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.

  • Knife_forging_process

  • 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

  • The crystallization of craftsmanship passed down through 600 years of history—that is Sakai Forged Blades.

  • Sakai Forged Blades are not merely tools. Each blade carries within it the expertise and passion of artisans, refined over centuries. Their origins trace back to the Sengoku period, where the fusion of iron and fire forged sharp edges that met the demands of the times, evolving into what they are today.

  • The traditional techniques passed down for over 600 years embody the pride and mission of countless artisans. While preserving this legacy, we continue to adapt and create blades that align with the needs of modern life.

  • When you hold a Sakai Forged Blade in your hands, you are not just holding a knife—you are holding a piece of history and the crystallized mastery of dedicated craftsmanship. These blades bring comfort and trust to every hand that wields them, becoming an integral part of the stories and memories created in your kitchen.

  • We remain committed to bridging tradition and the future, crafting blades that not only honor their history but also enhance your everyday life.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

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    1. High-quality Japanese Knive

    We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    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.