KIREAJI Blog About Japanese Knives

Soul of the Samurai, Reborn in a Knife: The Secret to the Legendary Sharpness of Japanese Knives

Soul of the Samurai, Reborn in a Knife: The Sec...

Discover the secret to the legendary sharpness of Japanese knives: "tapering." This masterwork of design, where the blade gradually thins from heel to tip, is a direct legacy of samurai swordsmiths. It...

Soul of the Samurai, Reborn in a Knife: The Sec...

Discover the secret to the legendary sharpness of Japanese knives: "tapering." This masterwork of design, where the blade gradually thins from heel to tip, is a direct legacy of samurai swordsmiths. It...

Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Traditional Knives

Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Tradi...

In traditional Japanese knives, "Aike" is a unique phenomenon that can significantly impact the blade's quality. Are the staff at the store you're considering aware of Aike? Many shops sell...

Technical Explanation of Aike in Japanese Tradi...

In traditional Japanese knives, "Aike" is a unique phenomenon that can significantly impact the blade's quality. Are the staff at the store you're considering aware of Aike? Many shops sell...

The Relationship Between Mirror Polish and Rust Resistance — Not Just for Looks

The Relationship Between Mirror Polish and Rust...

Mirror polishing is not just about aesthetics—it also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of rust on Japanese knives. This article explores how different types of steel, such...

The Relationship Between Mirror Polish and Rust...

Mirror polishing is not just about aesthetics—it also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of rust on Japanese knives. This article explores how different types of steel, such...

The Ultimate Sharpness! Unveiling the Secrets of "Honyaki" That Captivate Chefs

The Ultimate Sharpness! Unveiling the Secrets o...

This article explores the unique qualities of "Honyaki" Japanese knives, highlighting their exceptional sharpness and the artistry involved in their creation. Unlike commonly used "Kasumi/Awase Knives" that combine a soft...

The Ultimate Sharpness! Unveiling the Secrets o...

This article explores the unique qualities of "Honyaki" Japanese knives, highlighting their exceptional sharpness and the artistry involved in their creation. Unlike commonly used "Kasumi/Awase Knives" that combine a soft...

Yasuki Steel: The Heart of Japanese Knives—Its Current State and Future Prospects

Yasuki Steel: The Heart of Japanese Knives—Its ...

This article explores the current status and future outlook of Yasuki Steel, the legendary material behind traditional Japanese knives, in light of the 2023 transition from Hitachi Metals to Proterial....

Yasuki Steel: The Heart of Japanese Knives—Its ...

This article explores the current status and future outlook of Yasuki Steel, the legendary material behind traditional Japanese knives, in light of the 2023 transition from Hitachi Metals to Proterial....

[A Special Announcement] The Japanese Knife Handbook Kindle Free Campaign

[A Special Announcement] The Japanese Knife Han...

KIREAJI has released their first book, The Japanese Knife Handbook, now available on Amazon Kindle.To celebrate, a 5-day free campaign will run from May 1st to May 5th, 2025.This book...

[A Special Announcement] The Japanese Knife Han...

KIREAJI has released their first book, The Japanese Knife Handbook, now available on Amazon Kindle.To celebrate, a 5-day free campaign will run from May 1st to May 5th, 2025.This book...

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

    Knife making is not merely the act of producing a tool—it is the art of weaving a story through steel. Every piece of raw material is heated, hammered, and drawn out, gradually transforming from unshaped metal into a blade that feels alive in the hand of its user. The moment when steel responds to the rhythm of the hammer, as if infused with spirit, is where the true joy of the craft lies.

  • What we pursue is not only sharpness, but the “perfect strike” that connects seamlessly with its user. A knife becomes complete only when it carries the story of its making into the kitchen, continuing its journey through the meals and memories it helps create.

  • Each blade, therefore, is more than a tool—it is a story waiting to unfold in your hands.

Our Story

  • Tradition of Sakai, in Your Hands

    "Where can I find a truly great knife?"
    We started KIREAJI to answer that question. While the number of skilled craftsmen is declining in Japan, many people overseas are seeking authentic blades. With that in mind, we carefully deliver each knife—bridging tradition and kitchens around the world.