Finding a Togashi knife in Tokyo/Sakai

[koon2023]

Hi I posted a while back about going to Japan and the trip is coming up next week! That being said, I've looked around a little and I would like to try and find a Togashi knife while I'm there. Does anyone know of any stores that might have some in stock? Also as a bonus one of my friends is interested in getting a stainless clad 210 gyuto under ~30000 JPY but wants one from a small maker (so no tsunehisa, tadafusa, etc.). Any recommendations to give him? Thanks in advance!

 

[Heckel7302]

Hitohira in Tokyo? They have a small storefront, and work with Togashi, but no idea what they might have in their limited stock in store. Maybe send them a message to ask?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/huLQ3Cn24mpwV3wE7?g_st=ic

 

[koon2023]

Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to check out the storefront

 

[blokey]

I guess you could look for retailer who sell Suisin knives, they have a lot of Togashi

 

[4wa1l]

Kamata may have some Togashi under their branding. https://www.kap-kam.com/en/

 

[koon2023]

Hi so my friend decided he wants a kurouchi knife so I want to find him a Kyohei Shindo or a Shiro Kamo. Is there a store in Kappabashi that sells either of those makers?

Thanks

 

[blokey]

Hi so my friend decided he wants a kurouchi knife so I want to find him a Kyohei Shindo or a Shiro Kamo. Is there a store in Kappabashi that sells either of those makers?

Thanks

I’d honestly just look for a good one at Tsubaya, Kamata or other shops, find specific makers in Japanese store is not easy

 

[yoyoma]

If you're going to Sakai (or Osaka, Sakai is a 30-40 minute train ride from central Osaka), check out the Traditional Arts Museum. It's MUCH cheaper than other knife stores in Japan and has really good selection. You can also take a walk around the area. I walked into the following areas that are within a 15 minute walk of each other in Sakai: Konosuke, Takada no Hamono and Ashi Hamono. They sell way below what you would usually pay. The sharpener at Takada no Hamono showed me 4 blades they had for sale, and I googled them afterwards and they were being sold at about 50% of the online price (and of course sold out online anyway).

I would have bought one but I decided I'm going to just make my own knives instead

 

[Qapla']

I would have bought one but I decided I'm going to just make my own knives instead

What kinds of knives do you make?

 

[yoyoma]

What kinds of knives do you make?

I haven't started yet. There's a blacksmithing school near me so I'm going soon!