Hello, my name is Yuske, and I am the founder of Tohg. Based in the Netherlands, we offer exclusive hand sharpening services, lectures, and quality Japanese kitchen knives and sharpening products. Here, I'd like to share my journey of launching a kitchen knife sharpening brand in the Netherlands and my visions for the future.
My journey to finding my true passion has been diverse and extensive. As a child, I had a deep curiosity about how societies and people operate, leading me to pursue social sciences. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Japan and a master’s degree in Germany and South Africa. I also had the opportunity to study music in the U.S., participate in the UN youth program, and travel extensively during my undergraduate studies. Initially, my goal was to work for international organizations like the World Bank and UNESCO, contributing to global cooperation.
However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic shifted my path. This period of reflection allowed me to deeply consider human happiness and societal well-being while studying in the global studies program. While I recognized the importance of international organizations, I saw an alternative way to contribute to the world: through culture. Throughout my life, I have explored a wide range of interests including music, gastronomy, cocktails, cigars, arts, films, and martial arts besides the academic pursuit. This driven nature led me to achieve professional levels in many of these areas, working as a musician, cook, and bartender, and earning a black belt in Judo. With such back ground of mine, my master’s thesis focused on Soft Power, envisioning how Japanese and Buddhist values and practices—such as zen, meditation, and tool appreciation—could enhance global happiness.
Particularly this master's thesis led me to realize my unique contribution: the art of knife sharpening. With several years of sharpening experience, a deep understanding of social sciences, and rich international experiences, I knew I could successfully introduce this craft to Europe. The Japanese traditional cultural industry lacks talents with the skills and experiences to provide local services while collaborating with Japanese craftsmen and brands.
As I determined to start my own business, I started preparation immediately, including entrepreneurship education and building this website on my own.
After graduation, I underwent intensive training at one of Japan's most prestigious stores, Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide. Under the mentorship of one of Japan's top knife sharpeners, I refined my skills and knowledge to effectively serve European customers.
During this period, I gained profound insights into kitchen knives and the brand, while also building strong relationships with the company's leadership and my colleagues for future collaboration. Upon completing my training, my expertise was thoroughly validated, and I was entrusted as a partner in Europe to provide care services for Ichimonji customers across Europe and the UK.
In the European market, there is a growing demand for Japanese kitchen knives and knife sharpening. However, many products available are of poor quality, with incorrect grids and insufficient polishing materials, making sharpening inefficient. Many so-called "Japanese knives" sold on Amazon and other platforms are actually low-quality products made in China. While these products open the door for sharpening for an affordable price, it fail to offer a proper sharpening experience, especially for beginners who cannot discern whether their results are affected by the quality of the whetstone and knife or their own skills. Poor quality whetstones make it difficult to know if you are sharpening correctly, depriving users of the opportunity to practice and improve. Chinese-made "Japanese" knives often have embellished designs and boast of their hardness, but their quality and functionality are far inferior to authentic Japanese kitchen knives.
Sharpening is more than maintenance; it is an art form. Our hand sharpening techniques make kitchen knives exceptionally sharp while maintaining durability. We tailor our sharpening process to each user’s needs, enhancing safety, efficiency, and the taste of ingredients. Sharpening is also a fulfilling and meditative practice. It involves continuous learning and improvement, fostering a sense of growth and enjoyment. The act of sharpening requires focused attention, creating a rhythmic and calming experience that aligns with Japanese cultural values. Additionally, sharpening extends the lifespan of a good knife, promoting sustainability.
Our business philosophy is rooted in a couple of Japanese concepts:
Our vision is to provide exceptional knife sharpening services, products, and lessons while fostering a community that appreciates craftsmanship and culture. Above all, we aim to share the joy of knife sharpening.
Join us at Tohg to discover the art, science, and joy of knife sharpening. Together, we can transform not just our knives, but also our minds and communities.
© 2024 Tohg Sharpening. All rights reserved.