FAQ

Title

Questions about use

What type of knife should I choose?

An expensive knife does not necessarily mean a good knife.
Choose a knife that suits your needs and lifestyle.

・For all-purpose use, use a Santoku knife or a chef's knife

・Stainless steel is the safest choice for general household use.

・If sharpness is important, choose a steel knife. If maintenance is important, choose a stainless steel knife.

- Check the size, weight, and ease of grip

If you use these criteria to choose, you will be able to find the knife that suits you without any mistakes.

What material should I choose for my knife?

The characteristics vary depending on the material.
Choose the knife that's right for you by considering how you'll use it and how easy it will be to maintain.

・Stainless steel knives (rust-resistant and easy to use) → Easy to maintain and suitable for home use ・Steel knives (can be used for a long time if sharpened, but rusts easily) → Sharpness is important and suitable for serious users ・Ceramic knives (easily broken if dropped) → Lightweight, rust-resistant, and suitable for vegetables and fruits

Just as with choosing the type, it's important to choose one that suits your lifestyle.
If you are having trouble choosing a knife, please feel free to contact us using the contact form.

What is the difference between Japanese knives and Western knives?

The differences between Japanese and Western knives lie in the shape of the blade and its purpose.

・Japanese knives → Mostly single-edged, with a delicate sharpness. There are a wide variety of knives, including thin-edged knives , yanagi-ba knives , and deba knives , which are suitable for Japanese cuisine, such as cutting sashimi and vegetables.

Western knives: Generally double-edged and symmetrical, making them easy to use. Santoku knives and Gyuto knives are versatile knives that can cut meat, fish, and vegetables.
　　　　　 A typical example is a paring knife, which is maneuverable for cutting fruit, etc.

If you are looking for a knife for everyday use, we recommend a Western-style knife, but if you are looking for authentic Japanese cuisine, we recommend a Japanese knife.

What type of knife should I choose?

An expensive knife does not necessarily mean a good knife.
Choose a knife that suits your needs and lifestyle.

・For all-purpose use, use a Santoku knife or a chef's knife

・Stainless steel is the safest choice for general household use.

・If sharpness is important, choose a steel knife. If maintenance is important, choose a stainless steel knife.

- Check the size, weight, and ease of grip

If you use these criteria to choose, you will be able to find the knife that suits you without any mistakes.

What material should I choose for my knife?

The characteristics vary depending on the material.
Choose the knife that's right for you by considering how you'll use it and how easy it will be to maintain.

・Stainless steel knives (rust-resistant and easy to use) → Easy to maintain and suitable for home use ・Steel knives (can be used for a long time if sharpened, but rusts easily) → Sharpness is important and suitable for serious users ・Ceramic knives (easily broken if dropped) → Lightweight, rust-resistant, and suitable for vegetables and fruits

Just as with choosing the type, it's important to choose one that suits your lifestyle.
If you are having trouble choosing a knife, please feel free to contact us using the contact form.

Material Questions

What are the characteristics of stainless steel knives?

It is rust-resistant and easy to maintain.

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・Rust resistant

Simply rinse with water and wipe after use

- Sharpness is quite good and easy to handle

- Wide variety of prices and types, suitable for beginners and professionals

Disadvantages

・Sharpness is slightly inferior to that of steel

- If you use it for a long time, it will become dull.

・Hard stainless steel is difficult to sharpen

If you value ease of maintenance, we recommend stainless steel knives.

What are the characteristics of steel knives?

This is a knife for serious users, with its attractive features of being "sharp" and "easy to sharpen."

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- Extremely sharp, it can cut ingredients cleanly

- It can be used for many years if sharpened, so it is easy to last a long time.

・Used by professional chefs for years

Disadvantages

・Easily rusted

・Frequent sharpening and maintenance required

If you value sharpness and enjoy easy maintenance, we recommend a steel knife.

What are the characteristics of ceramic knives?

It is light and rust-free, but its durability is a weakness.

merit

Very light and no need to worry about rusting

- Long-lasting sharpness, suitable for cutting vegetables and fruits

Disadvantages

- Hard and brittle, so it breaks easily if dropped

・The blade may chip when cutting hard foods such as frozen foods or meat with bones.

・Resharpening is difficult and requires a special sharpener

It is an easy knife to maintain, but requires careful handling.

What are the characteristics of titanium knives?

