KAMA-ASA(Kitchen Knife Section) — Local services in Tokyo

Buying your first Japanese knife can feel daunting, but this experience was anything but. Originally, I’d planned to make my purchase in Kyoto, but as fate would have it, the shop I had in mind was closed on Wednesday. That left me with Tokyo—and Matsugaya Street, the epicenter of all things kitchen-related. Almost every third shop on this street sells knives, but I chose this particular store after a recommendation from ChatGPT.

It turned out to be a great choice. The shop is larger than most others we passed, with a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was incredibly helpful, especially a French team member who spoke perfect English (and Japanese). Having prepared ahead of time to explain what I was looking for, the process was straightforward. In the end, I walked away with my very own all-purpose stainless steel knife for ¥20,300—¥18,500 after the tax-free discount.

Here’s how it works when you visit: If you already know exactly what you want—or if you have no clue at all—head straight to one of the long tables and wait for a staff member to assist you. They’ll come over to guide you through the process. However, if you prefer, you can take your time to browse the displays and read the posters that explain the different types of knives before making a decision. This flexibility makes the experience approachable no matter your starting point.

Once you’ve settled on your choice, you can opt for an engraving. Watching the craftsman carefully carve your name into the blade adds a personal touch and feels like part of the ritual.

Whether professional chefs shop here or not, I can’t say. But for a home cook like me, this was the perfect place to begin my journey into the world of...

If you are looking to buy a Japanese knife, either professionally or as a souvenir, I would highly reccomend this place.

I am a novice when it comes to knives, but really appreciate the beauty and quality of japanese knives and this place delivere din both quality and service.

They have an enourmous range of options, with explanations and descriptions in both japanese and english. If that isnt enough, there are a number of staff on floor who are well versed in english to help you chose. I was served by Yuka, a brilliant staff member who walked me through the knives that best suited my needs. She was extremely knowledgable and was able to answer the (numerous) questions I had ranging from steel quality all the way to maintenance.

The knives range in price but do tend to be on the slightly expensive side. But there is no compromise on the quality and assurance that you are getting from purchasing from this shop. You are even given the option to get a free engraving on your knife, which the staff can write in both english or translate it to Kanji.

Beautiful selection, quality service and good quality. Please if you visit Japan and find yourself on kappabashi, visit this place and pick...

😄 A nice taxi driver took us to Kama-Asa shop at Kappabashi district and he told us this shop sells quality santoku knives.

🔷️ So we found ourselves in the shop, and one female staff listened very carefully to what type of kitchen knives I wanted, and she took out several for me to view. She also gave me some fruits to cut the knives with.

🟥➡️ Important point = the staff in the shop understands English very well.

● I bought the Santoku ( Japanese kitchen) knife and a smaller utility knife. The latter is super sharp and can slice a tiny lime into razor thin slices.

🟪 I am incredibly delighted that I bought these knives in Kama-Asa.🔵 Because these awesome sharp knives proves to be so invaluable to me in the kitchen when I am at home in Singapore slicing, dicing & chopping up fruits and meat.

🌿✅️ I would love to recommend this shop to anyone who needs a good Japanese knife. Thank you to the store staff for the kind hospitality.

🟩 Oh yes! You can also engrave your name on the knives. 🌸 But because I was in a hurry, I could not spare any time for...