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Where do Japanese artisan steel products come from?

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Scissors, knives, sickles, axes, chisels, nail clippers…. Japan and Germany are the two big names when it comes to good quality steel blade products. In Japan there has never been a clear distinction between art, craft and design. Generations of artisans have refined their skills, which are admired around the world, to the point where a product intended for everyday use could equally be worthy of museum display. There are seven regions that are famous for forged steel blade products in Japan. It is hard to determine which region is the best as each has their own strengths. Sakai, for example,

Floral Scissors and Ikebana #1

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Shokunin Store has two different shapes of scissors used for “Ikebana”, traditional Japanese art of flower arrangements. The one with big looped handles (Tsuru-te) is called the “Koryu” style, and the other with curled ends (Warabi-te) is called the “Ikenobo” style. There are many “schools” of flower arrangements in Japan today. Three most known schools are; Ikenobo, Sogetsu and Ohara with the first one being the oldest. Each has their own philosophy and rules on shapes, lines or angles. Even the tools they use are different. The school of Ikenobo uses the “Ikenobo” style with the big loops, while the other

compact-bonsai-care-kit-in-japanese-sashiko-pouch

Staying Home?

February 2, 2021 No Comments

If you are staying home, let’s make it a positive thing. Why not try creating a bonsai? We have a perfect tool to get you started or send a gift to someone who would appreciate it. These tools are small in size but there is nothing miniature about their quality.

Autumn in Japan

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Many people want to come to Japan for sakura (cherry blossoms) but Autumn is as beautiful as spring if you want to visit gardens in Japan. Don’t battle the crowds in the most famous gardens. Instead, take the time to seek out the many less visited Japanese gardens as they are equally beautiful but considerably more serene.

It’s Sakura Season!

February 2, 2021 No Comments

Since our last post the winter has past. Sakura season is here. To celebrate this we have added some beautiful metal working tools from Mizuno to our stable. These tools are handmade by certified Mizuno artisan using high grade Japanese steel. When I first saw these tools I had the urge to pick them up and hold them. One can feel the workmanship and like many of these handmade items, they would make beautiful ornaments alone. Its cliched but we always say, “seeing these items is nothing like holding them”. In other news we have a completely water proof backpack that

What’s Next

February 2, 2021 No Comments

After the fanfare of our opening and the holiday season chaos, we at the Shokuninstore have settle in to 2018 and added some special items to our stable. The Mizuno Axe from Niigata is beautifully crafted using Japanese oak and fine Japanese steel. Four slots on the head represent ancient gods. This hatchet is an aesthetic and ergonomic beauty. The Murago Tabi from Okayama. The unique hardtoe, waterproof version is extremely funtional and could equally be at home in a fashion footwear boutique. The high top version of the Tabi is the tradition workwear footwear of many Japanese workers. Today its

Blogs

Where do Japanese artisan steel products come from?

Floral Scissors and Ikebana #1

Staying Home?

Autumn in Japan

It’s Sakura Season!

What’s Next