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.
Sakimaru: what it is and how it slices sashimi
A blade that looks like a small sword but cuts with scalpel control—why does that matter on a fish board? This guide explains what a sakimaru really is, how a sakimaru takohiki differs in geometry and feel, and why technique matters for clean, single-stroke slices. You’ll also learn what to expect from common lengths (270–330mm), steels, and care.
Yanagiba knife: uses, single bevel, and how to choose
One clean pull can be the difference between glossy sashimi and torn fish. This guide explains what a yanagiba knife really is, why its long single-bevel geometry matters, and what it’s built to do. You’ll also learn how to choose length and handedness, plus the basics of sharpening and care.
Best japanese petty knife: what it is & how to choose
Why does a small blade sometimes feel faster than a chef’s knife? This guide explains what the best japanese petty knife means in real prep—its role, typical 120–150 mm lengths, and where it outperforms a gyuto or paring knife. You’ll also learn how steel, hardness, geometry, and handle shape change control and maintenance.
Japanese deba knife: uses, types, and single bevel
Ever felt a knife “stay on rails” while working near bones? A japanese deba knife is built for breaking down whole fish—removing heads, opening joints, and pulling clean fillets without the blade wandering. This guide explains its geometry, main types, and how to choose length, bevel, steel, and care.
Bunka: what it is, k tip, and how it cuts
That sharp, angled tip isn’t just for looks—it changes how the knife works on the board. This guide explains what a bunka is, why the k tip boosts precision, and which cutting motions it favors. You’ll also see how it compares with santoku, gyuto, and petty knives in real prep.
Deba: what makes it different and how to use it
Why does a fish knife need to be thick, heavy, and single bevel? This guide explains what makes a deba different, how it rides close to bone, and where it shines in real fish prep. You’ll also learn what to look for in sizes and materials, plus how to keep the edge sharp and safe.
Sakimaru knife: what it is and how it slices sashimi
What makes a sashimi slice look clean in a single pull? A sakimaru knife is a long, single bevel Japanese slicer with a katana-like rounded tip designed for one-stroke cuts through delicate fish. This guide explains how its geometry changes feel, where it sits among common Japanese knife shapes, and how to care for the edge.
Kiritsuke: what makes it different from other knives
That sword-like K-tip isn’t just for looks—it changes how the knife lands, steers, and slices. This guide breaks down what makes a kiritsuke different: the flatter profile, push-cutting style, and how single vs double bevel affects control. You’ll also see which lengths (240–330 mm) fit real prep stations and why maintenance mistakes cause chips.
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.
Japanese petty knife: what it is and what it’s for
Why does one small knife end up doing so much in prep? A japanese petty knife fills the gap between a paring knife and a gyuto, giving you fast control for detailed work on the board and in-hand. This guide breaks down the typical sizes, blade shapes, steels, and the most common mistakes cooks make.
Bunka knife: what makes it special and how to use it
Need a compact knife that still feels precise on the board? A bunka knife blends a wide blade, a flatter edge, and a sharp k tip for day-to-day prep—veg, herbs, and boneless proteins. This guide explains where the shape came from, what specs matter, and how it compares with santoku and gyuto.
Yanagiba sushi knife: what it is and how to use it
Ever wonder why sashimi slices look glossy instead of torn? This guide explains what a yanagiba sushi knife is, how its single-bevel geometry and urasuki affect the cut, and what that means on the board. You’ll also learn practical basics for sizing, use, sharpening, and daily care.
Japanese fish knife: types, uses, and key geometry
Fish shows every mistake: drag, tearing, and the glossy “paste” that comes from rough cuts. This guide explains what a japanese fish knife is, why geometry and single bevel grinds matter, and which blade fits each job—from breakdown to sashimi slicing.
Kiritsuke knife: what it is and how to use it
A long, flat edge with a sharp k-tip can feel precise—or unforgiving. This guide explains what a kiritsuke knife really is, how it differs from a gyuto or santoku, and what the geometry is built to do. You’ll also learn how length (240–330 mm), bevel choice, and technique affect everyday performance.