Is It Bad Luck to Gift a Knife? How to Give Kitchen Knives Without Breaking Tradition

You’ve found the perfect gift for someone special: a beautiful Japanese kitchen knife that will last a lifetime. But then you remember hearing something about knives and bad luck, and suddenly you’re second-guessing your choice. Should you really give a knife as a gift?

The short answer is yes – with one important caveat. Let us explain.

Why Knives Make Exceptional Gifts

Before we dive into superstitions, let’s talk about why kitchen knives are such thoughtful presents. A quality knife is:

Timeless and practical – used daily and appreciated for years
Personal – chosen specifically for the recipient’s cooking style
Meaningful – represents trust, connection, and shared experiences in the kitchen
Memorable – a genuine heirloom that can be passed down through generations

Whether for weddings, housewarmings, birthdays, or culinary milestones, a premium knife shows you’ve put real thought into your gift.

The Ancient Superstition: Why Gifting Knives Was Considered Bad Luck

According to folklore from cultures around the world, giving a knife as a gift can “cut” or “sever” the relationship between the giver and receiver. This superstition exists across many traditions:

In Japan, giving sharp objects like knives or scissors symbolically cuts bonds between people
In European cultures, gifting a knife (especially as a wedding present) is thought to bring misfortune to the relationship
In Chinese tradition, the word for knife sounds similar to words associated with separation

This belief is particularly strong when it comes to wedding gifts, where a knife could symbolically “cut the marriage ties.”

The Beautiful Solution: The Coin Tradition

Fortunately, there’s an elegant way to neutralize this superstition that’s been practiced for centuries. The solution is simple: attach a coin to the knife as a gift, which the recipient then “pays” back to the giver.

This symbolic exchange transforms the gift into a purchase, breaking the superstition while preserving the thoughtful gesture. The coin doesn’t need to be valuable – it’s the symbolic act of exchange that matters.

Oishya’s Thoughtful Approach: The 5 Yen Coin

At Oishya, we take this tradition seriously. That’s why every Sakai Kyuba and Seki Kyuba knife comes with an authentic 5 yen Japanese coin attached to a beautiful note inside the packaging.

But we didn’t choose just any coin. The 5 yen coin carries special significance:

The Japanese word for “five yen” – go en (五円) – is a homophone with go-en (御縁), which means “relationship,” “connection,” and “bond.”

By including this specific coin, we’re not just helping you avoid bad luck – we’re actively invoking good fortune for your relationship with the gift recipient. When they return the coin to you, you’re symbolically strengthening your connection rather than severing it.

Because Presentation and Packaging Matter

We believe the entire gifting experience should be special. That’s why all our knife sets come in:

Handcrafted European Oak wooden boxes with a delicate waxed finish
Oishya signature illustration strips featuring the Onna Bugeisha – legendary Japanese female warriors who inspire our brand
A beautiful note explaining the 5 yen coin tradition, along with the genuine coin itself
Certificate of Authenticity with a traditional Hanko stamp

Inside the box, you’ll find your carefully crafted knife, the symbolic 5 yen coin, and the assurance that you’re giving a gift that honors both tradition and your relationship.

How to Give a Knife as a Gift (The Right Way)

When you gift an Oishya knife:

Present the knife in its beautiful oak box – don’t remove the 5 yen coin
Explain the tradition – share the story of the coin and its significance
Ask them to “pay” you back – have them remove the coin and return it to you
Keep the coin – it becomes a meaningful token of your connection

This simple ritual transforms potential bad luck into a beautiful shared moment and a story you’ll both remember.

Other Knife Superstitions Worth Knowing

While you’re here, here are a few other knife-related superstitions from around the world:

Never hand someone an open knife – close it first or set it down for them to pick up (this prevents arguments)
Don’t give knives to a new bride – unless she “pays” for them
Dropping a knife – in some cultures, means a man will visit; if a fork drops, a woman will visit
Crossed knives on a table – thought to bring bad luck or signal an argument

The Bottom Line: Knives Are Wonderful Gifts

Despite old superstitions, kitchen knives remain one of the most appreciated and practical gifts you can give – especially when they’re as thoughtfully crafted as Oishya’s Japanese knives. The quality of a premium knife speaks to your relationship with the recipient: it’s an investment in their daily joy, their culinary journey, and your shared memories.

With our included 5 yen coin and the simple exchange ritual, you can give with complete confidence, knowing you’re honoring tradition while strengthening bonds.

Ready to find the perfect knife for someone special? Explore our collections: