10 Best Anime Characters Who Fight With Knives

In anime, swords and firearms are typically the primary weapons of choice due to their ability to deal significant harm and their striking aesthetic appeal. In contrast, knives are often viewed as less impressive weapons because they can inflict relatively minor injuries compared to swords, and they don’t carry the same level of visual impact. As a result, knives are frequently relegated to secondary roles in anime storylines.

Among the various characters I’ve encountered, these exceptional individuals stand out. Unlike most, they prefer knives as their primary weapon in combat, demonstrating mastery and control in their battles. Here are the top 10 anime characters who excel in knife fights, arranged according to their fighting skills. To clarify, this list primarily showcases characters who skillfully utilize knives as versatile tools, rather than daggers that are solely designed for offensive purposes. Therefore, you won’t find characters like Sung Jin-Woo from “Solo Leveling” on this list because he is more known for his use of daggers.

10. Chane Laforet

An Assassin and Her Trusted Knife

Anime Title: Baccano!
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
Japanese VA: Ryō Hirohashi

In a realm filled with eternal mobsters exchanging relentless gunfire using their submachine guns, Chane LaForet flourishes in obscurity as an exceptionally deadly contract killer, capable of eliminating her mark with just a common kitchen knife.

Chane stands out as a highly skilled martial artist, boasting exceptional speed, gracefulness, and adaptability. Unlike other boisterous, aggressive, and impulsive assassins and thugs, Chane chooses to approach her targets stealthily, delivering a swift, silent strike before they even suspect her presence.

9. Izaya Orihara

A Playing Knife for the Puppet Master

Anime Title: Durarara!!
MyAnimeList Score: 8.09
Japanese VA: Hiroshi Kamiya

In essence, Izaya Orihara is the mastermind behind many of the city’s problems. He represents an unusual blend of exceptional intelligence and a questionable moral compass. However, what Izaya consistently boasts about is his proficiency in hand-to-hand combat.

Primarily, Izaya employs his martial arts abilities either to deter Shizuo Heiwajima, the most powerful character in the series, or as a nuisance. However, when things escalate, he resorts to his trusted pocket knife. Many tend to undervalue a pocket knife, but with Izaya Orihara’s expertise, it transforms into a potent weapon that allows him to swiftly neutralize multiple targets.

8. Juuzou Suzuya

A Mad Lad and His 56 Knives

Anime Title: Tokyo Ghoul
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
Japanese VA: Rie Kugimiya

Despite his small size and slender build, Juuzou Suzuya is surprisingly one of the most formidable Ghoul investigators within the CCG. This is why he has earned a place among the elite Special Class Ghoul Investigators in the organization. In recognition of his rank, Suzuya is equipped with not just one, but two Quinques – unique weapons crafted from ghoul biology.

Before wielding his renowned Jason the 13th Scythe, Suzuya relies on a collection of 56 throwing knives known as the Scorpion 1/56. He is so adept at handling these blades that they seem like an integral part of him. This proficiency allows Juuzou to slay numerous ghouls with his trusted Scorpion. Remarkably, Suzuya continues to keep his cherished set of throwing knives concealed within his attire, even after adopting the Scythe as his primary weapon.

7. Thorfinn Thorsson

The Ruthless Knife of a Vengeful Man

Anime Title: Vinland Saga
MyAnimeList Score: 8.76
Japanese VA: Yūto Uemura

Among the individuals listed here, Thorfinn might very well be the most formidable non-superpowered knight. Despite being smaller than the average Viking, his diminutive stature is what gives him an unmatched agility in combat, enabling him to outmaneuver and vanquish adversaries much larger than himself before they even notice he’s there.

Beyond just stating this, Thorfinn possesses an impressive battlefield background gained from real-life encounters. He consistently demonstrates his exceptional fighting abilities in various scenarios, whether it’s a one-on-one duel against fellow Vikings where he must carefully strategize to outmaneuver his opponent or in chaotic wars where he can unleash his primal instincts and swiftly eliminate every enemy. This is why, despite lacking any supernatural abilities, he would certainly put up a fierce challenge for anyone on this list.

6. Buggy the Star Clown

The Many Knives of the Clown Juggler

Anime Title: One Piece
MyAnimeList Score: 8.73
Japanese VA: Subaru Kimura

Regarding his combat techniques, it’s often Buggy the Clown who stands out in people’s minds, known for exclusively leveraging his Devil Fruit power, the Chop-Chop Fruit. Yet, what many might not know is that Buggy primarily uses throwing knives as his preferred weaponry.

