{"title":"Kai","description":"\u003cp\u003eKai Japanese knives from Advantage Catering Equipment in Folkestone, Kent. The range covers 13 products in two ranges. Kai Shun Classic includes paring, utility, santoku, chefs, bread and nakiri knives. Kai Wasabi Black includes utility, santoku, chef, bread and nakiri knives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the knife by the job: paring and utility knives for small work, a chefs knife or santoku for general prep, a bread knife for loaves and a nakiri for vegetables. Blade lengths range from 9cm to 23cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCall the team on 01304 827 272 for advice on choosing, and we deliver across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-paring-knife-9cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Paring Knife 9cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kai Shun Classic paring knife is a short-bladed precision knife designed for detailed hand work — peeling, trimming, segmenting, and any prep task where a larger chef's knife would be unwieldy. Kai's Shun Classic range is built around a Damascus-clad blade with a hardened core steel, giving a blade edge that holds sharpness well under regular professional use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a kitchen environment, a reliable paring knife is used constantly — it's often the knife that sees the most varied work across a shift. The Shun Classic handles that demand well. The blade takes and retains a fine edge, which makes repetitive detailed work less fatiguing and more accurate. The D-shaped handle is designed to sit naturally in the hand during controlled cuts, where grip and feedback matter more than leverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA few points worth considering before purchasing:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe hardened blade steel performs best when honed regularly and sharpened on compatible whetstones — standard pull-through sharpeners are not recommended for this type of blade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand washing is strongly advised to preserve both the blade and handle over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe D-shaped handle is contoured for right-handed use by default — left-handed versions are available in the Shun range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis knife is well suited to chefs who carry their own knives and want a paring knife that performs consistently over years of use. It is a considered purchase rather than a budget option, and suits those who already understand how to maintain a high-quality edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're building out a knife kit or unsure which Shun model suits your style of work, we're happy to talk it through.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198410101118,"sku":"C387","price":86.82,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn430_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819866"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-utility-knife-15cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Utility Knife 15cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kai Shun Classic utility knife is a Japanese-made kitchen knife built around a hard steel core clad in Damascus steel layers. The 15cm blade length sits between a paring knife and a chef's knife, making it a practical choice for tasks that require more control than a larger blade allows — breaking down smaller vegetables, trimming meat, or detailed prep work where a full chef's knife feels unwieldy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a professional kitchen environment, a utility knife of this style earns its place during prep shifts where precision matters. The blade holds its edge well under regular use, which reduces the frequency of sharpening during a busy service period. The D-shaped handle is designed to sit naturally in the hand and supports a consistent grip across extended prep sessions, which is worth considering when staff are working through volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA few practical points worth noting before purchasing:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard steel blades at this hardness level are more brittle than softer Western-style knives — they should not be used on frozen produce or bone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe blade requires hand washing and careful drying to prevent corrosion — dishwasher use is not appropriate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharpening should be done on a whetstone rather than a standard honing steel, which can damage the edge geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis knife is well suited to chefs who are comfortable with Japanese blade care and want a mid-length utility option for precise prep work. It is not the right choice for heavy-duty butchery or high-turnover environments where knives are handled by multiple staff with varying levels of care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you are unsure whether this style of knife fits your kitchen's workflow or existing kit, we are happy to talk it through with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198410199422,"sku":"C388","price":98.