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Japanese kitchen knives
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.
The Craft and Precision of Japanese Knives: A Beginner’s Guide
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 […]
Exploring Japanese Knife Styles: Kiritsuke, Bunka, Gyuto, and Santoku
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, […]
The Great Stainless vs Non-Stainless Debate: A Guide to Japanese Kitchen Knives
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 […]
Beginning Your Journey With Japanese Kitchen Knives: Individual Knives vs. Sets
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 […]
How The World’s Most Expensive Japanese Swords Are Made
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 […]
Why Are Japanese Knive Worth Their Price?
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 […]
Where Is Damascus Steel Really From?
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 […]
Japanese knives: how to spot the real deal vs. a knock-off?
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 […]
Choosing the Perfect Knife for Women Who Love to Cook
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 […]
Effortless Maintenance, Lasting Performance: The Promise of Rust-Resistant Cooking Knives
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 […]
Why Japanese Knives Are Perfect for Women Cooks
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 […]
How to Properly Maintain Japanese Knives
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 […]
Western Vs. Japanese Knives With Chef Olivia Burt
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 […]
What Is Oak Bog Wood?
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 […]
Kitchen Knife Set Or Individual Knives – What’s Better To Start With?
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 […]
Wooden Handles: Maple Burl
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 […]
What Makes Japanese Kitchen Knives So Good?
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 […]
What Japanese Kitchen Knife Is Best For Women?
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 […]
What Japanese Knife To Buy?
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 […]
Knife History – Forging Methods
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 […]
Santoku Vs. Gyuto – What’s The Difference?
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 […]
Guide: Best Kitchen Knives At Any Price Range
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 […]
Ceramic Knives Vs. Steel Knives – Pros And Cons
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 […]
Getting Your First Japanese Kitchen Knife? Read This.
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 […]
Guide: How To Choose Your First Japanese Kitchen Knife
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 […]
Are Japanese Carving Knives As Good As The Western Ones?
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 […]
Guide: Kitchen Knife Handle Types And Materials
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 […]
Tobacco, Portuguese & The Japanese Knives: The History Of Sakai Knives
What do the Portuguese and tobacco have in common with Sakai knife making a tradition in the Sakai region?More than you would think. Sakai, the residential Osaka’s prefecture is a port town. In the past, the Portuguese arrived in this area and began trading guns and tobacco to the Japanese starting in 1543. Europeans brought […]
