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Purchase Guide
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Do you have any questions about ordering, shipping, payment methods, or any other concerns related to using our services? We are here to address any uncertainties you may have.
Concerns About Your Order?
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Are all knives made in Japan?
All knives handled by KIREAJI are made in Japan. The knives are made in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.
We have a large selection of kitchen knives manufactured by craftsmen at our trusted Japanese knife factory in Sakai City.
Are the Japanese knives sold at KIREAJI designed for right-handed or left-handed use?
At the beginning, we only offered knives designed for right-handed users. However, due to numerous requests from our customers, we are expanding our selection to include knives for left-handed users as well. By 2025, we plan to significantly enhance our range of left-handed knives, so please look forward to the updates!
I want to order from outside Canada. Can you ship locally?
We currently accept orders from USA and Canadian customers. For other countries, please contact us using the inquiry form.
What is Honbazuke?
A: New knives are intentionally made with an obtuse angle on the blade to prevent chipping. Therefore, the sharpness of the blade is not so good. The process of reshaping the blade to achieve the original sharpness is called Honbazuke.
A highly skilled craftsman will perform the main blade attachment, so you can use the knife immediately from the day you receive it.
At KIREAJI, Sakai city's Japanese knife craftsmen provide Honbazuke service for free. If you wish to have Honbazuke, please choose "Honbazuke: Yes" when ordering a Japanese knife.
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What is "Honbazuke"?
I would like to request Honbazuke for the Japanese kitchen knife that I am ordering. What should I do?
A: If you wish to have Honbazuke, please select "Honbazuke: Yes" from the order screen when ordering a Japanese knife.
I need a knife that is out of stock and would like to know when it will be in stock.
The knives are out of stock, but the arrival date depends on the type of knife. If you contact us through the inquiry form, we will be able to contact you as soon as they are in stock.
Where can I check my order?
A: You can check it from the email we will send you after your order is completed.
Can I make changes to my order?
A: We’re happy to assist with changing of order as long as your order has not entered the preparation process.
Can I cancel my order?
A: Orders that have not yet been shipped can be cancelled. However, orders with Honbazuke may not be canceled.
I haven't received the email confirming my order.
A: There may be a mistake in your email address or your order may not have been completed successfully. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please contact us using the Contact Us form.
I received the wrong item I ordered.
A: We are very sorry. Please contact us using the Contact Us form so we can replace it immediately.
Can you issue a receipt?
Sorry, we do not issue receipts. The "Order Confirmation E-mail" sent to you after you place an order or your credit card statement can be used as a receipt.
Concerns About Shipping or Delivery?
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How much is the shipping cost?
A: Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.
How long will it take to deliver?
A: After receiving an order from the customer, the craftsmen in Sakai City attach a handle to the Japanese knife and, if requested, perform Honbazuke as well. Therefore, it takes approximately 3 to 5 weeks to deliver the product.
Can I change the shipping address?
A: We apologize for the inconvenience, but you cannot change the address.
I have not received my order.
A: Please use our contact form to contact us.
Is the delivery area limited to the United States and Canada only?
Yes. Currently, it is limited to the United States and Canada only, but we plan to expand to other countries in the future, taking into consideration customer requests and preferences.
Concerns About Payment Methods and Returns?
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Can I change my payment method?
A: It is not possible to change the payment method after the order has been completed.
Can I return or exchange the product?
A: Please refer to our Return Policy.
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Free Special Services with Your Japanese Knife Purchase
At KIREAJI, we are committed to providing you with an authentic cutting experience and helping you enjoy the excellence of Japanese knives for a lifetime. Through our professional Honbazuke service and complimentary Saya, we are dedicated to supporting your journey with Japanese knives with the utmost care and attention.
The Appeal of Sakai Uchihamono — The True Value as a Tool
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A Japanese knife is not merely a product; it is a tool that brings out the full potential of its user. While a product performs consistently regardless of the user, a tool interacts with its user’s skill, fostering growth and refinement. Nowhere is this principle more evident than in the Sakai Uchihamono, which boasts over 600 years of history and tradition.
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Harmonizing with the Craftsmanship
Sakai Uchihamono is crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each knife is created through the collaborative effort of blacksmiths, sharpeners, and handle makers, each an expert in their field. This division of labor is the key to producing high-quality tools. A Sakai knife, meticulously finished by skilled artisans, resonates with the user’s technique, allowing them to perform at their best.
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Encouraging the User’s Growth
As the saying goes, "A chef’s skill is reflected in their knife." A Japanese knife mirrors the growth of its user. Maintaining its razor-sharp edge requires proper care and sharpening techniques. Since even a slight variation in sharpening affects the blade’s performance, users naturally develop an understanding of sharpening, deepening their connection with the knife. As a true tool, a Japanese knife supports and enhances the skill development of its user.
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A Relationship with the Tool
Sakai Uchihamono is easy to sharpen and can last for decades with proper care. When chefs sharpen their knives themselves, they deepen their understanding of the tool, developing a sense of unity with it. Rather than a disposable product, a well-maintained Japanese knife becomes a lifelong partner.
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A Japanese Knife is a Worthwhile Investment
A high-quality Japanese knife is not just a consumable item; it is a long-term investment. With proper maintenance, it can last for decades, or even a lifetime. While the initial cost may seem high compared to mass-produced knives, its durability and lasting sharpness make it a superior choice in terms of cost performance over time.
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Moreover, each knife, handcrafted by skilled artisans, is unique, possessing one-of-a-kind value. As the user hones their skills, they cultivate their knife, transforming it from a mere tool into an extension of themselves. This enhances both the quality and efficiency of their work. For professional chefs and dedicated cooking enthusiasts alike, a Sakai Uchihamono is the best investment in their craft.
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Conclusion
A Sakai Uchihamono is a tool that evolves with its user’s skill. Its precision craftsmanship, specialized functionality, unique single-bevel design, and long-term usability create an appeal unmatched by ordinary products. Owning one allows chefs to refine their techniques and reach new heights in their craft. Furthermore, with proper care, it can be a lifelong companion, making it more than just a tool—it is a valuable investment. As a cornerstone of Japanese culinary culture, Sakai Uchihamono continues to prove its worth as the ultimate tool.
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The Origin of Craftsmanship
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The moment when the soul of the blacksmith is infused: ultimate craftsmanship and passionate heat.
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In the instant when iron turns red in the flames, the blacksmith’s skill and passion breathe life into the metal. What we strive for is not just a hard blade, but a knife that combines elegance and strength, born from a perfect balance.
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The techniques of the Japanese sword, passed down through generations, are the crystallization of precise temperature control and experience. Even a slight change in temperature—too high or too low—can alter the structure of the steel and prevent the ideal strength from being achieved. Through years of experience, the blacksmith’s intuition and mastery guide them to seize that moment and make the perfect blade.
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Would you like to experience the sharpness of handcrafted knives from Sakai City, used by 98% of Japanese chefs?
Through our exclusive partnership with Shiroyama Knife Workshop, we bring you top-quality knives. In addition, we offer free Honbazuke sharpening, a protective Saya, and paid after-sales services to ensure long-term confidence.
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.
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2. Genuine Sharpness
We offer free Honbazuke sharpening performed by skilled craftsmen, ensuring that you experience the authentic sharpness of a true Sakai knife.
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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.