Miyabi Kaizen and Miyabi Evolution are two mid-range knives of miyabi. Both of this knife is made with quality material and has a beautiful design. But they are made with totally different material and has different look. To know more about the difference and similarities between these two knives you can go through this in-depth miyabi kaizen vs evolution comparison.
Here we will go through quick overview , comparison table and in depth comparion of these two miyabi knives.
Quick Overview: Miyabi Kaizen vs Miyabi Evolution (Vg10 vs Fc61)
If you are in hurry then before going through this whole miyabi evolution vs kaizen ( miyabi vg10 vs fc61) comparison you can go through this quick overview. Here are the main differences between kaizen and evolution.
- In miyabi Kaizen the blade core is made with VG-10 high carbon super steel. On the other hand, Miyabi evolution is made with FC61 fine carbide stainless steel.
- Miyabi kaizen vg10 blade core is wrapped by 32 layers of Damascus steel on each side. So, kaizen has a total of 65 layers of steel. But, Miyabi evolution fc61 is made from one layer of steel than means it is made from one piece of steel of one layer.
- The exterior of miyabi kaizen has a flower Damascus pattern throughout its whole body. Whereas, miyabi evolution balde features a plain mirror polished design.
- Miyabi kaizen handle is made from black linen micarta and miyabi evolution handle is made with durable POM.
- Kaizen features a traditional Japanese D shape handle. But the Evolution handle features a triple-riveted ergonomic shape.
- Though both knives are lightweight, miyabi evolution is more lightweight comparing to kaizen.
- There is a difference in price between kaizen and evolution knife.
As both knives are crafted by the same knife maker there are also some noticeable similarities between Kaisen and evolution.
- Miyabi Kaizen and Evolution both have hand-honed 9.5 to 12-degree razor-sharp cutting angles and both knives are double bevels.
- Both of these miyabi knives have almost the same Rockwell hardness which is 61 for miyabi evolution and 60 for miyabi kaizen.
- As both of this knife are made with quality material and has tough hardness they both retain their edge for long.
- Miyabi kaizen and Evolution both are full tang knives.
- When it comes to cleaning, both evolution and kaizen prefer handwash only.
- Miyabi kaizen and miyabi evolution both come with a limited lifetime warranty for any kind of manufacturing defects.
Both Miyabi Kaizen and MIyabi Evolution are part of our Best Miyabi Knives Review List.
Comparison Table: Miyabi Kaizen vs Evolution ( Miyabi FC61 vs VG10 steel)
| Miyabi Kaizen | Miyabi Evolution | |
| Where it’s made | Seki, Japan | Seki, Japan |
| Blade Material | High carbon VG-10 super steel | Fine carbide FC61 stainless steel |
| Blade Construction | The core is wrapped by 32 layers of Damascus steel on each side | One piece of steel with one layer |
| Blade Design | Flower Damascus pattern | Plain mirror polished |
| Handle Material | Black linen Micarta | POM ( polymar) |
| Handle Design | Rounded D shape handle with stainless steel end cap and mosaic pin | Triple-riveted ergonomic shaped handle |
| Handle Color | Black | Black |
| Sharpness ( Edge angle) | 9.5 -12 | 9.5 -12 |
| Rockwell Hardness | 60 | 61 |
| Full Tang | Yes | Yes |
| Edge retention | Long-Lasting | Long-Lasting |
| Cleaning | Hand Wash | Hand wash |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Price | More Expensive ( Check Price on Amazon) | Less Expensive ( Check Price on Amazon) |
Difference Between Miyabi Kaizen and Evolution Knives
In the quick review part of the miyabi kaizen vs miyabi evolution comparison difference between these knives was mentioned briefly. Now dive deep into those differences.
Differnce 1: Blade Material
Though Both evolution and kaizen use premium blade core material, they are different from each other.
Miyabi Kaizen knife is made with VG-10 super steel. VG-10 is also known as the gold standard of knife making with is very famous among Japanese knife makers. It’s a high-carbon stainless steel alloy of different components like cobalt, chromium, vanadium. Its qualities like hardness, rust resistance, edge retention all that thing makes Vg-10 so famous.
