• Why Japanese Knives Excel Globally

  • We aim to support our customers' passion for cooking and provide a more fulfilling culinary experience by explaining why Japanese knives are considered the best in the world. At the same time, we seek to honor the craftsmanship and tradition of Japanese artisans by showcasing the reasons behind the global acclaim of Japanese knives.

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    Reason 1: Japanese Knives Undergo a Meticulous Manufacturing Process

    One key reason Japanese knives are esteemed globally is their exceptional sharpness, a result of traditional techniques and high-quality materials used in their craftsmanship. This sharpness not only enhances cutting precision but also influences the texture and taste of food, making these knives a favorite among culinary professionals worldwide.

    Japanese knives undergo many steps in the manufacturing process 
  • Reason 2: The Roots of Japanese Knives Are in Japanese Swords

    The second reason Japanese knives are held in high regard traces back to their roots in legendary Japanese swords. During the Meiji period, the prohibition of carrying swords led swordsmiths to pivot to knife crafting, leveraging their expertise to produce blades with unparalleled sharpness—a testament to the legacy of the samurai's blade. This historical shift underscores the sharpness and precision inherent in Japanese knives today.

    The roots of Japanese knives are in Japanese swords 
  • Reason 3: Japanese Knives Are Handmade by Skilled Craftsmen

    The third reason Japanese knives are globally esteemed is their handmade quality by skilled craftsmen in Sakai. These craftsmen meticulously handle each step, from forging to sharpening and attaching handles, ensuring unparalleled sharpness and durability. Sakai's "Sakai-uchi-hamono" knives, crafted one by one, are especially revered in Japan's professional culinary circles and become more refined with use.

    Japanese knives are handmade by skilled craftsmen 
  • Reason 4: High-Quality Materials Are Used to Make Japanese Knives

    The fourth reason Japanese knives stand out is their use of high-quality, durable steel, often enhanced by a unique composite material exclusive to Japanese manufacturing. This material combines the benefits of ease of sharpening, rust resistance, and durability. With only a few manufacturers capable of producing this advanced composite, KIREAJI utilizes this rare technology to offer superior knives.

    High-quality materials are used to make Japanese knives 
the growing global attention

The Global Surge in Popularity of Japanese Chef's Knives

The global interest in Japanese knives is rising due to their quality and design, which are appreciated for sharpness and durability. The popularity of Japanese cuisine, particularly after "washoku" was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, along with the pandemic-induced increase in home cooking, has also contributed. With the majority of exports going to North America and Western Europe, these knives are sought after by both professionals and home cooks for their excellence.

The Global Surge in Popularity of Japanese Chef's Knives
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Trends in Japanese Kitchen Knife Exports: A Rising Demand Globally

The export of Japanese kitchen knives has been steadily increasing, particularly after recovering from a decline in the early 2000s. The export value significantly rose from 2.24 billion yen in 2001 to 7.65 billion yen in 2015, with the main markets being North America, Western Europe, and Asia, accounting for 85% of total exports. This trend highlights the growing global popularity and demand for Japanese knives.

Trends in Japanese Kitchen Knife Exports: A Rising Demand Globally
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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.