KIREAJI Blog About Japanese Knives

Handles Japanese knife from Sakai City.

Keep knife handles clean

Learn essential tips for washing and maintaining the handles of your Japanese kitchen knives. Discover how to prevent deterioration and ensure hygiene.

Keep knife handles clean

Learn essential tips for washing and maintaining the handles of your Japanese kitchen knives. Discover how to prevent deterioration and ensure hygiene.

Yanagiba Japanese knife from Sakai City.

Beyond Sharpness: Unveiling the Qualities of a ...

While sharpness is critical, the true measure of a knife's quality extends to its balance, handle design, and suitability for specific tasks, ensuring a perfect culinary tool for every chef.

Beyond Sharpness: Unveiling the Qualities of a ...

While sharpness is critical, the true measure of a knife's quality extends to its balance, handle design, and suitability for specific tasks, ensuring a perfect culinary tool for every chef.

A Blade for the Future: The Challenges and Innovations of Sakai’s Master Craftsmen

  • With the global rise of Japanese cuisine, the demand for Sakai-made knives has surged worldwide. However, behind this growing popularity lies a pressing challenge: there are only about five master craftsmen remaining who uphold the traditional techniques, making it difficult to meet production demands.

  • To address this issue, one master craftsman has taken a bold step forward. He uses special steel from Hitachi Metals' Yasugi Works in Shimane Prefecture, which provides data on the optimal temperatures to bring out the best properties of the steel. By comparing these published values with the temperatures during his crafting process, the aim is to improve efficiency while maintaining quality.

  • “I wanted to measure my skills to see where I stand,” said the craftsman, embracing the idea of quantifying his art. Measurements taken during key moments of the knife-making process revealed impressive results: “As expected of a true master.” Yet, with humility, he reflected, “Some parts were a bit too hot. It’s not easy to get it just right.”

  • By stabilizing the furnace’s temperature, he hopes to further improve production efficiency. He also dreams of training a new apprentice to pass on these traditions. “To safeguard the future of Sakai knives, we must keep moving forward.” His gaze is fixed firmly on the horizon, envisioning a future where this cherished craft continues to thrive.

  • Through the fusion of tradition and innovation, Sakai’s knife-making industry is forging a path to unlock new possibilities.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • The Essence of Knife Making: Crafting a Story Through Material and Shape

  • Knife making is not just a craft; it’s the creation of a “story” by engaging with materials and giving them shape. Each piece of steel is hammered, heated, and shaped, transforming from mere material into a tool that fits the hand of its user. The moment when the steel takes form in my hands, as if it’s being infused with life, is the most rewarding part of the process.

  • That’s why I don’t just create knives that are sharp; I craft the “perfect strike” for the user. The story that unfolds during this process is the true value for me.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

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.