• Sakai Forged Blades – A traditional Japanese craft that captivates the world. With their unmatched sharpness and artisanal craftsmanship, these knives have won the trust of an incredible 98% of Japanese chefs. At KIREAJI, we bring the mastery of Sakai blades directly to your kitchen.

  • Through our exclusive partnership with Shiroyama Japanese Knife Workshop, we offer more than just premium Japanese knives. Our services include authentic Honbazuke sharpening by master craftsmen, elegant protective Saya sheaths, and enduring after-sales support. Experience the true essence of Japanese precision and elevate your culinary journey with KIREAJI.

  • Why Do Professionals Choose Sakai Knives?

    The secret is in their unmatched sharpness, crafted from centuries-old techniques blended with modern innovation. The moment you hold one, your culinary passion comes alive.

    Why do 98% of Japanese Chefs Use Knives from Sakai City? 

  • Shiroyama Japanese Knife Workshop: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

    Here, the skills of master artisans merge with cutting-edge technology. The result? Knives that deliver exceptional durability and sharpness, trusted by professionals worldwide.

    Workshop Introduction 

  • The 98% Statistic: A Trusted Source

    The Sakai Tourism Bureau states that "98% of Japanese chefs use Sakai knives" in their article Appeal of World Renowned Sakai Knives. This claim underscores the enduring reputation of Sakai craftsmanship.

    Sakai Citiy Offical Englsih Site 

  • KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • At KIREAJI, we are committed to delivering lifelong knives made with high-quality steel and the artistry of skilled craftsmen from Sakai City.
Japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

Unmatched Craftsmanship and Sharpness

Our knives, crafted by Sakai City's master artisans, combine traditional techniques with carefully selected materials, delivering unrivaled sharpness and durability.

Traditional Craftsmen
Honbazuke

2. Genuine Sharpness

Experience the True Essence of Precision

We offer free Honbazuke sharpening performed by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that you experience the authentic sharpness of a true Sakai knife.

Honbazuke

3. Lifetime Knife Use

Knives Crafted to Last for Generations

Each knife comes with a free Saya (protective sheath) for added durability. We also offer after-sales service through a trusted Sakai City workshop to maintain your knife's performance.

After Service

All Knives Are Handmade by Craftsmen in Sakai City

New Arrivals

About Products

Three Commitments in Our Products

1. Where the Artisan's Soul Meets Every Blade

  • Have you ever wondered about the hands behind the knife you hold? Or thought about the person who dedicated their skill and passion to creating it? At KIREAJI, knives are not just tools; they are works of art, painstakingly handcrafted by master artisans in the historic city of Sakai. Each KIREAJI knife embodies the soul of its creator, a living testament to centuries of tradition and unparalleled craftsmanship.

  • A Tradition of Mastery

    The journey of a high-end Japanese knife begins with the exceptional skill and dedication of artisans. Through the intricate processes of forging, quenching, and sharpening, these craftsmen breathe life into every blade. Their years of experience and mastery turn raw steel into a culinary masterpiece—one that delivers extraordinary performance while honoring a legacy of excellence.

    • Forging: In this initial stage, high-temperature steel is hammered and shaped to create the knife’s fundamental form. This step requires not only physical strength but also an acute understanding of the steel’s behavior under heat.
    • Quenching: Precision is key in this phase, where the knife is heated and then rapidly cooled to achieve the ideal balance of hardness and toughness. This process demands a deep knowledge of temperature control and timing to ensure the blade’s resilience.
    • Sharpening: Finally, the artisans meticulously hand-sharpen the blade. Using traditional techniques passed down through generations, they refine the edge to deliver an astonishing sharpness that sets these knives apart.

