The Art of the Edge - The KIREAJI Story

  • We launched our online store in March 2023, and since then, many customers have chosen our products. However, the journey has been anything but smooth. On more than one occasion, we found ourselves asking, "If this continues, will we even survive?"

  • Thanks to our customers' unwavering support and belief in KIREAJI, we’ve been able to navigate these challenges. Japanese knives are not a cheap purchase, yet each sale represents a customer who understands and values the story behind our brand. Today, we want to share that story with you.

From Sushi Master to Knife Sharpening Artisan

In 2018, I transitioned from being a sushi instructor in Tokyo's Tsukiji to embarking on a new challenge in Toronto. My passion had always been to bring joy to people through sushi.

Sharpening_a_knife

By 2020, I found myself leveraging these skills in a new way: launching a knife sharpening business. In just one year, I had sharpened over 100 knives and gained a loyal customer base. As I worked, one question kept cropping up: "Could you sell us good knives?"

Kenshiro_Azuma

A Destined Encounter with Sakai Knives

The first thought that came to mind was Sakai knives – the pride of Japanese craftsmanship. Known as the holy grail of knives, these blades are trusted by over 90% of Japanese chefs. Yet, they’re often overshadowed by counterfeits, which obscure the true value of authentic blades.

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  • Upholding Quality Amid Rising Costs

    Creating authentic Sakai knives involves painstaking handcrafting, and materials like high-carbon steel are not only expensive but increasingly scarce. Balancing these costs while maintaining the integrity of our products has been one of our biggest challenges.

  • Battling Competition in a Crowded Market

    Meanwhile, the global knife market is saturated with cheaper alternatives and mass-produced replicas. Competing on price was never an option for us. Instead, we’ve focused on communicating the unparalleled value and heritage of authentic Sakai knives to customers worldwide.

  • Bridging Tradition and Future

    KIREAJI was born from a desire to bridge Japan's shrinking knife industry with a growing global demand for authentic blades. The Japanese knife-making tradition is facing an existential crisis: fewer craftsmen, fewer successors, and a shrinking domestic market. From over 30 blacksmiths in Sakai decades ago, fewer than 10 remain today.

  • Our mission is clear: to preserve this tradition by connecting it with a global audience. Every knife we sell represents not just a tool but a piece of history, a testament to the artistry of Japan’s craftspeople.

  • Looking Forward

    Despite initial struggles – from learning the ropes of e-commerce to overcoming logistical hurdles – we’ve come this far driven by a shared passion: to bring the excellence of Japanese knives to kitchens around the world.

  • For us, KIREAJI is not just a business but a bridge between tradition and the future. We strive to create a win-win relationship where the craftsmanship of Sakai finds new life through the hands of global customers.

  • Every time you choose KIREAJI, you’re not just buying a knife – you’re investing in a legacy. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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

KIREAJI Knives: Made in Sakai

All the knives I handle are made in Sakai. We deliberately do not handle knives from various regions of Japan. We carefully select and introduce knives from Sakai City, which 98% of Japanese chefs use.
Therefore, we have partnered exclusively with Shiroyama Japanese Knife Manufacturing, a traditional knife-making workshop in Sakai City, to provide our services worldwide through a direct sales scheme.

Collaboration: Sakai City Offical Site

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • What "KIREAJI" Really Means: It's More Than Just Cutting Ease

    When we talk about the KIREAJI (切れ味, the Japanese concept of sharpness or cutting quality) of a knife, it’s not just about how easily it cuts or how sharp it feels. In fact, the concept of KIREAJI can be interpreted in many ways, and to truly understand its meaning, we need to spend a little time thinking about it.

  • KIREAJI involves factors like who is cutting and what is being cut. A knife that is easy to cut with feels sharp to the user, and if it suits them, they are satisfied. However, a truly good KIREAJI is one that cuts food at its best. For example, when cutting vegetables or fish, it’s not just about the knife being sharp, but about how finely and delicately the knife is sharpened to bring out the true flavors and aromas of the food.

  • In essence, KIREAJI is about using the knife in the optimal way for the food. In a commercial setting, knives that cut easily are valued, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best at bringing out the natural flavor of the ingredients. It’s not just about ease of use—it’s about how the food is prepared. The goal is to enhance the taste and quality of the food through the knife’s KIREAJI.

  • Moreover, there’s the idea that a dull knife can sometimes be a valid choice. For example, when cutting through bone, using an extremely sharp knife might be more of a hindrance than a help. The KIREAJI you choose depends on your task and its context. Not all sharpness is the same, and different situations require different levels of KIREAJI.

  • This is why when selecting and sharpening a knife, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you need. It’s important to distinguish between sharp, very sharp, and dull. By understanding these levels of KIREAJI and choosing the right one for the task, you will better appreciate the role the knife plays.

  • For those purchasing knives or learning about sharpening, it’s crucial to go beyond just wanting a knife that cuts well. Think about the purpose and the specific needs of the task. Once the definition of KIREAJI becomes clear, your understanding will deepen, and your enjoyment of using knives will grow immensely.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

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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.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    We offer free Honbazuke sharpening performed by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that you experience the authentic sharpness of a true Sakai knife.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Each knife comes with a free Saya (protective sheath) for added durability. We also offer after-sales service through a trusted Sakai City workshop to maintain your knife's performance.