Shipping Information

  • At KIREAJI, each order is prepared with great care by skilled craftsmen in Sakai, Japan.
    To ensure that your knife arrives in perfect condition, we follow a detailed process from preparation to delivery.
    Below you’ll find important information about shipping, delivery time, and related policies.

  • Shipping Method and Time

    • Once your order is received, our craftsmen in Sakai City, Japan, will carefully attach the handle and, if requested, perform Honbazuke (traditional final sharpening).
      Due to this artisanal process, please allow approximately 2 to 4 weeks for your order to be completed and delivered.
    • A tracking number will be provided as soon as your order has been shipped, allowing you to monitor its delivery status at any time.

  • Changing the Shipping Address

    If you wish to change your shipping address after placing an order, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible.
    Kindly note that shipment may be delayed until the change has been processed.

  • Return

    For detailed information about returns and eligibility, please refer to our Return Policy.

    Return policy 

  • Shipping Inquiries

    Should you have any questions or concerns regarding shipping, please feel free to reach out to us via contact us.

    Contact us 

  • Important Notice on International Orders:

    Depending on your country’s regulations, the product type, and its declared value, import duties or taxes may be required upon delivery.
    Please note that it is the customer's responsibility to check any applicable import restrictions or requirements before placing an order.
    In cases where a shipment is returned, restricted, or disposed of by customs, we regret that we are unable to offer refunds or accept returns.

  • Shipping Information for International Customers

    At KIREAJI, we are proud to deliver handcrafted Japanese knives to customers around the world.

    We are pleased to offer complimentary shipping to customers in the United States and Canada.

    For all other countries, shipping fees apply as listed in the table below.

    All orders are shipped via Japan Post with tracking, and delivery typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the destination and customs procedures.

  • Notes:

    • All shipments come with tracking numbers via Japan Post.
    • Delivery takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks, depending on destination and customs.
    • If your country is not listed, please reach out through our Contact Us page.

Global Delivery from Sakai

Looking for an authentic Japanese knife?
Discover blades crafted with over 600 years of tradition by skilled artisans in Sakai — delivered directly to your doorstep anywhere in the world.
Learn more about our trusted direct shipping service from the home of Japanese knives.

Global Delivery from Sakai

The KIREAJI Made to Order Experience

At KIREAJI, every knife is Made to Order, crafted one by one by skilled artisans in Sakai, Japan.

From handle fitting to blade alignment and sharpening — every step is done by hand.
That’s why we kindly ask for 2 to 4 weeks before your knife is ready to ship.

Made to Order Japanese Knives

The Secret Behind Japanese Knives Admired by Chefs Worldwide

  • Why Japanese Knives Captivate Chefs Around the World

    Japanese knives were once known only to a select group of professionals. However, today, top chefs worldwide are eager to get their hands on Japanese-made knives. But what makes them so special?

  • Unparalleled Sharpness Crafted by Japanese Artisans

    The defining characteristic of Japanese knives is their exceptional sharpness. Even in Solingen, Germany—a city renowned for its blades—Japanese craftsmanship is highly respected. In fact, a major German knife manufacturer entrusts the production of its highest-end models to Seki, Japan. This is a testament to the superiority of Japanese blade-making techniques, acknowledged even by Western experts. At the core of this excellence lies Japan’s traditional division of labor.

  • The Craftsmanship Culture of Sakai: The City of Blades

    When it comes to Japanese knife production, Sakai City in Osaka stands out as a leading hub. While Sakai accounts for only 7% of Japan’s knife market, it dominates over 90% of professional Japanese knife production.

  • The secret behind this dominance lies in its highly specialized division of labor. Blacksmiths forge the steel, sharpeners hone the blade, and handle makers complete the finishing touches. Each step is entrusted to a dedicated expert, ensuring that every knife embodies decades of refined skill.

  • Reading the Flame—The Eyes of a Blacksmith

    Blacksmiths determine the temperature of the steel by observing the color of the flame. For example, the optimal temperature for forging "Awase" knives ranges from 950 to 1050°C. If it exceeds 1100°C, the metal loses its integrity, while below 900°C, it fails to achieve sufficient hardness. This entire process relies solely on the blacksmith’s trained eyes and experience.

  • Feeling the Edge—The Precision of a Sharpener

    A sharpener, on the other hand, determines the sharpness of the blade not by sight, but by touch. They read the interaction between the whetstone and the blade through their fingertips, adjusting the angle and pressure in real-time. Mastering this skill takes decades of experience, making it an art form in itself.

  • The Appeal of Japanese Knives for World-Class Chefs

    Top chefs worldwide are drawn to Japanese knives because they are the ultimate tool of precision. The ability to make ultra-fine cuts directly impacts the quality of the dish. Moreover, these knives, crafted with centuries-old Japanese techniques, are both aesthetic and functional, growing more cherished with use.

  • The Future of Japanese Knife Culture

    As international demand for Japanese knives continues to rise, the number of Japanese craftsmen is unfortunately declining. The centralization of kitchens in the food industry has reduced the need for traditional artisan techniques.

  • However, Japanese knives are more than just kitchen tools—they are a testament to Japan’s rich artisan heritage. Preserving and sharing this legacy with the world is essential to ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate and inherit these exceptional skills.

  • For chefs around the world, Japanese knives are irreplaceable companions. Understanding their depth and craftsmanship might just change the way you see cooking forever.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • The Art of the Artisan: Not Just Work, But a Life Filled with Heart

  • An artisan’s craft is more than just a job—it’s a reflection of our way of life. Each day, through every task, we’re not simply shaping materials but infusing them with our own spirit and dedication.

  • When we craft a tool, every stroke is filled with soul. Even if it’s a small object, the moment we cut corners, it loses its sincerity. What we hold in our hands is not just skill; it’s the pride that has been passed down for decades or even centuries, and the passion that defines our very lives.

  • Working is not merely a way to make a living; it’s a way to express our essence. That’s why we bring true heart to even the most routine tasks. This commitment, day after day, is what sustains my craft.
Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • 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.

  • 2. For a Lifetime of Use

    At KIREAJI, we see knives as lifelong companions. Each knife comes with a free saya, and we offer Honbazuke hand-sharpening by Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai City.

  • 3. Supporting the Joy of Continued Use

    KIREAJI knives are made to grow with you. That’s why we provide trusted after-sales care (fee-based) .