• 1. Where the Spirit of the Blacksmith Lives

  • The world of blacksmithing might evoke images of old, dimly lit workshops. Indeed, there is a certain timeworn atmosphere, with tools and techniques passed down over generations, imbued with the dignity of tradition.

  • But for us artisans, it’s far more than just a “workplace.” It’s a sacred space where we stand face-to-face with iron and shape it with our own hands. Heating, striking, and forging are more than mechanical processes—they are acts of devotion.

  • We treat every tool with respect. The bellows, our lifeline, nurtures the fire that breathes life into steel. That’s why we hold an annual “Bellows Festival” to express our gratitude. As the old blacksmith saying goes: “If you must flee, take the bellows with you.”

  • Many of our tools are inherited from previous generations. Their worn surfaces carry history and memory. In each hammer and anvil lies a connection to those who came before us—and a promise to carry that spirit forward.

  • KIREAJI’s Japanese knives are crafted at the Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai, a city with over 600 years of blacksmithing history.

  • Here, skilled artisans blend time-honored techniques with modern technology. Each knife is handcrafted with precision, pursuing the highest standards of quality, performance, and beauty.

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    At Shiroyama Knife Workshop, three key elements define our craftsmanship: superior steel, precise heat treatment, and expert forging.

  • A blade may look simple, but every millimeter is carefully calculated. Slight variations in thickness provide strength where needed and a razor-sharp edge where performance demands it.

    We select the ideal steel for each knife and apply the best hardening method:
    ・Honyaki-Mizuyaki, Blue Steel #2, and White Steel #2: water-hardened
    ・Super Steel (Honyaki), ZDP189, and Ginsan: vacuum-hardened and sub-zero treated

  • From material selection to finishing, every knife meets our highest standards—delivering superior sharpness and durability.

  • Our knives have earned global recognition through word of mouth among top chefs.
    What makes them stand out?
    ・A balance of sharpness, strength, and control
    ・An edge that feels like an extension of the chef’s hand
    ・The ability to glide through both delicate and tough ingredients


    Whether you’re a Michelin-starred chef or a passionate home cook, Shiroyama knives offer the same professional-grade quality.

  • We respect tradition, but we also believe in evolution.

    At Shiroyama, modern tools like belt sanders and precision sharpeners are used alongside time-tested techniques.

    This allows us to create knives with longer-lasting sharpness, greater consistency, and modern performance—without compromising the handcrafted quality our customers value.

    The spirit of craftsmanship is not frozen in time. It evolves with each generation, and we proudly carry that spirit forward.

Why Do Professionals Choose Sakai Knives?

The secret is in theirunmatched sharpness, crafted fromcenturies-old techniquesblended withmodern innovation. The moment you hold one, your culinary passioncomes alive.

Why do 98% of Japanese Chefs Use Knives from Sakai City?

Sakai Uchihamono: The Ultimate Sharpness and Craftsmanship Forged by 600 Years of History

Sakai Uchihamono reflects a legacy of exquisite craftsmanship, embodying the art and tradition of blade-making in Sakai City through meticulous forging, sharpening, and handle attachment processes.

Sakai Uchihamono

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
  • Honoring Tradition, Forging the Future

    Preserving the trust built by our ancestors and weaving it into the fabric of the next 100 years. This is the commitment and mission we carry in our craft of knife-making.”

  • Knife-making is not a skill mastered overnight. It is the culmination of techniques honed through generations and the trust meticulously earned over time. This legacy empowers our work today, and it is our duty as craftsmen to ensure it endures into the future.

  • A knife is not just a tool—it is a companion to those who create with it. The sharpness, durability, and beauty imbued in every blade live on in the hands of those who use them. Hearing words like, “This knife cuts beautifully” or “It feels perfect in my hand” reminds us that the efforts of our ancestors have not been in vain.

  • With pride in our heritage, we will continue to craft each blade with care, passing down our skills and trust to the next generation. Every day, as we light the forge and hammer the steel, we do so to forge not just knives but a lasting connection to the future. The spirit of knife-making lives on, stronger with each passing day.

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    1. Exceptional Japanese Knives

    Our knives, crafted by Sakai City's master artisans, combine traditional techniques with carefully selected materials, delivering unrivaled sharpness and durability.

  • 2. For a Lifetime of Use

    At KIREAJI, we see knives as lifelong companions. Each knife comes with a free saya, and we offer Honbazuke hand-sharpening by Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City.

  • 3. Supporting the Joy of Continued Use

    KIREAJI knives are made to grow with you. That’s why we provide trusted after-sales care (fee-based) .