Keijiro Doi: Sakai's Japanese Knife Collection - A Master's Legacy

Explore the Keijiro Doi collection at KIREAJI, honoring a storied legacy with Japanese knives that epitomize the pinnacle of Sakai's artisanal excellence.

Keijiro Doi

A Master's Legacy

  • Mr. Doi was born in 1927 and began his career as a blacksmith at the age of 19, following in the footsteps of his father, Kazuo Doi, a master craftsman in Sakai.
  • He was awarded the Blue Kiriba Award(青色桐葉賞) in the spring of 1997.
  • Mr. Doi retired in 2012 and passed away in 2017.
  • His knives are no longer being produced, making them extremely valuable.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Keijiro Doi

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Traditional craftsmen of Sakai Uchihamono

600 years of history and craftsmanship

Traditional craftsmen are artisans who have mastered the craft of Sakai blades through years of dedicated apprenticeship. They are nationally recognized elite craftsmen tasked with preserving Japan's traditional crafts for contemporary times. To earn the title of traditional craftsman, they must undergo a rigorous examination process after at least 12 years of apprenticeship. Due to the stringent requirements, traditional craftsmen are exceptionally rare, with only 25 individuals holding this esteemed title in Sakai City.

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Did You Know? The Secrets Behind Sakai Knives Chosen by 98% of Chefs in Japan

Explore the specialized craftsmanship and historical significance that make Sakai knives a favorite in Japan's renowned cutlery industry.

Do you know why Sakai knives are favored by many professional chefs?
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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
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The Art of Forging: Crafting the Finest Japanese Knives

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

The Art of Forging