Bevel 1 Knives v Bevel 2 Knives

First thing first - in the western world - very few kitchens have a single, Single bevelled knife (home kitchens or even restaurants that are not Japanese). For these knives we use the term "Bevel 1."

However, until more recent times, the single bevel knife was the most common type of blade in Japan and it remains a very popular for certain tasks. 

The difference between single bevel and double bevel is quite simple - single bevel has a bevel on one side whilst the double bevel has both - however there is a little more nuance to explore....

Single versus double bevel knife

Looking at the image above you will see the first reason to go with single bevel:

1. It's sharper

2. It has less steel contact with whatever you are cutting (the concave on the non-beveled side allows this)

3. It allows you to make finer slices due to the width of the blade itself.

On the downside:

1. The double bevel tends to be stronger and require less maintenance

2. The double bevel requires less training for cutting/slicing skills etc

3. The double bevel can be used in either hand (the single bevel is even left or right handed).

So the choice is yours. If you're experienced or want to learn the craft at the highest level - go with a single bevel. If you're looking for lower maintenance and more simplicity of use stick with the double bevel. Or maybe try both :)

We appreciate this is short and to the point and if you want to talk hours drop us a note :)

Frequently asked questions

Our store is located at 330 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park, South Australia 5034.

On-street parking is available on George Street.

Our store is open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm and 9:30am to 1:30pm on Saturdays.

We only sharpen kitchen knives.

Prices start at $20 each and all sharpening is done by hand using whetstones and have a two week turnaround.

But you won't be without a knife! We will give you one of our knives to try out while yours is being sharpened.

Please note: We cannot sharpen scissors, gardening tools, or lawnmower blades.

We always say 2 weeks. It may be quicker, it may take a little longer.

We sharpen based on the order in which they come in to us.

For example: There might be 2 knives ahead of yours, there may be 40.

It depends on the knife but we do offer repair and restoration services.

Bring the knife in Tuesday to Saturday and speak to our master sharpener Joao and we'll show you what we can do.

Damascus/Rainbow/Ninja Ranges: We use high carbon AUS10 67 layer Damascus Japanese steel from Aichi, Japan.

Bamboo Range: VG10 Japanese core Steel.

Big Red Range: The core of the blade is made using VG10 steel and its double-layer cladding starts at the spine with a sandblast finish.

Sabres/Steak Knives:14c28n Swedish steel.

Our wood handles are sourced from the length and breadth of Australia. We fossick for intriguing and symbolic woods for our handles, from using roots from vines in McLaren Vale to Gigee wood from the Simpson Desert.

If you're near our store in Adelaide pop in and the team will no doubt be working on something new out the back (it can be a very noisy place).

Each product will come in a range of colours.
If you're after a particular colour/set of colours, send us a email or put a note in with the order and we will contact you with what colours are available.

We can never guarantee we have all colours in stock - some are more popular than others.

We offer $9 flat-rate Shipping Australia-wide.

For all domestic orders, we ship on Tuesdays and Thursdays and use Australia Post where current delivery times are 2 to 5 days.

If you need your order quickly, give us a call, or put a note in with the order and we will upgrade to express at no additional cost.

We offer $29AUD flat-rate shipping for all regions (larger orders are rewarded by keeping the shipping cost fixed).

For overseas shipping, we use DHL or TNT, the two biggest transport companies in the world (The German's versus the Dutch). Delivery times tend to vary from a week to a month, however we do provide tracking information for clarity.

We sure do!

We use our own wrapping paper, so each gift is unique!

We sure can!
We do all our engraving at the shop, while you wait (it may take a little longer during busy times).

Send Sam an email and he'll be happy to help - samflaherty@koiknives.com