This knife is lightweight and rust-resistant.

merit

Very lightweight and doesn't tire your hands

- Rust resistant and easy to maintain

Disadvantages

・Compared to stainless steel or steel, it is less sharp and harder to sharpen

・Hard but easily worn, once the sharpness is lost it is difficult to recover

The price is relatively high

It is recommended for those who value lightness and rust resistance. If you want a sharp cutting edge, consider other materials!

What is a Damascus knife?

This knife combines a beautiful mille-feuille pattern with functionality, making it a joy to own and making cooking even more enjoyable.

Damascus knives are characterized by their wave-like patterns, which are created by layering and forging multiple pieces of metal.

Not only are the ripples beautiful, but they are also highly durable and retain their sharpness for a long time.

The core material is made of steel or high-grade stainless steel, and the exterior is layered with multiple layers of steel to provide both sharpness and rust resistance.

What kind of material is VG-10?

This stainless steel was developed by Takefu Special Steel Co., Ltd. in Fukui Prefecture, and is a high-quality material that combines sharpness, rust resistance, and durability .

Features of VG-10

・Sharp cutting edge → Contains a lot of carbon and can be sharpened

・Rust resistant → Contains chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium

-High wear resistance → Sharpness is easily maintained even after long use

・Easy to sharpen → Not as easy as steel, but relatively easy to maintain

It is widely used by both professional chefs and home cooks.

What kind of material is Yasugi steel?

This is high-quality steel manufactured by Hitachi Metals (now Proterial) in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture.

Characteristics of Yasugi Steel

- High purity and few impurities make it sharp and easy to sharpen

・There are many varieties, with "Shirogami" and "Aogami" being particularly well-known.

・White steel has a good cutting edge and is easy to sharpen, but it rusts easily.

・Aogami steel contains chromium and tungsten, making it highly wear-resistant and sharp for a long time.

It has received tremendous support from chefs specializing in Japanese cuisine.
It is prone to rust, so it requires careful maintenance.

Common misconceptions

Sharpness = Is it a good knife?

That's not necessarily the case.

Sharpness is certainly an important factor when choosing a knife, but that alone does not make it a "good knife."

There are various evaluation criteria for knives, such as ease of sharpening , ease of maintenance , ease of holding , design , etc. Also, which criteria are emphasized varies depending on the user.

For example, a sushi chef will sharpen his knives daily, so he will likely place more importance on the steel material rather than rust resistance. On the other hand, for a knife to be used at home, ease of maintenance and durability may be more important.

Knife manufacturers tend to compete with each other in advertising the "sharpness" of their knives, but the fact that the sharper the edge of the blade, the more delicate and brittle it becomes is not widely communicated.
When using a whetstone, be careful not to be too enthusiastic.

Aren't stainless steel knives supposed to not rust?

It is rust resistant. However, it does not mean that it will never rust.

Why is it resistant to rust?

Stainless steel contains chromium , which forms an oxide film on its surface, making it resistant to rust.

However, it may rust under the following conditions:

・Leaving moisture or dirt on the surface for a long period of time (water rust)

- Exposing to acids or salt (lemon, soy sauce, salt water, etc.) for a long time (rust caused by acid)

・Comes into contact with other rusty metals (contagion)

No matter what knife you use, the most important thing is to clean it after use!
Even a brand new knife can rust if not properly cared for.
The trick to making it last longer is to wash it immediately after use and wipe off any water thoroughly.

I just bought it and the blade is chipped.

We will guide you through proper maintenance and precautions for use.

Chipping of the blade occurs not only due to the length of use, but also due to the environment in which it is used, the type of food eaten, and the amount of force applied.
Because knives are very sharp tools, using them on hard ingredients (frozen foods, pumpkin, meat with bones, etc.), the material of the cutting board, and how the blade is applied may cause the blade to chip more quickly than expected.

Ebisu Blade has a friendly system in place.
・30-day return guarantee ・1-year free resharpening service ・Paid resharpening service after 1 year ・30% off coupon (if maintenance is not possible)

We would like to hear more about your usage situation so that we can provide you with the best possible advice.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Do I have to replace my rusty knives?

With proper maintenance, rust can be removed.

The mechanism of rusting is that water droplets dry and become oxygen lumps that adhere to the metal surface.
This is like a scab and can be removed with proper maintenance.

