Is this set worth it compared with a few good individual knives?

If you want one matched set covering chef's, santoku, bread, utility and paring tasks, it is a practical choice. Buyers who mainly use a chef's knife may get better steel from a single premium knife instead.

How does it compare with harder Japanese knives?

At Rockwell 53–55 the blades are softer than typical Japanese knives at 60+, so they sharpen easily but dull faster. Expect to hone more often.

Can the knives go in the dishwasher?

No. The maker specifies hand washing to protect the steel and the walnut handles.

Is the Damascus pattern real layered steel?

It is a Damascus-inspired finish rather than true layered Damascus steel. It still helps food release from the blade.

What is included in the set?

Chef's, santoku, bread, utility and paring knives, kitchen shears and the acacia wood block.

What angle should I sharpen the edges at?

The edges are ground at roughly 15–20 degrees, so sharpen and hone at that angle.

Where can I buy the Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block?

11 stores we checked sell it, including Zola, Belk, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Macy's.

Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block

Best price now

$279.99at ZolaChecked 4 h ago

Compared across 11 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Zola

Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block

Best price now

$279.99at ZolaChecked 4 h ago

Compared across 11 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Zola

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $279.99 at Zola (checked Nov 10, 2026).
Checked at 11 stores.

Our take on the Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block

A seven-piece Japanese-style knife set in an acacia wood block: chef's, santoku, bread, utility, paring and a pair of kitchen shears, all forged from high-carbon Japanese steel. The blades carry a Damascus-inspired finish that helps sliced food release, and the dark walnut handles end in metal caps for balance. Hardness sits at Rockwell 53–55, softer than premium Japanese knives at 60+, so edges are easy to maintain but need more frequent honing. It suits home cooks who want a matched, good-looking set on the counter rather than specialists chasing maximum edge retention.

Best forHome cooks outfitting a first full knife setBuyers who want a matched set that looks good on the counterCooks who prefer easy-to-sharpen edges over maximum hardnessGift buyers wanting a complete block set

Pros

Six knives plus shears cover most kitchen tasks
Forged blades with full hidden tangs for rigidity
Damascus-inspired finish reduces drag and food sticking
Ergonomic walnut handles with metal end caps
Acacia block stores the set within reach

Cons

Rockwell 53–55 is soft for a Japanese-style knife; edges roll sooner
Hand wash only, so no dishwasher convenience
Damascus look is a finish, not true layered Damascus steel
Block takes up counter space and is heavy at nearly 6 lb

Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block prices at every store

ZolaNew
In stock
$279.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit Zola
BelkNew
In stock
$296.00Checked 4 h ago
Visit Belk
Crate & BarrelNew
In stock
$299.95Checked 4 h ago
Visit Crate & Barrel
NordstromNew
In stock
$299.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit Nordstrom
Macy'sNew
In stock
$299.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit Macy's
JCPenneyNew
In stock
$299.99Checked 4 h ago
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cuisinepro.comNew
In stock
$299.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit cuisinepro.com
The Custom ChefNew
In stock
$299.99Checked 4 h ago
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Home DepotNew
In stock
$305.49Checked 4 h ago
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Kohl'sNew
In stock
$315.90Checked 4 h ago
Visit Kohl's
Lowe'sNew
In stock
$999.99Checked 4 h ago
Visit Lowe's

Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block price history

Lowest price we've seen: $279.99 on Nov 10 at Zola. Tracked across 11 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

Owners of the Damashiro Emperor range generally like the look and the comfortable, well-balanced handles, and find the knives sharp out of the box. The recurring complaint is edge holding: the softer steel dulls faster than harder Japanese knives and needs regular honing.

What people mention

Edge retentionCriticisedOwners say the softer steel loses its edge sooner than harder Japanese knives and needs frequent honing.
Handle comfortPraisedReviewers find the walnut handles ergonomic and well balanced in the hand.
AppearancePraisedBuyers like the Damascus-inspired pattern and the look of the set in the block.
CareMixedHand washing is required, which some find inconvenient for daily use.
Out-of-box sharpnessPraisedKnives arrive sharp and ready to use, according to owners.

Specifications

Number Of Pieces: 7
Blade Length: 8 in (bread)
Blade Material: High-carbon Japanese steel
Blade Shape: Utility, Bread, Chef's, Paring, Santoku
Blade Tang: Full hidden tangs
Blade Sharpness: 15 20 edge angle
Blade Construction: Forged

Questions and answers

Is this set worth it compared with a few good individual knives?: If you want one matched set covering chef's, santoku, bread, utility and paring tasks, it is a practical choice. Buyers who mainly use a chef's knife may get better steel from a single premium knife instead.
How does it compare with harder Japanese knives?: At Rockwell 53–55 the blades are softer than typical Japanese knives at 60+, so they sharpen easily but dull faster. Expect to hone more often.
Can the knives go in the dishwasher?: No. The maker specifies hand washing to protect the steel and the walnut handles.
Is the Damascus pattern real layered steel?: It is a Damascus-inspired finish rather than true layered Damascus steel. It still helps food release from the blade.
What is included in the set?: Chef's, santoku, bread, utility and paring knives, kitchen shears and the acacia wood block.
What angle should I sharpen the edges at?: The edges are ground at roughly 15–20 degrees, so sharpen and hone at that angle.
Where is the Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block cheapest?: At Zola, for $279.99, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Cuisine::pro Damashiro Emperor Shi 7-Piece Knife Block?: 11 stores we checked sell it, including Zola, Belk, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Macy's.