Where two days are never the same. Each product at Dream of Japan is a tapestry of untold tales and their creations, of who, how, and where, and the threads that weave them together. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. Regardless of your interests, we hope and believe that you will find information that is helpful, sparks curiosity, fosters discussions, and leaves you with plenty of food for thought. We firmly believe that every artisan product has stories that will unfold in the Receiver's hands. These narratives inspire us to create and share meaningful stories daily.
Let's create stories together.
How did coffee become the world’s favorite drink? Discover its origins, legends, and waves of evolution—from ancient Ethiopia to today’s specialty coffee culture.
Discover how to make Tiramisu Macarons with coffee cup and croissant designs. A recipe from our friend Erika from Sumopocky, an expert baker friend.
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Cuban coffee culture! Explore the vibrant history, unique brewing techniques, and passionate tradition behind every cup. Click the link to savor the essence...
Learn about the unique coffee culture of McDonald's Japan and how it differs from the fast food chain's global offerings. Explore their menu and more.
Enjoy Kies, a hidden haven in Tokyo where the aroma of freshly baked, handcrafted cookies will warm your heart. Experience this delightful wonderland today!
Experience firsthand Italy's coffee culture. In the heart of Italy, discover the essence of espresso and the art of coffee.
Savor the blend of cultures as Costa Coffee, a major global chain, opens its doors in Japan. Experience the best of both worlds in every cup!
Experience the captivating world of Roar Cafe and Roastery. Indulge in artisanal coffee blends and immerse yourself in a cozy coffee haven. Discover your new favorite spot!
Discover the history and unique offerings of Doutor Coffee, one of Japan's most popular coffee chains. Satisfy your curiosity and explore the world of Japanese coffee culture.
Uncover the competitive world of Japanese convenience store coffee, where major players battle for supremacy. Dive into a rich culture of taste tests and exclusive blends.
Experience Balmuda's excellent coffee machine as Tokyo's design influence makes its way to the United States. This cutting-edge technology will enhance your coffee experience.
Discover the fascinating story of how a trip to Japan inspired the founder of Blue Bottle Coffee, one of the world's most beloved specialty coffee companies. From hand-dripped pour-over coffee...
Unlock the secrets of Kalita and take your coffee brewing skills to the next level. Discover the art of coffee brewing with this comprehensive guide to Kalita Wave. Whether you're...
Discover how soccer legend Naohiro Takahara's dream of bringing Okinawan coffee to the world is transforming the local coffee industry.
Discover the secret behind why Japanese iced coffee is so popular among coffee lovers. Learn about its unique brewing method and why it's preferred by many. Click to read more!...
Learn about Sapporo Coffee Kan, a roaster in Japan that produces exceptional coffee beans. Discover their unique methods and the history behind their success. Find out what makes Sapporo Coffee...
Explore the unique flavors of Japanese cuisine in our latest article, featuring 5 mouth-watering recipes that all have one surprising ingredient: coffee! Click now to try something new and delicious...
Take your coffee game to the next level with our trendy coffee cocktail recipes. Discover new and exciting ways to enjoy your favorite beverage. Click to explore and impress your...
Learn how coffee vending machines in Japan have revolutionized the country's coffee culture. Discover the unique features and cultural significance.
Have you tried Anko Coffee, the latest trend from Japan? Discover the unique flavor combination of coffee and sweet red bean paste in this article!
Step up your coffee game with this unique Japanese coffee jelly recipe! Impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy-to-make dessert.
Looking for a new coffee cocktail recipe to try? Learn how to make delicious coffee shochu, a unique Japanese twist on a classic drink!
Experience the art of Japanese coffee-making with Otemae Coffee's unique twist: using a traditional bamboo whisk. Discover a new flavor sensation today!
Unveil the fascinating history of kissaten, the iconic Japanese coffee houses, and learn how they evolved into a unique cultural concept.
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Start ShoppingConfused? We made graphs to let you know where all the blade material lives in terms of all the materials used for most Japanese knives in the market today.
I hope the above graph helps you understand what you are picking. (Our product materials are in blue letters.)
Below is another graph showing differences and price and hardness of each material.
And here are the detail of each materials.
Popular options as they do not require heavy maintenance like non-stainless steel options.
