Nakiri, Usuba and Petty Knives Explained: Which Second Knife Do You Need?
How the nakiri, usuba and petty knife differ, what each is for, typical sizes, and what Japanese makers suggest as a second knife.
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Kappabashi Knife Shopping Guide: Tokyo’s Kitchen Town (2026)
Kappabashi is Tokyo’s street of kitchen supply shops. Access, opening days, the 2026 Dougu Matsuri and what three knife shops say about engraving and sharpening.
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Japan’s Knife-Making Regions: Sakai, Seki, Echizen, Tosa, Sanjo and Miki
Where Japan’s blades come from: the officially designated craft regions, what each is known for, and places you can visit, from official and industry sources.
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How to Care for a Japanese Kitchen Knife: Washing, Drying, Rust and Storage
Care instructions from Japanese knife makers, side by side: dishwashers, drying, removing rust, cutting boards, storage and wooden handles.
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Japanese Whetstones for Beginners: Which Grit Do You Need First?
What whetstone grit numbers mean, which stone Japanese knife and whetstone makers suggest buying first, and how they say to soak, flatten and care for it.
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Buying a Kitchen Knife in Japan: Carrying It, Tax-Free Shopping and Taking It Home (2026)
What Japanese law says about carrying a knife you just bought, how tax-free shopping changes on November 1, 2026, and what to know before flying or shipping a knife home.
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Kurouchi, Nashiji, Damascus and More: Japanese Knife Finishes Explained
What kurouchi, nashiji, migaki, tsuchime and Damascus finishes are, what sellers claim for them, and how they differ from construction terms like kasumi and honyaki.
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Gyuto vs Santoku: Which Japanese Knife Should You Buy First?
The differences between a gyuto and a santoku in name, shape and size, and how Japanese makers and retailers suggest choosing between them.
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Japanese Knife Steels Explained: Shirogami, Aogami, VG-10 and SG2
What Shirogami, Aogami, Aogami Super, GIN3, VG-10 and SG2 actually are, using the steelmakers’ own published data.
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Seki Cutlery Festival 2026: Dates, Events and Tips for Visitors
Seki, Japan’s knife town, holds its Hamono Matsuri on October 10 and 11, 2026. Dates, events, access and buying tips, checked against official sources.
