• Kenichi Shiraki: Master of Sakai Forged Knives

  • Kenichi Shiraki, a master blacksmith from Sakai, is renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship in traditional Japanese knife-making. His knives, revered by top chefs in the world of Japanese cuisine, are the pinnacle of precision and artistry. With Shiraki now retired, these masterpieces have become extremely rare, making them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a part of Japanese knife-making history. Each knife in this collection embodies Shiraki’s unparalleled skill and dedication, and for those who demand the highest standards in their craft, these knives serve as an invaluable tool to elevate their culinary expertise to new heights.
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Kenichi Shiraki

Master of Sakai Forged Knives

Kenichi Shiraki was a highly skilled blacksmith, certified as a traditional craftsman, known for his mastery of Sakai's traditional knife-making techniques. Shiraki's legacy continues through his sole apprentice, Satoshi Nakagawa, who trained under him for 16 years and founded Nakagawa Cutlery in 2021. Shiraki has retired, making his knives rare and highly sought after.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Kenichi Shiraki

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. Saya (Sheath)

    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.
Traditional Craftsmen

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 29 individuals holding this esteemed title in Sakai City.(As of May 2024)

Sakai City’s Traditional Craftsmen

Satoshi Nakagawa

Satoshi Nakagawa, the sole apprentice of Kenichi Shiraki, carries forward the rich traditions and refined techniques passed down from his master. After 16 years of dedicated training under Shiraki, Nakagawa has established himself as a blacksmith of exceptional skill, creating knives that honor the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define the Shiraki legacy.

Satoshi Nakagawa
Yanagiba_Japanese_sword_shaped

The Current State of Honyaki Knives

Honyaki knives are meticulously crafted one by one by skilled blacksmiths, making them highly expensive. In recent years, the global spread of culinary culture and increasing interest in cooking have led to a rising demand for high-quality kitchen tools. Among enthusiasts learning authentic Japanese cuisine and precise cooking techniques, Honyaki knives have gained significant attention.

The Current State of Honyaki Knives

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

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Heart, Skill, Reality – A Craftsman’s Perspective on the Essence of Creation

    Craftsmanship is not merely the mastery of techniques. It is a harmonious integration of "Heart," "Skill," and "Reality." Only when these three elements come together can true creation be achieved.

  • "Heart" represents a sincere attitude toward materials, nature, and the work itself. It is about being humble, showing gratitude for nature’s gifts, and striving to bring out their fullest potential. This mindset forms the foundation of every piece.

  • "Skill" is the technical expertise honed through years of practice and tradition. It is not something acquired overnight but is cultivated over generations, evolving and refining to ensure the highest quality.

  • "Reality" refers to the tangible form a creation takes as it becomes part of people’s lives. No matter how exquisite the technique, if the creation does not resonate with or enrich daily life, it loses its significance. A work comes to life when it touches hearts and becomes a meaningful presence in someone’s world.

  • These three elements—"Heart," "Skill," and "Reality"—are deeply interconnected. "Skill" without "Heart" lacks depth, and "Heart" and "Skill" without regard for "Reality" result in work that fails to fulfill its purpose. This triad’s balance breathes life into our creations and provides the strength to carry the legacy forward.

  • To all readers: why not reflect on "Heart," "Skill," and "Reality" in your daily lives? Embrace the joy of creating something with your own hands. Through your efforts, even the smallest of creations can subtly transform the world.

  • This, after all, is the true essence of traditional craftsmanship and the reason we continue to create.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection