Column — JapaneseKnifeCulture

The performance and quality required of knives vary depending on culinary culture, and the expectations placed on Sugimoto knives.

The performance and quality required of knives vary depending on culinary culture, and the expectations placed on Sugimoto knives.

Knives are essential tools for cooking, so their value is determined by their utility in preparing traditional foods. This is why required shapes and characteristics, such as sharpness, vary between countries. First of all, the shapes: Chinese knives have a distinctive appearance, characterized by a large, rectangular blade. On the other hand, Japanese knives are unique in that they come in a wide variety of shapes, from very long to short and from narrow to wide in width/height. Second, the level of sharpness: Japanese knives are particularly known for their world-renowned sharpness. Why the differences? And why do Japanese knives...

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SUGIMOTO's Commitment to Traditional Knife Crafting

SUGIMOTO's Commitment to Traditional Knife Crafting

SUGIMOTO is a Japanese knife maker who believes in keeping the traditional craftsmanship in traditional Japanese knife making.   Established in 1948, our company's roots trace back to 1830 when the founder Kihei Sugimoto began his artisanal journey in Fukui prefecture. Over nearly two centuries, we have honed our skills through relentless learning and improvement to meet the diverse needs of our loyal customers, ranging from professional chefs to home cooks. In an age where mass production dominates, even among longstanding Japanese manufacturers, the artistry of traditional knife making is at risk of fading away. Recognizing this challenge, we are committed...

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