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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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