Hoshanho Knife Set Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
In this Hoshanho knife set review, the 7-piece magnetic set with the acacia holder suits cooks who want six distinct prep knives on display. Choose the 5-piece set for a compact collection, the other magnetic set for bread and built-in sharpening, or the 16-piece set for steak knives and a block.
On this page (7 sections)
- What does this Hoshanho knife set review recommend?
- How should you choose among the four Hoshanho sets?
- Which knife shapes in the magnetic set will you use?
- What does the magnetic holder change in daily use?
- Which Hoshanho alternative fits your cooking?
- How should you set up and care for these knives?
- Which Hoshanho knife set should you buy?
In this Hoshanho knife set review, the 7-piece magnetic set with the acacia holder is the best fit for cooks who want six distinct prep knives stored in view. It includes chef, santoku, nakiri and fillet knives, along with utility and paring knives.
The deciding factors are the knife mix, storage and sharpening setup. Choose a smaller collection if you won't use specialty blades, or a block set if you prefer enclosed storage or need bread and steak knives.
What does this Hoshanho knife set review recommend?
The acacia magnetic set is the strongest match for cooks who want a varied prep collection and have a safe counter spot for exposed blades. Its six knife shapes cover general chopping, produce prep, fish and smaller cutting jobs.
Hoshanho 7-Piece Magnetic Block Set: Best for visible storage
- 7 pieces
- Double-sided magnetic acacia wood holder
- Chef, santoku, nakiri, fillet, utility and paring knives
Six different knife shapes pair with a double-sided magnetic holder. It fits cooks who want their knives visible and easy to reach.
Pros
- Includes chef, santoku, nakiri and fillet knives
- Magnetic holder keeps blades visible
- Pakkawood handles
Cons
- Exposed blades need careful placement away from children and busy paths
- No bread knife or sharpener is included
The set uses 10Cr15CoMoV high-carbon stainless steel blades and Pakkawood handles. HOSHANHO says the blades undergo vacuum heat treatment.
Choose this set if the fillet and nakiri knives match your cooking, and visible storage works in your kitchen. Skip it if you need bread slicing, table steak knives or a sharpener in the box.
How should you choose among the four Hoshanho sets?
Choose by the jobs you'll do and the storage you can provide, rather than the number of pieces alone. The four sets differ in knife shapes, sharpening tools and whether a holder is included.
| Set | Best fit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 7-piece acacia magnetic set | Visible storage and a fillet knife | No bread knife or sharpener |
| 16-piece block set | Bread, carving and table steak knives | More pieces and block storage |
| 5-piece chef set | Everyday prep with fewer knives | You need a separate storage plan |
| Other 7-piece magnetic set | Bread prep and built-in sharpening | No fillet knife; larger block |
The chef knife is the main all-purpose blade for most home cooks. The bread knife is useful for crusty loaves, while the fillet knife and nakiri are more specialized choices.
If you're uncertain which shapes you'll use, start with our guide to how many knives you need in a kitchen. For a broader overview of knife mix, storage and set size, see the kitchen knife set buying guide.
Which knife shapes in the magnetic set will you use?
The acacia magnetic set includes six shapes, with each one suited to a different kind of prep. You don't need to use every knife, but the set makes most sense when several of its specialty blades fit your routine.
| Knife | Length | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Chef knife | 8 in | General chopping and slicing |
| Santoku knife | 7 in | Chopping and slicing, often for produce |
| Nakiri knife | 7 in | Vegetable chopping |
| Fillet knife | 7 in | Narrow cuts for fish |
| Utility knife | 6 in | Smaller slicing jobs |
| Paring knife | 3.75 in | Peeling and detail work |
Use the chef knife as your main prep tool, then reach for the smaller paring knife when you need control on small foods. The santoku and nakiri overlap with some chef knife tasks, so cooks who want only one main chopping blade may not need both.
Learn more about what a santoku knife does before choosing between the santoku and nakiri. The guide to Japanese-style knife sets also explains how blade shapes and set contents can differ.
What does the magnetic holder change in daily use?
The double-sided magnetic holder keeps the blades visible and accessible, but it needs a stable location with clear space around it. Exposed knives are a poor fit beside a crowded work area or somewhere children can reach.
Set the holder back from the counter edge, away from a busy path. When removing a knife, grip the handle and lift the blade carefully rather than dragging its edge across the magnetic surface.
Dry each knife before returning it to the holder. That simple habit helps avoid leaving moisture against the blade or wood.
For more options, read how to store kitchen knives safely at home. If you prefer a block, the 16-piece set has one, while the other magnetic set keeps the knives on display.
Which Hoshanho alternative fits your cooking?
The best alternative depends on whether you need more table knives, fewer prep knives or a built-in sharpener. Each set is a better fit for a different kitchen routine.
