There is something almost poetic about the way a Samurai cared for their katanas. You know that there is a saying that the katana is the extension of the samurai's hands, so imagine how it is important to keep your knife in top shape, just like true Samurai did.

In many ways, your Japanese knife deserves the same reverence. After all, it’s not just a kitchen tool; it’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a blade forged with centuries of tradition and skill.

In this article, we’ll explore how the timeless principles of the Samurai - rooted in the Bushidō Code - can guide us in caring for our knives.

Table of contents:

Introduction

The Seven Virtues of Bushidō in Knife Care

The Ritual of Knife Care: A Samurai’s Approach

Conclusion: Becoming the Modern Samurai of the Kitchen

Introduction

A long time ago in the period of the Samurai, a warrior's sword was not only a weapon, it was an extension of the hands and the soul of the Samurai. The Katana was treated with the highest respect, and cared for with ritualistic devotion, as oftentimes the sword was passed down through generations.

A dull, rusted, or mistreated blade was not only a sign of neglectance, but a disgrace to the samurai’s honor. The same rule applies to the kitchen, as there is no difference, if we want our tools to serve us for a lifetime, we need to take good care of them and develop some sort of connection with the tool.

In Japanese Culture, a knife blade inherits a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches back for the centuries. Generally, for the Japanese Craftsmen to master knife-making, they have to dedicate their lives to making sure their craft is perfect. So can you imagine owning a knife, made by a talented artisan who dedicated his life to their craft?

This is to take responsibility, and commitment to maintain the knife, take care of it, and make sure the tool is in the perfect condition. To do so, you have to deliver a deeper connection with your knife and engage in the regular caring routine with your knife.

But don’t worry - caring for your knife doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be a deeply satisfying practice, a way to slow down and connect with the tools that nourish your life.

Bushidō was not just about the fight, it was a moral code built on virtues like discipline, respect, and mastery. By applying these principles to knife care, we can transform a simple act of maintenance into something deeper - a ritual of respect and dedication, by doing so we can create a deeper connection with our tool, so it can bring us not only joy of cutting the food, but also serve us for the lifetime.

As we move forward, we will explore how each of the seven virtues of Bushidō - from Righteousness (Gi) to Loyalty (Chūgi) can guide us in proper knife care.

The Bushidō Code and the Art of Knife Care

The Bushidō (武士道) is the Way of the Warrior, a philosophy that guides the samurai, shaping their actions, decisions, and of course, the way how they treat their swords.

The Way of the Warrior is more than just a set of rules, it is a way of life - one that emphasizes discipline, respect, and mastery.

A Japanese knife, much like a katana, demands the same care and dedication. It is not just a kitchen tool; it is an expertly crafted instrument that requires maintenance and respect.

We will explore in this article the seven virtues of Bushidō, and how we can implement those rules in our knife care routine, so we can build a deeper connection with not only the knife but also build the connection to centuries of tradition and fine Japanese craftsmanship.

1. Gi (義) – Righteousness: The Precision of Sharpening

The first virtue of Bushidō, Gi, means righteousness, justice, and to do the right thing.

Just as a samurai would never enter battle with a dull blade, you should never let your knife lose its edge. Sharpening your knife is not just about maintenance - it is a duty.

• Use the right tools: A proper whetstone is essential, just as a samurai used only the finest sharpening stones for their katana.
• Understand the angles: Japanese knives often have a specific sharpening angle (typically 10-15 degrees per side), therefore precision is key here.
• Consistency is righteousness: Just as a samurai trains every day, you must regularly hone and sharpen your knife to keep it in top condition. In our previous article, we discussed the difference between honing and sharpening.

By sharpening your knife with precision and respect, you embody Gi - ensuring that your blade is always ready to serve you.

2. Rei (礼) – Respect: Treating Your Knife with Honor

In Japanese culture, it is essential to take care of your belongings, and people in Japan really treat the things they have with respect and honor. The same applies to the Samurai. Before entering the duel, they always bow to their opponent, showing respect and honor, and they never mistreat their sword.

Even the kitchen knife, deserves the same respect. The way how you treat your knife reflects your character as a cook, so here are some key points to look for:

• Never use your knife carelessly: Avoid cutting through bones, frozen food, or hard surfaces. (If a knife is not designed for this purpose)
• A samurai would never use their katana as an axe - it was a weapon of precision.
• Use a proper cutting board: Wooden board is the best for the knife, avoid using glass or metal boards, as they are too hard, which can quickly dull and damage a knife's edge.
• Clean the knife after use: Leaving a knife dirty or wet is like leaving a samurai’s sword rusting, it is unforgivable.

