In the Japanese city of Seki, once famous for forging samurai swords, a small factory now making kitchen knives is struggling to keep up with global demand. The explosion in popularity has been partially attributed to a home-cooking boom sparked by the pandemic.
The export value of knives and other bladed tools like scissors hit a record high in Japan last year, partly thanks to a home-cooking boom sparked by the pandemic. High-quality Japanese knives are also winning a following in professional circles, with top chefs trusting them for their precision and durability.