Knives From Japan | Blog

11/08/2026

HORL Knife Sharpeners

About HORL HORL was founded in Germany by father and son Otmar and Timo Horl. Frustrated with the difficulty of using traditional whetstones, Otmar began developing an idea for a more precise and user-friendly way to sharpen knives. In 1993, he started visualising a rolling knife sharpener made from wood and metal. In 2016, HORL was created and their first product was launched. By combining engineering and functionality, HORL set out to solve a common problem: how to sharpen a dull knife effectively without needing the experience or technique required... Read More

06/08/2026

Japanese Pocket Knives – The History & Craftmanship

Japanese knives are known around the world for their exceptional sharpness, craftsmanship and attention to detail. While Japanese kitchen knives receive much of the attention, Japan also has a fascinating tradition of pocket knives and folding knives. From the simple and historic Higonokami to the highly refined handmade knives of Yoshimi Kotoh, Japanese pocket knives come in many forms. Some were created as practical working tools, while others have developed into highly collectible examples of Japanese craftsmanship. In this article, we look at three very different Japanese pocket knives: Nagao... Read More

29/05/2026

Japanese BBQ at Home: Discover Our Yakiniku Collection

Everything you need to create authentic Japanese BBQ at home. There’s something special about cooking over a fire. The warmth of the grill, the sound of ingredients sizzling and the aromas rising with the heat turn a simple meal into something memorable. Cooking becomes slower, more intentional and more enjoyable. It invites you to gather people around the table and enjoy every part of the process. That’s exactly what makes Yakiniku BBQ so special. What is Yakiniku? The history of Yakiniku BBQ is closely connected to Japan’s post-war food culture... Read More

26/01/2026
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NEW – Kawai Handcrafted Chopsticks

Tradition, Craft & Modern Style for Everyday Dining When it comes to beautifully crafted Japanese chopsticks, few names carry the heritage and innovation of Kawai Co., Ltd. Based in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture—the home of Wakasa-nuri, where nearly 80% of Japan’s lacquered chopsticks are produced—Kawai stands at the intersection of centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary design. Kawai’s collections, including the beloved KURABI range and the innovative 2-Way cooking/dining chopsticks, capture the essence of Japanese artistry while making it accessible for modern homes around the world. The 2-Way Cooking Chopsticks – compared... Read More

12/12/2025
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The Perfect Christmas Gift

Finding the ideal Christmas gift can be a challenge — especially when you want something thoughtful, practical, beautifully made, and guaranteed to be appreciated long after the festive season ends. At Knives From Japan, we believe the best gifts are those crafted with purpose, precision, and tradition. Japanese knives and tools embody all of this: exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and a level of quality that transforms everyday cooking into a joy. Whether you’re buying for a home cook, a professional chef, or someone who simply loves beautiful, functional gifts, our... Read More

01/08/2025
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Why Invest in a Handmade Japanese Knife?

A handmade Japanese knife is more than a tool; it’s an extension of culinary artistry. Blending centuries of tradition, unparalleled craftsmanship, and advanced metallurgy, these knives offer precision and longevity unmatched by mass-produced alternatives. At Knives from Japan, we pride ourselves on sourcing our blades directly from the most specialist handmade hubs within Japan, such as the renowned Sakai region, ensuring you receive not just a knife, but a piece of authentic, master-crafted heritage. This guide explores their rich history, meticulous crafting, superior materials, performance benefits, and essential care, ensuring... Read More

24/07/2025
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Sheffield-Made Pocket Knives: Discover the Enduring Quality of Taylor’s Eye Witness Collection

For over 160 years, Sheffield pocket knives have stood as a benchmark for craftsmanship and durability. Taylor’s Eye Witness continues this proud tradition, offering a stunning range of handmade pocket knives crafted entirely in their Sheffield factory. Known for their precision blades, rugged triple bolt-locked handles, and classic British design, these knives are built to last and perfect for everything from everyday carry to specialised gardening tasks. Tailored Blades for Every Purpose Whether you’re seeking a knife for detailed work or tough outdoor use, Taylor’s Eye Witness has you covered.... Read More

30/06/2025
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The Truth About Choosing the Right Kitchen Knife.

Why Knife Buying is Both an Art and a Science Introduction: Why You Shouldn’t Trust Every Knife Recommendation You’ve probably read a hundred kitchen knife reviews by now. One says “this knife changed my life,” another says “don’t waste your money.” Confusing, right? Here’s the first thing you need to know: take knife recommendations with a grain of salt. Knife preferences are wildly subjective — kind of like the white/gold vs black/blue dress debate. What’s perfect for someone else may be totally wrong for you. That’s why our goal at... Read More

05/06/2025
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Knife Sharpening: How it works

Professional Knife Sharpening at Knives from Japan At Knives From Japan, we believe a sharp knife is essential – and we’re here to bring your blades back to their best. Located at 100 Great Portland Street, we offer a professional knife sharpening service tailored to Japanese and premium kitchen knives. Here you will find how to book. How We Sharpen All sharpening is carried out using a Tormek slow-speed water-cooled grinding wheel, followed by finishing on a variety of Japanese whetstones to refine the edge. This combination ensures precision sharpening... Read More

02/05/2023
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What is a Usuba?

A Usuba knife is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife that is specifically designed for precision cutting and chopping of vegetables. It is characterized by its straight edge and a tall, rectangular blade profile. Often confused with the Nakiri, there are some features that set the Usuba apart. Usuba knives are typically single-bevelled, meaning they have a flat side and a bevelled side. The single-bevel design allows for extremely precise cuts and enables chefs to create thin, consistent slices of vegetables. The tall blade height provides ample space for the knuckles... Read More