Hi, my name is Leigh, and I’m a chef from Newcastle, Australia.

I’ve been cooking professionally for over 20 years in some of Australia’s top restaurants, and I’m currently cooking at The Signal Box in Newcastle.

Over the years (since 2018), I’ve put together a small collection of high-quality Japanese knives and whetstones that I personally recommend. Basically, if I wouldn’t use it in a professional kitchen, I don’t sell it.

There’s a lot of junk out there—cheap knives dressed up with fancy packaging and Asian symbols designed to look the part. And honestly, they fool a lot of people. You’ll also see knives that claim to “stay sharp forever” or are always “50% off.”

That’s not what I’m about.

My goal is simple: to offer a small, trusted store where you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting real quality and value—every time.

If you have any questions, aren’t sure what you’re looking for, or feel a bit confused by all the Japanese terms, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.

*I’m often in the kitchen and can’t always answer my phone, so email is best. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.