Can you help me choose a Japanese kitchen knife?
Yes. We are happy to help. The more information you give us, the better the recommendation will be. Japanese kitchen knives vary by steel, blade shape, handle type, grind, weight, and intended use, so a little background helps us match you with the right knife.
Please answer these questions when asking for a knife recommendation:
1. Are you a professional cook or a home cook?
2. What kind of knife are you looking for? Examples include gyuto, santoku, nakiri, petty, paring, sujihiki, bunka, or honesuki.
3. What size knife do you want?
4. What is your budget?
5. Do you prefer stainless steel, stainless clad carbon steel, or fully reactive carbon steel?
6. Do you prefer a Western handle or a Japanese wa handle?
Can I put my Japanese knife in the dishwasher?
No. Please hand wash and dry your knife after use. Dishwashers use heat, harsh detergent, and water pressure that can damage edges, handles, finishes, and carbon steel blades. Even stainless Japanese knives should be kept out of the dishwasher.
What is the difference between stainless steel and carbon steel?
Stainless steel is easier to maintain and resists rust better, making it a good choice for many home cooks. Carbon steel can take a very sharp edge and is often loved by sharpeners, but it is reactive and needs more care. Stainless clad carbon steel gives you a carbon steel edge with stainless cladding on the sides for easier maintenance.
My knife rusted. What should I do?
Carbon steel knives can rust if they are left wet, stored dirty, exposed to acidic foods for too long, or put in a dishwasher. This does not mean the knife is defective. It means the steel is reactive and needs proper care. Wash and dry the knife after each use, especially after cutting onions, citrus, tomatoes, or other acidic foods. Do not leave the knife sitting in the sink or on a wet cutting board.
For light rust, Bar Keepers Friend can usually remove it quickly and is available in most grocery stores. Use a small amount with water, rub gently, rinse, and dry the knife completely. A rust eraser can also work well. After cleaning, the blade may discolor again with use, which is normal for carbon steel.
Why is my carbon steel knife changing color?
Carbon steel develops a patina with use. This color change is normal and helps protect the blade. Patina is usually gray, blue, brown, or rainbow colored. Rust is different and is often orange or powdery. To prevent rust, wash and dry the knife after use and do not leave it wet.
Are handmade knives supposed to vary?
Yes. Handmade means handmade. Many Japanese knives are forged, ground, sharpened, handled, or finished by hand, so measurements, weight, handle fit, finish, and grind can vary slightly from knife to knife. Rustic finishes may show hammer marks, scratches, forge scale, or small cosmetic imperfections. Minor imperfections should be expected and are usually part of the handmade character of the knife.
I chipped my knife. Can you fix it?
Yes. We offer chip repair and sharpening services for many kitchen knives. Small chips can usually be removed by sharpening the edge back to clean steel. Larger chips may require more work and can slightly change the blade profile.
If you are not sure whether the chip can be repaired, contact us with a clear photo before ordering the service.
Is there a warranty on my knife?
Warranty coverage depends on the maker or brand. In general, warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship, not damage from normal use, sharpening mistakes, drops, dishwashers, rust, cutting bones, frozen foods, or other hard materials. Japanese knives are often thinner and harder than typical Western knives, so chips are usually considered use damage rather than a defect.
If you think your knife has a defect, contact us with your order information and clear photos of the problem before using or sharpening the knife. We will review it and help you figure out the next step.
Where can I find shipping information?
You can find our current shipping options, delivery estimates, and related policies here:
What is your return policy?
You can find our current return policy here:
Please review the return policy before sending anything back. If you have a question about a specific order or product issue, contact us with your order information and we will help you with the next step.
How do I contact Chef Knives To Go?
You can reach us through our contact page here:
Please include your order number if your question is about an existing order. For knife recommendations, include as much detail as possible about your budget, preferred knife style, steel preference, handle preference, and how you plan to use the knife.
How can I find my old order information?
The easiest way to view your order history is to register for an account and log in here:
If you checked out without an account or cannot find an older order, please contact us with your name, email address, and any order details you have, and we will do our best to help you locate it.
