Japanese knives are coveted for their beautiful and detailed design, as well as the cuts they produce. Their blades are typically thin and delicate, and prone to breaking if you don’t take care of them properly — not ideal for the clumsy chef.
Kitchen knives are more than just cutting tools—they’re the bridge between ingredients and inspiration, the instruments that transform raw potential into culinary art. Yet despite their fundamental importance in every kitchen, most home cooks know surprisingly little about what makes one knife different from another. The truth is, all knives are decidedly not equal. The […]
Getting into Japanese knives is akin to discovering a world where culinary tradition meets artistic craftsmanship. As you start this new chapter, picture the countless meals, the bursts of creativity, and the sense of achievement that lie ahead. At Oishya, we believe that choosing the right knife isn’t just about picking a tool – it’s […]
For passionate home cooks seeking to elevate their culinary experience, understanding different knife styles is key to finding the perfect kitchen companion. Let’s explore four versatile Japanese knife types, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Kiritsuke: The Chef’s Sword The Kiritsuke is a multi-purpose blade that combines elements of other Japanese knives: Shape: Long, […]
For the culinary enthusiast seeking to elevate their home kitchen to professional-grade status, few purchases are more worthy of consideration than a premium, handcrafted Japanese kitchen knife. These blades represent the ultimate intersection of ultra-sharp performance, low-maintenance practicality, and generations of highly-refined metal- and blade-smithing traditions. However, one of the key decisions faced when selecting […]
The world of Japanese kitchen knives is a captivating realm where centuries-old traditions intersect with modern culinary innovation. As you embark on this journey, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to invest in an individual knife or a complete set. This choice can seem daunting, especially for those new to the intricacies […]
In the annals of Japanese history, few traditions command as much reverence as the forging of Ni-honto, the legendary Japanese swords that have captured the imagination of warriors, scholars and collectors alike. These extraordinary blades, born from the exacting processes of firing and folding rare steel, are not mere weapons; they are living embodiments of […]
In the world of culinary arts, the choice of tools is as vital as the ingredients used. Among these tools, Japanese knives are highly esteemed for their exceptional craftsmanship and performance. This article explores these exquisite knives, with a focus on the renowned Sakai Kyuba and Seki Kyuba ranges, offered by Oishya, a provider of […]
The timeless allure of Damascus steel Damascus steel, a term that evokes images of ancient warriors and exquisite craftsmanship, remains one of the most fascinating materials in metallurgy. Its distinctive wavy pattern, not just aesthetically captivating but also a marker of exceptional quality, continues to intrigue both historians and craftsmen alike. This legendary steel, known […]
So, you’ve decided to upgrade your kitchenware, moved to a new house, or perhaps you’ve heard that Japanese knives make the perfect, personal gift? You’re in for a treat! Japanese knives are not just tools; they’re a gateway to a world of culinary craftsmanship, precision, and tradition. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, an adventurous […]
As a woman who loves to cook, you understand the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. Cooking is not just about nourishment; it’s a creative outlet, a form of self-expression, and an opportunity to share unforgettable moments. To fully embrace this culinary journey and elevate your […]
In the world of culinary artistry, a high-quality cooking knife serves as an essential tool for chefs and home cooks alike. When selecting the perfect knife, factors such as ergonomic design, lightweight maneuverability, precision cutting, and durability come into play. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the realm of rust-resistant cooking knives, delving into […]
Women have always played a vital role in the kitchen, and their passion for cooking has inspired many innovative kitchen utensils. Among these tools are Japanese knives, known for their excellence in precision, sharpness, and design. From the hands of skilled Japanese artisans, these knives have been crafted for centuries using unique techniques that make […]
Japanese knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness and precision in cutting. They are an essential tool in any chef’s kitchen and require proper care and maintenance to keep them performing at their best. In this article, we will delve into the world of Japanese knives and explore the various types available, as well as […]
If you are looking to purchase a new kitchen knife you have probably encountered two important knife types: Western and Japanese kitchen knives. In today’s article, we asked professional Chef Olivia Burt to talk to us about Western vs Japanese knives and her preferences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfhWOp66kbA In Chef Olivia’s words: What I love about Japanese knives […]
Bogwood is a type of wood. More specifically, this wood type comes from trees that have been buried in peat bogs and preserved from decay by acidic and anaerobic bog conditions. This wood ranges in age from 2,500 to 5,000 years. Bog oak is known for its exceptional strength and often used to make luxury […]
As a team of foodies working at a Oishya, we often get asked about whether it’s better to invest in a kitchen knife set or individual knives when starting out. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’re here to share some tips and insights to help you make an informed decision that works best for […]
Before we can go into the details of each wood type, we must identify what makes wooden handles so good. So why opt for wooden handles? Wood is natural material that is warm to the touch, comfortable to hold and long lasting. Therefore, it is no surprise that wood has been widely used as a […]
Japanese knives have become an essential kitchen tool for any chef or home cook. But what exactly is it that makes Japanese knives so good? Are they really better than Western knives? The blade’s hardness There are two ways to make a Japanese knife: honyaki or kasumi. Where, honyaki involves using solid high-carbon steel whilst kasumi forges a […]
When it comes to selecting a perfect Japanese knife for women, the truth is, there isn’t a specific Japanese knife type for women. The beauty of these knives is the fact that they can be used by everyone. What determines which type of knife is good for you is the size of your hands and […]
Selecting the best Japanese kitchen knife for your needs Is it your first every proper knife? If yes, then go for a gyuto, it’s a multi-purpose knife. Once you feel more confident, you can compliment your set with nakiri (ideal for fruit, veggies) and petty (utility knife, a small knife for all the rest of […]
A bit of a knife history… The city of Sakai is situated by the Osaka bay at the Japanese main island. It is said that the foundations for knife making were laid down as early as the fifth century AD. That is when the great mounds, the Kofun, were built. This required excellent tools, which […]
If you don’t own yet any Japanese kitchen knife, the exotic sounding names – gyuto, santoku, nakiri, sujihiki, deba etc. probably don’t ring any bell. Even if you’re a knife expert, familiar with all the different types of steel and different edge grinds, you might not know about the unique names that the Japanese use for their […]
You should know by now that having a good kitchen knife is crucial to making cooking a pleasure, not a chore. Quality of food affects our moods and by cooking your own you know what’s put inside. The best knife for you is the one feels great when you hold it in your hand. A […]
You often ask us: how does a ceramic knife differ from a metal knife and which is better? Is ceramic knife better than a steel knife? The short answer is: it depends on what purpose you want the knife for. The long answer is more complicated. Let’s see which type is victorious in the ulitmate […]
This guide is to help you select the best Japanese knife suitable for your needs. Japanese knives are famous for their beautiful and detailed design, history as well as the cuts they produce. They are often considered an art of their own since most of them are handcrafted. Not without reason, Japanese knives are most […]
With so many shapes, sizes, steels, finishes and handle materials it can be overwhelming knowing what to look for in a Japanese knife. Keep calm and read our helpful guide. Choosing a kitchen knife and right sharpening stones is not as hard you might think, it just seems like it because of all the choices […]
Sujikihi knives The Sujihiki or Subihiki – as some also call them – is the Japanese version of the slicing Western knives. Sujihiki knives are also used for carving. A carving knife is much thinner than a chef’s knife (particularly at the spine) and has a sharper edge than Western versions, enabling it to carve […]
Knife Handle Materials While you may already know everything about steel and different blade’s components used in Japanese knives, we thought to also give a quick explanation on how different kitchen knife handles can be, their prons and cons and what price tag they usually carry.While many people think the most important part of a knife […]
