• Genkai Masakuni :
    The sole apprentice of Masakuni Okishiba, the first to master Mizuyaki – carrying on the tradition with legendary knives

  • Masakuni Okishiba (widely known by the name "Heianjo Okishiba") was the first to successfully create "Honyaki-Mizuyaki" knives, securing his position as one of the greatest Japanese knife makers. His works are still regarded as legendary masterpieces, often considered valuable collectibles.

  • His only apprentice, Genkai Masakuni, continues to create the highly challenging "Honyaki-Mizuyaki" Japanese knives, making him one of the few craftsmen in Japan capable of such a feat. Genkai Masakuni's knives are exceptionally rare, making them incredibly hard to acquire today.

  • Why are Genkai Masakuni's Knives So Special?

  • 1. Master Craftsmanship

    Genkai Masakuni knives are handcrafted by Yoneo Mukou , one of Japan's top blacksmiths, known for his unparalleled skills in the "Honyaki-Mizuyaki" technique, which gives steel exceptional hardness through water tempering during the hardening process.

  • 2. Unmatched Sharpness

    • These knives are celebrated for their razor-sharp edges, designed to meet the exacting standards of professional chefs. Their smooth and precise cuts elevate the quality of any dish.

  • 3. Extreme Rarity

    • Only two knives are produced per day. Each blade goes through 20 meticulous steps, crafted by hand with utmost care. As a result, Genkai Masakuni knives are extremely rare, cherished by top chefs worldwide.

Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Mukou)

The sole apprentice of Masakuni Okishiba, the first to master Mizuyaki – carrying on the tradition with legendary knives

The Sole Apprentice of Masakuni Okishiba

  • Genkai Masakuni is the only apprentice of the renowned Japanese knife maker, Masakuni Okishiba (widely known as "Heianjo Okishiba").
  • Masakuni Okishiba was the first to successfully master the Mizumoto-yaki technique, establishing it as the pinnacle of Japanese knife craftsmanship. His legendary skill continues to be highly valued today.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Genkai Masakuni

Coming soon

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • All Japanese Knives from Sakai City

    1. High-quality Japanese Knive

    We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City Japanese knife workshop.
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The article highlights the superior sharpness of traditional Japanese forged knives, attributing their quality to techniques derived from sword-making. These knives, including types like "Honyaki" and "Kasumi," benefit from a handcrafted process that ensures a denser structure and a finely tapered edge, outperforming many Western knives in sharpness

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