Japanese knives originated many centuries ago. Today, they are used in kitchens all over the world.
A vast majority of professional chefs prefer Japanese knives to aid their cooking. There are different shapes & varieties that are specifically designed to perform different tasks.
If you buy Japanese knives in Canada, ensure you buy from a reliable dealer by doing your research and even contacting the store first. The best sellers are enthusiasts and love to chat about their products.
4 facts that make Japanese knives special
History
The first Japanese chef knives were crafted around the mid-19th century using the same techniques that were used in making Japanese swords, or katanas, nearly 1000 years ago. Consistent production of original Japanese knives started around the end of World War II by the same craftsmen who manufactured the katanas.
Tradition
In Japanese knives, if there is one thing that stands out from the rest, it must be the high-quality craftsmanship with excellent detailing. Although the knives are modern now, the process of crafting these knives remains very similar to the process centuries ago. Some knives are still handmade, meaning that no two finished pieces are exactly alike. This gives these Japanese knives a special touch.
Materials
When maintained well, Japanese knives are highly functional tools.. The blades are made of different varieties of high-quality stainless or carbon steel.
Japanese stainless steel is easy to maintain, does not rust easily, and some of the high-speed powder steel can reach extreme hardness (HRC 67+).
Japanese carbon steel can be hardened quite hard as well and it is generally easier to sharpen, however, it requires more care than stainless steel as the user needs to be diligent with cleaning and drying properly to avoid rusting issues. Handles on Japanese knives are typically made of wood or synthetic material and some makers go exotic with materials like bone, antler or even abalone shell.
There are different types of Japanese knives designed for cutting different ingredients. Some knives are also multi-purpose. The most popular types of knives at our store are Nakiri, Santoku, Petty, and Gyuto.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party for friends or just making warm comfort food for your family on a cold day, the best place to buy Japanese knives in Canada is from The Cook’s Edge. The store offers a large collection of beautiful handcrafted Japanese knives and affordable knife sharpening services in Canada.