Sayonara souvenir

Before I leave Japan, there was one last item I wanted to purchase for myself as a keepsake of my time here.  One I would use daily to constantly remind me of all the wonderful memories I made here.  That item was a santoku knife.  I've been using an inexpensive version of a santoku knife since I first started learning how to cook and it's the knife I'm most comfortable with and use most often.  It's name refers to the three tasks it is designed for: slicing, dicing, and mincing (according to wikipedia and san means 3 in Japanese so I'm going with it).  It's sort of like the Japanese version of a chef's knife.  I did a little bit of research then headed off to the kitchen district of Tokyo with a couple of my girlfriends.  Once I arrived on Kappabashi, I realized I had no clue what I really wanted.  There were so many choices!  I figured when I saw it, I would just know.  Luckily I didn't have to choose that way, we stumbled into a store that had an employee who spoke English.  Marina saved the day.  Without her I'm certain I would have returned home with a very expensive, very attractive knife that did not meet my needs.  Instead Marina answered all of my questions, made suggestions and allowed me to try out a few that she thought suited me best.  I am so thrilled with the knife I came home with!

 The best part?  They engraved my name on it!  Plus the wood has a slightly purplish tint.  I could not be happier with my purchase!  Every time I use it I will think of all the great food I ate in Japan.