• After Service

  • At KIREAJI, we offer after-sales services with the desire for our customers to cherish and use their lifetime knives with care. All repairs are carried out at the workshop where the knives were originally made, ensuring the highest quality.

  • After-Sales Service by Shiroyama Knife Workshop: Caring for Your KIREAJI Knives

  • KIREAJI knives are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans at the Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City. To ensure that you can enjoy your knives for years to come, the workshop offers comprehensive after-sales services. From maintenance to sharpening, their expert craftsmen provide all the support needed to keep your knives in peak condition.
Shiroyama Knife Workshop

Repair Process

  • STEP 1
    Please send the details of your care or repair needs via the inquiry form.

  • STEP 2
    Our staff will coordinate with Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City to determine the feasibility of the repair and provide a cost estimate. The results will be sent to your email address.

  • STEP 3
    If you agree to the estimate, please make the payment to KIREAJI via PayPal.

  • STEP 4
    Once the payment is completed, please send the product to Shiroyama Knife Workshop. Shipping costs will be covered by the customer.

  • STEP 5
    The repair will be carried out at Shiroyama Knife Workshop.

  • STEP 6
    After the repair is completed, the product will be shipped to your specified address.

  • Depending on the condition of the product or the specific repairs requested, there may be cases where repairs cannot be performed at our affiliated workshop. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding in advance.

For Repair Inquiries　

Important Packing Guidelines for Knife Repairs

  • When sending your knife for repair, please ensure that it is packaged safely and securely. Follow the guidelines below to prevent damage during transit.

  • 1. Blade Protection

    Please send the knife with its sheath to protect the blade. If a sheath is not available, wrap the blade securely with thick paper or cloth for protection.

  • 2. Packing Instructions

    • Fill any empty spaces in the box with newspaper, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials to prevent movement.
    • If possible, use the original packaging box for added security.
    • Ensure that the knife is firmly secured inside the package to prevent shifting during shipping.

  • 3. Shipping Address

    Please send your package to the following address:

  • 〒590-0965
    3-4-14 Minamihagoromochi-Nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, Japan
    Shiroyama Hamono Seisakusho

    We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring safe delivery for repair.

To Ensure the Longevity of Your Knife

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Before Using a Knife

Knives are crucial tools in cooking, and understanding their proper usage helps maintain quality, durability, and safety. We hope our customers will enjoy using their knives for a long time and enhance their cooking experiences.

Before Using a Knife
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Daily Care of Japanese Knife

We aim for all of you to use your knives for a long time. To achieve this, we have summarized what aspects of knife care you should pay attention to on a regular basis.

Daily Care of Japanese Knife

What Determines the Lifespan of a Knife?

  • The lifespan of a knife is defined by the moment it can no longer hold an edge, meaning the steel has been completely worn away. However, because different knife constructions have different amounts of steel, their lifespans vary accordingly.

  • How Knife Construction Affects Longevity

    There are two primary types of knife construction: "Zenkou (All Steel), Honyaki" and "Kasumi ".

  • ① Zenkou (All Steel) , Honyaki: A Knife Made Entirely of Steel

    This type of knife is forged entirely from steel, allowing it to be sharpened indefinitely as long as steel remains. (Note: In the case of Honyaki, the hardness of the lower half of the blade is reduced through heat treatment, meaning it cannot be sharpened down completely.)

  • ② Kasumi: A Knife Combining Steel with Other Materials

    "Kasumi" knives are made by combining steel with other materials such as soft iron or stainless steel. There are two main types:

    • Kasumi Hari Awase① (Three-Layer Construction) — The steel core extends throughout the entire blade, including the spine. This allows the knife to be sharpened for a longer period.
    • Kasumi Hari Awase② (Inserted Steel Construction) — The steel core only extends halfway down the blade, meaning that once you sharpen past a certain point, the steel is gone, and the knife can no longer hold an edge. As a result, Kasumi Hari Awase② knives have a shorter lifespan compared to Kasumi Hari Awase① knives.

  • Can a Knife Last a Lifetime?

    It is often said that "a knife can last a lifetime if you keep sharpening it," but in reality, the knife’s construction determines its limits.

  • In many countries, Kasumi Hari Awase② knives are more common, but because the steel only extends partway into the blade, if you assume you can keep sharpening it forever, you may suddenly find one day that it can no longer hold an edge.

  • When choosing a knife, pay attention to "how much steel is actually inside the blade?" Understanding this will help you select a knife that can truly last for years to come.

Knife Memorial Service: A Tradition that Honors the Spirit of Craftsmanship and Appreciation

  • items extends beyond the physical object itself, encompassing the feelings of those who used them and the skill of the artisans who crafted them. The knife memorial service is a ritual that embodies this cultural value, a way of honoring the craftsmanship and emotions invested in a knife, showing deep respect for the history it carries.

