Honyaki

How much is that sports car in the window? What a machine, what a drive. Then, parking. Servicing. Speed bumps. Kerbs. You'll need another car for running around town.

Honyaki knives are a bit like that. Hardness and edge life are superior to other blades. Prices are significantly higher, which can make them strangely desirable. Beautiful handles, some with custom flair. The knowledge that the honyaki knife has been forged by a master craftsman adds to that hand crafted halo feel. Want one?

Far be it for a knife seller to dissuade the persuaded purchaser, but please go into ownership with your eyes open.

Like the best sports cars honyaki knives are desirable because they offer superior performance, that is, cutting feel and edge life. 

At the same time they are slow to sharpen and can be difficult to maintain. Expect the edge to be comparatively delicate. Sharpening technique is particularly important in this respect - a poorly sharpened honyaki blade will be chippy. Even correctly sharpened they are prone to chipping.

Consider professional sharpening. And that doesn't simply mean paying someone to do it - they must have the skills.