The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship: The Art of the Japanese Knife by Genkai and Hakuho

  • Genkai Masakuni, the master of forging, and Hakuho, the legendary sharpening artisan, create Japanese knives that transcend functionality and reach the level of "living art." Discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication behind their creations.

The Essence of Forging: Genkai Masakuni

  • From a Quiet Workshop Comes Unrivaled Japanese Knives

    Genkai Masakuni (Muko Yoneo) is a forging artisan who produces only a few knives per day, ensuring every piece is crafted with unparalleled precision. These knives are not merely tools but the culmination of centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship, standing as masterpieces of art.

  • He is the sole disciple of the legendary forger, Koshiji Masakuni (Heianjo Koshiji), and the last bearer of the rare "Mizuyaki Forging" technique. This method endows steel with exceptional hardness but is notoriously difficult to master, making Genkai’s work truly one-of-a-kind.

  • The Three Pillars of Genkai’s Knives

    1. Unrivaled Craftsmanship

    • Over 20 meticulous processes, performed entirely by hand
    • Exceptional steel hardness achieved through Mizuyaki forging
    • The rarity of producing only a few knives daily

  • 2. Unmatched Sharpness

    • Precision and smoothness that amaze even top chefs
    • Elevates the quality of dishes with its outstanding performance

  • 3. Absolute Dedication

    • Every knife infused with the artisan’s soul
    • A coveted masterpiece admired by chefs worldwide

The Legend of Sharpening: Hakuho Sakaiminamoto

  • The First Certified Traditional Craftsman and Master of Japanese Sharpening

    Hakuho was a legendary artisan who elevated knife sharpening to the highest level of artistry. As the first officially certified Traditional Craftsman, his exceptional skills transformed knives into works of art rather than mere tools.

  • Through his expertise, steel came alive, imbued with precision and vitality, creating knives that symbolized the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship. His legacy continues to inspire, representing the essence of Japan’s knife culture.

  • What Makes Hakuho’s Work Unique

    1. Exclusive Mirror-Polished Finish
    Hakuho’s double mirror-polished finish was created exclusively for the Shiroyama Knife Workshop. These masterpieces are highly prized by collectors for their unmatched beauty and technical excellence.

  • 2. Works That Will Never Return to the Market
    In March 2019, Hakuho quietly completed his life’s work, and no new knives will ever be produced. The knives he sharpened are now all that remain, making them extraordinarily rare heirlooms to be treasured for generations.

  • 3. The Soul of Sharpening
    Hakuho’s techniques remain unparalleled, breathing new life into each blade. His legacy endures as a hallmark of Japanese craftsmanship, symbolizing a skill level no other artisan has matched.

The Story of Two Masters

  • Genkai, the forger, and Hakuho, the sharpener.
    Together, they embody the pinnacle of Japanese knife culture, creating works that are more than tools—they are masterpieces of art and cultural heritage. Each blade carries the soul of its maker and the legacy of a centuries-old tradition.

  • Discover the extraordinary story of these two artisans and the world-class knives from Sakai City, Japan.

The Master Behind the Handles and Sheaths: Introducing the Renowned Artisan of Shiroyama Knives

  • Toshiyuki Terauchi

  • Mr. Terauchi is a distinguished artisan who shines in the world of traditional craftsmanship. He honed his skills under the guidance of Mr. Mizuno, a legendary jeweler and craftsman whose collaborative work with Hakuhō and Genkai won the gold prize at a traditional crafts competition over 30 years ago. Terauchi mastered the intricate techniques of crafting knife handles and sheaths, elevating them to a level that blends functionality with artistic beauty.

  • Today, Mr. Terauchi exclusively works with Shiroyama Knife Workshop, dedicating himself to preserving the heritage of Sakai knives while embracing innovation. His meticulous craftsmanship reflects an unwavering commitment to detail and a deep respect for the traditions he carries forward.

  • The works he creates are not merely tools but representations of a new era of Japanese artistry, blending timeless tradition with modern sensibilities.

  • This Japanese knife features the mekugi (pin) method for attaching the handle, and we are offering the mekugi 目釘(pin puller) as part of the set.

