The NYC Knife Shop That Professional Chefs Flock To

If professional chefs are frequently seen at an establishment, there must be a good reason. Such is the case with Korin, a shop nestled in Manhattan's Tribeca district and packed with one of the most prolific collections of Japanese knives found worldwide. From knives to kitchen products, professional chefs have flocked to the showroom to get their hands on custom designs and expertly made products. Offering traditional Japanese knives, durable tableware, break-resistant glasses, and ramen noodle machines, Korin has established a reputation for quality craftsmanship among those working in the culinary industry. 

Founder  Saori Kawano, a former public school teacher, started her business with earnings she saved while working as a waitress at a Japanese restaurant. In 1982, the concept of Korin was launched, and the business has provided Japanese knives and traditional porcelain sets ever since. Kawano's entrepreneurial cunning and commitment to social good have been recognized by various organizations including the James Beard Foundation, the United Nations, the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce. Kawano has also received acknowledgments from a Japanese foreign minister and the Japanese American Association. If word of mouth is the best source of advertisement, Kawano's long list of patrons speaks volumes. 

Korin has amassed an impressive list of clients over the years with the Culinary Institute of America, French Culinary Education, and the Institute of Culinary Education all using Korin products. Hotels like the Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and the Wynn in Las Vegas brandish Korin designs; and restaurants such as Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, and Wolfgang Puck proudly partner with the brand. Nobu chefs have been seen browsing displays at Korin's shop, and foodies from around the world make the showroom a destination when passing through New York City. 

Korin knives aren't intended only for highly-trained professionals. The company provides knife-sharpening demonstrations to businesses using their products, and professional chefs often show off their knife and culinary skills at the Tribeca location. For those not wanting to take sharpening matters into their own hands, these services are available during the store's operating hours. And with a variety of price points of products, aspiring chefs have choices when it comes to selecting new culinary toys to carry home.