On the other hand, Blade of miyabi evolution is made with revolutionary fine carbide FC61 stainless steel. It also contains different like of necessary components like carbon, chromium, cobalt that make the blade tough hard, corrosion-resistant, and durable.
Difference 2: Blade Construction
In miyabi kaizen the VG-10 balde core is wrapped by 32 layers of Damascus steel on each side. So, there is a total of 65 layers of steel along with the balde core. Those layers around the core protect the core from extra pressure and other damages. Those layers also contribute to the flexibility of the knife.
On the other hand, Miyabi Evolution is made from one piece of FC61 stainless steel. So, evolution doesn’t have any extra layers of steel like kaizen.
Difference 3: Blade Design
There is a noticeable difference between the exterior design of these two miyabi knives (miyabi vg10 and fc61).
In miyabi kaizen vg10 there are 65 layers of steel that provide a Damascus look. There is a beautiful unique Damascus pattern through the whole body of the kaizen. As each knife is handcrafted so even each kaizen knife contains a unique design. And the edge has a plain finish without any pattern.
Whereas Miyabi evolution is made from one layer of stainless steel it doesn’t have any Damascus pattern on it. It has a shiny mirror-polished look. So, Miyabi evolution has a simplistic balde design than miyabi kaizen.
But both knife has similarities in shape. And you will find the miyabi logo in both of these knives.
Differnce 4: Handle Material
Both of the knives feature long-lasting and durable handle material. Miyabi kaizen handle is made from black linen micarta. Micarta is a composite material made from resin, linen, canvas, paper, and burlap. Moreover, micarta has a beautiful grain structure along with a wooden texture. It makes the kaizen handle extremely water and moisture resistance so it lasts for long.
On the other hand, the Miaybi evolution fc61 handle is made from POM which is a durable polymer type material. As it is water and moisture resistant and doesn’t harbor bacterial so it lasts for long.
Difference 5: Handle Design
Miyabi kaizen features a traditional Japanese style D shape handle. It has a rounded shape with a slight D curve on the right side but that is not so aggressive. So, it is quite comfortable for both left and right-hand knife users. There is also a beautiful steel end cap with a miyabi logo and a mosaic pin at the center of the handle. Moreover, you will find two red spacers that make the look more sophisticated.
On the other hand, the miyabi evolution knife features a triple-riveted ergonomic handle. So, its design is different from Japanese handle design and carries a western influence on the handle. Its handle is comfortable for Asian and western cutting. The wide portion at the handle end saves the hand from slipping. Red lines and tang is visible from the top and bottom part of the handle.
Difference 6: Weight
Both evolution fc61 and kaizen vg10 are very lightweight comparing to other knives of this size. But as evolution has a more simplistic design comparing to kaizen, it is lightweight than kaizen. Both of the knives will provide you with pressure-free and fatigue-free work for a long time. That’s why even after a long use you won’t feel pain in your hand.
Difference 7: Price
Kaizen and evolution are two mid-range knives of miaybi and their price is very close to each other.
With a simplistic design, miyabi evolution is more affordable than miyabi kaizen. And miyabi kaizen will cost a little more than miyabi evolution.
Difference 8: Product Offering
Both miyabi Kaizen and Evolution lines offer different types of knives. There are also knife sets of both lines.
| Knife/ Set | Miyabi Kaizen | Miyabi Evolution |
| chef’s knife | Available | Available |
| Santoku knife | Available | Not Available |
| Rocking Santoku | Available | Available |
| Nakiri Knife | Not Available | Available |
| Prep knife | Available | Not Available |
| Slicing Knife | Available | Not Available |
| Bread Knife | Available | Not Available |
| Utility Knife | Available | Available |
| Paring Knife | Available | Not Available |
| 6 piece knife set | Not Available | Available |
Similarities Between Miyabi Kaizen and Miaybi Evolution Knife ( VG10 and FC61)
We have gone through all these differences in this miyabi fc61 vs vg10 (miyabi kaizen vs evolution ) comparison, now let’s talk about the similarities of these two knives.
