Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Knife Handles
Is it easy to replace a Japanese knife handle?
Yes! Japanese knives are fitted with wa handles for precisely this reason. The handle is typically easy to remove and new ones can be fitted in a few minutes with the right tools and technique.
How do I remove a wa handle from a Japanese knife?
Depending on how it's been fitted, a friction fit handle can be knocked off by resting the blade flat against a block of wood that's several cm longer than the blade then knocking the end of the wood against the handle with a rubber or wooden mallet to free it. If the handle is glued on, typically this glue can be softened by putting the knife in an oven at around 90 degrees centigrade for 10 minutes and then pull the blade off - be careful though, even at relatively low temps, the steel is hot so use a glove or towel.
Will you fit or swap a knife handle for me?
If you're ordering a knife and handle from us, just let us know you'd like it fitting or swapping before we dispatch it and we'd be happy to fit it for you.
Choosing the perfect knife & accessories
We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife and kitchen accessories since 2011 and we're here to help you too.
Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!