The Story Behind Our Japanese Knife

Have I told you about the time we tried to buy a Japanese knife in Tokyo?...

When we lived there, the one thing my husband wanted to bring home (besides Japanese whisky) was a Japanese knife. On our last trip to Tokyo, we finally made it to Kappabashi, the kitchen district.

By the time we got to the knife store, my kids were done. I didn't want to worry about them breaking things or handling knives (!), so I sent my husband inside while I stayed with them outside.

About 10-15 minutes later, my husband came back out empty handed and said, "The guy won't sell me the knife yet."

"What do you mean, he won't sell you the knife yet?"

"I told him you're the one who cooks most of the meals, so he wants you to come in and see them."

We swapped the kids and I walked inside. Sure enough, the shopkeeper was waiting for me.

He asked me a bunch of questions about the knives I had and what I liked to cook. Then he had me hold his knives, inspect them, and feel how they fit in my hand.

We would have been fine just popping in a store and getting a "Japanese knife", but that was not the way he ran his business.

He wanted to ensure we left with the perfect knife for our family.

I think about this experience all the time. Plenty of people are willing to share their financial documents right away and have me tell them what I think on the spot.

But especially with someone new, I need a couple of conversations before I even want to look at the numbers. The documents tell me what you have, but hearing your answers to specific questions gives me the background I need to zero in on what you actually need.

Have you ever had a shopping experience like this?

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBAis the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firmoffering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.