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.
Your Japanese knife is an investment in better cooking. With the right care, it will reward you with decades of effortless cutting. This quick-reference guide covers the five essentials every knife owner should know. 1. Hand wash only — every time This is the single most important rule. Dishwashers damage knives in three ways: the […]
Last updated: April 2026 Oishya began with a trip to Japan and a question: why are the knives in Tokyo’s kitchen shops so much better than anything we could find at home in Europe? The journey to Japan’s knife villages Our story starts in the workshops of Sakai and Seki — Japan’s two legendary blade-making […]
Last updated: April 2026 Summer is the season of hosting — backyard dinners, holiday gatherings, housewarming parties. If someone in your life loves to cook, these are gifts that will genuinely elevate their kitchen. No novelty gadgets or dust-collecting unitaskers. Every item on this list is something we use ourselves and would be delighted to […]
Last updated: April 2026 A Japanese kitchen knife is not merely manufactured — it is born from a tradition stretching back over 600 years to the swordsmiths of feudal Japan. When you hold one of our knives, you are holding the result of dozens of individual steps, most performed by hand, in workshops where the […]
Last updated: April 2026 Japanese knives have a reputation for being expensive, but the reality is more nuanced. While mass-market knives cost €20-50, a hand-finished Japanese blade at €75-300 represents genuine value — these are tools built to last decades, not years. Here is what you can get at each price point, and our honest […]
Last updated: April 2026 If you are new to Japanese knives, buying a set is the smartest way to build your collection. You get complementary blade styles that cover every kitchen task, matched handles and aesthetics, and better value than buying individually. But which set is right for a beginner? We break down everything you […]
Last updated: April 2026 Choosing the right Japanese chef knife can feel overwhelming. With different blade styles, steel types, and price points, even experienced cooks struggle to find the perfect match. We have spent years curating, testing, and selling Japanese knives — and in this guide, we share what we have learned so you can […]
The Japanese kitchen is more than a place to prepare food. It is a space shaped by centuries of philosophy, craftsmanship, and an approach to everyday life that values harmony, mindfulness, and respect for materials. Understanding this culture transforms how you cook — and how you experience your tools. This guide explores the ideas, traditions, […]
There’s a moment, right after you unwrap a Japanese kitchen knife for the first time, when you just hold it. You tilt it under the light. You notice the texture on the blade — those irregular dimples, those rippling waves of steel — and something clicks. This isn’t a tool that rolled off a factory […]
There’s a question we hear constantly, usually whispered with a mix of curiosity and concern: “Is a £300 knife actually worth it?” And we get it. Three hundred quid is serious money. You could buy a whole set of decent knives for that. Or a new coat. Or several nice dinners out. So let’s talk […]
When you first see a Damascus knife, the reaction is almost always the same. That mesmerizing wave pattern catches your eye, those flowing lines that seem to move across the blade like water. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you pause, that makes you want to touch the steel and trace those patterns with […]
When it comes to upgrading your kitchen tools, Japanese knives represent one of the most transformative investments you can make. But with dozens of traditional blade types—each designed for specific tasks. Choosing the right Japanese knife for home cooking can feel overwhelming. Which knife truly delivers the best value, versatility, and performance for everyday home […]
Japanese knives represent centuries of refinement, with each blade shape evolved to perfection for specific culinary tasks. Unlike Western knife sets that often include multiple redundant pieces, every Japanese knife type serves a distinct purpose, born from the precision and specialisation inherent in Japanese cooking culture. In this guide, we’ll explore every major Japanese knife […]
If you’ve recently installed a magnetic knife rack, you’ve probably encountered a surprisingly heated debate: Should you hang your knives with the blade pointing up or down? It’s one of those kitchen questions that seems simple but sparks passionate opinions. Food bloggers insist blade-down is safer. Professional chefs often prefer blade-up. And plenty of experienced […]
Whether you’re a complete beginner stepping into the kitchen for the first time or a seasoned home cook looking to upgrade your knife game, understanding kitchen knives can transform your entire cooking experience. A good knife isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of your hand, a precision instrument that can make the difference between tedious […]
The brown delivery van pulls away from your doorstep, leaving behind a package that weighs more than you expected. Inside that unassuming shipping box lies months of obsessive attention to detail, countless prototypes, and a level of perfectionism that borders on the unreasonable. This is the story of what really goes into creating your Oishya […]
Among the vast family of Japanese knives, the Nakiri (菜切り包丁) holds a special place — particularly among chefs who value precision, ease, and beauty in vegetable prep. Its simple, clean lines and purpose-built design make it a beloved tool in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re a professional or a passionate home cook, the Nakiri […]
When a knife becomes part of your daily cooking ritual, it does more than cut food — it shapes how you cook, how you feel at the counter, and the memories that meal prep makes possible. At Oishya, we believe kitchen tools should be crafted to last and used to spark joy. That’s why knowing […]
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 […]
This article is part of our complete knife care guide. 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 […]