• Four Reasons Why Japanese Knives Are Considered the Best in the World (Reason2)

  • JULY 8, 2023

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

  • Reason2: The roots of Japanese knives are in Japanese swords

  • Japanese knives are celebrated globally for their exceptional sharpness, lasting durability, and user-friendliness. But the roots of their acclaim stretch deep into Japan's history, closely intertwined with the legendary Japanese swords.

  • The Samurai Influence

    • Historical Context: 
      The esteemed sharpness of Japanese swords is well-documented. During the Edo period, samurai wore these swords, a symbol of their status and prowess. However, the Meiji period brought significant change with the Sword Abolishment Edict, forbidding the carrying of swords and marking a pivotal shift for samurai and swordsmiths alike.
    • Transition to Knife Making: 
      The edict had profound implications, compelling swordsmiths to pivot their skills towards crafting knives. This transition preserved the unparalleled sharpness characteristic of Japanese swords, adapting it to a tool more aligned with the changing times.

  • Cultural and Tactical Evolution

    • Pursuit of Sharpness: 
      Unlike Western knights, who were encased in armor and relied on the heft and durability of their swords, Japanese samurais, with a smaller stature, required weapons that could deliver precise, lethal strikes without the need for multiple blows. This led to the refinement of the Japanese sword, focusing on achieving unmatched sharpness to ensure efficiency in combat.
    • Western Contrast: 
      In contrast, Western blades were designed to withstand the rigors of battle against armored foes, prioritizing the sword's integrity over its cutting edge. This divergence in priorities reflects the differing approaches to sword-making between the East and West, shaped by the distinct demands of their respective battlefields.

  • Conclusion: The Artistic Heritage of Japanese Knives

  • The acclaim of Japanese knives on the global stage is deeply rooted in their historical connection to the samurai's swords. This legacy, characterized by an unwavering pursuit of sharpness, continues to define the essence of Japanese knives, setting them apart as not just culinary tools but as embodiments of a rich martial tradition.

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

  • The Moment You Realize the Essence of Happiness

    "The reason people are unhappy is simply because they do not realize they are already happy."

  • When I hear these words, I am reminded of my daily work as a craftsman. I spend countless hours, meticulously building up each step, one after another. The tools I create are brought to life by the hands of chefs, and it’s in the moment they craft a beautiful dish that I am able to witness true joy. That, for me, is happiness.

  • But in the beginning, that happiness was not always visible. There were times of failure, times of doubt. But it is only by pouring my heart into each creation and committing to the process that I’ve come to see how the tools I make come to life. That process itself, I’ve realized, is the true source of happiness.

  • True happiness does not come from the circumstances or the environment we are given, but from the way we carry ourselves and how much we cherish what we have. The little things in front of us can hold great meaning, and it’s when we recognize this that we experience real happiness.

  • When we realize we are happy, the weight of our days becomes lighter, and our hearts become richer. By sharing that richness with others, we find ourselves even happier. This is the circle of joy, and it’s something I believe is spread through the craftsmanship we create.

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.