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn431_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819868"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-santoku-knife-18cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Santoku Knife 18cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kai Shun Classic Santoku is a Japanese-style chef's knife designed for precision prep work. The santoku profile — shorter and wider than a Western chef's knife — suits slicing, dicing, and chopping tasks where control and clean cuts matter. It is a knife built to a high standard of fit and finish, and it shows in day-to-day use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a professional kitchen environment, this knife performs best in the hands of a chef who values a lighter, more agile blade for vegetable and protein prep. The D-shaped handle is designed to sit naturally in the hand and reduce fatigue during extended prep sessions, which matters when a brigade is working through covers at pace. The blade holds an edge well, meaning less time at the stone between services compared to softer-steel alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA few points worth considering before buying:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJapanese high-carbon blades at this hardness require more careful maintenance — a ceramic or fine whetstone rather than a standard steel honing rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe blade is not suited to tasks that put lateral stress on the edge, such as splitting bones or cutting through hard rind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis is a hand-wash only knife — dishwasher use will damage both the blade and handle over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis knife is well suited to chefs who already have experience with Japanese-style blades, or those moving up from a mid-range knife and wanting something that will last. For kitchens looking to equip a full brigade, or for those needing a longer blade for high-volume butchery prep, there are heavier-duty options in the range worth considering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're unsure whether the santoku profile is the right choice for your prep style, we're happy to talk it through.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198410264958,"sku":"C390","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn432_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819870"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-chefs-knife-20cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Chef's Knife 20cm - Damascus Steel","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kai Shun Classic 20cm chef's knife is a Japanese-made knife built around a VG-MAX steel core, hardened to 61 HRC and clad in 32 layers of Damascus steel. The result is a blade that holds a fine edge well and combines the hardness needed for precise cutting with enough flex to resist chipping under sustained use. At 20cm, this is a versatile all-purpose blade length that suits a wide range of prep tasks — from breaking down vegetables and herbs to portioning meat and fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a professional kitchen, edge retention is the practical measure of a knife's value. The VG-MAX core is formulated to stay sharp longer than many Western-style blades, which reduces the frequency of honing during service and means less time lost to maintenance over a busy week. The blade's geometry — a slim profile with a gradual taper — allows for cleaner, more controlled cuts, which matters when speed and consistency are both required at the pass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e32-layer Damascus cladding provides resilience alongside a refined cutting edge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVG-MAX steel core maintains sharpness through sustained prep use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePakkawood handle is moisture-resistant and shaped for a secure grip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull tang construction improves balance and long-term durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Japanese chestnut handle profile suits right-handed use; left-handed versions available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe handle is worth noting from a practical standpoint. Pakkawood — a resin-stabilised composite — handles moisture well compared to untreated wood, which matters in kitchens where hands are regularly wet. The chestnut profile sits naturally in the hand, with a small rear rim that helps prevent the grip from slipping forward during heavier tasks. The full integrated tang runs the length of the handle, which contributes to the balance and means the knife won't feel front-heavy during extended prep sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne honest consideration: knives at this hardness level are more sensitive to misuse than softer Western alternatives. They should not be used on frozen product or put through a mechanical dishwasher, and they benefit from hand honing on a ceramic or fine-grit steel rather than a standard butcher's steel. For kitchens already using Japanese-style knives, this will be familiar. For those transitioning from European blades, a brief adjustment to technique is worth factoring in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis knife is well suited to professional chefs who prioritise edge retention and precision over brute robustness. It works equally well in restaurant kitchens, hotel brigades, or for a senior chef who wants a reliable personal knife. If you're equipping a full brigade or uncertain which blade length suits your prep workflow, we're happy to help you think it through.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198412624254,"sku":"DE991","price":147.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn434_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819889"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-bread-knife-23cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Bread Knife 23cm","description":"Designed for clean, effortless slicing service after service, 23cm Kai Shun Classic bread knife brings exceptional cutting precision to professional kitchens and bakeries. A VG-MAX steel core blade with 64-layer Damascus cladding delivers outstanding hardness and edge retention, whilst the finely serrated 23cm edge glides through crusty sourdough, brioche and baguettes with minimal crumbs and waste. Handmade in Japan, the knife stays sharper for longer - cutting downtime and helping maintain pace during busy periods.