Japanese Knife Guides
Everything you need to choose, use and care for a Japanese knife. Straight answers on which knife to buy, how to sharpen it and how the classic shapes compare, written by the team at Knives and Stones.
Choosing, sharpening and caring for your knives
Practical guides for buying your first Japanese knife, sharpening on a whetstone, understanding the steel and keeping every blade in top condition.
Best Japanese Knife for Beginners
Why a gyuto or santoku in stainless steel is the ideal first knife.
How to Sharpen a Japanese Knife
The whetstone method: angle, grits and keeping an edge keen.
How to Care for a Japanese Knife
Washing, drying, oiling carbon steel, cutting surfaces and storage.
What Is a Bunka Knife?
The k-tip multi-purpose knife and how it differs from a santoku.
Which knife is right for the job?
Head-to-head comparisons of the classic Japanese knife shapes, so you can pick the right blade with confidence.
Ready to find your knife?
Put the guides to work and explore the full range.