Takeshi at Tanto Knife Store

words by ben stephens

When it comes to humble characters around QT Melbourne, it’s hard to know where to start. From any of the Director of Choas’ on the front doors to The Cake Shop coffee team and all the way up to the bearded skilled crew that make up Rooftop at QT. They’re fantastic, all skilled and can offer you a certain QT twist on service, though there is one place that really stands apart from the rest, that being Tanto, our in-house speciality knife store.

Tanto is stocked exclusively with the premium Japanese brand, Suisin, a 10th generation swordmaker from Sakai, the heartland of the samurai. What this creates is a high level of craftsmanship of knives and as such demands a character that matches.

Let me introduce you to the very talented individual, one that may have served you in the past, Mr Takeshi Kojima.

Takeshi is originally from Chotto, just outside of the Japanese capital of Toyko. A chef by trade, at the age of 23 he moved to Australia as a qualified Sashimi chef and opened Hibari in South Yarra – a well-known local haunt for those looking for carefully crafted sashimi.

After 18 years at the helm of Hibari, Mr Kojima has decided to join the QT Family and in particular Tanto. With the years that he has under his belt of sharpening for himself, he now offers the service and knowledge to the Tanto consumer.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your kitchen arsenal or you’re looking to start your collection, drop by Tanto to discuss your options and pick up some advice.

You can always drop in and have your knives expertly sharpened by Mr Kojima, something that is an amazing act in itself.

Tanto is open Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 06.00pm