Cangshan YARI Series

About Cangshan YARI

Cangshan knives are manufactured and distributed by Cangshan Cutlery, a company founded by Henry Liu, who built successful kitchenware companies in China before moving to the United States to establish Cangshan.

The name "Cangshan" is derived from a mountain range in southwest China, as well as the town where Henry was born.

Cangshan Cutlery has, to date, 20+ kitchen knife collections. Among them is the Cangshan YARI, which blends traditional design with high-quality, innovative materials.

Each Cangshan YARI knife comes with the following distinctive features:

• Damascus blade patterns that enhance not just their visual appeal but also add to their strength and durability

• X-7 high-alloy full-tang blades with excellent edge retention and resistance to wear and corrosion

• Gray G-10 handles that provide exceptional balance, comfort, and precision

What types of knives are in the YARI series?

YARI series knives can be purchased individually or as part of a knife set. Individual knives usually come with a sheath.

Individual knives

• Chef's knife

• Sashimi knife

• Paring knife

• Serrated utility knife

• Boning knife

• Santoku knife

• Kiritsuke knife

• Bread knife

Set knives

• 2-piece carving set (carving knife, carving fork, gray wood box for storage)

• 2-piece starter set (chef's knife, paring knife, gray wood box)

• 3-piece starter set (chef's knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife)

• 4-piece fine edge steak knife set with ash wood box

• 6-piece knife block set (honing steel, chef's knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, come-apart shears, ash knife block)

• 12-piece knife block set (honing steel, bread knife, chef's knife, Santoku knife, fine-edge steak knives, serrated utility knife, paring knife, come-apart shears, wood ash knife block)

What is a good set of chef knives?

A chef knives set includes different types of kitchen knives a chef will need to perform essential cutting tasks. A chef's basic kitchen knife set usually includes a chef's knife, a utility knife, and a paring knife.

This 6-piece HUA Cangshan knife set has all three, plus a honing steel, a pair of come-apart shears, and an ash knife block. Meanwhile, this 12-piece YARI Cangshan knives set also includes a Santoku knife, a serrated utility knife, and four pieces of fine-edge steak knives.

Where are Cangshan knives made?

Cangshan knives are manufactured in Cangshan Cutlery's factory in Yangjiang, China, a region known as southern China's "Capital of Knives and Scissors."

What is the best series of Cangshan knives?

Cangshan knives are celebrated for their precision, sharpness, durability, and uniquely striking appearance—and with over 20 collections in the Cangshan Cutlery product catalog so far, it's not easy to pick one and label it as "the best."

But here are some of the most popular:

• The Thomas Keller Signature Collection: Created in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller, Cangshan's most prominent brand ambassador. These signature knives are made from forged Swedish powder steel and feature durable polymer handles in white, black, and blue.

• Cangshan KITA: Japanese-inspired kitchen knives with a hammered texture. The Cangshan KITA knives feature X-7 Damascus steel blades and G-10 fiberglass handles.

• Cangshan YARI: These knives have high-alloy, full-tang X-7 Damascus steel blades and gray G-10 handles.

How good are Cangshan knives?

Cangshan knives can go head to head with other better-known knife brands—they're sharp, durable, and excellently balanced. Each blade undergoes an ultra-precise 6-stage heat treatment to maintain strength and function. Both chefs and home cooks love Cangshan knives for their ergonomic design and cutting precision.

What brand of knife do chefs recommend?

Many chefs recommend brands like Cangshan for their durability, balance, and craftsmanship. In particular, Cangshan's Thomas Keller Signature Collection is endorsed by professional chefs.

According to a chef and kitchen expert, the Cangshan Thomas Keller 8-inch chef knife is the "sharpest and boldest knife [he has] ever used."

What knife does Gordon Ramsay prefer?

Gordon Ramsay is known to use high-quality knives from various knife brands, but he has publicly endorsed knives from Japanese and German manufacturers, such as Henckels and Wüsthof.

What are the 3 main kitchen knives?

Three knives, which cover the majority of kitchen tasks—from slicing bread to chopping vegetables—are considered crucial for the kitchen:

Chef's knife

A reliable kitchen workhorse, the chef's knife is the knife you'll grab the most for tasks like chopping herbs, slicing meat, crushing garlic cloves, or breaking down a whole chicken or turkey.

Paring knife

The paring knife is what you'll likely use for smaller tasks you wouldn't tackle with a chef's knife like peeling apples, slicing strawberries, or removing seeds from peppers.

Serrated knife (bread knife)

The serrated knife is perhaps the only knife you can use to slice through foods with tough exteriors and delicate insides—such as loaves of bread, tomatoes, and even citrus fruits—without crushing or smashing them.

What is a very good chef knife?

A very good chef knife has the following qualities:

• Well-balanced: A chef knife is well-balanced when the weight is evenly distributed between the blade and the handle. The result? A knife that feels more comfortable and natural in your hand, is easier to control, and less tiring to use, especially for extended periods.

• Sharp: A chef's knife that's sharp is precise and efficient. The blade slices cleanly through food and requires less effort to cut. A good chef's knife can maintain its edge for longer periods and is easy to sharpen when required.

• Built to last: Durability is crucial for any knife, especially a chef's knife, which professional chefs use about 95% of the time. High-quality materials, combined with solid construction, ensure the knife can handle regular use, resist dulling, and avoid chipping.

Where can I buy Cangshan YARI knives?

Northwest Knives is a trusted distributor of various types of kitchen knives, including Cangshan, Miyabi, Shun, and Wusthof. Whether you're an avid home cook or work in a professional kitchen, we have the perfect kitchen knives for you.

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