Sugimoto Cutlery

Sushi chefs who arrive at the crack of dawn for the finest-grade tuna and yellowtail in the massive, centrally located Tsukiji-Jogai Market head to Sugimoto, sandwiched between other specialty stalls, to have their knives professionally honed. Sugimoto knives are hand-forged and tempered from Japanese steel and designed for highly specific tasks, such as slicing the famously lethal fugu, filleting eels, and chopping soba noodles. Western and Chinese-style knives are also available. Don’t miss: Three grades of whetstones to keep your new takohiki sashimi knife razor sharp.