Japan Knife TOKU | Where to Buy Knives: Differences Among Stores and How to Choose Wisely [2026]

Hello, I am Okuhira, the owner of “Japan Knife TOKU”.
In Asakusa, we sell, resharpen, and provide sharpening classes for knives crafted by artisans from Osaka, Sakai, and across Japan. 

In this article, I will explain "where is the best place to buy a kitchen knife?" along with the characteristics of each type of retailer.

 

Conclusion: Choose where to buy your kitchen knife based on "how you'll use it"

 

To cut to the chase, I recommend choosing your kitchen knife as follows:

 

•  If "it just needs to work" → 100-yen shops, mass retailers
• For cost-effective daily use → Home centers, mass retailers
• If you want to choose with peace of mind → Department stores
• If you want a knife for long-term use or a thorough selection → Specialty knife stores

 

Now, let's take a closer look at each.

 

100-yen shop knives | For those who want to get knives as cheaply as possible

 

Many people likely have the impression that 100-yen shop knives "become dull very quickly."

 

This is because the steel is soft, and the blade edge tends to curl easily.
Therefore, the sharpness does not last long. 

However, they cut well when new or freshly sharpened, so they are perfectly practical for:

• People who don't cook often
• Temporary use like camping or BBQ

They are quite practical.

 

Home center/mass retailer knives | Balanced choice for home use

 

Knives in this class often use molybdenum steel or AUS-series stainless steel.

 

The features are as follows:

• Rust-resistant
• Relatively inexpensive (~10,000 yen)
• Easy to use for general households

These knives maintain sharpness longer than 100-yen knives and are perfectly adequate for everyday use.

However, keep in mind that:

• Some knives may not become "dramatically sharper" even after sharpening.
• There can be variations in quality between products.

It is important to note these points.

 

Suitable for:

• Households that cook a few times a week
• People living alone buying their first knife
• Those who plan to replace their knife every few years

 

Department store knives | Emphasizing reliability and brand

 

Knives sold at department stores are typically:

• From famous manufacturers
• From established brands

The biggest advantage is that you can "choose with peace of mind."

The quality is generally above a certain standard, making it hard to make a bad choice.

 

Suitable for:

• Gift purposes
• Those who prioritize brand and reliability

 

Specialty knife store knives | Ideal for those who want long-term use

 

While specialty stores might seem "for professionals," that's not actually the case.

At a specialty knife store, you can expect:

• A wide range of products, from household to professional use
•  Suggestions tailored to your intended use (for home use, the Santoku knife is most popular)
• After-sales support such as resharpening and repairs

You can receive these services.

The biggest difference is "after purchase."

• Regular resharpening
• Handle replacement
• Correction of warping

By doing these things, you can use your knife for a long time.

 

Recommended for

• Those who want to use their knives for a long time
• Those who want to choose the perfect knife for themselves
• Those who want to leave the maintenance to the professionals

 

About Japan Knife Toku Knives (Asakusa)

 

Japan Knife Toku Knives is a specialty knife shop located in Asakusa.

• Offers a wide range of knives, from household to professional use
• Careful advice at the time of purchase
• Provides resharpening, repair, and handle replacement services
• Also offers sharpening lessons and workshops

 

We value supporting our customers to use their knives for a long time, rather than just "selling and being done."

 

Household knives recommended by Japan Knife Toku Knives

Santoku knife Asuka
Simple design yet with a 3-layer Damascus finish.
Lightweight with a chestnut-shaped handle that fits comfortably in hand.

Tanegashima Santoku knife
Steel core for exceptional sharpness!
Black-forged finish for rust resistance.
Unbeatable price for a knife handmade by craftsmen.

 

Damascus Santoku Knife
Popular Damascus knife.
Beautiful appearance, and scratches are less noticeable.
This is the knife used in Sakai Toku Knife's fish filleting classes.

 

Summary | If you're unsure, "choose a slightly higher-end option." 

If you're unhappy with your current knife, it's worth trying a higher-end one.

Knives can greatly change the comfort of cooking depending on their

• sharpness,
• weight, and
• fit.

Choosing a knife that suits you will reduce cooking stress and make it more enjoyable.

 

FAQ

Q. Which is recommended for a first-time purchase, a Santoku or a Gyuto?
A. For household use, a Santoku knife is generally a good choice to start with.
A Gyuto knife is recommended for those who cook frequently or want to use their knife for a long time.
Please refer to the related blog and YouTube video for more information. Blog YouTube Video

Q. Are knives from specialty knife shops expensive?

A. Household knives can be purchased from around 10,000 yen. Household Knife Lineup

Q. How many years can a knife be used?

A. With resharpening, it can be used for 10 years or more.

 

Store Information (Asakusa)

 

Japan Knife Toku Knives Asakusa Store (Opening in April 2025)
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Location: NW Building 6F, 1-11-4 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo

• 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station North Exit on the Tobu Skytree Line
• 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

※Please take the elevator to the 6th floor.

※"Just looking or consulting" is also welcome.

 

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