• What are the dimples on Japanese knives?
    - Enhancing Sharpness and Ease of Use in Japanese Knives

  • JUNE 10, 2023

  • The dimples on the backside of a Japanese knife, known as Urasuki, serve a practical purpose. They reduce friction between the knife and food for smoother cuts, particularly with moist ingredients, preventing sticking. They also help in balancing the knife, making it lighter and easier to handle for precise cutting.

What is Urasuki?

Urasuki refers to the indentation on the back of a Japanese knife. This design decreases the contact area between the food and the knife, reducing friction and slightly improving sharpness. It's a distinctive feature that sets Japanese knives apart from Western ones.

  • Structure and Purpose of the Urasuki

  • Japanese knives typically have a single-edged design and include the Urasuki feature, which is a concave back. This design complements the blade by creating a space between the knife and the food, facilitating easier cuts. The concavity also simplifies the sharpening process, as it allows the sharpening stone to make direct contact with the blade edge.

  • Maintenance and Care

  • Maintaining the urasuki is essential for preserving the knife’s effectiveness and longevity. Excessive sharpening can diminish the concavity and flatten the back surface, potentially reducing the knife’s cutting efficiency and shortening its lifespan. It’s important to sharpen carefully to preserve this feature.
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  • The Role of the Urasuki in Cutting

  • The urasuki plays a critical role in a Japanese knife's performance by minimizing the contact area between the knife and the food. This reduction in resistance enables smoother and more precise cuts, which is especially beneficial in Japanese cuisine where the aesthetics of the food and the precision of the cut are valued.

  • Conclusion:

  • The dimples on Japanese knives demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship adapts to meet contemporary culinary needs. They improve the knife's cutting efficiency and usability, enhancing the functionality of these well-regarded tools. For both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts, a Japanese knife with URASUKI is a valuable addition to enhance cooking experiences.

Parts of a Japanese Knife

We aim to introduce our customers to the parts and names of knives so that they can wield knives effectively, enjoy cooking more, and contribute to improving their culinary skills.

Parts of a Japanese Knife

Japanese Knife Structure

We hope that by understanding the structure of knives, our customers will develop a greater appreciation for them and enjoy cooking even more. As their knowledge of knife structure deepens, they will gain a better understanding of how to choose and use their knives, making their daily cooking experience more fulfilling.

Japanese Knife Structure

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • The Power of Dreams, Crafted into Every Blade

    "If you can dream it, you can achieve it." This is a belief that we, traditional craftsmen, have carried in our hearts for years. As I continue to create Japanese knives, I always keep these words close. Every day, as I strike the iron with sparks flying, breathing life into each knife, I feel an invisible force pushing me forward.

  • There's a saying, "No matter how fine the tool, it is the human who uses it." But I believe our craft is about shaping the dreams and desires of those who use our knives. When a chef picks up a knife, and with each cut, breathes life into a dish, that moment is the greatest joy for me as a maker.

  • To dream and to work tirelessly to turn that dream into reality—this is the tradition we must pass on. It is through this process that the tools we create, made with love and care, are transformed into beautiful dishes by the hands of those who use them. That’s why we continue to challenge ourselves, push boundaries, and create new value within our tradition.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

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    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.