History of Seki Blades

A Storied Tradition in Gifu Prefecture

In the heart of Gifu Prefecture lies Seki City, a place whose name has become synonymous with the art of bladesmithing. Since the Kamakura period, Seki has stood as a bastion of Japanese blade-making, earning a reputation alongside Solingen in Germany and Sheffield in the United Kingdom as one of the world’s three great centers of cutlery.

The Hallmarks of Craftsmanship

What makes a Seki blade remarkable is not only its sharpness but the balance it achieves between resilience and refinement. Forged with techniques honed across centuries, these knives are prized for edges that cut cleanly, resist chipping, and endure through years of use. At the core of this excellence lies a dedication to purity: the steel crafted in Seki has long been celebrated for its resistance to rust, with some blades clad in stainless steel while maintaining a true carbon steel heart.

Equally distinctive is Seki’s division of labor. Unlike mass production, the making of each blade passes through more than ten specialized hands—from forging and shaping to sharpening and handle fitting. Every stage is entrusted to artisans who devote their lives to mastering a single discipline, ensuring that each knife is a collaborative work of mastery.

Origins and Growth

The origins of this tradition trace back to the legendary swordsmith Genju, who established Seki’s reputation in the Kamakura period and is revered as the founder of its bladesmithing heritage. Nature itself blessed the city with what artisans needed most: rich clay for forges, abundant pine charcoal for heat, and the clear waters of the Nagara and Tsubo rivers for tempering. These resources drew smiths from across Japan, eager to refine their skills in a place where environment and craft were in harmony.

By the height of the Muromachi period, Seki had become a thriving hub of more than 300 swordsmiths. Their blades, renowned for keen edges and unmatched durability, traveled throughout the country, spreading Seki’s name as a mark of excellence.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Seki City remains at the forefront of Japanese knife-making. While embracing modern innovations, its artisans remain faithful to traditions inherited from their ancestors. Each knife is both a tool and a work of art, embodying centuries of dedication and the quiet spirit of a city shaped by fire, steel, and craft.

To hold a Seki knife is to hold not only an instrument of precision but a fragment of history. It is a reminder that the legacy of Japanese bladesmithing lives on—not as a relic of the past, but as a living tradition carried into kitchens around the world.