Do you ever ask yourself why some knives are more expensive than others? As revealed by a quick Google search, the average price of a good knife ranges from $50 – $100. But on Amazon, a Miyabi chef’s knife goes for as much as $400. So what’s all the fuss?
After all, it’s just a knife. That’s where you’re wrong. Miyabi blades are so much more than just a knife. The difference between a Miyabi knife and the piece of stainless steel you have sitting in your kitchen drawer is the difference between something good and something great.
The Miyabi Ideal
Hailing from Japanese tradition, Miyabi is a concept that describes the aesthetic model of refinement. It was a popular aesthetic ideal during the Heian period in Japan. In translation, it is often synonymous with elegance and refinement and closely relates to removing all impurities to achieve precision. In other words, it is holding your work to the highest standard. This concept is the inspiration behind the name of the infamous knives. Each knife exudes the traits of precision and grace.
Miyabi Knives
The knife brand is renowned for the quality, elegance, and durability of its blades. More than 100 steps go into making just a single knife, and the entire process can take upwards of 42 days. They’re produced by a subsidiary of one of the largest and oldest knife-making companies, Zwilling JA Henckels. The branch is located in Seki, a city in the heart of Japan, 300 km from Tokyo. For centuries, hundreds of people have honed their swordsmithing craft in the streets of Seki, owing to its proximity to natural resources like iron sand. You can check our guide on which are the best Miyabi knives.
As one of the largest cutlery-producing areas in the world and often called the city of blades, Seki is home to some of the few traditional bladesmiths licensed to produce katanas. However, production has certainly reduced since the first katana was welded in Seki 800 years ago. Yet, to keep the craft alive and stay in business, these bladesmiths have turned their skills into making some of the most beautiful knives in the world.
In this way, the traditional method of making katanas has been preserved. Each knife for Miyabi is painstakingly handmade to create more than just a simple kitchen utensil. The result is something of a work of art. Far from being a generic factory-made product, no two Miyabi blades are the same.
One of the steps to produce such top-quality cutlery is the tempering process that occurs early in production. It serves to harden the blades, making them highly durable and corrosion-resistant. Additionally, the makers are so confident in their products that each knife comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s a pretty good reassurance that the handle of your knife won’t snap in the middle of your cooking.
Masayuki Yamada, the development manager at Miyabi, is confident that simply one look at a Miyabi knife is enough to make you desire one. Just like a katana, Miyabi blades are graceful as well as lethal. Mr. Yamada boasts that their knives appeal not only for their timeless, dignified design but for the excitement that they make you feel. Truly, there is nothing like holding a Miyabi knife to make you feel like a samurai in the kitchen.
Conclusion
One of the most coveted pieces of cooking equipment you could possibly own is a Miyabi blade. It is nothing short of a piece of art in your hand as it beautifully cuts through anything you place its edge on. Inspired by the elegant aesthetic of the Miyabi movement during the Heian period in Japan, Miyabi knives are the embodiment of refinement. With their lifetime warranty, you never have to worry about buying another knife again, making them well worth the investment.
Gary Portman is the founder and main author of Knivesadvice.com. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he is committed to assisting people in choosing the perfect knife for their needs. Through his articles, Gary shares valuable insights on various aspects of knives. With his expertise, readers can make informed decisions and find a knife that is tailored to their preferences and requirements. You can find more info about Gary here.