transmaster
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Messages
- 389
The Japanese Food Craftsman YouTube Channel is a real treasure. It features small hamono-shi smiths. I have 2 such knives, and they are the best I have. Knowing exactly who made each one is a real treat. I have been brought up short by the tariffs, not so much the amount, but not knowing in advance what they are.
I asked Grok about it, and this is what it said.
Right now, as of April 2026, kitchen knives from Japan get hit with a 25% Section 232 tariff on top of the normal base duty, which is usually around 5 to 10%. So expect roughly 30 to 35% total when you buy directly. Some sellers bundle it in or ship via routes that lower the bite, but straight from Japan, you’ll usually see that extra bill from the carrier.
JCK adds it to their price. I have been spoiled by the knives from these small smithies; their knives have a unique quality about them.
I asked Grok about it, and this is what it said.
Right now, as of April 2026, kitchen knives from Japan get hit with a 25% Section 232 tariff on top of the normal base duty, which is usually around 5 to 10%. So expect roughly 30 to 35% total when you buy directly. Some sellers bundle it in or ship via routes that lower the bite, but straight from Japan, you’ll usually see that extra bill from the carrier.
JCK adds it to their price. I have been spoiled by the knives from these small smithies; their knives have a unique quality about them.
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