Japanese Knife Imports — Local services in Beverly Hills

Wow! What a GREAT find! I've always been a fan of Japanese culture even working on a project outside of Tokyo and living in Japan for a short time. Recently I decided that I wanted my cutlery to be sharpened with the same precision that the Japanese knives and cutting tools have. I read up on Japanese whetstones, looked at some videos on the whetstones and methods that the Japanese use when they sharpen knives and then found a local shop called "Japanese Knife Imports". I walked in and was amazed at how much it felt like walking into a shop in Japan. Fine Japanese knives, tools, whetstones and ceramics all on display in an earthy style. There is nothing commercial about this store... I felt like I walked into an art gallery and that I was surrounded by works of art.. The owner Jon came out to greet me and was incredibly knowledgeable, informative and generous with his time. I told him what I was looking to do and what my budget was. After answering all of my questions as well as asking me a few to get an understanding of my needs, he talked about the different whetstones their functions and then took me into the back of his shop and had me try out the types of stones that he had discussed and felt would best suit my requirements for the range of cutlery that I own. As he did this, he provided various explanations about what to do while sharpening as well as emphasizing the importance of how the blade felt to me ("tactile experience" is his description) as it moved across each type of whetstone that I tried. When we were finished and I walked out of his store, I left not just with a purchase for myself, I also left with an experience. And it didn't end there. I hadn't looked in the bag and when I arrived home and went to take my stone out, I found that it was boxed and wrapped as though it was a fine tool or jewelry from an artisan who has vast pride in their workmanship and is presenting you with something special. It was like a small visual feast, the paper was elegant and the box wrapped in that Japanese style of “simplicity is beauty” and I felt kind of guilty unwrapping it.. Knowledgeable businesses owners that not only love what they do, but really care about providing great service to the individual, as Jon (and his assistant Josh) had shown me, are (for me) a rare find. If your looking to purchase Japanese cutlery (whether you know what you want or are looking to learn), handmade, wood kiln fired ceramics, cutting tools (like small Japanese axes) or lessons on how to sharpen a knife from a master, this...

Jon Broida runs a solid operation. He's seriously trustworthy, passionate, effective, skilled and friendly. Customer service is personal, and warm.

The first knife I bought (off the JKI website) was back in February of 2016 - an all purpose, rustic Kurouchi, big blue gyuto. I called in before pulling the trigger, and they guided me right. Later that year, I gifted a yanagiba to a friend, and he was seriously stoked. Somehow, I ended up checking out with an extra knife, but with one email, Jon sorted the order out, refunded me, and made sure I wasn't annoyed.

Five years and a few work trips to Japan later, I amassed in my kitchen an effective toolkit of about a half dozen knives of varying shapes, steels, and sizes.

One pandemic day in July 2020, the magnetic knife-holder fell, and broke knife tips, my heart, and my effing voice from the scream I let out.

I reached out to Jon, who told me that they had to cease sharpening ops, and would I like to send them to someone else. Would I **. I said I'd wait. Good thing I did.

Sent them out last week, just got them back, and I'm over the moon with the results and the value for money. Don't kid yourself - this guy takes care of a lot more knives than you ever will, so if you need re-tipping or some proper care for that heavy single-bevel deba, send it to Jon.

Highly recommended, would give JKI ten...

I had the pleasure of visiting this traditional Japanese knife boutique in Beverly Hills, and the experience was truly exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I was immersed in a world of craftsmanship and beauty that can only be found in Japanese knife making.

The boutique's selection of knives is nothing short of breathtaking. Each blade is a work of art, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who have honed their craft for generations. The attention to detail and the precision in every knife is awe-inspiring.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff at the boutique were eager to share their expertise and passion for these exquisite blades. They took the time to explain the differences between various knife types, helping me find the perfect one for my needs. And use it every single day…

The ambiance of the boutique is serene and elegant, reflecting the simplicity and sophistication of Japanese design. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the artistry that goes into creating these knives.

I left the boutique with a sense of reverence for the art of Japanese knife making and a beautiful knife that I will cherish for years to come. If you're a connoisseur of fine cutlery or simply appreciate the beauty of craftsmanship, this Japanese knife boutique in Beverly Hills is an absolute must-visit for...