Hoshanho 16-piece Japanese block set
The 16-piece set is the most complete option for a household that uses steak knives at meals. It includes chef, bread, carving, santoku, fillet, utility and paring knives, plus six steak knives, a sharpener, kitchen shears and a block.
Hoshanho 16-Piece Japanese Block Set: Best for family meals
- 16 pieces
- Six steak knives
- Sharpener and kitchen shears
Bread and carving knives, six steak knives, shears and a sharpener make this the fullest setup here. It suits households that expect to use those extras and have room for a block.
Pros
- Includes bread and carving knives
- Six steak knives for table use
- Sharpener and kitchen shears included
Cons
- More pieces need more storage space
- May include knives you rarely use
Choose it if you have room for the block and will use the added knives and tools. Skip it if you want a small collection or know that most of the extras would sit unused.
Hoshanho 5-piece chef set
The 5-piece set pairs a chef, bread, santoku, utility and paring knife for everyday prep. It leaves out the block, fillet knife and nakiri.
Hoshanho 5-Piece Chef Set: Best for compact kitchens
- 5 knives
- Chef, bread, santoku, utility and paring knives
- Rosewood handle
This five-knife collection covers common prep without a block or specialty fillet and nakiri knives. Choose it if you want fewer tools and already have a safe way to store them.
Pros
- Includes bread knife
- Five everyday knife shapes
- Octagonal rosewood handles
Cons
- No holder is included
- No fillet knife or nakiri knife
Choose it if you want fewer knives and already have a safe storage plan. Its octagonal rosewood handles and 12° edge are defining details, but its smaller knife count won't suit someone looking for a full storage setup.
Hoshanho 7-piece set with built-in sharpener
This magnetic version includes a chef, bread, santoku, nakiri, utility and paring knife, plus a block with a built-in sharpener. It swaps the fillet knife in the acacia set for a bread knife.
Hoshanho 7-Piece Magnetic Block Set (Larger): Best for bread prep
- 7 pieces
- Magnetic block with built-in sharpener
- Chef, bread, santoku, nakiri, utility and paring knives
A bread knife replaces the fillet knife, and the magnetic block has a built-in sharpener. It suits cooks who want both features and can spare counter space for the block.
Pros
- Includes bread knife and nakiri knife
- Block has a built-in sharpener
- Rosewood handles
Cons
- Block needs counter space
- No fillet knife is included
Pick it if bread slicing and convenient sharpening matter more to you than a fillet knife. Plan for its 14 x 10 x 13 in block, and skip it if your counter is already crowded.
How should you set up and care for these knives?
Start with a safe storage spot, a cutting board and a plan for sharpening. The 7-piece acacia set has no sharpener, while the other magnetic set has one built into its block and the 16-piece set includes a sharpening rod.
Use a stable cutting board and keep each knife's job in mind. A paring knife is easier to control for small trimming, while a chef knife suits larger chopping tasks.
Wash knives by hand and dry them promptly, especially before storing them on a magnetic holder. Follow the care instructions included with your set before using a dishwasher.
Use a suitable sharpener according to its instructions and the knife's edge. Avoid dragging a sharp blade across a magnetic holder, leaving damp knives in storage or assuming that every sharpener suits every edge.
A common mistake is buying extra knife shapes because the set looks more complete. If you mainly use a chef knife and paring knife, a smaller set may be easier to store and maintain.
Which Hoshanho knife set should you buy?
Choose the acacia magnetic set if you want a fillet knife, a nakiri and visible storage. Pick the 5-piece set if you want core prep shapes and can provide storage yourself.
The other magnetic set fits bread prep and built-in sharpening, while the 16-piece block set suits households that will use steak knives, shears and its wider knife mix. For another perspective on Japanese-style options, read our guide to whether Shun knives are worth it, then use this Hoshanho knife set review to match the set to your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hoshanho 7-piece magnetic set a good choice?
The Hoshanho 7-piece magnetic set suits cooks who want six knife shapes and an exposed holder. It includes chef, santoku, nakiri, fillet, utility and paring knives, making it a broad prep collection.
Choose another set if you need a bread knife, steak knives or built-in sharpening.
What knives come in the Hoshanho magnetic set?
The 7-piece magnetic set includes an 8-inch chef knife, 7-inch santoku, 7-inch nakiri, 7-inch fillet knife, 6-inch utility knife and 3.75-inch paring knife. Its double-sided acacia wood holder stores the knives on its magnetic sides.
Does the Hoshanho 7-piece set include a sharpener?
The 7-piece set with the acacia wood magnetic holder does not include a sharpener. The other Hoshanho magnetic set has a built-in sharpener, while the 16-piece block set includes a sharpening rod.
Compare the contents and choose the sharpening setup you prefer.
How should you store knives on a magnetic block?
Place a clean, dry blade flat against the magnetic surface and lift it away carefully by the handle. Put the holder on a stable counter away from children, edges and busy paths.
For more storage ideas, see our guide to storing kitchen knives safely.
