• Sakai forged blades - a traditional Japanese craft that captivates the world. Their exceptional sharpness and artisanal skill have enchanted an astounding 98% of Japanese chefs. KIREAJI brings these unparalleled Sakai knives directly to your hands.

  • Through our exclusive partnership with Shiroyama Japanese Knife Workshop, we offer not just premium Japanese knives, but also authentic Honbazuke sharpening by master craftsmen, protective Saya sheaths, and enduring after-sales service. We deliver the true essence of Japanese cutting precision to culinary enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Why do professionals choose Sakai knives?

    The secret lies in the extraordinary sharpness born from centuries-old traditional techniques fused with modern innovation. The moment you face the blade, you'll feel your culinary passion ignite.

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

  • Shiroyama Japanese Knife Workshop: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

    This is where master artisans' skills converge with cutting-edge technology. The knives born here boast both durability and sharpness, earning unwavering trust from professionals around the globe.

    Workshop Introduction 

  • The 98% Statistic: Verifying the Source

    According to the official website of the Sakai Tourism and Convention Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association, "98% of Japanese chefs use Sakai knives." This claim appears in the lead text of their article "Appeal of World Renowned Sakai Knives."

    Sakai Citiy Offical Englsih Site 

  • KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • We provide our customers with lifelong knives made with high-quality steel crafted by skilled artisans in Sakai City.
Japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

1. High-quality Japanese Knive

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO EXPERIENCE UNPARALLELED CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SHARPNESS.

KIREAJI offers high-quality knives crafted by skilled artisans from Sakai City. Utilizing traditional techniques and carefully selected materials, we achieve superior sharpness and durability.

Traditional Craftsmen
Honbazuke

2. Genuine Sharpness

We would like customers to experience the true sharpness.

To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

Honbazuke

3. Lifetime Knife Use

We would like customers to use the purchased knives for a long time.

Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City Japanese knife workshop.

After Service

All Knives Are Handmade by Craftsmen in Sakai City

New Arrivals

About Products

Three Commitments in Our Products

1. Where Artisan's Soul Meets Every Blade

  • Have you ever wondered about the creator behind your knife? KIREAJI knives are not mere tools; they are pieces of art meticulously crafted by master artisans from Sakai City. Each KIREAJI knife carries the soul of its creator, a testament to centuries-old tradition and unparalleled skill.

  • The manufacturing process of high-end Japanese knives revolves around the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans. Through forging, quenching, and sharpening, these artisans apply their extensive experience and superior skills to bring out the knife's maximum performance.

  • In the forging process, high-temperature steel is hammered and shaped to create the knife's basic form. The subsequent quenching process, involving precise temperature control, heats the knife and rapidly cools it to achieve the perfect balance of hardness and toughness.

  • Finally, during the sharpening stage, the artisans hand-sharpen the blade to achieve astonishing sharpness.

  • Through these meticulous steps, high-end Japanese knives attain unparalleled sharpness and exceptional durability.

Blacksmith

  • Shogo Yamatsuka

    Japanese Knife Ginsan Craftsmanship

    Building on the rust-resistant Ginsan forging techniques learned from his father, he is always aiming to improve his skills.

    Shogo Yamatsuka 

  • Satoshi Nakagawa

    The Youngest Traditional Craftsman in History

    He is sought after by top chefs, both Japanese and Western, and plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry.

    Satoshi Nakagawa 

  • Keijiro Doi

    A Master's Legacy

    His knives are no longer being produced, making them extremely valuable.

    Keijiro Doi 

  • Tadashi Enami

    Blending Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Knives

    Enami Cutlery Workshop has been a blacksmith with over 600 years of tradition in Sakai.

    Tadashi Enami 

  • Yuzan

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

    Yuzan was a craftsman who exclusively worked on Mizuyakii among Honyaki.

    Yuzan 

  • Tatsuo Ikeda

    Master Craftsman Whose Knives Embody Skill and Passion
    As the third-generation head of Ikeda Cutlery Manufacturing, a family business with over 110 years of history, he has devoted himself to preserving and passing down traditional techniques to the modern era.

    Tatsuo Ikeda 

  • 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 

Sharpening Craftsman

  • Tadayoshi Yamatsuka

    Master of Japanese Knife Mirror Polishing

    Renowned in Sakai for his mirror polished technique on Japanese knives.

    Tadayoshi Yamatsuka 

  • Shotaro Nomura

    The Craftsmanship and Beauty of Sakai Knives

    Experience the legacy and unparalleled craftsmanship of Sakai with a knife sharpened by Shotaro Nomura, a master artisan with over 60 years of dedication to his craft.

    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 handcrafted one by one by skilled artisans in the traditional city of Sakai. However, their charm isn't solely in the steel they're made from. What truly determines a knife's quality is not just the choice of steel, but how carefully the three crucial processes—forging, heat treatment, and sharpening—are performed.

