The Meaning Behind KIREAJI

  • The name KIREAJI has a deep meaning unique to the Japanese language.

  • KIREAJI means "sharpness" in Japanese, and our brand aims to convey the joy of cutting in everyday life. The term "sharpness" encompasses a multi-dimensional quality that goes beyond mere "sharpness" or "sharpness" alone.

  • In Japan, cutting performance is evaluated based on three elements:

    1. Endurance of Sharpness: This indicates how long the cutting ability lasts. It is a key factor in determining the value of a knife, with a longer-lasting sharpness considered higher quality.
    2. Ease of Entry: This measures how smoothly the blade enters the food. Blade edge treatment affects this, and a smoother entry makes the cutting process more comfortable.
    3. Ease of Progress: This describes how smoothly the blade cuts through the food once it has entered. This varies based on blade thickness and processing methods.

  • At KIREAJI, our mission is to promote the exceptional cutting performance and traditional beauty of Sakai City's knives to the world. We aim to connect you with the craftsmanship of Sakai's artisans, who pour their heart and soul into each knife.

  • Through KIREAJI, we strive to offer more than just tools. We want to provide integral parts of a richer life, meant to be cherished and used for a long time. We believe that enjoying cooking with our knives can contribute to a brighter, more fulfilling future.

KIREAJI's Purpose

  • At KIREAJI, our mission is to connect you with the essence of Japanese tradition through our exquisite knives and to ensure the legacy of Sakai City's craftsmanship endures for generations.

  • White_Steel_2_Honyaki-Mizuyaki_Yanagiba_360mm-Mirror_Polished_both_sides

  • Providing High-Quality Knives

    We are dedicated to bringing the charm of Japanese traditional craftsmanship to the world with our meticulously handcrafted, high-quality knives. Each piece is a testament to the skill and dedication of our artisans, designed to enhance your culinary experience.

  • Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship

    We are committed to preserving and passing down the traditional skills and craftsmanship of Sakai City. By supporting these artisans and their invaluable techniques, we contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of this rich heritage, ensuring it thrives well into the future.

  • Through our dedication to quality and tradition, KIREAJI aims to create a lasting connection with our customers, artisans, and the community, fostering a shared appreciation for the art of Japanese knife-making.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

japanese_knife_made_in_Saka

1. High-quality Japanese Knives

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO EXPERIENCE UNPARALLELED CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SHARPNESS.

KIREAJI offers high-quality knives crafted by skilled artisans from Sakai City. Utilizing traditional techniques and carefully selected materials, we achieve superior sharpness and durability.

2. Genuine Sharpness

WE WOULD LIKE CUSTOMERS TO EXPERIENCE THE TRUE SHARPNESS.

To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

3. Lifetime Knife Use

WE WOULD LIKE CUSTOMERS TO USE THE PURCHASED KNIVES FOR A LONG TIME.

Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City knife factory.

About Products

Three Commitments in Our Products

  • 1. Handcrafted by Artisans

    The manufacturing process of high-end Japanese knives is centered around the skilled craftsmanship of artisans.

    Through the processes of forging, quenching, and sharpening, these artisans apply their exceptional skills and extensive experience to bring out the maximum performance of the knife.

    In the forging process, high-temperature steel is hammered and shaped to create the basic form of the knife. The subsequent quenching process, involving precise temperature control, heats the knife and rapidly cools it to achieve the perfect balance of hardness and toughness.

    Finally, during the sharpening stage, the artisans hand-sharpen the blade to achieve astonishing sharpness.

    Through these meticulous steps, high-end Japanese knives attain unparalleled sharpness and exceptional durability.

    Traditional Craftsmen 

  • 2. Using the Highest Quality Steel Materials Made in Japan

    When it comes to high-end Japanese knives, the difference lies not only in their exceptional craftsmanship but also in the superior materials used. Unlike standard kitchen knives, these premium tools are crafted from top-tier steel, selected for its unparalleled quality.

    At the heart of these knives is high-carbon steel or premium stainless steel—each chosen for its unique properties. High-carbon steel delivers an edge that stays razor-sharp, making every slice effortless and precise. However, it requires a bit more care due to its susceptibility to rust. On the other hand, premium stainless steel resists corrosion and is easier to maintain, though it may not hold an edge quite as keenly.