Frequently, Buggy employs his knife alongside his devil fruit ability. Typically, he splits his upper and lower body, enabling his upper half to move freely in mid-air. After rising into the air, he often hurls knives at his adversaries or launches surprise attacks from above.

5. Himiko Toga

A Knife to Draw First Blood

Anime Title: My Hero Academia
MyAnimeList Score: 7.84
Japanese VA: Misato Fukuen

Himiko Toga demonstrates yet another instance of someone skillfully utilizing a knife in tandem with her extraordinary ability. Her unique talent enables her to adopt the physical form of someone by consuming their blood, and following her transformation, she’s capable of replicating other individuals’ special powers too.

Instead of primarily inflicting severe harm, Himiko’s knives are primarily designed to draw first blood, which triggers her quirk. However, it’s worth noting that she is proficient in close-quarter combat and can use her knives to inflict lethal injuries on enemies if necessary.

4. Kohaku

A Stone Knife for a Stone-Age Huntress

Anime Title: Dr. Stone
MyAnimeList Score: 8.27
Japanese VA: Manami Numakura

Instead of other original inhabitants of the new Stone Age, Kohaku was uniquely endowed with supernatural physical power. She can hold her own against some of today’s toughest fighters, including Tsukasa Shishio. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to label Kohaku as one of the strongest characters in the series.

In simpler terms, Kohaku’s reliable tool is a basic stone-made blade. Prior to the arrival of Senku and the group from the past, Kohaku primarily employed this trusted blade for hunting. However, it’s worth noting that she can also effectively use her knife in intense battles.

3. Bell Cranel

A Rising Star with a Magical Knife

Anime Title: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
MyAnimeList Score: 7.53
Japanese VA: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu

Initially, Bell Cranel appears as an amiable young man navigating the labyrinths, but upon scrutiny of his character and actions throughout the series, it’s evident that he is a skilled warrior worthy of holding one of the top three spots among exceptional blade wielders.

Initially, Bell was just a greenhorn adventurer, struggling against weaker foes at the story’s outset. However, as the narrative unfolds, he steadily grows stronger and more skilled with each battle. Moreover, the deity Hestia gifts him a magical knife imbued with blessings, which becomes an essential tool for Bell in his perilous expeditions through the dungeons. Equipped with the Hestia knife and his honed combat abilities, Bell is capable of defeating various adversaries, be they monsters or fellow adventurers.

2. Kaiman

The Brutal Knives of Justice

Anime Title: Dorohedoro
MyAnimeList Score: 8.05
Japanese VA: Wataru Takagi

Amongst those wielding knives in this group, I notice that Kaiman’s combat style stands out as the most raw and aggressive. In stark contrast to Chane’s elegant slashing, Suzuya’s persistent onslaught, or Thorfinn’s meticulous knife craft, Kaiman charges headlong into battle, reducing his adversaries into minuscule fragments.

Through a blend of his exceptional skills in close-quarters fighting and immense physical power, Kaiman was able to inflict such devastation. Despite his disdain for his cursed form, it’s undeniable that the enhanced strength he now possesses has become an indispensable asset in combat situations.

1. Shiki Ryougi

A Knife That Cuts Through Destiny

Anime Title: The Garden of Sinners
MyAnimeList Score: 7.56
Japanese VA: Maaya Sakamoto

In the given text, “The Garden of Sinners” was an early creation by the author of the Fate series, and it’s one of the least recognized anime on this list. The main character, Shiki Ryougi, is also relatively unknown and appears to be among the least powerful characters here. However, she is proficient in hand-to-hand combat and is an accomplished swordsman. Yet, when compared to skilled fighters like Chane or unusual beings such as Suzuya or Thorfinn, she stands little chance.

“The ‘Garden of Sinners’ is an obscure anime in this list, having been created early on by the Fate series author. Its protagonist, Shiki Ryougi, is less well-known and seems to be one of the least powerful characters here. Despite her skill in martial arts and swordsmanship, she struggles against more experienced or extraordinary fighters like Chane, Suzuya, or Thorfinn.

What makes Shiki rank first on this list is her extraordinary power, the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. This unique ability allows her to discern the boundaries between life and death in any object, from a seasoned warrior to an ornate chair. Once she identifies these boundaries, she can use her knife to sever them. Upon being sliced, the object will no longer possess life – living beings like humans will die instantly, while non-living objects such as furniture will disintegrate. Given the devastating nature of this ability, Shiki could effortlessly eliminate every contender on this list, thus earning her the top spot.

2025-03-26 15:42