Genkai Masakuni

  • Genkai Masakuni creates just two knives a day—each forged with fire, water, and soul.
    This is more than craftsmanship. This is legacy in steel.

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.

Genkai Masakuni Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Forged in the Legacy of Sakai

    From Sakai City—Japan’s renowned birthplace of professional kitchen knives—each blade is crafted by master artisans with over six centuries of tradition. Perfectly balanced, enduringly sharp, and exquisitely finished, every cut carries the soul of true craftsmanship.

  • 2. Thoughtful Care for Everyday Use

    Every knife includes a hand-fitted magnolia saya for safe storage. Upon request, we offer a complimentary Honbazuke final hand sharpening—giving you a precise, ready-to-use edge from day one.

  • 3. A Partnership for a Lifetime

    A KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it is a lifelong companion. With our bespoke paid aftercare services, we preserve its edge and beauty, ensuring it remains as precise and dependable as the day it first met your hand.

Why Many Product Photos Show Only the Blade

At KIREAJI, every knife is made to order in Sakai, Japan. Photos show the blade before the handle is attached, allowing artisans to perfect the balance and edge for your specific order. Your knife arrives fully finished — tailored just for you.

Made-to-order Japanese knives

Global Delivery from Sakai

Across the world, discerning cooks seek authentic Japanese knives from Sakai — Japan’s legendary knife-making city with over 600 years of tradition.
At KIREAJI, we work alongside master artisans in Sakai to fulfill that desire, shipping genuine handcrafted knives directly from the workshop to kitchens worldwide.

Global Delivery from Sakai

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.

What Is a Traditional Craftsman?

Ever wondered what it takes to be officially recognized by the Japanese government as a “Traditional Craftsman”?
In Sakai City — Japan’s most celebrated hub of knife-making — only a select few artisans earn this prestigious title.

What Is a Traditional Craftsman?

Why do 98% of Japanese Chefs Use Knives from Sakai?

The secret lies in Sakai’sdivision of labor and fully handcrafted process.
This feature explores thetradition and artisan culturebehind Japan’s most trusted knives.

Why do 98% of Japanese Chefs Use Knives from Sakai?

The 98% Statistic: A Trusted Source

The Sakai Tourism Bureau states that "98% of Japanese chefs use Sakai knives" in their articleAppeal of World Renowned Sakai Knives. This claim underscores the enduring reputation of Sakai craftsmanship.

Sakai City Official English Site

Sakai's Declining Japanese Knife Craftsmen

Sakai's esteemed cutlery tradition, renowned for its sharpness and craftsmanship, is at risk with only a dozen blacksmiths remaining. Facing competition and declining interest, strategies such as exploring new markets and fostering youth interest are vital for survival. This situation underscores a broader challenge in cultural preservation. Supporting Sakai’s craftsmen is crucial to maintaining this legacy.

Sakai's Declining Japanese Knife Craftsmen

How Japanese Knives Are Made: The Sakai Tradition

VIDEO PROVIDED: JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE (YOUTUBE)

  • Sakai Forged Blades — Six Centuries of Unrivaled Craftsmanship

    Loved by chefs around the world and trusted by 98% of Japan’s top culinary professionals, Sakai knives are more than tools—they are the living legacy of over 600 years of master craftsmanship.

  • At KIREAJI, we work directly with the Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai, Japan, ensuring every blade is hand-forged, finished to perfection, and shipped straight from the workshop to kitchens across the globe. No middlemen. No mass production. Only authentic, artisan-made knives, crafted to elevate your cooking for a lifetime.