History of Sanjo Blades

A Tradition Rooted in Iron

In the heart of Niigata Prefecture lies Sanjo City, a land where ironworking became both a livelihood and a legacy. The story begins in the Edo period, when blacksmiths—encouraged to provide farmers with additional income—turned their skills to making nails. From these modest beginnings grew a culture of forging that would one day shape an entire region’s identity.

From Nails to Blades: The Evolution of Craft

What started with nails soon expanded into an extraordinary range of cutting tools. Hammers rang across Sanjo’s workshops as blacksmiths crafted knives, chisels, sickles, axes, and more. Each generation added refinement and diversity, laying the foundation for what would become Sanjo’s hallmark: tools forged not only for function, but with an artistry that carried the spirit of the maker.

Sanjo Today: A Hub of Excellence

Today, Sanjo and its neighboring city Tsubame stand together as one of Japan’s great centers of metalwork. Recognized as a traditional craft in 2009 under the Act for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, Sanjo cutlery includes more than ten distinct items, from knives and kiridashi to planes, hatchets, and wood shears. What distinguishes Sanjo is its holistic process—manufacturers oversee every step, from forging to the final sharpening, ensuring consistency and integrity in each piece.

The Pillars of a Living Industry

This legacy endures through the work of two key organizations. The Sanjo Blacksmith Group brings together artisans who preserve centuries-old skills, while the Sanjo Hardware Wholesaler Cooperative Association, with more than 170 members, ensures that these blades travel far beyond Niigata, reaching kitchens and workshops across Japan and the world.

Conclusion: A Tradition That Still Breathes

From humble nail-making to becoming a beacon of Japanese craftsmanship, Sanjo’s history is one of resilience and pride. Each Sanjo blade carries not just sharpness, but the weight of generations who hammered their spirit into steel. At KIREAJI, we see these knives not only as tools, but as vessels of heritage—living traditions that continue to cut a path into the future.