high-alloy steel.

Cangshan vs. Henckels: Which is better?

Both Cangshan and Henckels offer high-quality kitchen knives, so the answer boils down to personal preferences.

Cangshan

• Design: Award-winning, fresh designs

• Place of manufacture: Mostly made in China

• Blade materials: Japanese, German, or Swedish steel

• Handle materials: Metal, wood, or plastic

• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Henckels

• Design: Time-tested, reliable knife designs

• Place of manufacture: Often made in Germany, Spain, and China

• Blade materials: Mostly German stainless steel

• Handle materials: Synthetic or wood materials

• Warranty: Limited lifetime

What sets Cangshan knives apart from other brands?

Several ways Cangshan knives distinguish themselves from other brands:

• Modern, award-winning designs

• Advanced manufacturing techniques that include precision forging and heat treatment

• Versatile knife collections that can help you chop, slice, and cook to your heart's content

• Competitive pricing

How should I care for my Cangshan knives?

Tips to keep your knives in top shape:

• Don't put them in the dishwasher: Movement, heat and steam, prolonged exposure to water, harsh detergents—these can all damage your knives.

• Dry immediately after cleaning: Use warm, soapy water to clean your knives. Then, dry them with a towel right away. Avoid air drying, as it can cause rusting.

• Don't leave them immersed in liquids for extended periods: Doing so can cause rust to form.

• Sharpen your knives regularly: You can use a whetstone or a pull-through sharpener to keep your knives' edges sharp. Also, have them professionally sharpened as needed.

Do Cangshan knives come with a warranty?

Yes, they do. The limited lifetime warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials under normal use and conditions. Misuse, abuse, or neglect will void the warranty. Also, the warranty only applies to knives purchased from authorized resellers.

Are Cangshan knives good for professional chefs?

Yes, they are. Numerous professional chefs use and recommend Cangshan knives because of their ability to withstand the demands of ultra-busy kitchens.

Where can I buy Cangshan knives?

Northwest Knives is a proud reseller of high-quality kitchen knives from reputable global brands that include Cangshan, Miyabi, Wusthof, Spyderco, and Benchmade.

Cangshan knives and knife sets we currently have on sale include:

• KITA Series 10" Sashimi Knife

• KITA Series 3.5" Paring Knife

• KITA Series 12-Piece Knife Block Set

• OLIV Series 2-Piece Knife Set

• OLIV Series 4-Piece Block Set

Contact us for any questions.