Try to develop respect for your tool, keep it clean, and sharp, and treat the knife with care.

 

3. Yu (勇) – Courage: The Discipline to Master Maintenance

Yu, or courage, is not just about being fearless in battle - it is about perseverance and commitment to mastery. Here in Japan, people say, that you should commit to one thing, and dedicate your heart to it, so you can master it. Focus on one thing.

Many people shy away from learning how to sharpen properly, how to maintain carbon steel, or how to repair minor chips. But true mastery comes from embracing the challenge.

• Sharpening takes time: It is a skill that requires practice. Just as a samurai trained daily, a dedicated knife owner must refine their technique.
• Do not fear mistakes: You may over-sharpen, under-sharpen, scratch the blade, or struggle at first - but we all learn from our mistakes, so just keep going.
• Face the challenge and care for the tool, like a real Samurai would do: embrace the traditional way of knife care, instead of relying on electric sharpeners or cheap maintenance solutions. The path of knife care is not always easy, but with courage and discipline, you will achieve true mastery.

4. Jin (仁) – Compassion: Honoring the Craftsmen and the Materials

Jin, meaning compassion and kindliness, teaches us to appreciate and respect those who create our tools.

A Japanese knife is not just a product - it is the result of centuries of craftsmanship. Master blacksmiths dedicate their lives to forging blades using techniques passed down through generations. When you care for your knife, you are honoring their work as well.

• Use natural oils: Applying camellia oil, or any non-acidic oil for carbon steel blades to protect them from rust - just as samurai cared for their swords with oil.
• Store your knife properly: Use a wooden saya (sheath) or a magnetic strip to keep the knife safe.
• Understand the steel: Whether it is Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel, each material has unique properties, therefore specific care for it properly ensures the longevity of the blade.

5. Makoto (誠) – Honesty: Knowing the Strengths and Limits of Your Knife

Samurai were always honest, first to themselves, to their master, and their weapon.

They knew their sword’s capabilities and never used it recklessly.

Your knife is not unshaken, and true mastery comes from understanding the limits of the tool.

• A Yanagiba is not a cleaver: Slicing delicate sashimi with a heavy Deba knife is like using a katana to chop wood - it is the wrong tool for the task.
• Carbon steel needs special care: If you leave the knife wet, it may rust, but with proper maintenance, it can last you for a lifetime.
• Do not force your knife: If your knife struggles through a task, it is better to use a different tool than to risk damaging the blade.

Honesty in knife care means respecting the purpose of each blade and using it accordingly.

6. Meiyo (名誉) – Honor: Keeping Your Knife in Peak Condition

The reputation of the Samurai was connected to their blade. The neglected, dull sword was a mark of shame. The same applies to your knife.

• Polish your knife as a samurai polishes their katana: Removing stains and rust is an act of discipline.
• Perform regular maintenance: Check your knife for dullness, chips, or rust, just like warriors inspect their weapons before the battle.
• Take pride in your tools: A knife in good condition reflects the owner's skills and respect for the tool.

Caring for your knife is not just maintenance - it is a reflection of your honor and respect for the tool that you owe.

7. Chūgi (忠義) – Loyalty: Developing a Lifelong Bond with Your Knife

The final virtue, Chūgi, represents loyalty and devotion. A samurai was loyal to their master and their code. Likewise, you should develop a lifelong bond with your knife.

• Choose a knife that suits you: A great knife, like a great sword, should feel like an extension of your hand.
• Stick with your tools: A good knife, well cared for, can last a lifetime.
• Pass it down: In Japan, swords and knives are often passed through generations. Your knife, if maintained properly, can become your legacy.

Loyalty to your knife means committing to its care, using it with respect, and ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.

Conclusion: Walking the Path of the Modern Samurai

By applying the principles of Bushidō to knife care, you do more than just maintain a tool - you embrace a philosophy of discipline, respect, and mastery, therefore, you develop a deeper connection with your knife, and you don’t see the caring process as a chore, you see it more like a calming routine.

A sharp knife is a reflection of a sharp mind. A well-maintained blade is a testament to its owner's dedication. And in every careful stroke of the whetstone, in every drop of oil applied, you are not just preserving a knife—you are upholding a tradition as old as the samurai themselves.

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