  • The Formula for Sharpness

    What makes a knife truly sharp? At KIREAJI, we believe it’s the synergy of four essential elements:

    1. Steel Material
    2. The Creator & Crafting Process
    3. Edge Sharpening
    4. Usage

  • While the choice of steel lays the foundation, it is the craftsmanship of skilled artisans that unlocks its full potential. The precision and care invested during the crafting process elevate the blade from good to extraordinary. Yet, the story doesn’t end there. The way you, the user, handle and maintain the knife is vital to preserving its performance and longevity.

  • A Blade That Tells a Story

    Every KIREAJI knife carries more than just an edge—it carries a story. A story of hands that hammered, shaped, and honed it with care. A story of tradition preserved through meticulous attention to detail. And a story of collaboration between creator and user, working together to bring joy to every meal.

  • When you hold a KIREAJI knife, you hold the culmination of passion, history, and unmatched skill. Why settle for ordinary when you can experience the extraordinary? Choose a KIREAJI knife and become part of a legacy that transforms cooking into an art form.

Blacksmith

  • Shogo Yamatsuka

    Ginsan Japanese Knife Craftsmanship

    Building upon the rust-resistant Ginsan forging techniques passed down from his father, he continuously strives to refine his craft, pushing the boundaries of his skill with every creation.

    Shogo Yamatsuka 

  • Satoshi Nakagawa

    The Youngest Traditional Craftsman in History

    Satoshi Nakagawa, a prodigy in traditional craftsmanship, is revered by top chefs in both Japanese and Western cuisines. His work has made him an indispensable figure, seamlessly bridging the gap between tradition and modern culinary excellence.

    Satoshi Nakagawa 

  • Keijiro Doi

    A Master's Legacy

    Keijiro Doi’s knives are no longer being made, which only increases their value and significance. As a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship, each knife is a living testament to a master’s dedication and artistry.

    Keijiro Doi 

  • Tadashi Enami

    Blending Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Knives

    Enami Cutlery Workshop is a blacksmithing studio with over 200 years of tradition in Sakai, Japan. Passed down through generations, their craftsmanship fuses time-honored techniques with modern innovation to produce knives that endure for g

    Tadashi Enami 

  • Yuzan

    Legendary Traditional Craftsman of Japanese Knife: The Father of Traditional Craftsman Shogo Yamastuka

    Yuzan was a renowned craftsman who specialized exclusively in Mizuyaki, a specific type of Honyaki (traditional forged Japanese knives).

    Yuzan 

  • Kenichi Shiraki

    Master of Sakai Forged Knives

    Kenichi Shiraki was a highly skilled blacksmith, certified as a traditional craftsman, known for his mastery of Sakai's traditional knife-making techniques. Shiraki's legacy continues through his sole apprentice, Satoshi Nakagawa, who trained under him for 16 years and founded Nakagawa Cutlery in 2021. Shiraki has retired, making his knives rare and highly sought after.

    Kenichi Shiraki 

  • Tatsuo Ikeda

    Master Craftsman Whose Knives Embody Skill and Passion
    As the third-generation leader of Ikeda Cutlery Manufacturing, a family business with over 110 years of history, Tatsuo Ikeda has dedicated his life to preserving and passing down traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for the modern world.

    Tatsuo Ikeda 

Sharpening Craftsman

  • Tadayoshi Yamatsuka

    Master of Japanese Knife Mirror Polishing

    Renowned in Sakai for his masterful mirror-polishing technique on Japanese knives.

    Tadayoshi Yamatsuka 

  • Shotaro Nomura

    The Craftsmanship and Beauty of Sakai Knives

    Experience the legacy of Sakai knives, shaped by Shotaro Nomura, a master artisan with over 60 years of expertise, blending craftsmanship and passion for an unmatched knife experience.

    Shotaro Nomura 
Sakai City's Traditional Craftsmen of Japanese Knives: Guardians of Skill and Tradition

2.The Allure of KIREAJI Knives: Craftsmanship Beyond Material

  • Japanese_Knife_Manufacturing_Process24

  • What processes did your knife go through to be created?

