KIREAJI Blog About Japanese Knives

Knife forging process

The Art and Science of Knife Making: Quenching ...

Discover the intricate processes that make Japanese knives some of the finest in the world. Quenching and tempering are not just steps in the manufacturing process; they are an art...

The Art and Science of Knife Making: Quenching ...

Discover the intricate processes that make Japanese knives some of the finest in the world. Quenching and tempering are not just steps in the manufacturing process; they are an art...

Yanagiba Japanese knife from Sakai City.

The Necessity and Convenient Uses of a Petty Knife

Discover the necessity and versatile uses of a petty knife, also known as a fruit knife or paring knife. Learn how this small-sized knife can be incredibly convenient for cutting...

The Necessity and Convenient Uses of a Petty Knife

Discover the necessity and versatile uses of a petty knife, also known as a fruit knife or paring knife. Learn how this small-sized knife can be incredibly convenient for cutting...

White Steel#2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 360mm-Mirror Polished(both sides)

The Current State of Honyaki Knives

Honyaki knives, crafted by skilled blacksmiths, face declining supply due to fewer artisans training in traditional methods. Despite industrialization favoring mass production, these handmade knives remain highly valued for their...

The Current State of Honyaki Knives

Honyaki knives, crafted by skilled blacksmiths, face declining supply due to fewer artisans training in traditional methods. Despite industrialization favoring mass production, these handmade knives remain highly valued for their...

Sakai Denshōkan

Visit to Sakai Denshōkan

The Sakai Denshōkan showcases Sakai City's traditional crafts, with the second floor dedicated to the Sakai Hamono Museum CUT. The museum highlights the history, manufacturing processes, and various uses of...

Visit to Sakai Denshōkan

The Sakai Denshōkan showcases Sakai City's traditional crafts, with the second floor dedicated to the Sakai Hamono Museum CUT. The museum highlights the history, manufacturing processes, and various uses of...

Bluee steel White steel Japanese knife from Sakai City.

Exploring Kitchen Knife Materials: White Steel ...

Blue steel and white steel are key materials in Japanese knives. White steel offers exceptional purity and sharpness, while blue steel, enhanced with additives, provides greater hardness and durability. The...

Exploring Kitchen Knife Materials: White Steel ...

Blue steel and white steel are key materials in Japanese knives. White steel offers exceptional purity and sharpness, while blue steel, enhanced with additives, provides greater hardness and durability. The...

Honbazuke Japanese knife from Sakai City.

What Is “Honbazuke”?

Did you know? New Japanese knives are intentionally crafted at obtuse angles to prevent chipping. The degree of sharpness varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. As a result, the sharpness may...

What Is “Honbazuke”?

Did you know? New Japanese knives are intentionally crafted at obtuse angles to prevent chipping. The degree of sharpness varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. As a result, the sharpness may...

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • 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.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

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.
Our Story