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Are there any knives that don't require maintenance?

I can assure you, no.

Any knife will eventually wear down with continued use.
Also, if the product is not properly maintained after use, rust will form.

With the development of social media, we are seeing advertisements with claims such as "No maintenance required," "X times sharper," and "X times more resistant to rust." Most of these claims are exaggerated claims or false information that only take the parts that are convenient for the seller.
We believe that the correct way for a knife manufacturer to operate is to convey correct knowledge and proper care to customers and provide comprehensive after-sales care, rather than encouraging them to buy and spreading incorrect information among them.

Link - We are honest -

Care questions

How do I clean it after use?

How to care for stainless steel knives

・After use, wash immediately with a neutral detergent and wipe off any excess water. ・Many are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended as the wood may deform at high temperatures. ・To extend the life of the product, sharpen it regularly with a whetstone or sharpener. ・When storing, avoid moisture and store in a dry place.

How to care for steel knives

・It is important to wash it immediately after use and wipe off any moisture thoroughly. ・If you are not going to use it for a long time, you can prevent rust by storing it with a thin layer of cooking oil. ・Although the knife loses its sharpness easily, it is easy to sharpen, so we recommend sharpening it regularly with a whetstone. ・Avoid storing it in a humid place. It is also effective to put a desiccant inside.

Steel knives rust easily, so they require careful care.

Can I use a dishwasher?

Wave -nami- ｜ Nagi -nagi- ｜ Takumi- ｜ Hana series

Since it is made of natural wood, it cannot be washed in a dishwasher.
This can cause the wood to crack and swell.

Kuro Series

Yes, you can. (High temperature settings are not allowed.)
Leaving water droplets on the product after washing can cause rust, so we recommend washing it by hand and wiping it off.

What causes rust and how can I fix it?

Causes of rust

Knives rust because iron oxidizes when it reacts with moisture and oxygen.
Particular care should be taken with steel knives, as they are prone to rust.

Main causes

・Leaving the product without wiping off moisture after use

- Store in a humid place (such as under the sink)

・Leaving food containing salt or acid (meat, fish, citrus fruits, etc.) after cutting

- High temperature washing in a dishwasher or soaking in water for a long time

・Storing it in contact with other metals (rust transfer)

How to maintain it when it rusts

Light rust (faintly on the surface)

→ Gently scrub with a rust remover or cleanser.

Stubborn rust

→ Sharpen with waterproof sandpaper (#800 to #1000) or a whetstone.

→ Use vinegar or baking soda to loosen the rust and then scrub it.

Finishing after rust removal

→ Wash the knife thoroughly and wipe off all water.

→ Storing steel knives with a thin layer of cooking oil is effective in preventing rust.

The key to making your knife last longer is to take good care of it.

Please tell me the cause of chipping and how to fix it

Causes and solutions for chipped blades

Chipping of the blade of a knife occurs when a strong impact is applied to the tip of the blade. If the blade is chipped, it will lose its sharpness and cooking efficiency will decrease, so care must be taken.

The main causes of chipping

・Cutting hard ingredients (frozen foods, bones, pumpkins, etc.)

・The cutting board is too hard (glass or ceramic cutting board)

・Use the blade to pry sideways

・Dropping or hitting the product

・If you do not sharpen the blade properly, it can cause strain on the blade.

How to deal with chipped blades

If the blade is only slightly chipped, smooth it out with a rough whetstone (#400-#600) and then finish it off with a medium whetstone (#1000).

If there is a large chip, consult a professional sharpener.

You can maintain the sharpness of your knife for a long time by being mindful of the proper way to use it and handling it carefully so as not to put strain on the blade.

What is the difference between a sharpener and a whetstone?

Difference between sharpener and whetstone

There are two ways to sharpen a knife: using a sharpener or using a whetstone. It is important to understand the characteristics of each method and choose the one that best suits your purpose.

Sharpener

Can be sharpened easily and in a short time

No skill is required for sharpening, so even beginners can use it easily.

Frequent use will shorten the life of the knife as it will sharpen the blade edge.

The sharpness is only restored temporarily and is not suitable for serious sharpening.

Grindstone

The sharpness can be restored to its original state

You can adjust the sharpening power to extend the life of your knife.

It takes skill to get used to sharpening

It takes time and effort to sharpen

For daily maintenance, use a sharpener and sharpen your knife regularly with a whetstone to keep it sharp for a long time.