  • KIREAJI knives are meticulously crafted one by one by skilled artisans in the traditional city of Sakai. Their appeal lies not just in the high-quality steel but in the very processes that bring them to life. The true value of a knife is determined not only by the type of steel but by how carefully the three crucial stages—forging, heat treatment, and sharpening—are executed.

  • For instance, in Japanese knife-making, up to 20 precise steps are typically carried out before heat treatment. On the other hand, to reduce costs, this number might be reduced to 12 steps, while a more meticulous approach could involve as many as 30 steps. These differences in the production process greatly influence the final quality of the knife.

  • At KIREAJI, we collaborate with the renowned Shiroyama Knife Workshop, which employs advanced techniques such as Sub-Zero Processing. This technology enhances both durability and sharpness by treating the steel at extremely low temperatures. The result is knives that are highly praised by professional chefs for their exceptional performance. From material selection to the finishing touches, their craftsmanship reflects a commitment to excellence without compromise.

  • What is Sub-Zero Processing?
    Sub-Zero Processing is an advanced technique where the steel is rapidly cooled to below 0°C using liquid nitrogen. Traditional hardening methods often leave areas of uneven hardness, but Sub-Zero Processing ensures uniformity throughout the blade. This is achieved by transforming retained austenite, an unstable phase, into martensite, a dense and stable structure that greatly enhances hardness and durability.

    Sub-Zero Processing 

  • KIREAJI knives are not just tools; they are partners that bring joy to your culinary journey. A single knife, embodying the pinnacle of craftsmanship, can transform your cooking experience and open up a world of possibilities.

  • Why not explore new culinary horizons with a knife born from such a meticulous process? A KIREAJI knife will bring exceptional value and distinction to your kitchen.
Material of Knife

3. Refining Quality While Keeping Costs Down: The KIREAJI Challenge

  • kireaji_business

  • At KIREAJI, we embrace a bold yet simple motto: "Refine quality while keeping costs down."

  • Achieving this seemingly contradictory goal requires a unique approach—one rooted in tradition, integrity, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. That’s why we collaborate directly with traditional knife workshops in Sakai City, a region renowned for its centuries-old mastery of knife-making.

  • Each KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it’s a testament to the skill, passion, and history of the artisans who bring it to life. We invest in premium materials like high-grade steel and ensure that our craftsmen are fairly compensated, honoring their dedication and preserving the quality that defines KIREAJI.

  • At the same time, we work to minimize unnecessary costs. By eliminating intermediaries, avoiding large advertising budgets, and optimizing transportation logistics, we are able to keep costs down without compromising on excellence.

  • What truly sets KIREAJI apart is our belief in letting the knives speak for themselves. No flashy campaigns, no extravagant promises—just the exceptional sharpness, durability, and artistry of a blade crafted with care.

  • Through this balance of tradition and innovation, we deliver high-quality Japanese knives at a fair price to kitchens around the world.

  • Choosing KIREAJI means more than just buying a knife—it means supporting a legacy, a craft, and a community of artisans dedicated to creating tools that inspire.Feel the difference with every slice, every chop, and every meal.

  • Discover the art of precision with KIREAJI—where tradition meets modern value.
Our Thoughts on Pricing

What we cherish

KIREAJI Four Principles

  • Full_Transparency_in_All_Information

    1. Tradition and Craftsmanship

    At KIREAJI, we hold traditional techniques and meticulous craftsmanship as our core values. Our skilled artisans pour their heart and soul into every single knife, crafting each piece with utmost care and precision. The time-honored skills and passion passed down through generations are infused into every KIREAJI product, elevating them into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

    Through KIREAJI products, we aspire to share the inspiring beauty of tradition and the allure of expert craftsmanship with our customers. Every moment spent using a KIREAJI knife is designed to be special, reflecting the dedication and care we invest in each creation. The joy and wonder you feel with every use—that is the promise of KIREAJI.