Similarities 1: Sharpness and Edge
Both kaizen and evolution feature a hand-honed 9.5 to 12-degree cutting angle with a katana edge finish. This cutting angle is usually twice the time sharpener than any western knife. This extreme sharp edge of kaizen and evolution ensures precise cut.
The Traditional 3 step honbazuke method is used to ensure this extreme sharpness. In the first two-step of this process, a knife is sharpened using a horizontal and vertical rotation blade. And finally, the knife is polished on leather.
Both of these miyabi knives are double bevels so they have the same sharpness on both sides.
Similarities 2: Hardness
Miyabi kaizen and evolution are made from different materials as mention before in this miyabi evolution vs miyabi kaizen comparison. But as both of them are made with quality material and the same process they have the almost same hardness. MIyabi evolution has a Rockwell hardness of 61 and in miyabi kaizen, the Rockwell hardness is 60. So, both of the knives are tough hard, and durable.
Similarities 3: Edge Retention
When it is about edge retention and sharpening, you won’t need to worry about sharpening so often. Both miyabi kaizen and evolution are made with quality material and they are tough hard so both of them hold their sharp edge for a long. Moreover, you will need to be careful about the sharp cutting edge of these two knives.
Similarities 4: Tang
Miyabi kaizen and miyabi evolution both are full tang knives. That means a part of the balde goes all the way through the end of the handle. Full tang adds more durability and balance to a knife. In kaizen, the tang is not visible but in evolution, the tang is visible from the bottoms and upper portion of the handle.
Similarities 5: Clean and Maintainance
Proper maintenance and care are compulsory for the longevity of a knife, the same for these two miyabi knives.
Both fc61 evolution and vg10 kaizen prefer only hand wash. So, just wash the knife with clean water or you can use soap and cloth if necessary. It is not safe to put the knife in the dishwasher.
After washing, always remember to dry the knife. Just put the knife in an open place so that it dries out properly.
For storing a wooden knife block can be used. Never put a knife into a drawer without a sheath that may damage the edge or harm you.
Similarities 6: Where they are made
All miyabi knives are handcrafted in Seki, Japan using traditional Japanese knife crafting techniques. Expert craftsmen are making knives in Seki for 700 years so it is known as the knife-making capital of japan.
Since 2004, miyabi is owned by famous german knife maker Zwilling. So, miyabi knives are made with a combination of ancient Japanese knife-making techniques and modern german technologies.
Similarities 7: Warranty
For any kind of manufacturing defects, miyabi provides a limited lifetime warranty on their knives.
Same for miyabi kaizen and evolution knife. After having one if you find any kind of manufacturing defect miyabi will provide a free warranty service for you.
Conclusion (Should You Buy Miyabi Evolution or Kaizen Knife?)
You may have got a proper and clear idea about the difference and similarities between these two knives from this miyabi kaizen vs evolution (miyabi fc61 vs vg10) comparison. Now, let’s decide which one is best for you, kaizen or evolution?
If you like a traditional gorgeous design and beautiful Damascus pattern on your knife then Miyabi Kaizen will be a better option for you. But, If you want a knife with a simplistic blade design then you can go with a miyabi evolution knife.
If you are more comfortable with a rounded shape handle then you will like miyabi kaizen. But if you like ergonomic western-style handles then Miyabi evolution will be a better option.
But in terms of hardness, sharpness, and edge retention both knives are almost the same.
Finally comes affordability and price. Both knives are mid-range knives of miyabi and their price is very close. But if you compare then miyabi evolution is more affordable and less pricy for you. With the gorgeous design and traditional look of miyabi, kaizen will cost a little bit more than evolution.
If you want to read a detailed review about these two knives, then here is the full Miyabi kaizen Review and Miyabi Evolution Chef’s Knife Review.
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