So two weeks ago, I finally had the chance to visit TF’s workshop in Tokyo. I’d like to thank @Corradobrit1 for the recommendation- he was adamant it was must visit for anyone living in the area. I now pass this imperative on to anyone visiting Japan: visit TF!
The workshop/store is in a residential section of Meguro, Tokyo. I drove there, but had to circle around for half an hour looking for an open parking spot. Probably best to take the train. I had my 2 year old daughter with me, who thankfully doesn’t mind visiting knife spots as long as I carry her.
Gaku was manning the counter, and we quickly got to chatting. At that point I had only two TF knives both bought on BST, a Denka deba and Maboroshi usuba. I knew I wanted to get a gyuto, as well as something not usually on offer.
Enter the first knife I chose. This was the twin of a custom ordered Tatami knife heat treated as a kitchen knife. White steel with soft iron cladding, I was quickly intrigued, a chuka being on my list of profiles to try out. At this point TF IV came out, and very kindly offered to engrave the knife and let me film.
I knew I couldn’t leave without a Denka gyuto, so off to the display shelf I went. There were many westerns and wa gyuto, but my eyes were drawn to the stags. With a bit of persistence, the 240 Denka stag went from “not for sale” to “you probably don’t want this knife- the handle is asymmetrical” to “Ok, if you really want it”. It was at least 10 years old and lacked an edge so we agreed they’d courier the knife to me the following week after being reworked. The right stag scale is much thicker than the left, but this felt very comfortable in my big paw. The grind looked very even, and as I hold it in my hands (it arrived today), I’m glad to have chosen it.
At this point, TF IV had brought out a yakult yoghurt drink for my daughter, and was trying to get her to laugh. She’s a trooper, but 4 knife stores in a day is a bit much for a toddler. I paid for the knives and arranged for shipping, and was about to leave when TF IV asks If I’d like to see something special. To anyone in the knife collecting game, these are the magic words. Gaku’s face lit up with a knowing look, and they brought out a briefcase style case from the back.
I ended up purchasing the Denka 240 Gyuto they brought out, which I’m affectionately calling golden boy. The handle is made from antique elephant ivory, and the fuller and pins are coated with gold. In a later conversation with Gaku, it came out the denka was forged about 20 years ago by the shachou himself. It also turns out to have a twin, with solid white ivory as opposed to having visible bark. I ended up purchasing that knife as well, and they arrived today along with the stag.
Apologies for the meandering post, but I really felt like sharing this story. I’ve bought pricier knives, but never had I had so much fun doing so. Gaku and TF were kind, funny and genuinely interested in how their knives are received. I honestly can’t wait for my next visit, and reiterate that if you ever get the chance, visit TF!
The workshop/store is in a residential section of Meguro, Tokyo. I drove there, but had to circle around for half an hour looking for an open parking spot. Probably best to take the train. I had my 2 year old daughter with me, who thankfully doesn’t mind visiting knife spots as long as I carry her.
Gaku was manning the counter, and we quickly got to chatting. At that point I had only two TF knives both bought on BST, a Denka deba and Maboroshi usuba. I knew I wanted to get a gyuto, as well as something not usually on offer.
Enter the first knife I chose. This was the twin of a custom ordered Tatami knife heat treated as a kitchen knife. White steel with soft iron cladding, I was quickly intrigued, a chuka being on my list of profiles to try out. At this point TF IV came out, and very kindly offered to engrave the knife and let me film.
I knew I couldn’t leave without a Denka gyuto, so off to the display shelf I went. There were many westerns and wa gyuto, but my eyes were drawn to the stags. With a bit of persistence, the 240 Denka stag went from “not for sale” to “you probably don’t want this knife- the handle is asymmetrical” to “Ok, if you really want it”. It was at least 10 years old and lacked an edge so we agreed they’d courier the knife to me the following week after being reworked. The right stag scale is much thicker than the left, but this felt very comfortable in my big paw. The grind looked very even, and as I hold it in my hands (it arrived today), I’m glad to have chosen it.
At this point, TF IV had brought out a yakult yoghurt drink for my daughter, and was trying to get her to laugh. She’s a trooper, but 4 knife stores in a day is a bit much for a toddler. I paid for the knives and arranged for shipping, and was about to leave when TF IV asks If I’d like to see something special. To anyone in the knife collecting game, these are the magic words. Gaku’s face lit up with a knowing look, and they brought out a briefcase style case from the back.
I ended up purchasing the Denka 240 Gyuto they brought out, which I’m affectionately calling golden boy. The handle is made from antique elephant ivory, and the fuller and pins are coated with gold. In a later conversation with Gaku, it came out the denka was forged about 20 years ago by the shachou himself. It also turns out to have a twin, with solid white ivory as opposed to having visible bark. I ended up purchasing that knife as well, and they arrived today along with the stag.
Apologies for the meandering post, but I really felt like sharing this story. I’ve bought pricier knives, but never had I had so much fun doing so. Gaku and TF were kind, funny and genuinely interested in how their knives are received. I honestly can’t wait for my next visit, and reiterate that if you ever get the chance, visit TF!
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