    Differences Between Handcrafted Knives and Mass-Produced Factory Knives 
  • Kensiro Azuma

    2. Customer First

    At KIREAJI, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Our goal is to create products that are not only easy to use but also high-performing, addressing the small inconveniences and challenges people encounter in their daily lives.

    We see customer feedback as an invaluable treasure. Every suggestion and opinion is taken to heart, driving us to continuously improve our products. By sincerely listening to our customers, we dedicate ourselves to crafting even better solutions that meet their needs.

    Making cooking more enjoyable and more convenient is KIREAJI’s mission. We pour our hearts into every product, hoping that each customer will smile and think, “I’m so glad I chose this.”

    Kenshiro Azuma (Tsukiji OMAKASE Head Chef & Owner) 

  • 3. Preserving Culture,Shaping the Future

    KIREAJI is dedicated to honoring local traditions while creating new value. With a deep respect for craftsmanship, we strive to offer products that are sustainable for the future.

    Our creations blend traditional techniques with innovative designs that meet the demands of the modern world. By combining age-old methods with contemporary advancements, we aim to serve as a bridge between the past and the future.

    We go beyond simply making products—our efforts focus on how we can support local culture and uplift the livelihoods of artisans. Through our products, we aspire to help customers experience the essence of history and progress, embarking on a journey of shared growth with us.

    Crisis of Sakai Cutlery: Impact of Decreasing Blacksmiths and Approaches to Address the Issue 
  • Win-Win_for_All

    4. Win-Win for All

    KIREAJI builds win-win relationships with customers, producers, artisans, and society, aiming to bring happiness to everyone involved and have a positive impact on future generations.

    We deeply understand our customers' needs and strive to provide products that truly enhance their experiences. Our goal is to ensure that our products not only bring joy to our customers but also provide benefits to producers, artisans, and the broader community.

    Our aspiration is for everyone involved to feel happiness, and for our efforts to have a positive impact on future generations. Why not explore a richer culinary world with KIREAJI?

    Win-Win for All 

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  • Methods of Quenching Knives

    Methods of Quenching Knives

    Quenching is the heart of knife craftsmanship, where heat meets precision cooling to forge tools of exceptional quality. From the rapid hardness of water quenching to the uniform reliability of...

    Methods of Quenching Knives

    Quenching is the heart of knife craftsmanship, where heat meets precision cooling to forge tools of exceptional quality. From the rapid hardness of water quenching to the uniform reliability of...

  • How Cooling Magic Transforms Metal

    How Cooling Magic Transforms Metal

    Metal is like a living entity that changes with temperature. When heated, its molecules spread out; when rapidly cooled, they compress tightly. This process determines a knife's strength and sharpness.

    How Cooling Magic Transforms Metal

    Metal is like a living entity that changes with temperature. When heated, its molecules spread out; when rapidly cooled, they compress tightly. This process determines a knife's strength and sharpness.

  • White Steel #1 vs. White Steel #2: Which is Right for Your Japanese Knife?

    White Steel #1 vs. White Steel #2: Which is Rig...

    White Steel #1 and White Steel #2 are among the most popular materials used in Japanese knives. This guide compares their unique characteristics and performance to help you choose the...

    White Steel #1 vs. White Steel #2: Which is Rig...

    White Steel #1 and White Steel #2 are among the most popular materials used in Japanese knives. This guide compares their unique characteristics and performance to help you choose the...

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VIDEO PROVIDED: JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE (YOUTUBE)

  • Be Cautious with Inexpensive Knives

  • Buying a cheap knife may mean that the steel used is of low quality. Low-quality steel tends to lose its sharpness quickly, which can ultimately reduce the efficiency of your cooking tasks.

    At KIREAJI, we provide authentic Japanese knives crafted by trusted craftsmen from knife-making workshops in Sakai City. Each knife is handcrafted with care, ensuring you receive a reliable and high-quality product that brings peace of mind.