Shogo Yamatsuka: Japanese Knife Ginsan Craftsmanship

Experience the refined art of Ginsan Japanese knives by Shogo Yamatsuka at KIREAJI, where traditional techniques meet exceptional quality.

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Shogo Yamatsuka

Japanese Knife Ginsan Craftsmanship

  • Mr. Yamatsuka was recognized in 2012 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

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 25 individuals holding this esteemed title in Sakai City.

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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
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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