Why Chef's Knives Produced in Japan Are So Expensive

Chef’s knives are always high-quality and a bit pricy, but Japanese chef’s knives are even better at an even higher price. Why is this, and what can you use instead? Well, it’s because of the high quality, exclusivity, and intense manufacturing process of the knife. If you don’t want to empty your front pocket wallet for a single knife, this is the article for you.

Handmade with Pride

The Takamura knife brand is one of the most sought-after chef’s knives in the world. It has a years-long waiting list and a hefty price tag to match. But that’s because it’s handcrafted by one family. They have to practice and study for years to get it right and are always learning as they make the knives. Because of this, every knife is unique.

The process of making these knives is a long and tough one. They seek out the highest-quality materials, hammer them into the perfect shape, then sharpen them to an edge so sharp, it can slice tomatoes paper-thin. Starting with the materials, Takamura knives are made of high-speed powdered steel, a metal known for its strength and durability. The inside is made from this hard steel, with softer iron outside. The two metals make for a knife of the same caliber as Japan’s famous swords. The metal is heated in an electric oven, then hammered. The artisan knows just where and how to hit the knife to make it work. The uneven surface left by the hammering is called tsuchime. And not only is it beautiful, it also helps stickier ingredients slide off the knife’s surface. And finally, it’s polished to a gorgeous, shiny finish. This knife is the perfect blend of function and visual appeal.

Incredible Longevity

Japanese chef’s knives can last decades. Some people will bring knives in for sharpening, that were made by the current owner’s grandfather, or knives that their mothers used. They can stay in a restaurant for ages, outlasting most of its cooks. These knives have lifetimes of recipes and stories attached and become heirlooms, sometimes even relics of the past. Since this knife is bought for life, or even multiple lives, it’s got a price tag to match.

Light & Sharp

As stated previously, these knives can cut a tomato into paper-thin slices. This is done with a unique, Japan-exclusive sharpening process that involves a rough, natural-rock grindstone. The knife is light enough to feel like an extension of the chef’s hand and can go through the toughest of ingredients with little trouble.

The knives are balanced and constructed well enough to be popular with some of the best chefs in the world. They’re used in France, Italy, and Japan to name a few places. The Takamura knife might not be affordable for the average home kitchen, but it’s a “buy it for life” purchase for wealthy restaurant owners, so their chefs can use the best of the best.

Something More Affordable

If you want a cheaper knife, try our Trek. Sure, it may not be sharpened with a rough grindstone, or layered with iron, but it’s light and sharp enough to cut through anything you need it to. It’s more versatile than a chef’s knife, and you can keep it on your tactical webbing belt for easy access.

The Trayvax Trek is great for more than just the kitchen. It’s great for cutting wood and branches in the woods, filleting a fish after catching it, and cutting through paracord to make its handle comfortable for those who don’t want a skeletonized one. It’s a glass breaker knife too, so it’s useful in emergencies. The Trek, like the Takamura, is built for durability and sharpness, and not even cutting through corrugated cardboard will dull it. So it’s the best knife for a mid-range price. It’s not as cheap as a knife you can pick up at your local Walmart, but it’s cheaper than a Takamura.

In Conclusion

Japanese chef knives, specifically the Takamura brand, are pricy because of their high quality. They’re handcrafted by a single family, with unique methods and materials. They’re built to last multiple lifetimes, and are light enough to be an extension of a chef’s arm. Chefs the world over love these knives, even if they aren’t feasible for a home cook. On the other hand, the Trayvax Trek is an affordable knife option that is more versatile than a chef’s knife. Give it a try; you’ll love it.