Tower Knives Osaka — Local services in Osaka

Wow, knife lovers, listen up! Tower Knives Osaka is an absolute gem that turned my day into an unforgettable adventure. My wife and daughter were off to a sumo tournament at Edion Arena near Namba Station, while my son and I dove into the knife-hunting scene at Kitchenware Street, just a couple blocks away. One shop had the knives I wanted but wouldn’t engrave the metal—only the handle. Another offered metal engraving but didn’t stock the specific knives I was after. Plus, every shop in the area needed extra time before closing to do the engraving, and the clock was ticking.

Then I stumbled across Tower Knives Osaka, boasting great reviews and just a short distance away. It was late, rain was pouring, and I was stressing about engraving deadlines. I tried to snag an Uber fast, but road closures kept rerouting it, so I canceled and made a mad dash for the store instead. My son ran a bit, but I ended up carrying him partway, arriving soaked and breathless. With closing time looming and engraving concerns swirling, I was frantically searching for the perfect knives. But the staff at Tower Knives? Absolute legends. They jumped in to help, grabbing options as fast as they could. When I explained my rush to pick knives for engraving before they closed, they calmed me down, saying I could take my time—they’d handle the engraving no matter what. Talk about hospitality!

A gentleman named Atsushi was a knife wizard, bringing out several blades and a cutting board. I couldn’t believe it—they let you test-cut tomatoes and carrots right there with any knife you’re eyeing! It’s a game-changer. Atsushi was attentive and knowledgeable, while other staff eagerly assisted everyone in the store. One even handed my 5-year-old some bubble wrap to play with—such a thoughtful touch. Others brought unique, cutting-edge steel options for me to try, laying them out like a knife buffet. So many choices, all incredible quality. They even let me film the engraving process and gave my son a giant foam knife to wield for fun.

I can’t say it enough: Tower Knives Osaka is phenomenal. Words fall short of capturing my gratitude for the staff and the warm, welcoming vibe. If you’re in Osaka, you have to visit this shop. They’ve got another location in Tokyo too. Thank you, Tower Knives Osaka, for making this a memory I’ll...

Two weeks a go I was in Osaka for five days to buy some specialized knives for work. I had heard lots of good things about Tower Knives and it was my first stop to check out.

I went in and immediately a sales person was talking to me. Ok, one of the two classic Japanese shopping experiences. It’s either immediate attention or they leave you alone until you give them any cue you want help. This was not the latter. It was the most extreme case of the former. The first sales person asked if I want to me shown around and I said that would be nice. Ok, she showed me around. And then talked. And talked. And talked. I told her her I am just looking and would like to browse. And she talked some more. I still feel a bit bad about what I did next, I just said thank you and turned my back on her. I just wanted to look at the knives.

So the second salesperson came up only thirty seconds later. Telling me more about the knife and repeating what I had already heard. I said thanks but I just want to look at the knives because I am not planning on buying today. I don’t even think I started browsing again when the third salesperson came up to tell me about trying the knives out. By now I am a little frustrated and I said, oh cool and walked off. They went the other way around a display and continued about how I can multiples of the same knife. Finally for rid of him and another showed up. By this time I have been there almost 20 minutes and I have spent about two minutes actually looking at knives. Another salesperson shows up within seconds of losing the last one to tell me about the name engravings they can do. I was done with the place by now and once he was done talking I said thank you and turned to leave. That’s when I paused when I saw the wet stones. You’ll never guess what happened. Someone wanted to talks to me about the stones. I walked out and in the ten steps or so getting out of there another salesperson tried to talk to me.

I don’t even know if they have a knife I want. I don’t know how their prices compare.

I do know the selection wasn’t very big. I do know it was the worst experience I have had in Japan.

I went to Sakai and had some amazing experiences there. I spent way over my significant budget at much better places. I reviewed most of the other places that...

Just arrived for a custom engraving was rejected for having the same kind of knife but slightly different from what was on display (same maker and type of steel used in the blade) (wasn’t purchased at this store but under false advertising and sales). The sign had indicated all knives could be engraved with confirmation from employees I walked 2km to receive the knife from my hotel, when I returned I was belittled then lectured from the owner before being kicked out. I was told that the sign was going to change the next day with a different policy. Owner was using imposing body language and was unfriendly after being confronted with what his employees had told me and was extremely rude after I had left the store barely even able to shake my hand after he was telling me off. I am a 20 year kind travelling alone he used this opportunity to discipline me like a child and use his age and size to overpower and make me feel uncomfortable. Owner wouldn’t honour the employees word or the signs put out on display, only indicating that the true real policy is hidden online, these tactics are deception, and manipulation to get the best deal for the owner and shop in turn screwing the customers who are in store or ask the employees. Don’t shop here find a local Japanese craftsman with better quality for a better price. Skip the tourism spot this was an absolute disaster after flying 14 hours...