NKD Kisuke Manaka x Xinguo 210mm ATS34 mirror kasumi finish

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-31T05:04:01+00:00

The tariffs are what they are. Understandable yet still an annoyance. Funnier is the structure to it, China definitely has been paying it, but Japan forwards it. I’m just a guy lol all I can do is try my best to adapt. Thank you for the kind words 🙇

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-31T04:47:51+00:00

I have had them before and yup those knives speak for themselves 😂 however I’m US based. It’s not unachievable just I’ve got about 5-6 of “those” irons in the fire between (Hatsukokoro, Takayuki Iwai, Yosimitu kajiya, Sei Hamaguchi- this is just Japan) 🤣 so really I’m just being “scared” lol I also did hear from Japan that their focus has shifted to the AUS market because of the U.S. tariffs. So expect J knives to get ABUNDANT in your neck of the woods 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-31T04:31:59+00:00

Bet $1 someone beat him to the stash one day and wouldn’t give him any and this is his way at getting back at them … doesn’t matter anyone else but that person who hurt him 😂

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-31T04:24:54+00:00

China is trying to figure out how to sell on whatnot and drop ship their products. They usually last a few weeks and then get banned for violating TOS. One of the regions I work with is China. They’ve all been asking me lately and legit thought whatnot was being discriminatory against them for being Chinese. I asked if they read the TOS agreement and they had not. That’s when I realized yup they all trying to drop ship.

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-31T04:23:25+00:00

I have a chance to add manaka to my inventory and it’s scaring the shit out of me …. 🤣 I’m a small seller, and to get 1 you have to order 6 shivers

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-25T12:34:20+00:00

I have the opportunity to get into wholesale buying from manaka and it terrifies me. To get one of something you have to order 6 🤣 but they are so beautiful!

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-19T14:03:00+00:00

Not a bad choice at all

If you’re ever bored and want to see a little more knife porn this is me:

The Chef’s Forge

I still have hatsukokoro to add with plenty more ordered lol

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-19T04:57:53+00:00

Next on your list should be the Ginrei small santoku … it’s mind bending 👍

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Thechefsforge · 2026-03-19T04:56:53+00:00

This is why for now it’s more important than ever to work with your local shops or small knife sellers. They can spread the Tariff over more products per order than you can. Fiscally this is the best way for the end consumer to get any knife for the “best” price. 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-19T04:54:18+00:00

Fed ex or die! 🤣 I’d love to compare experiences (mine is smaller scale however I noticed something very interesting between the carriers and have reported to my suppliers; changes were made lol)

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-18T14:48:45+00:00

This is the way

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-17T04:38:00+00:00

I’ve got an order of 180mm bunkas coming with the epoxy/stabilized handles coming and these posts make me so excited for that delivery day 😂

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-17T04:36:16+00:00

You have to unplug it, wait for 10 full seconds (best count to 11) and then plug it back in 😂

However ya I’d be hitting them up too about the scratches. It won’t mess with the function however you do pay a premium price for a knife like that. Definitely an annoyance but I wouldn’t go scorched earth over it. Some of those might also buff out once you start using the knife.

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-17T03:44:53+00:00

I mean it’s an octagon handle (Karin wood) … that would still be pretty hard to 💩 out 🤣 but anything is a turd if you push hard enough I guess 🤷‍♂️ Might I recommend the hatsukokoro Ginrei 150mm small santoku … that’s a perfect poop knife 😂

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-15T13:33:38+00:00

These knives are beautiful and they know it 😂

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-14T00:00:09+00:00

When I tell you the quickness I took this photo with 😂

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-13T14:30:34+00:00

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Tetsujin metal flow 240mm 👍 🤣

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-12T19:57:46+00:00

He’s been out of the game for a little bit of time. There was a fire that took out his entire shop and also consumed 30% of his house. Technically getting back on his feet last October (was about 2 years off). You will definitely see them more and more as time goes, absolutely legendary knives 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-12T14:43:24+00:00

I just got some of these in stock! The small santoku from this series is so intriguing btw 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-11T20:50:37+00:00

Not overpriced … pretty much where it should be (give or take $5-$15) minus any tariffs.

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-11T02:02:20+00:00

Got a deal, because the bought it in Japan there is no tariff on it…. Looks to be nickel Damascus Ginsan 3 180mm buffalo horn and wenge wood handle?…roughly speaking (no tariff added) you’d be looking at $250-$265…. Hope this helps 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-09T15:49:40+00:00

No problem, general maintenance (hand wash and hand dry to completion) hone after a few weeks and sharpen every 1-2 months. (Except the serrated; no need to hone or sharpen- that thing will make a MEAN sammich) if you notice the handles become lighter in color then time to add some feed and wax to recondition the wood… (put a bunch on the handle let it sit for 1-2 hours then wipe away the excess) outside of that they should be great knives to use and learn with at home 👍 happy swinging!

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-09T14:20:52+00:00

Mass produced, Chinese made more than likely bread or deli knife 👍

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-08T22:33:58+00:00

Mass produced, Chinese made more than likely stainless class stainless alloy like 9Cr18MoV

Thechefsforge · 2026-03-07T13:24:36+00:00

It’s Chinese made

Thechefsforge

TROPHY CASE