For nearly 50 years, Masahiro's iconic MSC series has been one of Japan's best-selling series.
A stainless steel masterpiece that combines the best of Masahiro technology.
The popular Masahiro line "MSC" will astound you with its sharpness of cut, manageability, and elegance.
Three knives with the best sharpness and blade longevity have been created using a specific stainless steel and the outstanding tempering of the craftsmen, developed by the knowledge of the blacksmiths of Seki City, the city of cutlery.
The original stainless steel blade (MBS-26) has a carbon content of 0.9 percent and a chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium content of 13%.
This Masahiro MSC Series knife set has outstanding sharpness thanks to the carbon in the stainless steel!
The performance of hardening was below zero.
Handle material: Resin-impregnated laminated reinforced wood for increased durability and water resistance. It also contains an antibiotic ingredient that kills Escherichia coli germs.
The following items are included in the set:
■ Chef knife, blade length cm. 21
■ Santoku knife, blade length cm. 16.5
■ Utility knife, blade length cm. 12
FAQs
What is the ideal length for a chef's knife?
The most common length for a chef's knife is 20 cm (8 inches), which is perfect for most kitchen tasks.
However, the ideal choice depends on several factors:
Hand size: Smaller hands handle 16–18 cm blades more comfortably, while larger hands may prefer a 21–25 cm blade.
Personal habits: Those who favor broad movements and long cuts might lean toward longer knives; those who prioritize precision or work in tight spaces might prefer a shorter blade.
Experience level: Beginners tend to choose shorter, more manageable blades, while professionals often prefer 21 or 24 cm knives for greater efficiency.
In short, there is no “perfect” size for everyone — the right length should be chosen based on comfort, control, and intended use.
What’s the best way to store kitchen knives?
Avoid keeping them loose in drawers, where they can get damaged or become a safety hazard. It’s better to use a wooden block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. You can find the right solution in our catalog.
Do you have professional chef knives?
Yes, in our ecommerce store you will find only professional and high-quality chef knives.
Each model is selected to meet the needs of chefs, cooks, and cooking enthusiasts who seek reliable, sharp, and durable tools.
We offer a complete range of professional kitchen knives, ideal for precision cutting, meat, fish, vegetables, and much more.
You will find slicing knives, santoku, paring knives, and other models commonly used in professional kitchens.
We collaborate only with brands recognized at the professional level, such as [e.g., Victorinox, Global, Kai, F. Dick, Ambrogio Sanelli, Wüsthof, etc.], to offer you the best in performance and safety in the kitchen
Can I put knives in the dishwasher?
It’s highly discouraged. High heat and aggressive detergents can damage both blade and handle. Knives can also knock against other items, dulling the edge.
What does "blade hardness" mean?
Hardness refers to how resistant the steel is, measured on the Rockwell scale (HRC). The harder the steel, the better it retains its edge—but it’s also more brittle and prone to chipping.
Who should use a knife case?
A knife case is ideal for professional chefs, culinary students, or anyone who enjoys cooking outside the home. It keeps your knives organized, protected, and always ready for use.
How do I choose the right knife block?
It depends on your kitchen space, how many knives you own, and your style. You can choose from vertical blocks, horizontal blocks, or magnetic ones. On AFcoltellerie, you’ll find a full range to compare.
How many knives do I really need in a set?
That depends on your needs. Basic sets typically include 3–5 essential knives (chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, carving knife). Professional sets may contain 10 or more tools, such as sharpeners, kitchen scissors, and carving forks.
Is it better to buy a full set or individual knives?
If you’re just starting out or want a complete setup in one go, a set is a practical and cost-effective choice. If you’re experienced, building your own collection piece by piece might suit you better.
Do blocks and cases include knives?
It depends on the product. Some come pre-filled with knives, while others are empty and compatible with most standard knives. Always check the product description to know what’s included.
How do you clean knife blocks and cases?
Wooden blocks should be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Knife cases can be wiped down with a mild detergent. Avoid dishwashers or soaking in water.
Can I create a custom set if I don’t find what I’m looking for?
Yes! If the combination of knives, block, or case you’re looking for isn’t listed, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you put together a custom set tailored to your needs and cooking style.
What materials are used for knife blades?
Blades can be made of stainless steel (rust-resistant), carbon steel (very sharp but delicate), or ceramic (lightweight and razor-sharp but fragile). Premium knives often use Damascus steel or advanced alloys. Not sure which to choose? Contact us—AFcoltellerie has them all.
What are knife handles made of?
Handles can be made of wood (classic but delicate), plastic (durable and hygienic), or technical materials like micarta or G-10, which are extremely tough and non-slip even when wet.
European or Japanese knives: what’s the difference?
European knives are sturdier, with thick, curved blades for rocking cuts and tough ingredients. Japanese knives have thinner, harder blades for clean, precise slicing—but they’re also more fragile. In short: Europeans are durable and versatile, Japanese are sharp and surgical.
What’s the best knife for beginners?
A 20 cm chef’s knife is the most versatile option to start with. Paired with a paring knife, it covers most everyday kitchen needs.
What are the grooves (granton edge) on a blade for?
The grooves or “granton edge” reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. They’re especially useful with wet or soft foods like fish, cheese, or vegetables.
Are there knives for left-handed users?
Yes. Some single-bevel Japanese knives are made specifically for right- or left-handed use. Many universal knives, with a double bevel, work well for both.
What deeply characterises the Masahiro MV-H and MSC series?
The MV-H and MSC series represent the most operational and professional side of Masahiro. Their identity is not built around decorative finishing or visual prestige, but around the blade’s ability to work quickly, precisely and continuously. The use of high-performance stainless steels, combined with geometries designed for a very clean entry into the cut, makes these lines especially valued in environments where the knife must deliver steady output rather than simply make a strong first impression.
Who are these series truly recommended for?
They are recommended primarily for professional cooks, prep workers and highly experienced users who use a knife for many hours each day. Users coming from softer knives or Western-style geometries may find them more reactive and more demanding, because the cutting performance is high but requires a secure hand and sound technical awareness. In other words, these are lines that reward people who already know how to exploit a highly capable blade rather than those who are only looking for immediate comfort.
For which uses do they express the greatest value?
They perform at their best in repetitive and technical work: mise en place, vegetable prep, portioning meat and fish, precise finishing work and line production. Their value becomes especially clear when speed, consistency of motion and the ability to maintain a clean cut through many consecutive tasks are required. They are not designed for abusive or heavy-duty misuse, but for technical, continuous and well-organised kitchen work.
How should they be maintained correctly?
Maintenance should match the technical profile of the blade. Whetstone sharpening is the correct approach, especially because many Masahiro knives perform best when their cutting geometry is respected. They should be hand-washed, dried immediately and used on suitable cutting surfaces, while twisting cuts, overly hard materials and careless habits should be avoided because they quickly reduce the quality of a highly tuned professional edge.
What distinguishes Japanese knives from Western ones?
Thinner geometries, sharper edge angles and an approach focused on precision and clean cutting.
Santoku or Gyuto: which should you choose?
The santoku is compact and versatile for everyday use; the gyuto is closer to a classic chef’s knife and is ideal for long cuts and sustained work.
Are Japanese knives more delicate?
Yes, they often require more care: they are not suitable for bones, frozen foods or twisting, but offer superior cutting performance when used correctly.
How do you properly sharpen a Japanese knife?
Whetstone sharpening is ideal: a medium grit for maintenance and a finer grit for finishing, adapting the choice to the steel and usage.