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Knifewear
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Kitchen & Bath Kitchen & Bath [Edit]
1316 9 Ave SECalgary, AB T2G 0T3
(403) 514-0577
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Thu 10 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Knifewear
Review Highlights
"Ollivanders is to wands as Knifewear is to knives."
(in 10 reviews)
"They sharpen knives and teach knife-sharpening classes."
(in 4 reviews)
"Meeting Kevin was very nice experience."
(in 7 reviews)
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13 reviews in English
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Review from Mike R.
2/2/2012
Kevin and the whole crew at Knifewear are absolutely the best in customer service. They make anyone coming into the shop feel welcome and completely at ease.
If you're looking for the best kitchen knife you've ever used you need to go into Knifewear and checkout the hand forged Masakage collections they're a delight to use. The best part is they have cutting boards and items to actually try out the knives so that you can find the best match for you. -
Review from Lea A.
Ollivanders is to wands as Knifewear is to knives. Walking into the narrow interior of mounted and glass-encased knives, it's not a far comparison to make: Knifewear is magical and the hand-forged knives made by master craftsmen call to you, like a personal wand from Harry Potter lore.
"You don't choose the knife," says Rob, the robust moustachioed man who helped me from introduction to final sale, "The knife chooses you."
Pardon me if this review seems over-the-top, but frankly, that's what an over-the-top shop deserves. Knifewear is a specialty knife shop that is proud to showcase its fanaticism and knowledgeability about knives.
The wand -- er, knife -- shop is strategically organized based on performance. The farther back the shop you go, the higher performance the knife (and price) will be.
That was also where I met Kevin, the owner of the shop, who shook my hand enthusiastically and despite the rush of a Saturday afternoon crowd still seemed to have time to make sure that everyone felt welcomed.
Everyone there is a "knife nerd" and it shows. When Rob reached me a few moments later to talk shop, he explained in grave detail about the knives in the store from the materials it's made from and why one would be considered "more performance" (aka sharp as hell) to handle shape affecting grip. He asked me questions if I had a knife shape preference and also explained why one would prefer a specific blade shape over another. It made choosing a knife more informed and secure.
I think it's smart to enter with a budget in mind, as the plethora of options can be wallet emptying as well as intimidating. Speaking of nerd, when I finally narrowed my option to a gorgeous nakiri, because of the hand-forged nature, each knife has a slightly different finish and make -- Rob was the one who made the Harry Potter reference, so I can't really take the creative credit for that. Albeit a tad cheesy, I loved that little comparison, and I finally chose a knife that "spoke to me."
If you're on the hunt for an incomparable knife that's gorgeous and functional to use, I cannot recommend Knifewear more! -
Review from Brad C.
Okay, this place is just amazing, even if you're just a noob like me when it comes to knives.
Yes, they have some wicked amazing knives imported directly from Japan. Some of these are factory-made, most are hand-made. No, they are not cheap. But this should not deter you. Rather, it should make your resolve that much stronger. But what really makes this place sing is the staff.
All of the staff here are passionate about knives, and this passion oozes out when talking to them. Stop in for a quick boo and you will quickly be cutting potatos and tomatos with the super-sharp, amazing knives. Just try not to giggle too much as you slice - you don't want to slip and cut your finger(s) off.
Kinfewear offers classes in knife sharpening and knife skills for $60/ea, and they will sharpen your knife starting at $5, often while you wait.
They also have a (small) selection of straight razors for the discerning gentleman. Personally they just give me images of Sweeny Todd.
So I recommend you stop in, look around, and talk to Kevin, Rob, or Mark. You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Farees K.
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like to play with knives, especially straight razors.
This is the only place I have encountered in Alberta that specializes in nothing else and has staff that actually know their product better than you do.
They carry Japanese knives and all the accessories that go with them, including sharpening stones. -
Review from Kyle M.
Calgary, AB
8/19/2011
When it came time to get my trusty pocket knife re-sharpened, I was at a loss to find a new place that could/would do it. I had always gone to The Knifery in Chinook Centre to get it done, but since the renovations, they are no longer there. After unsuccessfully trying some other knife stores only to find out that they only do kitchen knives, I was forced to 'trust in Google' to help me along the way. A quick search revealed that Knifewear was the place that everyone recommended. A quick browse of their website and my mind was made up.
It was quite a while until I was able to actually get down there, but from the moment I walked through the door, I knew that they would continue to get my sharpening business and would likely get any new knife purchase business as well. Although it's a small shop, it's well laid out and the staff are simply fantastic. I was greeted as soon as I walked in by a guy who was sharpening a knife using stones - the only true way that a knife should be sharpened. I handed him my (at the time) very dull knife and told him that I needed it sharpened. He took a quick look and responded with a "No problem, give me 10 minutes or so" and invited me to browse the selection of knives they had on display.
While the location is quite narrow, the way they have their displays set up is ideal for the location. As I walked in, they have several long display cases full of high-end and some custom-made knives that stretches right to the back of the store. In between each case, they have a small section with a cutting board where I was invited to try some of the knives they sell on a tomato to show the quality of their products. This is an excellent touch, as it allows the potential buyer a true "hands on" experience with the knife prior to buying it. All the staff were very friendly and were quite engaging.
