• Shogo Yamatsuka : Japanese Knife Ginsan Craftsmanship

  • Expertise and Craftsmanship Inherited

    Shogo Yamatsuka is one of the few artisans in Sakai known for his mastery of Ginsan steel, which is highly prized for its rust resistance and sharpness. His skill was passed down from his father, who was also a blacksmith, and Yamatsuka has continued to refine the forging techniques for Ginsan steel that he learned from his father.

  • Craftsmanship and Spirit of Challenge

    While preserving tradition, Yamatsuka believes in constantly challenging himself by experimenting with new materials and techniques. He sees continuous evolution as the mission of a true craftsman, and his commitment to innovation ensures that the 600-year-old legacy of Sakai knives is passed down to future generations.

  • The Features of KIREAJI’s Ginsan Knives

    Every Ginsan knife from KIREAJI is handcrafted by Yamatsuka himself. These knives are known for their exceptional rust resistance and ability to maintain a delicate and sharp edge over time. With each use, you will experience their ease of handling and beauty, making them indispensable in both professional and home kitchens.

  • Why Own a Yamatsuka Knife?

    Owning a Shogo Yamatsuka Ginsan knife allows you to experience the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation with every slice. These knives elevate your cooking experience, turning everyday tasks into something special. They are simple yet crafted with care, offering a lifetime of unparalleled performance and precision.

  • To hold a Yamatsuka knife is to feel the rich history of 600 years of Sakai craftsmanship and the forward-looking innovation that sets these knives apart.

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.
  • His motto is "Work never betrays you," reflecting his pride and sense of responsibility towards his work.
  • Building on the rust-resistant Ginsan forging techniques learned from his father, he is always aiming to improve his skills.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Shogo Yamatsuka

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

Yuzan

Yuzan is the father of Naotaka Yamaoka and was a craftsman who specialized exclusively in Mizuyaki Honyaki knives. This collection consists of extremely rare Japanese knives forged by Yuzan 40 to 50 years ago, which are seldom seen on the market.

Yuzan
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?
Knife_forging_proces

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

  • Work Never Betrays

    No matter how challenging the path may be, I firmly believe that effort always takes shape.
    Every time I gaze into the fire in the forge and strike the steel, I am reminded of this truth.
    Blade crafting is not just a job—it is a way of life for us artisans.

  • There are days when things don’t go as planned. The steel may crack, or the shape I envisioned may not come to life.
    Yet, when I refuse to give up and continue to face the work, there comes a magical moment where my hands hear the voice of the steel, and my eyes find the shape it is meant to take.

  • Work never betrays us. The amount of sweat we pour and the time we dedicate will always reveal itself in the results.
    Striving to be better tomorrow than today, and better still the day after—that dedication is what forms the pride of a craftsman and allows our creations to reach the hands of people across the world.

  • With these words in my heart, I light the forge once again today.
    It is my hope to share the value of this dedication with others who love their work as deeply as I do.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection