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Honyaki vs Kasumi: Japanese Forging Traditions

- Sakai has a 600-year history of blade production, starting around the 15th century and building on ancient forging techniques from 5th-century tomb construction. [https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/18]

By Blade & Steel Team·AI-assisted research, human-curated
Honyaki vs Kasumi: Japanese Forging Traditions

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

  • Sakai has a 600-year history of blade production, starting around the 15th century and building on ancient forging techniques from 5th-century tomb construction. [https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/18]
  • Sakai-forged knives hold over 90% of the domestic market share for professional chef's knives in Japan. [https://www.jikko.jp/news/sakai-houcho]
  • Honyaki knives are made from a single, hard steel, while Kasumi knives combine a hard steel core with a softer iron cladding.
  • The distinctive 'hamon' (wave pattern) on Honyaki blades is a visible result of differential hardening, showcasing the craftsman's skill.

Japanese kitchen knives are renowned globally for their exceptional sharpness, durability, and artistry, deeply rooted in centuries of forging tradition. Among the most distinguished categories are Honyaki and Kasumi, representing different approaches to blade construction that cater to varying levels of culinary expertise and maintenance commitment. Honyaki knives, forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel, offer unparalleled edge retention and cutting performance, demanding a master's skill to create and maintain. Kasumi knives, on the other hand, combine a hard steel core with a softer iron cladding, making them more forgiving to sharpen and less prone to chipping. The city of Sakai, with its 600-year history of blade production, stands at the forefront of this craft, supplying over 90% of traditional Japanese knives to professional chefs across Japan. The deep trust in Sakai's blades among culinary professionals stems from a tradition of exquisite sharpness born from fire, steel, water, and human skill, continuously inherited and refined over generations.

What are Honyaki and Kasumi Knives?

Honyaki and Kasumi knives represent two fundamental and distinct methods in traditional Japanese knife forging, each offering unique characteristics in performance, durability, and maintenance. Honyaki knives are crafted from a single, homogenous piece of high-carbon steel, while Kasumi knives are created through a lamination process, combining a hard steel core with a softer iron cladding. This core difference in construction dictates their respective cutting properties, aesthetic appeal, and the level of care they require.

Honyaki knives embody the pinnacle of Japanese forging artistry, mirroring the construction of traditional Japanese swords. They are forged from a single type of high-carbon steel, such as Shirogami (white steel) or Aogami (blue steel), which is then differentially hardened. For a closer look at how these two steels stack up in the kitchen, our Aogami Super vs Shirogami: What Japanese Knife Forums Actually Say breakdown gathers the consensus from Japanese-language threads. This process involves coating the blade with a special clay mixture before heat treatment, leaving the spine thicker and the edge exposed. During quenching, the exposed edge hardens significantly, achieving extreme sharpness and edge retention, while the clay-covered spine cools slower, resulting in a tougher, more flexible back. This differential hardening creates a visible temper line, known as a "hamon," which is both a testament to the craftsman's skill and a beautiful aesthetic feature. The "hamon" often resembles a wave pattern, a visual signature of a master smith's work. To learn how to read these wave patterns and what they reveal about a smith, see our How to Read a Japanese Knife Maker's Hamon: A Translated Guide. The single-material construction allows for an incredibly fine and precise edge, making Honyaki knives exceptionally sharp and capable of delicate cuts that preserve the integrity of ingredients. However, their extreme hardness also makes them more brittle and susceptible to chipping if mishandled or used improperly. They require meticulous care, including immediate cleaning and drying after use to prevent rust, and specialized sharpening techniques. Professional chefs often choose Honyaki knives for their unparalleled cutting performance and the prestige associated with owning such a finely crafted tool. The choice between Honyaki and Kasumi depends heavily on the user's skill level, their commitment to maintenance, and the specific culinary tasks the knife will be used for.