  • Even when the same steel is used, the quality of the knife can vary significantly. For example, Japanese knives typically go through up to 20 detailed steps before heat treatment. To reduce costs, this number can be cut down to 12 steps, while a more meticulous process may involve 30 steps. In this way, differences in the manufacturing process can greatly affect the final quality of the knife.

  • At KIREAJI, we collaborate with renowned workshops like Shiroyama Knife Workshop, which takes great pride in their Sub-Zero processing techniques. To achieve the highest level of sharpness and durability, they use carefully selected materials and apply their extensive experience and technical expertise. As a result, Shiroyama Knife Workshop's knives are renowned for their remarkable sharpness and durability, earning high praise from professional chefs.

    Sub-Zero Processing 

  • We don't just offer tools; we provide "partners" that enrich your cooking experience. Carefully crafted by skilled artisans, KIREAJI knives are valuable tools that you'll cherish and use for years to come.

  • Why not choose a special knife to accompany you in your culinary journey? With a KIREAJI knife, let's explore a richer world of cooking together.
Material of Knife

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

  • kireaji_business

  • Our motto is "Enhance Quality, Keep Costs Down."

  • To achieve this seemingly contradictory goal, we have chosen to work directly with traditional knife workshops in Sakai City.

  • We make sure to invest properly in materials like steel and pay our artisans fairly, while eliminating intermediaries. This allows us to reduce unnecessary costs such as middleman fees, extra labor costs, and transportation expenses.

  • Additionally, we do not spend any money on advertising.

  • As a result, we are able to provide high-quality, cost-effective Japanese knives.
Our Thoughts on Pricing

What we cherish

KIREAJI Four Principles

  • Full_Transparency_in_All_Information

    1. Tradition and Craftsmanship

    At KIREAJI, we prioritize traditional techniques and meticulous craftsmanship above all else. Our skilled artisans pour their hearts into finishing each knife with the utmost care, making it our pride and joy. The techniques and passion passed down through generations are embedded in every KIREAJI product, transforming them into true works of art.

    Through KIREAJI products, we aim to bring the wonder of tradition and the allure of craftsmanship to our customers. Each moment spent using a KIREAJI knife is intended to be special, created with dedication to ensure an exceptional experience. The joy and excitement felt with each use - that's the promise of KIREAJI.

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

    2. Customer First

    KIREAJI prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing easy-to-use, high-performance products. Our designs aim to solve the small inconveniences and challenges customers face in their daily lives.

    Listening to our customers is extremely important to us. We value the feedback we receive and use it to continuously improve our products. By sincerely considering our customers' opinions and requests, we strive to create even better products.

    Our goal is to make cooking more enjoyable and convenient for our customers. We continue to create products with care, hoping that every customer will smile and think, "I'm glad I chose this."

    Kenshiro Azuma (Tsukiji OMAKASE Head Chef & Owner) 

  • 3. Preserving Culture,Shaping the Future

    KIREAJI preserves local traditional culture while creating new value. We deeply respect craftsmanship and offer sustainable products for the future.

    Our products are a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative designs that meet contemporary needs. By embracing ancient methods alongside modern advancements, we bridge the past and the future.

    Beyond just creating products, we consider how our efforts contribute to local culture and support artisans' livelihoods. Our aspiration is for customers to experience the essence of history and progress through our products, fostering a journey of mutual growth.

    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 positively impact 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 benefit our customers but also bring advantages 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 

Blog

View all
  • Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Traditional Knives

    Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Tradi...

    In traditional Japanese knives, "Aike" is a unique phenomenon that can significantly impact the blade's quality. Are the staff at the store you're considering aware of Aike? Many shops sell...

    Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Tradi...

    In traditional Japanese knives, "Aike" is a unique phenomenon that can significantly impact the blade's quality. Are the staff at the store you're considering aware of Aike? Many shops sell...

  • Why Kitchen Knives Become Dull

    Why Kitchen Knives Become Dull

    Knives are an essential tool in every kitchen, yet they often lose their sharpness quicker than we'd like. But what causes this dulling? You might think it's from cutting food,...

    Why Kitchen Knives Become Dull

    Knives are an essential tool in every kitchen, yet they often lose their sharpness quicker than we'd like. But what causes this dulling? You might think it's from cutting food,...

  • Vacuum Heat Treatment: Forging the Ultimate Blade

    Vacuum Heat Treatment: Forging the Ultimate Blade

    Vacuum quenching technology is revolutionizing the culinary world. This method, which fuses cutting-edge science with traditional knife-making techniques, achieves astonishing sharpness and durability. We delve into the secrets of next-generation...

    Vacuum Heat Treatment: Forging the Ultimate Blade

    Vacuum quenching technology is revolutionizing the culinary world. This method, which fuses cutting-edge science with traditional knife-making techniques, achieves astonishing sharpness and durability. We delve into the secrets of next-generation...

1 3
View all

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.