Have you ever considered the lifespan of a knife?
Nowadays, it has become common to see knives sold at dollar stores, which might lead some to view them as disposable commodities. However, in Japan, knives are crafted with the intention and belief that they should be used for a lifetime.
To achieve lifelong durability and quality in knives requires high-quality materials, proper heat treatment, and sharpening skills that take years for artisans to master. In Japan, despite a decline in the number of people who sharpen knives at home, there is a longstanding tradition of doing so. It has been common for households to own whetstones for this purpose.
Japanese knives are designed and crafted to be regularly sharpened, allowing their edges to be restored to a sharpness comparable to when they were first purchased, even if they become dull or chipped. This underscores the importance of possessing the necessary knowledge to sharpen and maintain knives, transforming them into lifelong partners. By sharpening Japanese knives regularly and with a certain amount of skill, one can consistently enjoy their quality throughout a lifetime of preparing meals for both restaurant customers and family members.
Recently, there has been a re-evaluation of the value of traditional knives and their potential for lifelong use through regular and proper sharpening, particularly among people from foreign countries. We sincerely hope that more individuals will experience and cherish the joy of sharpening and maintaining their own knives, aiming to use them as lifelong partners.