Guides & Notes from the Workshop

This blog is where I share practical explanations on Japanese kitchen knives, steel, geometry, care, and sharpening. No fluff. Just clear guidance based on real work at the anvil and the stone, so you can choose the right knife and keep it performing for years.

Japanese Kitchen Knife Types marcin grabowiec Japanese Kitchen Knife Types marcin grabowiec

Japanese santoku knife: size, control, and daily use

One knife that moves from onions to salmon to chicken without losing your rhythm? A japanese santoku knife is built for slicing, dicing, and chopping, with a compact profile that feels controlled on the board. This guide breaks down the practical details—typical 170mm length, weight and balance, edge geometry, steel choices, and the care habits that keep the edge intact.

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Steel & Materials marcin grabowiec Steel & Materials marcin grabowiec

Tamahagane steel: verdict, process, and real trade-offs

Is tamahagane steel a real performance upgrade, or mostly heritage you can feel and see? This guide breaks down how it’s made from iron sand in a tatara, why it varies by piece, and how forging, folding, and quenching shape its look and behavior. You’ll also learn where it matches modern carbon steels—and where it demands more skill, geometry discipline, and maintenance.

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Knife Comparisons & Buying Guides marcin grabowiec Knife Comparisons & Buying Guides marcin grabowiec

What is the best Japanese chef knife for beginners

A 210 mm gyuto is the “boring” pick that usually makes the most sense for home cooks. This guide answers what is the best japanese chef knife for beginners by breaking down blade styles, bevels, steels, and what to check before buying. You’ll also learn the common mistakes that chip edges or cause stains—and how to avoid them.

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