While not directly related to their business proper, I was very impressed that they had a wooden toy train set up, along with a couple other toys for kids to play with. As I had my 2-year old daughter (who happens to love trains) with me, this small, but significant addition to the store is an excellent touch and a god-send for anyone with kids who happens to wander in.
As promised, my knife was finished in about 10 minutes and all I can say is "Wow." I'm fairly certain that it didn't come that sharp when I bought it new. They did an outstanding job on it and I was very impressed.
In short, Knifewear is THE place to go if you're looking for sharpening and high-end and/or custom kitchen knives. The staff are all very friendly, highly knowledgeable and make the whole environment very inviting and low-pressure. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in the market. -
Review from lyn c.
Calgary, AB
2/19/2011
Astonishing selection of high-performance, japanese chef knives. I was surprised to find a hub of activity at this knife shop today. Actively engaged couples trying out sample knives on potatoes, a sharpening demo going on at the other end of the counter, and one enthusiastic customer jumped in to answer my question about their magnetic knife racks. While mostly $75. - $300. there are some paring knives for much less.
They sharpen knives and teach knife-sharpening classes.
Cool website and blog; check out owner Kevin Kent on twitter, @knifenerd.
Rob was nominated for a white hat award for customer service - I'd nominate him, too. -
Review from Starsia E.
Calgary, AB
8/24/2011
We stopped here while walking through our neighborhood one afternoon as we do sometimes. The knives are top of the line and there are thousands to choose from. They even had my favorite knives from the Japanese with the folded blades. For those that can't afford the blades they also offer a reasonably priced service to sharpen your home knives for you. This is a good service as most people have utterly dull knives. We picked up a folded blade wood carver and found out it's a one of a kind so so can also pick up some hidden gems. The staff are friendly and very knowledgable. They also offer a course in knife sharpening. An amazing knife store that definitely worth a look.
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Review from Steven W.
Edmonton, AB
9/4/2011
I've been a japanese cook for over 4 years in Vancouver, and I've always fancy nice knives. Sharpening and using knives were my business and the became a standard in my life, so I like my knifes!
Meeting Kevin was very nice experience. He is a very informative and NOT PUSHY which is always nice. His expertise makes talking about knives not too scary and over whelming. Overall I actually say go visit his store on non-busy hours and just have a chat with him and get to know him because he'll always have something to show you or share with you.
I've bought only one knife from him, but I'll be back for more.
Thanks again Kev! -
Review from Ljubica T.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2011
Best quality, service, price and atmosphere in the city! For the pro or the beginner... Kevin will hook you up!
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Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
1/18/2010
Knifewear is an absolute gem in our city. It's unlike any other store I have ever seen and the service is some of the best I've ever had.
Knifewear specializes in high performance Japanese knives. Not only are the knives handmade, but they are some of THE best knives in the world.
When you walk in you're not only greeted and welcomed, but you are urged to cut things! How fun is that?!?! After having cut a multitude of groceries, I can ASSURE you, these are the sharpest and highest-quality knives I have EVER handled.
I love the way the store is set-up because the further into the store you step, the higher the quality of knives. The fact that Knifewear can bring to our city knives that rarely leave Japan and are never seen in Canada is absolutely remarkable.
I spent some time chatting with the owner, Kevin Kent, and he is a true knife enthusiast! He is SO passionate about his product and he's got good reason to be!
This store is an absolute must-see in Inglewood. If you're in the area, don't deprive yourself by missing out.
Happy Cutting :) -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
1/14/2011
This store may single handedly make Calgary the centre of the universe for many professional chefs, when my GF said lets go to Calgary to visit, I a knife collector not a pro cook said book it. They have the best collection of Japanese steel in one place maybe in the world, these knives would never be found in the same shop in Japan, the egos of some of the knife makers are just too big. If you enter and don't leave with a crying weeping credit card you just don't get it.
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Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
10/29/2009 2 photos
Edward Scissorhand's dream comes true! Expect an extremely attentive visit at this store; expect a cup of tea, an option to have your knives sharpened and plain old knife talk.
I love to cook so I was enchanted by the wares in this store. There are Japanese chef knives, and Spanish cleavers to choose from.
The employee/owner there is a total knife expert, he is so well informed about knife purchasing decisions and on-site knife sharpening/repairs, that he isn't shy to show his expertise on an unwilling near by tomato.
The store is like entering a classy Japanese tea room that displays knifes; very sleek, clean and so balenced. So cut to the chase folks and check out this new shopping experience. -
Review from Cullen J.
4/26/2009
This store has the most amazing cooking knife collection I have seen. Many are hand made. Kevin, the store owners was awesome and very happy to just talk about knifes. They believe you should try one before buying it and have lots of stuff to cut. I tried to go many knife stores (I have a interest in chopping up tuna for some odd reason) and this is best knife store I have been to in US or Canada.
