• Shipping Information

  • Free Shipping

    Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.

  • Shipping Method and Time

    • After receiving an order, craftsmen in Sakai City attach a handle to the Japanese knife and perform Honbazuke if requested. Therefore, it takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to deliver the product.
    • You can check the shipping status using the tracking number provided after your order is shipped.

  • Changing the Shipping Address

    • If you need to change your shipping address after placing an order, please contact our customer service.
    • Shipping may be delayed until the address change process is completed.

  • Return

    • For information about returns, please refer to our return policy page.
    Return policy 

  • Shipping Inquiries

    • For any questions or issues regarding shipping, please contact us via the inquiry form.
    • Our customer service team will respond promptly.
    Contact us 

  • Important Notice:

    • Depending on the country, product, and value, import duties may be required upon receiving the goods. Please understand that you may need to pay these duties.
    • Some countries may have specific regulations. Please ensure to check before placing your order.
      (There is a possibility of items being prohibited for import, leading to disposal, return, or restriction on use after import. Please note that we are unable to accept returns or issue refunds in such cases.)

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. 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.