The Knifenerd Guide to Japanese Knives

Excellent book and highly recommended reading not only for "knifenerds"! Really fills a gap within the (very limited) set of existing books about Japanese knives. Covers more recent/modern aspects of Japanese knifemaking compared for example to Nozaki's "Japanese Kitchen Knives" (so far my go-to recommendation for all my chef friends considering getting Japanese knives), including excellent and very personal profiles of Japanese knife makers and a brief but extremely helpful section on knife steels. Make sure to also watch the author's great "Springhammer" documentary available online (for free -- thanks a lot!). Anybody considering spending money on Japanese knives should read this book first -- the Japanese "shokunin" (craftsmen) will certainly appreciate it and be happy that their hard labor will end up in appreciative as well as properly caring hands.

If you like knives, this book will be well worth it. If you like Japanese knives, this book is a must read. Excellent explanation of the various steels and shapes. The pictures are beautifully composed and sensitive to the subjects. The profiles of the artisans are interesting and informative. This book will bring you closer to the knifesmiths who made the fine Japanese knives that you own (or aspire to own) and the techniques they employ to make these functional works of art.

I liked this book, I'm not much for non-fiction but I have an interest in Japanese style kitchen knives. If you buy this thinking it will teach you how to make a Japanese style knife I don't think you will succeed but if you buy this to learn more about Japanese cutlery and the art of it, it succeeds admirably. I gave it four stars because I wanted more about the knife construction itself, how they are put together via a blacksmiths input and that's not fully there. At the end of the book you do get knife dimensions and the different types of knives. If you are a Japanese knife geek this book is for you. If you are interested about Japanese cutlery this book is for you.

I love this book! It’s very well made and extremely informative!

Wonderful book. I have been looking for it for a long time. I recommend it to everyone who is interested in Japanese knives.

The book is quite interesting for anyone really. Not necessarily for "knife nerds". I am really enjoying it. Not sure if it is a coincidence but I am reading it as I am using a handmade Japanese knife for the first time. Interesting culture and their blades are eye opening. Cheers.

Unique book for Japanese knives. It put the Takefu villager on the world map. Interesting interviews and knife knowledge are great readings for knife nerds all around.

As a knife nerd I found this book to be an excellent, easy and enjoyable read. It focuses on a variety of knife-smiths ... all Japanese. I own many of their knives and it was very enjoyable to read some colour about them. My only complaint is that I feel the book should have included Murray Carter. Carter is a Canadian, a master Japanese knife-smith and has a compelling story which would have added to the book. Perhaps he can be included in a second edition.

Excellent info on makers, the craft, and gorgeous photography.