• Four Reasons Why Japanese Knives Are Considered the Best in the World (Reason1)

  • JULY 7, 2023

  • Japanese knives are highly acclaimed around the world for their sharpness, durability, and ease of use. But what makes them so highly regarded?

  • Reason1:
    Japanese knives undergo many steps in the manufacturing process

  • Japanese knives stand out globally for their unparalleled sharpness, enduring durability, and user-friendly design. But what elevates them above the rest?

  • In-Depth Craftsmanship

    • Extensive Manufacturing Steps: 
      Unlike mass-produced counterparts, Japanese knives go through an elaborate process, often involving 15 steps over 30 to 45 days. This meticulous approach ensures superior quality and performance.

    • The Art of Grinding: 
      A critical phase in knife-making, grinding involves polishing the blade with a sharpening stone. In some Japanese factories, this process alone encompasses eight steps, each refining the blade to achieve a perfect curvature reminiscent of a clamshell, enhancing both the knife's durability and sharpness.

  • Comparative Analysis with Foreign Knives

    • Manufacturing Discrepancies: 
      In contrast, lower-cost foreign knives (around 1,000 yen) may only undergo two grinding steps, leading to a rapid loss of sharpness and diminished longevity.
    • Sharpening Techniques: 
      The final sharpening phase for Japanese knives entails at least five meticulous steps. Conversely, some international knives bypass the use of sharpening stones altogether, compromising the blade's edge and, subsequently, the quality of the cut.

  • Impact on Culinary Quality

    • The Taste Test:
      The meticulous crafting of Japanese knives is not just about aesthetics; it significantly influences culinary outcomes. For instance, when slicing sashimi, cheaper knives tend to tear through fish cells, causing rapid deterioration and a coarse texture. Japanese knives, with their refined edges, minimize cellular damage, preserving the fish's freshness, taste, and texture.

  • Conclusion: Beyond Sharpness

  • The global reverence for Japanese knives is deeply rooted in their intricate manufacturing process and the skilled Craftsmen behind each blade. This dedication to craftsmanship not only ensures a superior cutting experience but also enhances the overall culinary presentation and flavor, truly setting Japanese knives apart in the culinary world.

Why Japanese Knives Excel Globally

We aim to support our customers' passion for cooking and provide them with a more fulfilling culinary experience by introducing why Japanese knives are considered the best in the world. Simultaneously, we seek to honor the craftsmanship and tradition of Japanese artisans by showcasing the reasons behind the global acclaim of Japanese knives.

Why Japanese Knives Excel Globally

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Wishing for Others' Happiness Cultivates Your Own Fortune

    "When you wish for others' happiness, your own fortune grows." This is a belief I've held close to my heart throughout my journey in traditional craftsmanship. The most important thing in my work is not just creating good products, but also making sure that I pour my heart into each piece, hoping that it brings happiness to the person receiving it.

  • For example, when I craft a knife, I imagine what kind of meals it will help prepare, whose hands will hold it, and what moments it will be a part of. I want the chef using that knife to feel as though they’re bringing life into their dish with every slice. I believe that when this intention is conveyed, the item becomes more than just a tool—it becomes a part of the happiness in people's lives.

  • When we wish for others' happiness, that energy ultimately comes back to us. The smiles of those who receive our work lead to new moments of joy, which in turn creates more positivity. In this way, working to bring happiness to others naturally nurtures our own fortune.

  • The path of traditional craftsmanship is never easy, but I always strive to cherish the skills and the heart that I cultivate along the way. As long as we wish for others' happiness, I firmly believe that the outcome will follow in a positive direction.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

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

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

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

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    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.