It’s a razor sharp association: The latest additions to the swish new QT Melbourne are Hot Sauce, a late-night restaurant and laneway bar, located next to Tanto, where finely crafted traditional Japanese knives are the main focal point. Laneways, so-called for their past as passageways for Victorian-era horse-drawn carts, are found in the city’s hip and happening Central Business District. The new knife shop is a first for Australia, offering Suisin knives forged by 10^th-generation craftsmen and sword makers from the historic city of Sakai, known for being the location where katana swords were crafted for samurai warriors during the 14th century. Already have your own knife? Have it sharpened and honed by the shop’s Suisin apprentice — but be sure to stash it in your checked luggage for the flight home.

At Hot Sauce, executive chef Paul Easson and QT Hotels and Resorts’ creative food director Rob Marchetti created a menu of sweet eats that include crispy fried chicken with hot sauce, kimchi and American cheese; along with desserts such as mango ripple ice-cream with coconut ice and coconut cream. Drink choices include subtle odes to the shop next door, with a selection of rare Japanese liquors, and Korean and Japanese beers. On-theme cocktails range from an Umeshu-and-raspberry-infused Gangnam 64, to the Shinshu Julep, made with a blend of Mars Iwai Japanese Whiskey, Shiso Umeshu, Yuzu Bitters and Shiso leaves.