Comments on: Kyoto! Nigishi Market – Aritsugu Knives – Saba Zushi

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:52:04 +0000

I got a Japanese knife from this store too! It’s engraved with my name (at least, the Japanese characters that if said aloud, would sound like “Ash-ree” instead of Ashley). I don’t use it a lot, as I didn’t buy the most practical knife. But it’s SO cool. If I ever go back, I will buy something a little more durable. That market was incredible. I remember finding very expensive, but the most perfect strawberries there. And beautiful vats of colorful pickled things.

By: zenchef

zenchef — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:52:18 +0000

You know me and Marc wandered around the same knife store. Thought about you guys because i read this post before i went. Beautiful stuff. I wanted to buy the whole store!

Love, love the photography on this post.

By: Manggy

Manggy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:10:52 +0000

Gosh, that is a thing of beauty. I’m sure it will be a treasured heirloom. Incidentally, I’m also reviewing a book called “Japanese Kitchen Knives.” Drooling over these (expensive) gems!

By: Craig Jenkins

Craig Jenkins — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:15:00 +0000

May I recommend another maker whose knives are very much on par but significantly less expensive that Aritsugu, and is only blocks away…

If you find the east corner of the Daimaru on ShojiDori, and go south on that street, just before the Bukkoji temple is the very humble shop of Hayakawa. You will be able to spot the sign of a pair of japanese scissors on both sides of the street. The maker is 72 and has all sorts of wonderful things from deba to santoku to hakiri and Guytou. His english is pretty limited but I had no problems buying 6 knives from him yesterday and taking a friend back today who bought another 4.

I have purchased knives from both Aritsugu and Shigehara, so I’m not against anyone, just in favour of a small, traditional shop that produces really great knives

This was a return trip for me ( in Kyoto now, from Toronto, Canada) and my second time in the shop (last was 11 years ago!).

I very highly recommend them.

By: Helen @ World Foodie Guide

Helen @ World Foodie Guide — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:23:40 +0000

Just wanted to say I’ve been really enjoying the Japan series. I’m off on my fifth trip in November, but always love reading about other people’s experiences, especially yours on buying a Japanese knife! I plan to buy one too (the personalisation of it is a great idea)…

By: justcooknyc

justcooknyc — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:55:57 +0000

i love the photos from the food stalls. and i love those octopus balls, yum.

By: mycookinghut

mycookinghut — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:38:03 +0000

It’s great to see the great info that you put in this post! I love Japanese knives and think that they are the best!! My favourite is still Santoku.

By: Marc @ NoRecipes

Marc @ NoRecipes — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:02:34 +0000

I think I’m going to be in Kyoto in October, will definitely have to check some of these places out. Also kind of a funny coincidence because I just posted a knife review (though your story is much better than mine!).

By: Brooke @ Food Woolf

Brooke @ Food Woolf — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:55:08 +0000

Like Allison @ Sushi Day, I’m swooning too. What an incredible knife-finds-cowboy story. What an incredibly special experience. Buying that knife must have been a spiritual moment for you both. Knives and chefs bond, that’s for sure.

So glad you’re both back. Can’t wait to hear more about your travels. xoxox,Brooke

By: christy

christy — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:53:55 +0000

Glad the contest for the food bloggers camp trip giveaway lead me to your site. Really enjoy it!