つば屋庖丁店 | CUTLERY TSUBAYA — Local services in Tokyo

I visited this shop among many others looking for some knives. Although I am not a professional user, I have a technical background and am knowledgeable about the different types, alloys, sharpening techniques etc... I picked out a knife in this shop, but it was not in stock. The young sales clerk who spoke perfect English, presented me another saying it was the same. Only this knife had a plastic handle and was clearly of a lower quality (finishing, blade, handle). When I pointed out that I did not want a plastic handle, he asked me bluntly 'what is your problem?'. I did not expect this to happen as a customer, thus thought it was a communication issue. Therefore I again explained that I thought the finishing of this knife was not to standard and the plastic blade that was melted around the tang. He replied, 'it is a knife, what do you want, what is your problem?' Well my problem was immediately solved. I just left him on the spot saying that there are enough places to spend my money without getting insulted.

I did read comments of several other persons about this shop experiencing similar issue. I will for sure never again enter this shop and warn anyone for their rude behaviour.

Recent years, Kappabashi has become more and more a tourist area. Among the many very good knife shops, I did visit unfortunately a few shops that are clearly targeting tourists (I heard absolute nonsense about knives and only very few times the sales people asked the right basis questions... (show me how you use a knife cutting vs slicing/ left vs right handed ?, what do you want to use the knife for ? Can you sharpen it it yourself regularly ? does this knife feel natural in your hand or not ? ... ) Normal shops in Japan respect tourists as if they are any other customer. Only 'charlatans' target on tourists with catchy phrases or a free gift. Avoid them at all times. My small advice would be to take your time when buying a knife, google about knife types and purposes before you go to buy. Make sure it feels natural in your hand and you like the balance of the knife. And do not let yourself be misguided. A fancy shop and perfect English means nothing. Most sales people have enough English skills to guide you. In Japan they will never push you, but understand you want to think about it before buying. Finally, I bought 2 Sugimoto knives in Tsukiji (Sugimoto Hamono) and 2 knives in Kappabashi. I spend 2 half days to see, compare and feel the knives before buying.. When you spend 1.000+ Euro/dollar on 4 knives, it makes sense to take the time. Do not buy at the moment, but think and go back the next day to purchase what you really want or need. ... and do not let yourself be fooled by some arrogant kid that most likely next years will no longer be...

I visited your store today based on a recommendation. I had heard that your shop is one of the best knife stores in Tokyo, but unfortunately, I must express my disappointment.

Questions were answered briefly and with minimal effort. Only the necessary information was given, and then the staff would turn away again. There was no proper consultation. Several times, the lady assisting customers was focused on her phone rather than helping people. This level of service was surprisingly cold and poor – something I’ve never experienced before in Japan.

I looked at four knives and took my time with two of them, giving them careful consideration out of respect for making the right choice. The knives were high-priced, but I was still willing to buy them, even though I didn’t feel welcomed as a customer. However, when the saleswoman physically placed herself between me and the knives, I realized I would not go through with the purchase.

Some of us foreigners travel from far away because we deeply admire the craftsmanship of Japanese bladesmiths. Perhaps the respect for this craft is fading due to how commercialized things have become. Or maybe the store assumes that the knives will sell themselves because of its reputation. But if the craftsmen still put pride and value into their blades, then the people selling them should be able to reflect that same respect and appreciation when interacting...

Shop elsewhere. The service here was subpar, and I really regret buying my knife from here. When I came in, I was largely ignored as I shopped around. Even when I asked questions, I got minimal responses and no real information about the knives I was looking at. Finally, I selected a knife and asked for help again as I was buying for a friend and needs suggestions on size - the response was to shrug and say "I don't know sorry". I regret it now, I bought a knife anyway since the engraving period was closing soon and I felt pressure. My engraving was in English when I also thought it would be in Japanese, maybe on me for not double clarifying, but again something I would think the staff would discuss. I spent the next hour wandering all the other knife stores on the street, and got so much better service that matches Japanese hospitality standards of staff explaining different knives, showcasing them, etc. Some of the staff at Tsubaya were explaining a lot to other tourists, maybe I got ignored because I wasn't a white tourist? tldr; lots of other options nearby that are more helpful, and...