FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a honing steel to sharpen my knife?
We strongly recommend using whetstones for the sharpening. Japanese knives have hard steel and it is very sensitive to impacts. The hardness gives the Japanese knives the extraordinary sharpness and edge retention, and any type of sharpening devices aside from a whetstone will damage the blade.
My knife has water stains on the blade. Does this affect it's performance?
The staining can get quite bothersome, but for most cases, it is purely a cosmetic issue. A rust eraser can remove most of the staining that does develop, and knife oil can be applied before storage to minimize the staining. Our knives are handcrafted from beginning to end using techniques that have been passed down for centuries, and they are made using quality materials that have long been used for generations.
Is it possible to have my knife engraved?
Yes. However, the engraving option is limited to a new purchase, and there will be an additional $9.99 to the original price. Some items are ineligible for this option. Speak with our representatives for more information, call 310-777-0227.
I have a knife from another brand. Does your Saya fit?
It is difficult to tell if a knife made by other manufacturers would fit our Saya due to variations in the shape, thickness, and size from traditional Japanese knives.
To facilitate the process:
1. Take a picture of your knife with a ruler 2. Send us an email (info@echefknife.com) with the image
How often should I sharpen my knives?
There are 2 types of sharpening: single edged and double edged. Take a look at our sharpening service for more information about our professional sharpening service that can repair virtually any knife or edge and restore the blade’s edge beyond its factory sharpness or if you’d like to do it yourself we have a step-by-step instructional video on sharpening knives on our Knife Sharpening page.
How can I get an estimate for your sharpening service?
We provide our sharpening service for Yoshihiro knives and the knives of other manufacturers.
Contact Customer Service through email for an estimate, please include pictures of the knife in the email: info@echefknife.com
How do I maintain my whetstones?
Keep your whetstone in a cool and damp storage area.
- Avoid storing your whetstone in dry or hot conditions or in direct sunlight
- Maintaining a flat surface on a whetstone is a fundamental factor in knife sharpening because a concave surface will make sharpening counterproductive
For more information on whetstone maintenance and other whetstone related information please check out our Knife Sharpening page. http://www.echefknife.com/sharpening/
What type of whetstones should I get?
We recommend a #1000 grit as a starting stone and then finishing with a #3000-#10,000 grit stone.
For more information please check out our Knife Sharpening page for more information on whetstones and sharpening your knife. http://www.echefknife.com/sharpening/
Can I order custom knives?
Yes, Yoshihiro Cutlery does make custom knives. We can customize blade sizes, handle sizes, left-handed knives, and knife covers.
Please contact Customer Service for more info or visit our Custom Service Page.
The knife I want is out of stock, when will it be available?
Since we can make handmade knifes, we highly recommend placing a pre-order to ensure that you will be able to get the knife once it’s in stock.
Please contact Yoshihiro Cutlery through email (info@echefknife.com) or through phone (310)777-0227 for availability.