About Knives

At first, Japanese knife grading can feel confusing. This is true for beginners and collectors alike. Japanese kitchen knives are not graded like Western knives.

Experts often refer to Aritsugu—a centuries-old Japanese kitchen knife store—as Japan’s first knife maker. If you love cooking and have the chance to visit the ancient city of Kyoto, this is certainly a wonderful place you shouldn’t miss. What is Aritsugu like? Aritsugu is a treasured craft house where tradition and precision quietly live together. […]

Tsuchime is a special finishing style in which a blade is gently shaped, with visible hammer marks across its surface.

Hōchōshiki is a traditional Japanese knife ritual that dates back more than 1,000 years. It started in the emperor’s court in ancient Japan. The ceremony shows skill, focus, and respect for food.

Fugu, or pufferfish, is one of Japan’s most well-known traditional foods. It is closely connected to winter meals, local pride, and expert cooking skills.

One of the most treasured highlights of Japanese cuisine is sushi. This traditional dish has been a familiar part of Japanese life for centuries. It showcases each ingredient’s natural taste and texture in its purest and most unique form.

A Japanese knife represents a deep, rich tradition of craftsmanship and skill. People visit Takefu Knife Village because it offers an authentic look at how these special knives are made. Located in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, this unique village is more than just a place to buy knives. It’s a living workshop where old traditions meet modern techniques. 

Few food adventures in Japan are as exciting as omakase (chef’s choice). It’s more than food; it’s built on trust. Instead of choosing from a menu, you say omakase. The chef then creates a special course using the freshest ingredients of the day.

When you hear the words stainless steel, you might picture shiny kitchen knives gleaming under bright lights. But have you ever wondered what actually makes steel stainless? Or why chefs often talk about the difference between stainless steel and carbon steel knives?

Tosa Uchihamono, or Tosa forged blades, are traditional Japanese knives and tools made in Kochi Prefecture. For over 400 years, blacksmiths in the Tosa region have refined their craft to create blades prized for their sharpness and strength.