  • The Meaning and Origins of the Knife Memorial Service

    Knives are indispensable tools in everyday life, particularly in food preparation. When a knife has been used for many years, its significance often grows as it becomes a cherished item. The knife memorial service is not simply about discarding an old tool; it’s a way of acknowledging the knife’s role and honoring its value.

  • In Japan, it is believed that "items that are cherished acquire a soul." This belief is reflected in the way knives are treated—not merely as tools, but as objects with stories, filled with the care of the user and the skill of the maker. The memorial service, therefore, is a way to show gratitude for the knife’s service, not just to dispose of it.

  • November 8: Knife Day and the Tradition of Offering Thanks

    November 8th is known as Knife Day in Japan, derived from the play on words "11" (for "ii," meaning good) and "8" (for "ha," meaning blade). It is a day to honor knives and the craftsmanship behind them. On this day, festivals and memorial services are held across Japan, particularly in famous knife-making regions like Sakai, Seki, and Echizen.

  • During these ceremonies, knives that have been used in households across the country are collected and memorialized. This ritual expresses gratitude to the makers and users alike, acknowledging the care with which the knives have been cherished and the craftsmanship that went into creating them. It is a profound expression of appreciation for the skills of the craftsmen and the history carried by each knife.

  • Knife Memorial Services and Japan’s Culture of Valuing Objects

    The knife memorial service is not just a ritual; it is a significant cultural event in Japan, representing a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. It’s a way of recognizing that knives are not simply tools, but objects that hold value through the years of use and care. The process of making knives—shaping the steel, honing the blade, and maintaining it—reflects the dedication of both the maker and the user.

  • By honoring the knife in this way, the practice underscores Japan’s deep-rooted culture of respecting and preserving the value of objects. This isn’t just about preserving material goods, but also about passing down traditions, ensuring that the spirit of craftsmanship and the love and care invested in these objects are appreciated and maintained for future generations.

  • The knife memorial service also teaches the importance of acknowledging the value of what we use, not just discarding objects when they are no longer useful. Instead, we honor their story, their craftsmanship, and their role in our lives. This ritual represents the essence of respect for both the object and the people who created and used it, making it a meaningful part of Japan’s cultural fabric.

Sakai Knives: A Fusion of Tradition and Masterful Craftsmanship

  • Sakai knives are Japan's pride, embodying masterful craftsmanship and precision in every step of their production. The process of creating these high-quality knives is akin to the creation of an art piece, where every stage is imbued with expertise and passion.

  • First, the blacksmiths forge iron and steel into unsharpened "blanks." Next, these blanks are handed over to skilled sharpeners who meticulously hone the blades to achieve unparalleled sharpness. Finally, the knives are fitted with handles and finished to become functional yet stunning masterpieces. Every step of this process reflects decades of experience and a deep commitment to perfection.

  • What truly sets Sakai knives apart is the meticulous selection of materials. Using premium steels such as Hitachi Metals' "Shirogami" (White Paper Steel) and "Aogami" (Blue Paper Steel), the knives achieve a perfect balance of durability and cutting performance. Additionally, controlling the temperature of the charcoal fire during forging and evaluating the blade's finish require an extraordinary level of skill and intuition, honed over years of dedication. This mastery exemplifies Japan's "artisanship of the heart," a tradition that inspires admiration worldwide.

  • The artisans of Sakai value not only the quality of their products but also the trust and traditions they uphold. For instance, a blacksmith named Mr. A chooses to focus entirely on his craft, maintaining a strong relationship with wholesalers who handle distribution. He also invests in passing down his skills to the next generation, working alongside his sons to ensure the legacy of Sakai knives continues to thrive.

  • Among Sakai's masterpieces, the "Honyaki knives" stand out as the pinnacle of craftsmanship. These knives represent the ultimate pursuit of sharpness, requiring triple the effort of standard production and presenting significant risks during forging. Such ambitious challenges embody the spirit of Sakai artisanship.

  • Sakai knives are not merely tools; they are works of art with intrinsic value. Behind each knife lies a story of dedication, innovation, and unparalleled skill. This narrative, coupled with their exceptional quality, is sure to captivate and resonate with readers around the world.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Forging Steel, Crafting the Soul: The True Art of Knife Making by Master Craftsmen

  • While more artisans are now using machining techniques, our forging process goes beyond simply shaping the steel. It is in the act of heating, hammering, and drawing out the steel’s true nature that the soul of true craftsmanship is born. It’s a dialogue with the material, a subtle change felt through the palms of the hands — these small shifts build up to create a genuine knife. This technique is a deep art that can only be mastered through years of experience and dedication.
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.