• Yuzan :
    Legendary Traditional Craftsman of Japanese Knife

  • This is a precious collection of Honyaki(Mizuyaki) made by Yuzan, the predecessor of traditional craftsman Shogo Yamatsuka. Yuzan was a craftsman who exclusively handled Mizuyaki among the Honyaki. Over 40 to 50 years have passed, and the steel has become highly refined and extremely hard.
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Yuzan

Legendary Traditional Craftsman of Japanese Knife: The Father of Traditional Craftsman Shogo Yamastuka

  • Yuzan is the father of traditional craftsman Shogo Yamatsuka.
  • Yuzan was a craftsman who exclusively worked on Mizuyaki among Honyaki. These Japanese knives are extremely rare and hardly available on the market.

Sakai City Traditional Craftsmen Collection: Yuzan

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

Shogo Yamatsuka

Shogo Yamaoka is the son of Yuzan. Building on the forging techniques he learned from Yuzan, he has become a valuable traditional craftsman in Sakai City and is now a leading expert in Ginsan.

Shogo Yamaoka
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

  • In Pursuit of the Perfect Knife

    A knife is not just a tool. It is a mirror that reflects the soul of the chef and an expression of respect for the ingredients.

  • We craftsmen pour our hearts and souls into every blade. Iron and steel are forged repeatedly, brought to life through fire, and sharpened to perfection. The process demands complete focus—there is no room for compromise. This is because everything becomes evident the moment the knife touches the hands of the chef and, subsequently, the ingredients.

  • One customer once told me, “When I first filleted a fish with this knife, it felt as though I could hear the voice of the ingredient.” That one sentence brought me unparalleled joy. It reminded me that a knife is not just for cutting but serves as a bridge connecting the chef to nature.

  • When people hear the term "traditional craft," they might imagine something old-fashioned or inaccessible. But at its core, it is about enriching people’s lives. A single, finely crafted knife can transform cooking into an enjoyable experience. It brings smiles, colors the dining table, and creates unforgettable moments.

  • I encourage you to find your own “perfect knife.” It will undoubtedly bring new discoveries and joy every time you cook.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection