To help you select your chopsticks we have included descriptions of the upper handle profile and tip design features for all the chopsticks in our store. Use this guide to choose the style of chopstick that best suits your needs.
Profile – The handles of chopsticks come in a variety of shapes. Most chopsticks are a blended shape of round with a slight squaring of the faces.
Tips – Some chopsticks have carving or texturing of the finish to help grip foods. If no description of the tip is given there is no texturing or carving on the chopstick tips.
How many chopsticks am I getting? – We only sell PAIRS of chopsticks. So if you order a quantity of 1, you will receive 1 pair of chopsticks.
Chopsticks from different parts of Asia traditionally have distinct differences in style and construction. Japanese chopsticks are typically about 9 inches long, generally have anything but round profiles (meaning square, rounded square, hexagon, triangle, octagon, etc.), taper to a fine tip, and feature sophisticated lacquer and finish. Chinese chopsticks traditionally are about 10.5 inches long, feature round or square profiles, have a larger tip that is frequently cut and not rounded, and have lighter lacquer finishes. Chopsticks from Thailand and Vietnam are long like Chinese chopsticks, have round or square profiles, have tips more tapered than Chinese but less than Japanese chopsticks, and relish in their wood and exotic material inlays with no finish except hand polishing of the wood.
Today China creates a seemingly endless array of what we would call “everyday” Japanese style chopsticks for the export market. “Everyday” Japanese style chopsticks are those that use primarily a decal for the design and are mass produced for use in everyday eating. Many Chinese made chopsticks have the same designs as Japanese made counterparts. However in our experience the Chinese made Japanese style chopsticks tend to have inferior or at least a different level of attention given to the finish work and construction quality, showing blemishes in the lacquer, use of softer woods, inconsistency of shape and poorer quality design of the overlay decal. For this reason we generally sell Japanese made Japanese style chopsticks which cost a bit more.
We do not see Chinese made Japanese style chopsticks in the hand-made and specialty finished chopsticks, which generally includes most Japanese chopsticks priced $8 and up. In fact each region or countrys more unique, elaborate, handcrafted styles still come only from their fine indigenous craftspeople.
Chopstick shapes and sizes can depend on their country of origin. Typically, Japanese chopsticks are 8 to 9 inches long and taper to a thin, rounded tip, Gibbens says. Meanwhile, Chinese chopsticks are 10 to 10½ inches long and tend to have square handles, little to no taper, and the tip is thicker, he says.
Instructions for use and care of chopsticks
• After use, wash with hot water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. • It is possible for warping or discoloration to occur, so please store the chopsticks out of direct sunlight. • Regarding protecting the paint or designs on the chopsticks, do not place the chopsticks in or near fire or extremely hot water. • Please do not use brillo pads or abrasive cleansers on the chopsticks. • Do not use the chopsticks with dish washers, dish dryers, or microwaves. • If the chopsticks paint becomes chipped or cracked, please replace the chopsticks as soon as possible. • The ends of the chopsticks are sharp, so children should be especially careful when using. • Please do not use the chopsticks for anything other than eating.
Chinese, Japanese, Korean Chopsticks difference
FAQ
Are square or round chopsticks better?
Are chopsticks supposed to be round?
Should chopsticks be flat end or round end?
Why are Chinese chopsticks square and round?
How big do chopsticks get?
Chopstick shapes and sizes can depend on their country of origin. Typically, Japanese chopsticks are 8 to 9 inches long and taper to a thin, rounded tip, Gibbens says. Meanwhile, Chinese chopsticks are 10 to 10½ inches long and tend to have square handles, little to no taper, and the tip is thicker, he says.
What size chopsticks should I use?
Longer chopsticks might be better for cooking, but shorter ones are better for eating. Plus, those with small hands might prefer short chopsticks. In our experience, 8 1/2 to 10 inches seems to be the sweet spot for most people.
Do Japanese chopsticks have round tips?
Japanese chopsticks have round tips and tend to have a square, hexagonal or octagonal handle with rounded-off edges, though some are perfectly round. This style is comfortable to hold but may be more prone to rolling off your plate, because the edges are either round or rounded off. They often have ridges at the tip to help grip food.
Do chopsticks make a difference?
Thickness: If you have any hand or wrist injuries, this is where the chopsticks you choose makes a difference. Japanese cooking instructor Elizabeth Andoh had significant hand and wrist injuries as a result of prolonged keyboard use, and she learned how to use chopsticks safely as she recovered.