Japanese Knife Care and Accessories
A Japanese knife is only as good as its upkeep, and the right accessories keep a keen edge keen. Sharpening stones bring back the edge, knife-care products protect the steel from rust, and a saya sheath guards the blade in storage and transport. Our range runs to 25 care products, from $17.95.
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$92.99
$108.95Naniwa Chosera 600 Grit Japanese Waterstone With Stand
$92.99$108.95 -
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$65.00
$74.95Beston (Bester) #500 Water Stone by Imanishi
$65.00$74.95
Types of knife care accessory
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sharpening stones | Whetstones to bring back a keen edge |
| Knife care | Oils and products to protect the steel |
| Saya covers | Wooden sheaths that protect the blade |
Knife care facts
We stock 25 care products, from $17.95 to $499.95, across sharpening stones, care oils and saya sheaths. The right upkeep is what keeps a good knife performing for years, protecting both the edge and the steel from rust and damage.
How to care for a Japanese knife
Keep your knife sharp on a whetstone rather than a pull-through, hand wash and dry it straight after use, and never leave it wet, as the hard, thin steel can rust or chip. Wipe carbon-steel blades and give them a light coat of oil, store the knife in a saya or on a rack rather than loose in a drawer, and hone or sharpen the edge as soon as it starts to slow.
Knife care questions
How do you care for a Japanese knife?
Hand wash and dry it immediately, keep it off bone and frozen food, sharpen it on a whetstone, and store it in a saya or on a rack. Wipe and lightly oil carbon-steel blades to prevent rust.
How often should you sharpen a Japanese knife?
Hone or touch up the edge on a whetstone whenever it starts to slow, which for a home cook is roughly every few weeks of steady use. Frequent light sharpening beats waiting until the blade is dull.
What is a saya?
A saya is a wooden sheath that slides over the blade to protect the edge in a drawer or in transit. It keeps the knife safe to store and stops the fine edge chipping against other tools.
Related Japanese knife ranges
Related ranges: the santoku, the chef knife range and Knives and Stones. Learn more in our guides on how to care for a Japanese knife and sharpening a Japanese knife step by step.