CM Stainless (CM合金鋼製)The Most Popular Material
The material of choice for professional chefs. It’s rust-resistant, and in turn easy to maintain. It is made of high-carbon steel with chromium molybdenum. Which is equal in sharpness, sharpening properties, and hardness to carbon steel knives. This material is used for both CM options - the Japanese Style magnolia wood handle and the western style handle.
The More Economical Choice, That Is Still Equally Sharp.
Super French knives are made using carefully selected alloy steel that creates a more affordable price. Making it ideal for at-home cooking enthusiasts and beginners alike. It is equal in sharpness, sharpening properties, polishability, and hardness to carbon steel knives. Plus it is also rust-resistant. The notch in the lower part of the handle creates ease of use. While it isn’t super sharp or hard like the other types, it can do most jobs just as well.
These knives require high maintenance and will rust very easily. They are only used by limited chefs in Japan.
HM Carbon Steel (HM炭素鋼製)The Hardest & Sharpest Knife in Japan.
The knife of choice for top-tier chefs around the world. In fact, it’s the hardest and sharpest knife in Japan - perhaps even the world. However, it also requires the most upkeep as it easily rusts.
It’s handmade with the same technique as samurai swords. Using specially selected blade steel, of pure iron + carbon. The key advantage is that it holds its sharpness extremely well. Then it’s forged with traditional bladesmith techniques passed down for generations. It truly is a legacy knife!
Kasumi Superlative Knives are made by joining a piece of soft iron with a piece of carbon steel. The soft iron portion protects the hardened steel that tends to fracture. This reduces brittleness and makes sharpening easier.
Honyaki knives are made of steel strengthened by quenching. Since quenching the entire steel blade makes the blade brittle and makes aligning its curve difficult, the blade is quenched only from the cutting edge to about the blade's half-point. The high price of Honyaki products is because their production is extremely labor-intensive.
It's not an exact science, but it gives you a good idea of whether or not a knife will suit you.
Here is a chart of what sizes of knives are available based on the blade length.
There are many reasons that home cooks and chefs choose to use a magnolia handle. The foremost is that they're incredibly comfortable and feel perfect in hand. The importance of this can't be understated - a knife that's easier to hold is easier to cut with.
Magnolias are beautiful, large flowering trees that have sweet, floral fragrances. The wood of the Magnolia tree is beloved by Japanese artisans for a number of reasons. Such as its easy workability, strength, and lightness. It is also highly water-resistant, has a lovely bright color, and is reasonably priced. These qualities have made it a popular material choice for a variety of objects, including chopping boards, sheaths, furniture, and knife handles.
Magnolia handles are the most popular in Japan. The bright-colored wood adds a beautiful natural look and comfortable feel. The wood itself is lightweight and soft, yet tough. It provides a textured grip that helps prevent slipping while cutting. It’s a great choice for knives as it is water-resistant and doesn’t contain any resins that might cause corrosion in carbon steel.
Learn More about Magnolia Wooden Handle
For Left Handed knives, we will situate the D-shape in the opposite way than right-handed knives.
Vegan Friendly & Economical
For those concerned about using animal products - we offer a plastic alternative. It’s just as reliable, waterproof, and durable. It is also the standard, free option.
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For an additional $100
Buffalo horn is a waterproof, durable, and natural material pleasing to the eye. It feels especially nice when held. This material is a traditional choice and gives knife handles a classic Japanese look. It also makes the knife 100% natural origin.
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There are many reasons that home cooks and chefs choose to use a magnolia handle. The foremost is that they're incredibly comfortable and feel perfect in hand. The importance of this can't be understated - a knife that's easier to hold is easier to cut with.
Magnolias are beautiful, large flowering trees that have sweet, floral fragrances. The wood of the Magnolia tree is beloved by Japanese artisans for a number of reasons. Such as its easy workability, strength, and lightness. It is also highly water-resistant, has a lovely bright color, and is reasonably priced. These qualities have made it a popular material choice for a variety of objects, including chopping boards, sheaths, furniture, and knife handles.
Magnolia handles are the most popular in Japan. The bright-colored wood adds a beautiful natural look and comfortable feel. The wood itself is lightweight and soft, yet tough. It provides a textured grip that helps prevent slipping while cutting. It’s a great choice for knives as it is water-resistant and doesn’t contain any resins that might cause corrosion in carbon steel.
Learn More about Magnolia Wooden Handle
For Left Handed knives, we will situate the D-shape in the opposite way than right-handed knives.