How do I care for my whetstone?

By regularly maintaining your knife with a whetstone, you can maintain its sharpness and use it comfortably.
Please give it a try.

Preparation of whetstones : Coarse whetstone (#400 and up) / Medium whetstone (#1000 and up) / Finishing whetstone (#3000 to #10000)

-Before using the whetstone, soak it in water for 5 to 10 minutes to make it thoroughly moist.

- Place the whetstone in a non-slip location to stabilize it.

How to sharpen

-Hold the knife blade at about a 15 degree angle to the whetstone.

- Sharpen the blade from the base to the tip by moving it back and forth with even pressure.

Once one side is sharpened, sharpen the other side in the same way.

- To finish, polish with a medium whetstone (#1000 or above) or a finishing whetstone (#3000 or above) to improve the sharpness.

Processing after sharpening

After sharpening, wash the knife thoroughly with water to remove any sharpening residue.

- Wipe off all water and dry.

- Storing steel knives with a thin layer of cooking oil will help prevent rust.

Please note : The sharpness and fragility of a blade are two sides of the same coin.
Please be careful not to cut at too sharp an angle as this can cause the blade to chip.

About Ebisu-ha Friendly System

What is the Ebisu-ha Friendly System?

This is the general term for the unique aftercare services offered by Ebisu Blade.

Ebisu Blade Friendly Service Contents : 30-day unconditional return/exchange, 1-year free resharpening service, unlimited paid resharpening service (1,500 yen) after 1 year, 30% discount coupon (if resharpening is not possible)

Ebisu Blade does not just sell and be done with it.
We will provide full support in the unlikely event of any trouble so that you can use the product with peace of mind even after purchasing it.

Which products qualify for the regrinding service?

The following brands are eligible:

Wave / Calm / Craftsman / Hana

*Kuro will be exchanged for a new product using a 30% off coupon.
(The reason is that when maintenance costs are taken into account, the cost is not much different from the product price.)

What is the procedure for requesting sharpening service?

If you would like to request a resharpening service, please contact us using the support form at the bottom right of our homepage.
We will provide you with detailed guidance tailored to your needs.

--- Maintenance conditions ---

Price ①: Within one year of purchase: Free Price ②: After one year of purchase: 1,500 yen Eligible: Blade chipping that occurs under normal use Not eligible: Blade chipping, wavy edges, cracks, etc. that are deemed physically irreparable (We can issue a 30% off coupon upon request)
Estimated period: Approximately 10 days after the product arrives at our company. *The customer is responsible for the shipping costs for the product to and from the store.

--- Destination ---

166-0003
Tokyo Suginami-ku Koenji Minami 5-13-27 unit D
Bremen Ebisu Blade Co., Ltd.
Tel: 03-6279-3319
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What if it is determined that maintenance is not possible?

If it is determined that the item cannot be physically repaired, we will issue you a 30% off coupon upon request.

Can the pattern be repaired?

We do not offer repairs to patterns.
The reason is that the repair estimate is often as much as the selling price.
Therefore, we are offering a 30% off coupon to exchange it for a new product.

The repair process for the handle is complicated.

- Order materials separately

Disassemble

Repair

Reassemble

It takes several days and involves multiple work processes, so the labor costs are inevitably high.

About the shop

About aftercare

Through the Ebisu Blade Friendly System, we will provide you with full support even after your purchase.

Can I get a gift tag or a gift wrapping service?

Thank you for considering Ebisu Blade as a gift.

We have gift bags available in our store.
All Ebisu Blade products, based on the concept of "knives to cherish," come in gift-ready packaging and make great presents for special people.

We can also provide gift wrapping, so if you would like this service, please feel free to let us know using the contact form.

Can I have my name engraved?

Sorry, we do not offer a name engraving service.

About payment methods

The following payment methods are available at our store:

All credit cards accepted: VISA / MASTER / AMEX / JCB /

Wallet payments Apple Pay / Google Pay

Deferred payment (convenience store payment)
Paidy (Family Mart / 7-Eleven / Lawson / Ministop)

About delivery method

Once your order is confirmed, it will be shipped via Yu-Pack or Yamato Transport.

Returns and Exchanges

Unconditional returns and exchanges are possible within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Please fill in the contact form with your order number and details.
We will contact you again with instructions on how to return the product.