• Shotaro Nomura :
    The Craftsmanship and Beauty of Sakai Knives

  • Experience and Expertise

    Shotaro Nomura, a master sharpener from Sakai City, has been honing his skills for over 60 years. He apprenticed under the renowned sharpener, Mr. Ino, from the Showa era, mastering the techniques required for crafting premium knives, known as "Uwamono", used by head chefs. Even now, at over 80 years old, his blades continue to reflect the pride and passion of a true artisan.

  • Technical Features

    • Unique Sharpening Technique: Nomura employs a method that not only ensures initial beauty but also allows the user to appreciate the knife's excellence more and more with use.
    • Diverse Techniques: From rough sharpening to final honing, shingo-dashi (edge-forming), buff polishing, and wooden polishing, Nomura masterfully employs a range of methods to perfect each knife.
    • Certified Traditional Craftsman: Nomura is one of the few sharpeners who hold the prestigious title of Traditional Craftsman, certified by Sakai City.

  • Work Ethic

    He upholds his mentor’s philosophy: “Even if it’s just one, make it a masterpiece.” This dedication drives him to maintain the highest level of craftsmanship in every order. His meticulous attention to detail is the reason why Sakai knives have continued to set the standard for exceptional quality.

  • Why Own a Nomura Knife?

    Owning a knife crafted by Shotaro Nomura means experiencing the heritage and unmatched craftsmanship of Sakai with every slice. These knives are not just tools; they are lifelong companions that reveal their true beauty with each use. You’ll find yourself constantly amazed by their sharpness and elegance.

  • Nomura’s knives are infused with specialized skill and passion, and his sharpening techniques stand the test of time. These knives carry forward the rich tradition of Sakai while meeting the needs of modern chefs, offering a truly one-of-a-kind blade.

Shotaro Nomura

The Craftsmanship and Beauty of Sakai Knives

  • Started his career in 1962 and was certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 1988.
  • Mr. Nomura trained at the well-known Ino Hamono in Sakai City, where he dedicated himself to mastering the art of sharpening. Over the years, he has become a steadfast guardian of Sakai's tradition, carrying forward techniques passed down through generations.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Shotaro Nomura

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • 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.
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
Japanese_chef

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?
Sakai_s_Declining_Japanese_Knife_Craftsmen

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

  • Purity is the Driving Force Behind Mastery

    For us artisans, "purity" represents our sincere dedication to the materials, techniques, and the craft itself.
    It’s not something flashy or loud. It’s about facing the steel before us, shaping it, polishing it, and perfecting it. Through this repetitive process, we find profound joy and learning.

  • No matter how much times change or technology advances, the pure curiosity and determination within an artisan remain constant. It is this unwavering spirit that allows us to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

    Even in the smallest blade of a handcrafted knife, we imagine the moment when someone holds it and feels, "This is the one." That feeling is both our pride and our greatest joy as artisans.

  • Our tools are created with the hope that they will bring a little more color and warmth to your daily life—whether in cooking or beyond. If they can do so, it is the greatest reward for our efforts.

    To master one thing with pure devotion—this is the essence we cherish, now and always.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection