Responding to Customer Requests

  • At KIREAJI, we are committed to delivering high-quality Japanese knives crafted by the skilled artisans of Sakai City to customers around the world. Each customer’s request is a valuable treasure to us, and we strive to listen carefully and provide the best possible service.

    Here, we proudly share three examples of how we’ve responded to our customers’ needs.

1. Upgrading to a Custom Handle – Elevating craftsmanship with premium materials –

  • Customer Request

    A customer from the USA, Mr. J, requested to upgrade the handle of his Ginsan Damascus Yanagiba (Sakimaru) 400mm from the standard Ebony to a more luxurious Snakewood.

    Ginsan Damascus Yanagiba (Sakimaru) 400mm 

  • KIREAJI’s Response

    • Collaborated closely with Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City to select the optimal handle material for this unique blade.
    • Delivered a custom-tailored product that perfectly combined aesthetics and functionality.
    • Final photos were added to the product page (here), and the customer was extremely satisfied.

2. Developing a Left-Handed Knife – Bridging tradition and innovation –

  • Customer Request

    Mr. John from the USA expressed a strong desire to use a left-handed Japanese knife crafted in Sakai City.

  • KIREAJI’s Response

    • Began developing the world’s first Super Steel (Honyaki) Yanagiba (Sakimaru) 300mm - Left-handed model.
    • Production is currently in progress, fully handcrafted by skilled artisans. The estimated completion time is about two months.
    • Decided to expand the collection of left-handed knives to meet future demands.
Left-Handed Japanese Knife Collection

3. Visiting Shiroyama Knife Workshop – A Personalized Experience in Sakai City –

  • Customer Request

    Many customers planning trips to Japan have expressed a desire to visit the renowned Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City to see and inspect the knives in person.

  • KIREAJI’s Response

    • Flexible Scheduling Assistance
      Shiroyama Knife Workshop is generally open to visitors on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, they are unable to accommodate visits on weekends.
    • Personalized Scheduling Coordination
      Once customers share their preferred dates via our contact form, the KIREAJI customer support team liaises directly with Shiroyama Knife Workshop to arrange and confirm the visit.
    Contact us 

  • We are committed to providing each customer with an unforgettable and personalized experience, connecting them with the tradition and craftsmanship of Sakai City.
Shiroyama Knife Workshop

4. Discover Your Ideal Knife with KIREAJI

  • Customer Request

    At KIREAJI, we receive inquiries from around the world about finding the perfect knife tailored to each customer’s unique cooking style and needs. One customer from the UK requested “a knife suited to everyday cooking” and expressed a desire to “create a cohesive set with matching handles.”

  • KIREAJI’s Response

    • Detailed Consultation
      We conducted a thorough consultation to understand the customer’s cooking habits, intended use, and specific requirements.
    • Tailored Recommendations
      Based on the information provided, we carefully selected a range of options, explaining the unique features and benefits of each knife. Additionally, we ensured a cohesive design by aligning the handle styles as requested.

  • At KIREAJI, we proudly serve customers from all over the world. If you are searching for the perfect knife, we invite you to reach out to us through our “Contact Us” page.

  • We are committed to helping you discover the ideal knife that enhances your cooking style and culinary aspirations. We hope KIREAJI knives become a cherished part of your kitchen and elevate your cooking experience.
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5. Looking for Traditional Japanese Knives Crafted by Master Artisans?

  • Customer Request

    A customer from China inquired about the availability of a 300mm Ginsan Yanagiba forged by Shogo Yamatsuka, which was not listed on the KIREAJI website.

  • KIREAJI’s Response

    • Contacted Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City to check for stock of the requested blade not currently featured on the KIREAJI shop.
    • Provided the customer with detailed stock availability and purchasing options.
    • Ensured seamless communication and a highly satisfying experience by addressing the customer’s specific needs.
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Our Commitment

  • Customer feedback is the driving force behind our efforts. We believe that promoting Sakai City’s traditional craftsmanship not only brings joy to our customers but also contributes to the preservation and development of this cultural heritage for future generations.

  • We will continue to serve as a bridge between our customers and the artisans, addressing each request with sincerity and dedication.
About KIREAJI

The Legacy of Sakai Blades: A Tradition of Excellence and Craftsmanship

  • Sakai blades, one of Japan's most celebrated traditional crafts, trace their origins back to the 16th century. The skills honed in this region evolved from firearms blacksmithing and the production of tobacco knives, creating a legacy of unmatched quality that endures to this day. Leveraging their expertise in swordsmithing, Sakai artisans developed extraordinary products that earned them a dominant position in the domestic market during the Edo period.

  • The hallmark of Sakai's craftsmanship is the “Sakai Kiwame” (Sakai Certified) stamp, a symbol of guaranteed quality. Blades bearing this mark were highly valued worldwide, with Sakai’s culinary knives and tobacco knives leading demand both domestically and internationally. Despite growing competition, the artisans preserved Sakai’s unique value through meticulous specialization and a highly refined division of labor.

  • Challenges and Adaptation

    The Sakai blade industry faced numerous challenges, from the emergence of imitation products to the rise of competing regions. Yet, Sakai's artisans adapted by forming collaborative guilds, improving production processes, and strengthening distribution networks to meet evolving demands.

  • What sets Sakai apart is not only its technical excellence but also the strong community spirit of its artisans, who worked together to pass down this tradition through generations. This cooperative approach, established as far back as the Edo period, continues to offer valuable lessons for today’s craft industries.

  • A Global Symbol of the “Sakai Brand”

    Today, Sakai blades are treasured not only in Japan but also by chefs and enthusiasts around the globe. Renowned for their razor-sharp edges and exquisite designs, they represent more than tools—they are icons of Japanese culture. Recognized as a cultural heritage, Sakai blades embody the history, skills, and spirit of their craftsmen, inspiring awe worldwide.

  • Preserving Tradition, Shaping the Future

    The story of Sakai blades is one of preserving tradition while embracing innovation. As this historic craft evolves with the next generation of artisans, it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Sakai’s blacksmithing heritage. Supporting this tradition is not just about appreciating fine craftsmanship—it is about safeguarding a piece of cultural history for future generations.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Smiles Beyond the Blade

    Every knife we forge with care and precision finds its way into the hands of our customers, where it becomes a tool for crafting delicious meals for family and friends. The smiles and warm moments born from those experiences are our greatest joy.

  • In the workshop, we feel the heat of the iron and listen to the rhythmic sound of sharpening. All of it is driven by a single thought: "We are contributing to someone's happiness."

  • Each time we hear a customer say, "Cooking has become so much more enjoyable with this knife," it ignites our passion and drives us to create even better pieces.

  • Traditional craftsmanship transcends time, yet the happiness it fosters is always fresh and new. Being part of that connection is our pride and our motivation to keep moving forward.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    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.