Where Can I Buy Japanese Knives in Honolulu?

[Reefpimp]

BACKSTORY:

I'm taking a job cooking for Norwegian Cruise Lines America for their Hawai'ian operations. And like any good line pig, I'm kind of whackadoo about my knives. I've been eying some of the nicer Damascus Japanese knives in the Knife Porn threads as they pop up. But I don't want to commit that much money before I can handle the knife for a bit; see if I can find one that speaks to me.

SO:

Does anyone here know where, in Honolulu or its environs--or anywhere else in the archipelago, for that matter--I could find a shop that carries a reasonable inventory of Japanese cooking knives? Eventually, of course, I'm going to want a couple of sashimi knives, two or three santoku, a gyotu or two, maybe a petty.... You all see where this is headed, of course. All I can say is, as an addiction, it's cheaper than crack.

Thanks in advance

RP

[SuzySushi]

Depending on what you're looking for:

Shirokiya -- Japanese department store in Ala Moana Center.

Don Quixote (formerly Daiei) -- Japanese supermarket, Kaheka Street (main store), a couple of blocks away from Ala Moana Center.

I'm not sure which brands each one carries; haven't looked for knives for a while. Shirokiya is more upscale.

Feel free to PM me with other Oahu questions.

[Chad]

BACKSTORY:

I'm taking a job cooking for Norwegian Cruise Lines America for their Hawai'ian operations.  And like any good line pig, I'm kind of whackadoo about my knives.  I've been eying some of the nicer Damascus Japanese knives in the Knife Porn threads as they pop up.  But I don't want to commit that much money before I can handle the knife for a bit; see if I can find one that speaks to me.

SO:

Does anyone here know where, in Honolulu or its environs--or anywhere else in the archipelago, for that matter--I could find a shop that carries a reasonable inventory of Japanese cooking knives?  Eventually, of course, I'm going to want a couple of sashimi knives, two or three santoku, a gyotu or two, maybe a petty....  You all see where this is headed, of course.  All I can say is, as an addiction, it's cheaper than crack. 

Thanks in advance

RP

←

You might want to post your question on Knifeforums.com's In the Kitchen forum. There are a couple of knife-nut members who live in Hawaii who might be able to better answer your question.

Chad

[Reefpimp]

Much obliged, Chad and Suzi. When my plans for world domination come to fruition, you will rank high in my order.

[oneidaone]

I'm not too worried about your world plans but another place to try would be

Y.Hata on Sand Island Rd. off Nimitz Hwy. You could take a bus from where

the ship docks. Anyway it's a restaurant supply store with lots of great things

including knives, coats, pants, pots, pans etc. etc. etc. I am sure you will

have an interesting experience on the ship, you should write periodically

about the ups and downs of it all. Good luck and a hui hou!

[arni psito]

Not sure how high end they go, but Executive Chef has some Japanese knives too.

[oneidaone]

Maybe you could ring up the Kapiolani Community College culinary arts program

and see if they have an idea for you. They teach a basic knife skills to the public

in addition to their curriculum so possibly that would be helpful to find what

knives you want.

[Tkrup]

They carry a pretty impressive array of Globals at the Williams and Sonoma at the Ala Moana mall, but you may have to start selling your plasma to afford them. I've got two, a 10 inch chef's knife and a huge 14 inch pig sticker, and I love them both. They're fully molded handle and blade and keep a great edge (and they're made in Japan), but some people don't like their balance.

Hope this helps,

Happy hunting!!