    What truly sets high-end Japanese knives apart is the way master artisans skillfully balance these materials. Through meticulous heat treatment and precise weight distribution, they create a blade that offers not only exceptional sharpness but also remarkable durability. The result is a knife that elevates your cooking, making every meal preparation a pleasure.

    Material of Knife 

  • 3. Enhance Quality, Keep Costs Down

    Our motto is "Enhance Quality, Keep Costs Down." To achieve this seemingly contradictory goal, we have chosen to work directly with traditional Japanese knife workshops in Sakai City. By eliminating intermediaries, we can cut costs beyond just material and labor expenses, reducing unnecessary expenditures. This allows us to offer high-quality, cost-effective Japanese knives.

    Our Thoughts on Pricing 

What we cherish

KIREAJI Four Principles

  • Full Transparency in All Information

    1. Tradition and Craftsmanship

    At KIREAJI, we prioritize traditional techniques and meticulous craftsmanship above all else. Our skilled artisans pour their hearts into finishing each knife with the utmost care, making it our pride and joy. The techniques and passion passed down through generations are embedded in every KIREAJI product, transforming them into true works of art.

    Through KIREAJI products, we aim to bring the wonder of tradition and the allure of craftsmanship to our customers. Each moment spent using a KIREAJI knife is intended to be special, created with dedication and care to ensure an exceptional experience every time.

    Differences Between Handcrafted Knives and Mass-Produced Factory Knives 

  • 2. Customer First

    We prioritize customer satisfaction by providing easy-to-use, high-performance products. Our designs aim to solve the small inconveniences and challenges customers face in their daily lives.

    Listening to our customers is extremely important to us. We value the feedback we receive and use it to continuously improve our products. By sincerely considering our customers' opinions and requests, we strive to create even better products.

    Our goal is to make cooking more enjoyable and convenient for our customers. We continue to create products with care, hoping that every customer will smile and think, "I'm glad I chose this."

    Using KIREAJI Knife (Tsukiji OMAKASE Head Chef & Owner) 

  • 3. Preserving Culture,Shaping the Future

    KIREAJI preserves local traditional culture while creating new value. We deeply respect craftsmanship and offer sustainable products for the future.

    Our products are a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative designs that meet contemporary needs. By embracing ancient methods alongside modern advancements, we bridge the past and the future.

    Beyond just creating products, we consider how our efforts contribute to local culture and support artisans' livelihoods. Our aspiration is for customers to experience the essence of history and progress through our products, fostering a journey of mutual growth.

    Crisis of Sakai Cutlery: Impact of Decreasing Blacksmiths and Approaches to Address the Issue 
  • Win-Win for All

    4. Win-Win for All

    KIREAJI builds win-win relationships with customers, producers, artisans, and society, aiming to bring happiness to everyone involved and positively impact future generations.

    We deeply understand our customers' needs and strive to provide products that truly enhance their experiences. Our goal is to ensure that our products not only benefit our customers but also bring advantages to producers, artisans, and the broader community.

    Our aspiration is for everyone involved to feel happiness and for our efforts to have a positive impact on future generations.

    Win-Win for All 

The Meaning Behind Our Logo

  • The KIREAJI logo holds deep significance.

  • Are you familiar with Mt. Fuji? It is the highest mountain in Japan. Have you heard of Diamond Fuji? This is a miraculous and spectacular event when the peak of the mountain and the sun overlap.

  • Our logo was inspired by this concept of connection and overlap, representing the fusion of "Japanese knives, a traditional Japanese craft," with the "global" market.

  • Japanese traditional crafts are facing a decline in artisans and domestic demand. However, the global market sees a rising demand for Japanese knives, with customers seeking high quality. KIREAJI supports the future of traditional crafts by providing high-quality Japanese knives to customers worldwide.

  • With these thoughts in mind, the KIREAJI logo was designed.

VIDEO PROVIDED: JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE (YOUTUBE)

  • Be Cautious with Inexpensive Knives

  • Buying a cheap knife may mean that the steel used is of low quality. Low-quality steel tends to lose its sharpness quickly, which can ultimately reduce the efficiency of your cooking tasks.

    At KIREAJI, we provide authentic Japanese knives crafted by trusted craftsmen from knife-making workshops in Sakai City. Each knife is handcrafted with care, ensuring you receive a reliable and high-quality product that brings peace of mind.