What are the Best Chopsticks?
The best chopsticks embody the finest craftsmanship, high quality construction, incredible design and style.
What are the Best Chopsticks Made of?
Luxury chopsticks are typically made of wood with exotic natural materials and craftsmanship added to form amazing works of art. Special layers of traditional lacquer, bark, shell, bone and metal are applied, usually by hand. Other exotic materials such as silver, glass and carbon fiber have also been used.
Where to Buy the Best Chopsticks?
The best place to buy the best chopsticks is online from specialty retailers. The world of fine chopsticks is too narrow a retail market that physical stores can’t typically stock the variety of luxury styles that are available from specialty retailers. Here at EverythingChopsticks we have one of the best selections of special pairs to choose from, and we strive to provide excellent customer service.
Most pairs found in stores are produced in volume. They are manufactured in countries with low labor costs such as China, and are made with a modest level of finish and decoration. They are certainly acceptable and make wonderful chopsticks for parties or dinners where need many pairs at a low price.
Who Makes the Best Chopsticks?
While each Asian culture and country has some fine and amazing craftsmanship and styles, definitely Japan has perfected the art of making chopsticks. There are several branches of their hashi craft, namely Wakasa, Nishijin, Washi and Kabazaiku wood chopsticks. All of these date back a few hundred years where family shops passed down their secrets and methods from one generation to the next.
Korean chopsticks are uniquely styled. They tend to be flat metal chopsticks, similar in profile to the handle of a fork or spoon. These stainless steel chopsticks are commonly paired with a matching spoon. There are some beautiful styles and models from Korea but we don’t have any that make our list of the best.
A luxurious pair would not make our list of best chopsticks if it wasn’t easy to clean. All of the chopsticks in this category are hand-wash safe and built to be used for years. Reusable chopsticks are eco friendly, a must in today’s world. On your next night out for Asian food, take a fine pair of chopsticks along instead of using a disposable pair.
Expect to pay a little more for the best chopsticks. These models will start at about $10 a pair with nicer styles costing $20 to $30 or more for a beautiful chopsticks set. Many of these took one or two months to manufacture as it takes many days for each layer of lacquer to cure before the next process can take place.
If you’d like to learn more about how chopsticks are made, especially the finer Japanese styles such as Wakasa and Nishijin, please read our article How Chopsticks Are Made. You’ll also see how everyday chopsticks and disposable chopsticks are manufactured.
If you are new or feel clumsy using chopsticks, you can improve your skills with our article on How to Use Chopsticks. We show how to hold chopsticks with three easy steps clearly illustrated. And read our article on 10 Most Important Rules of Good Chopsticks Etiquette to impress your fellow diners on your fine manners.