  • The mekugi method, an ancient technique for attaching handles to Japanese knives, is a traditional craftsmanship method passed down from swordmaking. The key characteristics of this method are as follows:

    • Mekugi (a pin) is used to secure the blade (nakago) and the handle together.
    • The mekugi is typically made of bamboo, with a diameter of approximately 5–7mm.
    • The material for the mekugi is chosen for its strength and resistance to rust, with shinbamboo and sudake bamboo being the preferred choices.
    • The hole through which the mekugi passes is called the "mekugi-ana," and it is drilled into the tang (nakago) of the blade.
    • The mekugi method allows for the easy replacement and maintenance of the handle.

  • The advantage of this attachment method is that it enhances the durability of the knife, making it capable of withstanding long-term use. Additionally, the handle can be replaced or repaired as needed, extending the lifespan of the knife. The mekugi method not only increases the functionality and durability of Japanese knives but also serves as an important element in preserving Japan’s traditional knife culture.
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
  • White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)
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KIREAJI

White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)

White Steel #2 (Honyaki-Mizuyaki) Yanagiba 400mm-Mirror Polished(one side)

Out of stock

This Japanese knife is a rare, one-time offer. Once sold out, it will not be available again.

$12,000.00 CAD
$12,000.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

Our Thoughts on Pricing

Honbazuke

Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.

<Type>
Yanagiba
 -Single-edged: right-handed

<Material>
 - Blade : White Steel #2
 - Handle：Solid Silver with Burl Karin Wood Handle
(The silver-wrapped section features mother-of-pearl inlay.)

<Size & Weight>
 -Handle to tip length: 400㎜
 -Blade height: 42㎜
 -Thickness: 5.0㎜
 -Weight: 547g

<Other>
-Saya(Sheath): Ebony Sheath with Raden Inlay
Custom-made to fit perfectly without pins.
Crafted by Mr. Terauchi.

-Featuring Mount Fuji and a Full Moon on Both Sides.

<Brand name>
 Shiroyama (made in Sakai, Osaka)

Shipping & Returns

Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.
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 2 to 4 weeks to deliver the product.
Please refer to our return policy.

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Traditional craftsmen working on this product

Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Mukou)

The sole apprentice of Masakuni Okishiba, the first to master Mizuyaki – carrying on the tradition with legendary knives

The Sole Apprentice of Masakuni Okishiba

  • Genkai Masakuni is the only apprentice of the renowned Japanese knife maker, Masakuni Okishiba (widely known as "Heianjo Okishiba").
  • Masakuni Okishiba was the first to successfully master the Mizumoto-yaki technique, establishing it as the pinnacle of Japanese knife craftsmanship. His legendary skill continues to be highly valued today.

Hakuho Sakaiminamoto(Minoru Hakui)

The Legend of Sharpening

Hakuho stands as a monumental figure in the world of Japanese craftsmanship. Recognized as the first officially certified Traditional Craftsman, he revolutionized knife sharpening, elevating it to an unparalleled art form. His methods transformed simple blades into living masterpieces, each embodying the soul of Japanese heritage.

Toshiyuki Terauchi

Master of Tradition, Creator of New Beauty

Mr. Terauchi is a distinguished artisan who shines in the world of traditional craftsmanship. He honed his skills under the guidance of Mr. Mizuno, a legendary jeweler and craftsman whose collaborative work with Hakuhō and Genkai won the gold prize at a traditional crafts competition over 30 years ago. Terauchi mastered the intricate techniques of crafting knife handles and sheaths, elevating them to a level that blends functionality with artistic beauty.

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.

  • after service

    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.

  • Precautions

    1. If you wish to Honbazuke, please select "Yes" when ordering. (Free of charge)
    2. Each piece is handmade and therefore unique. Please consider the weight and length as approximate guidelines.
    3. As buffalo horn is a natural material, variations in color occur, and the product may not exactly match the photo.
    4. We pay close attention to our inventory, but in the rare case that an item is out of stock, we will notify you via email.