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe slim black pakkawood handle of the Kai Shun Classic bread knife features a traditional chestnut profile for a secure, comfortable grip, and the integrated tang provides reassuring balance. At 204g, control feels natural and fatigue is reduced across long prep runs, supporting precise portioning, neat sandwich prep and immaculate presentation. A durable, high-performance bread knife designed to elevate daily service quality.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 9\". Weight: 204g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417506686,"sku":"JN433","price":149.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn433_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819987"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-santoku-knife-14cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Santoku Knife 14cm","description":"Elevate prep with the 14cm Kai Shun Classic santoku knife - handmade in Japan for chefs who demand effortless precision. Its VG-MAX steel core at around 61 HRC, clad in layered Damascus steel, delivers outstanding sharpness and long-lasting edge retention, so cuts stay clean and consistent across vegetables, fish and boneless meat. The design also reduces drag through ingredients, speeding service and helping to lower fatigue during longer prep sessions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFinished with a slim, traditional D-shaped pakkawood handle, reinforced with resin for moisture resistance, the knife offers a secure, comfortable grip. A full tang promotes balance and control for confident slicing, dicing and fine chopping, whilst the 14cm blade length and 142g weight give agile, nimble handling. With its striking Damascus finish, the Kai Shun Classic santoku knife brings premium performance and presentation to any kitchen.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 5.5\". Weight: 142g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417604990,"sku":"JN435","price":123.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn435_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819988"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-utility-knife-10cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Utility Knife 10cm","description":"Built for fast prep in busy kitchens, the 10cm Kai Wasabi Black utility knife delivers precise slicing, trimming and peeling with minimal effort. The polished 1K6 stainless steel blade is corrosion resistant and hardened to 58 HRC, so edge performance stays consistent throughout long shifts. At just 71g, the knife feels agile and balanced in the hand, helping reduce fatigue and speed up daily mise en place.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe water-resistant polypropylene handle has an innovative design featuring bamboo powder which provides a secure, tactile grip for confident control. The handle and blade are permanently moulded together to help prevent dirt build-up and improve knife hygiene. Made in Japan, the Kai Wasabi Black utility knife pairs durable construction with a clean, minimalist look, ideal for sandwich prep, garnish work and all-round utility in pro kitchens.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 10\". Weight: 71g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417637758,"sku":"JN443","price":35.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn443_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819988"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-santoku-16-5cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Santoku 16.5cm","description":"Prep effortlessly with the Japanese 16.5cm Kai Wasabi Black santoku knife - a high quality knife made for everyday professional use. The polished 1K6 stainless steel blade at 58 HRC offers long-lasting sharpness and corrosion resistance, keeping slicing, dicing and fine chopping quick and precise. Weighing just 152g with a compact 16.5cm blade length, control feels natural and nimble - ideal for rapid, fatigue-free work on the chopping board.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe water-resistant polypropylene handle has an innovative design featuring bamboo powder which provides a secure, tactile grip for confident control. The handle and blade are permanently moulded together to help prevent dirt build-up and improve knife hygiene.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom veg prep to portioning fish and boneless meats, the Kai Wasabi Black santoku knife delivers consistent results service after service.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 6.5\". Weight: 152g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417703294,"sku":"JN444","price":41.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn444_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819991"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-chef-knife-15cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Chef Knife 15cm","description":"Inspired by Japanese communal kitchens, the 15cm Kai Wasabi Black chef knife brings dependable sharpness and control to busy prep areas. The polished 1K6 stainless steel blade is corrosion resistant with a hardness of 58 HRC for long-lasting edge retention, so consistent cuts are quicker and easier to achieve. With a 15cm blade and a light 134g weight, the knife feels agile and balanced in the hand, helping teams move faster through slicing, dicing and fine chopping.