Unique Store · Asakusa / Kappabashi

Kamata Hakensha かまた刃研社

A small family-run Kappabashi knife shop since 1923, beloved on Reddit for honest advice, wide price range and free engraving, the go-to first knife for many visitors.

About

Kamata Hakensha is a narrow, wall-to-wall knife shop on Kappabashi Dougu-gai. The family has been sharpening and selling knives here since 1923, and they're known for helping beginners choose between gyuto, santoku and nakiri, with blades from affordable stainless lines to high-end hand-forged Damascus. Knives can be engraved with your name in katakana or kanji, and the store also sells whetstones and offers sharpening. It's a frequent r/JapanTravel recommendation because staff speak English and don't upsell.

Highlights

• Hundreds of knives across all price points
• Free name engraving in katakana or kanji on most knives
• Whetstones and sharpening tools
• English-speaking family staff

Tips

• Tax-free with your passport on ¥5,000+; from 1 Nov 2026 ask how the airport refund check works for knives, which must go in checked luggage
• Pack knives in checked luggage; they're confiscated at security otherwise
• Visit on a weekday, the shop is tiny and weekends get crowded
• Combine with Kama-asa and Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya on the same street

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Kappabashi Kitchen TownShopping Street · 40 m away
• Kama-asaUnique Store · 80 m away
• Tsubaya Hochoten (Cutlery Tsubaya)Unique Store · 160 m away
• Mitsuimen MitsuiRamen & Noodles · 190 m away
• Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya Kappabashi (Food Sample Workshop)Activities & Experiences · 200 m away
• Musashi Ninja Clan DojoActivities & Experiences · 210 m away
• Okonomiyaki SometaroRestaurant · 250 m away
• Kappabashi Giant Chef Head (Niimi Building)Photo Spot · 290 m away