Honyaki

Honyaki knives are manufactured using a different method from general knives. Unlike kasumi knives, honyaki knives lack a soft iron core, making them more susceptible to shocks and very prone to cracking during the hardening process, as there is no escape for the damage. To mitigate this and make the blade less likely to break, a process called "tsuchioki" is performed. Tsuchioki involves applying a mud-like clay to areas that should not be hardened before the hardening process. This ensures that the steel on the spine remains tough and flexible, preventing the blade from cracking. The shape of the tsuchioki application creates wave patterns or Mount Fuji patterns on the blade. Due to the complexity of the hardening process, only a few craftsmen in Sakai (or nationwide) can produce honyaki (mizuyaki) knives.

Honyaki

Mizuyaki

There are two types of hardening methods for honyaki knives: Mizuyaki (water quenching) and Aburayaki (oil quenching). Mizuyaki prioritizes sharpness and allows for higher hardness of the steel, maximizing performance, making it the best method for honyaki knives. Additionally, mizuyaki is significantly more difficult to execute compared to aburayaki.

Mizuyaki vs Aburayaki
Before using a knife

Before Using a Knife

We hope that everyone will use their knives for a long time. To achieve this, I'd like to review what we should pay attention to and what we shouldn't do in order to continue using them effectively.

Before Using a Knife
Daily Care of Japanese Knives

Daily Care of Japanese Knives

We aim for all of you to use your knives for a long time. To achieve this, we have summarized what aspects of knife care you should pay attention to on a regular basis.

Daily Care of Japanese Knives

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.　　(Estimated reply time: within 10 hours)

A Chef's Perspective

  • The Soul Etched into Steel: The Mastery of a Single-Bevel Knife

    Just by gazing at these ripples, I can feel the breath of the craftsman who created them. Each hammer strike, infused with tension and passion, has etched a pattern into the blade that transcends its function as a mere tool. A knife is not only judged by its sharpness. Its shape, its presence—when held in hand—moves a chef's heart and transforms the act of preparing food into something truly special.

  • Every time I hold this knife, I am inspired. It ignites a desire to become better, to refine my skills even further. The beauty of these ripples is a testament to the artistry and pride of the blacksmiths who forged it. As chefs, we strive to honor their efforts by honing our craft to match the brilliance of theirs.

  • The Essence of Being a Chef, as Taught by the Knife

    Every time I face this knife, it feels as though it sharpens not just the ingredients but my skills and my spirit as a chef. The blade becomes a reflection of my dedication, exposing both my strengths and the areas where I need to improve. It’s a mirror of my growth.

  • A great knife doesn’t just cut—it teaches. The way it glides through food, the feedback it gives with every stroke, pushes me to refine my technique and connect more deeply with the art of cooking.

  • For us chefs, a knife is more than a tool. It’s a partner, a silent mentor reminding us to strive for precision, respect the ingredients, and pursue mastery with every dish we create.

  • The Knife That Challenges You to Be Better

    Purchasing this knife took a lot of courage, but using it has required even more. It’s not just another kitchen tool; it’s something truly special. The weight of it in your hand, the sharpness, the precision—every slice feels like it’s carrying a legacy.

  • I had to earn the right to use it. It’s not just about skill; it’s about respect. This knife demands your full attention and your dedication. It challenges you to take your craft seriously, to push beyond your limits, and to approach each task with both confidence and humility.

  • Using a knife like this isn't easy, but that's what makes it so rewarding. It’s a reminder that great things are never achieved without overcoming fear—whether it’s the fear of using a beautiful, delicate blade or the fear of not living up to the potential it gives you.

The Origin of Craftsmanship

  • Beyond the First Stroke

    A craftsman’s hands are not just an extension of thought. In fact, it is through action that new possibilities reveal themselves. The sound of hammer striking steel, the feel of the blade gliding over the whetstone—these sensations teach us that the future is always beyond imagination.

  • We often overthink. We get so caught up in the pursuit of perfection that we hesitate to take the first step. But the true essence of craftsmanship lies in movement. The first strike, the first shave of steel—these are what shape the future.

  • With each stroke, new discoveries emerge. Honed skills and instincts sometimes create something far beyond what we had envisioned. That is why I never stop. The future that exceeds imagination always lies beyond action.