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe water-resistant polypropylene handle has an innovative design featuring bamboo powder which provides a secure, tactile grip for confident control. The handle and blade are permanently moulded together to help prevent dirt build-up and improve knife hygiene. Made in Japan, the Kai Wasabi Black chef knife is a reliable all-rounder for commercial kitchens, delivering everyday durability and efficiency across prep, service and banqueting.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 6\". Weight: 134g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417801598,"sku":"JN445","price":38.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn445_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819993"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-chef-knife-20cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Chef Knife 20cm","description":"Inspired by Japanese communal kitchens, the 20cm Kai Wasabi Black chef knife brings dependable sharpness and control to busy prep areas. The polished 1K6 stainless steel blade is corrosion resistant with a hardness of 58 HRC for long-lasting edge retention, so consistent cuts are quicker and easier to achieve. With a 20cm blade and a light 163g weight, the knife feels agile and balanced in the hand, helping teams move faster through slicing, dicing and fine chopping.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe water-resistant polypropylene handle has an innovative design featuring bamboo powder which provides a secure, tactile grip for confident control. The handle and blade are permanently moulded together to help prevent dirt build-up and improve knife hygiene. Made in Japan, the Kai Wasabi Black chef knife is a reliable all-rounder for commercial kitchens, delivering everyday durability and efficiency across prep, service and banqueting.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 8\". Weight: 163g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417834366,"sku":"JN446","price":43.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn446_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819995"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-bread-knife-23cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Bread Knife 23cm","description":"Born from Japanese communal kitchens, the 23cm Kai Wasabi Black bread knife delivers clean, effortless cuts that keep service or prep moving. The razor-sharp 23cm blade glides through crusty sourdough, baguettes and soft loaves without crushing the crust, helping to portion neatly and reduce waste. At just 150g, the knife feels agile and balanced - ideal for high-volume prep in bakeries, restaurants and sandwich stations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMade in Japan, the polished 1K6 stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and around 58 HRC hardness for reliable edge retention in busy professional kitchens. A water-resistant polypropylene resin handle with bamboo powder provides a secure, tactile grip, and the handle-blade joint is permanently moulded to remove dirt traps for easier hygiene control. Choose the Kai Wasabi Black bread knife for robust, easy-care slicing performance day after day.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 9\". Weight: 150g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58198417867134,"sku":"JN447","price":51.12,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn447_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791819995"},{"product_id":"kai-shun-classic-nakiri-knife-16-5cm","title":"Kai Shun Classic Nakiri Knife 16.5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe think that a Shun knife will probably be the best you ever own! Featuring a blade hardened to Rockwell 62 - 63 for a sharper, longer lasting cutting edge. These knives balance perfectly and the D shaped handles ensure a precise grip. This 6.5\" Nakiri knife features a wide blade resembling a cleaver making it great for processing vegetables. One side is bevelled and the other slightly concave resulting in extreme cutting efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 6.5\". Weight: 80g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58199049896318,"sku":"D668","price":149.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn436_npi26-2.jpg?v=1791829532"},{"product_id":"kai-wasabi-black-nakiri-knife-16-5cm","title":"Kai Wasabi Black Nakiri Knife 16.5cm","description":"Precision vegetable prep is made faster and easier with the Japanese-made 16.5 Kai Wasabi Black nakiri knife. Designed for fast, straight push-cuts, the flat edge and squared profile deliver neat slices and consistent dicing across herbs, roots and dense vegetables with minimal effort. The polished 1K6 stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and hardened to 58 HRC for long-lasting sharpness and dependable performance in busy commercial kitchens.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts water-resistant polypropylene resin handle infused with bamboo powder gives a comfortable, tactile grip through long prep sessions, whilst the permanent moulded bond between handle and blade prevents dirt build-up for easier hygiene control. Balanced at just 166 g with a 16.5cm blade length, the Kai Wasabi Black nakiri knife offers confident control that speeds up mise en place and helps minimise fatigue.\u003cp\u003eBlade length: 6.5\". Weight: 166g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58199050092926,"sku":"JN448","price":41.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1753\/9017\/files\/jn448_npi26.jpg?v=1791829544"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.advantage-catering-equipment.co.uk\/collections\/kai.oembed","provider":"Advantage Catering Equipment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}