KAKINUMA KNIVES - KAPPABASHI（LUXURY KNIFE SHOP） — Local services in Tokyo

If you’re going to charge a 500 yen entry fee for your shop, the least you could do is have it staffed with a customer service representative. The only person working was a man who 1) didn’t speak any English and 2) was busy making knives. In other words, there was zero customer service.

I specifically came to this store because I wanted to purchase the best knife in Kappabashi. However, when it became clear that no one was available to assist me, I politely asked for my entry fee back. He didn’t even bother to look at me and simply said “no.” (For context, it was just me and this man in the store—there were no other customers.)

Before entering, I carefully read the sign on the door. Nowhere did it mention that there would be no assistance inside. The sign claimed the fee was meant to reduce crowding, but the shop was completely empty. When I walked in, I smiled and greeted him in Japanese but received no acknowledgment in return.

The store has another sign stating they won’t proactively explain things to customers, which I find to be a poor excuse for their lack of service. Even so, when a customer asks for help, basic courtesy and respect should be a given.

This was the rudest interaction I’ve ever had in Japan, leaving me feeling scammed, disrespected and deeply disappointed. I strongly recommend...

Was recently in Tokyo for a week on a work trip. Whenever I travel I always try to find something that would make an incredible keepsake, that speaks to the city/cou try I'm in. I had a friend suggest I go to Kappabashi Knife Gallery and my god I am so so glad I listened.

Their store/gallery is so different from all of the other knife stores in the district. You instantly see and feel the dedication to their craft once you enter the showroom. The staff was incredibly helpful for all questions I asked and I eventually went with a custom oak burl handle on a petty and bunka blade. They were ready in under 2 hours.

I LOVE these knives. The weight balance, the quality, the absolute sharpness is just unmatched from anything I have ever owned. But even more beautiful is the cherry blossom pattern stamped into the steel. Everyone that sees these knives on display in my home instantly asks about them.

I only regret now having the ability to buy online...because the struggle of not sinking every paycheck into getting all of the varieties made by KKG is real.

Also ignore that the pictures make the blades look serrated. They are straight edge and sharp enough to cut a hole through...

My rating is purely for the enthusiasm and art form that is displayed in the store- i did not purchase any products here. Came here to check out the gallery - they prohibit photos and videos except for one display at the back of tuna knives. There are displays of knives and custom made knife handles which are really intricate and beautiful- they also trademarked a specific sakura pattern on their blades which they like to remind customers throughout the displays. There is a wall that provides education on how a blade is made including how harder forms of iron are isolated through a rigorous process to form tamahagane and how this is ultimately refined to craft the final knife. There are various different knives on display and also a vast selection of fancy handles which are marked NOT FOR SALE. Overall, it is evident the owner really prides themselves on their passion for knife making and puts an effort to distinguish themselves from any other knife shop on kitchen street. There is definitely an undertone of elitism in the store and the person manning the store on that day was disengaged with anyone coming in and seemed more interested in looking at...