Ginsan (Honyaki)

Elevate your culinary art with KIREAJI's Ginsan (Honyaki) collection, where each knife promises the perfect harmony of rust resistance and enduring sharpness.

Traditional craftsmen working on this collection

Shogo Yamatsuka

Japanese Knife Ginsan Craftsmanship

  • Mr. Yamatsuka began his career as a blacksmith in 1974, and in 2012, he was recognized as a traditional craftsman with excellent forging skills in the Sakai blade-making sector.
  • He is a craftsman in Sakai, rare for his mastery of Ginsan steel.
  • Building on the rust-resistant Ginsan forging techniques learned from his father, he is always aiming to improve his skills.

Tadayoshi Yamatsuka

Master of Japanese Knife Mirror Polishing

  • Mr. Yamatsuka was recognized as a traditional craftsman in 2022.
  • Excelling in blade sharpening skills, especially for thin blades
  • Renowned in Sakai for his mirror polished technique on Japanese knives.

Ginsanl (Honyaki) Japanese Knife Collection

At KIREAJI, Ginsan steel is crafted by traditional craftsman Shogo Yamatsuka, one of the rare artisans in Sakai specializing in Ginsan steel.

  • 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.

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What is Ginsan?

Ginsan, by Hitachi Metals, is a stainless steel known for rust resistance, sharpness, and durability. It offers carbon steel-like cutting performance and is valued in Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

The Brilliance of Ginsan

Honyaki

Honyaki knives are known for their premium quality and beautiful patterns, made from a single piece of steel. The sharpness of these knives is long-lasting due to their high hardness, and the traditional method used in their creation stabilizes the internal structure and prevents the coarsening of particles, similar to the process used for Japanese swords. As a result, Honyaki knives offer the advantages of aesthetic beauty, sustained sharpness, and resistance to warping. However, they also have drawbacks, such as being difficult to sharpen, vulnerable to impact, and being expensive.

  •  Gyuto made from Ginsan

    Lasting Sharpness

    The combination of Ginsan steel and the Honyaki method ensures the blade remains sharp for an extended period.

  • Yanagiba made from Ginsan

    Durability and Maintenance

    The use of high-carbon stainless steel makes these knives resistant to rust and relatively easy to care for.

  • Yanagiba made from Ginsan

    Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

    Ginsan Honyaki knives represent a blend of traditional Honyaki techniques with modern steel technology, offering knives that are both highly functional and superior in performance.

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Japanese Knife Materials

In the realm of Japanese knives, the choice of material plays a crucial role in performance and maintenance. This guide delves into the nuances of carbon and stainless steel, including popular variants like White Steel #2 and Blue Steel #2, and newer innovations like ZDP189 and Ginsan.

Japanese Knife Materials
  • The Enduring Appeal of Ginsan: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Deep Connection to Japanese Culinary Tradition

    Ginsan has been cherished in the world of Japanese knives for generations, and its enduring appeal lies in the remarkable craftsmanship and deep understanding of Japanese culinary culture that it embodies. Every Ginsan knife is the result of years of skill honed by dedicated artisans who not only master the technical aspects of blade forging but also appreciate the subtle nuances of Japanese cuisine.

  • The way a knife feels in the hand, its ability to glide through delicate ingredients with precision, and its balance between strength and sharpness are all aspects that come from a profound connection to the art of Japanese cooking. The craftsmen who forge Ginsan knives don't simply create tools; they create instruments that enhance the experience of preparing and enjoying food, elevating both the craft of cooking and the culture it stems from.

  • For those who appreciate the true value of craftsmanship and the relationship between tool and tradition, Ginsan represents more than just a material—it's a bridge between the old and the new, a testament to the enduring artistry of Japanese knife-making.

  • The Essence of Ginsan: Quality Born from Uncompromising Craftsmanship

    The true essence of Ginsan lies in the dedication and time invested in every blade. It's not just about the materials; it's about the relentless pursuit of perfection, the refusal to cut corners. The superior quality of Ginsan knives cannot be achieved without taking the time to ensure every step of the process is done with precision and care.

  • Each knife is a reflection of the craftsmanship that goes into it. Whether it's the careful forging, the precise shaping of the blade, or the hours spent perfecting the edge, every moment matters. This is why Ginsan knives are not just tools—they are a testament to the tradition of Japanese craftsmanship, where quality comes from a willingness to invest time and effort into creating something that will last.

  • For those who appreciate the value of true craftsmanship, Ginsan is more than a steel—it's the embodiment of uncompromising quality. When you hold a Ginsan knife, you're holding the result of a process where every step was taken with the utmost care, ensuring the finest performance and lasting beauty.

  • The Heart and Soul of a Great Knife: The Craftsmanship Behind the Blade

    A good knife is not simply about the material—it's about the hands that craft it, the time and passion poured into every step of its creation. When a craftsman works with their tools, they don’t just shape metal—they shape history, tradition, and an intimate connection with the art of knife-making.

  • Each knife tells a story of dedication, where every strike of the hammer, every polish, and every moment of refining is a reflection of the maker’s skill and commitment. It is the hands of the craftsman that bring out the true potential of the material, transforming raw metal into a tool that feels like an extension of your own hand.

  • A great knife is more than just a tool—it’s an investment in craftsmanship, a token of passion passed down through generations. The value of a knife is not just in its blade but in the heart and hands that create it. When you hold such a knife, you feel the care and effort that has gone into it, making each cut a testament to the tradition of knife-making.