Kasumi knives, meaning "mist" in Japanese, are characterized by their layered construction, which is more common in traditional Japanese kitchen knives. They are made by laminating a core of very hard, high-carbon steel (known as "hagane" or blade steel) with a softer, more flexible iron or stainless steel cladding (called "jigane" or soft iron). This lamination process is similar to how many traditional Japanese tools are made, providing a practical balance of sharpness and durability. The hard steel core forms the actual cutting edge, providing the sharpness that Japanese knives are famous for. The softer cladding, visible as a distinct line where the two metals meet, provides several advantages. It makes the knife more resilient to impacts, less prone to chipping compared to Honyaki, and significantly easier to sharpen. The softer cladding also protects the brittle, hard core steel from corrosion and breakage, making Kasumi knives more forgiving for everyday use. While they may not achieve the absolute peak sharpness or edge retention of a perfectly maintained Honyaki blade, Kasumi knives offer excellent performance for most culinary tasks and are a popular choice for both professional and home cooks due to their balance of performance, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. The lamination process results in a beautiful, often subtle, pattern on the blade surface, which can sometimes resemble a misty or cloudy appearance, hence the name "Kasumi." The distinct boundary between the hard steel and soft iron is a hallmark of this construction. The forging process for Kasumi knives in Sakai involves the "鍛造(たんぞう)" (forging) technique, where soft iron and steel are intensely heated and hammered to create a strong, tenacious bond, enhancing both strength and flexibility. This technique is crucial for producing the "打刃物" (forged blades) that Sakai is famous for, where craftsmen hand-forge the materials to create a product of superior quality and beauty. The combination of materials and the skill of the artisans ensure that Kasumi knives deliver a superb cutting experience, making them a cornerstone of Japanese culinary tradition.

What is the History of Sakai Blades?

Sakai's history as a prominent blade-producing region is extensive and deeply interwoven with the broader historical developments of Japan, spanning over 600 years of continuous tradition. The foundation for this renowned craft dates back even further, to the ancient period, and evolved significantly through various economic and political shifts in Japanese history.

The formal history of Sakai's blade production began around the 15th century, when groups of swordsmiths, originally from Kaga Province (modern-day Ishikawa Prefecture), migrated to Sakai and started producing knives. However, the true bedrock for Sakai's advanced forging techniques was laid much earlier, in the 5th century. This ancient period saw the construction of the monumental Nintoku-ryo Kofun, one of the world's largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds, located in the eastern hills of Sakai. The immense scale of this project required a vast array of iron tools, such as hoes and spades, and skilled artisans congregated in Sakai to produce them. This concentration of forging expertise in Sakai during the 5th century established a deep tradition of metalworking that would eventually underpin its future as a blade-making center. The city's name, Sakai, itself points to its historical significance as a "border" or "boundary" town, which became a hub for trade and craftsmanship.

The expansion of blade production in Sakai received a significant boost in the 16th century, a tumultuous but innovative period in Japanese history. When firearms and tobacco were introduced to Japan by the Portuguese in 1543, Sakai's existing forging technology was quickly adapted. The city became a crucial center for firearm production during the Sengoku (Warring States) period, further elevating its metalworking capabilities. Simultaneously, the introduction of tobacco led to a demand for specialized knives to finely chop tobacco leaves. Sakai's skilled artisans, leveraging their advanced forging techniques, began producing "tobacco knives" (たばこ包丁). These knives quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional sharpness, surpassing the quality of imported tobacco knives. The superior cutting ability of Sakai's tobacco knives caught the attention of the Edo Shogunate. In an unprecedented move, the Shogunate granted Sakai the exclusive right to produce and sell these knives, mandating that they be stamped with a "Sakai Kiwame" (堺極) seal. This official endorsement and monopoly status propelled Sakai's reputation for sharp blades across Japan, making "Sakai blades... a result of the exquisite sharpness born from fire, steel, water, and human skill. The widespread support for Sakai blades among chefs is due to the long-standing trust in Sakai's blades," as noted by the Sakai Hamono Industrial Cooperative Association History.

This historical trajectory, from ancient toolmaking for monumental constructions to specializing in innovative products like tobacco knives under shogunal patronage, cemented Sakai's position. The techniques developed for iron smelting, tempering, and sharpening were continuously refined and passed down through generations. The 18th-century book "Nihon Sankai Meibutsu Zue" (Illustrated Guide to Famous Products of Japan, 1797) already highlighted Sakai as a renowned production center for high-quality knives, showcasing its established reputation. The tradition of "uchihamono" (forged blades), where metal is heated and hammered to enhance its properties, became a hallmark of Sakai. Today, this 600-year legacy continues to thrive. "There is nothing superior to the sharpness of forged steel. The 600-year tradition is still continuously inherited, and Sakai blades, which boast to the world, are produced," according to the Sakai Hamono Industrial Cooperative Association (translated from Japanese). The long-standing trust in Sakai's blades among chefs is a direct result of this unbroken chain of craftsmanship and innovation, making Sakai a globally recognized name for high-performance kitchen knives.

How Does Sakai's Division of Labor Contribute to Knife Quality?

Sakai's renowned reputation for producing some of the world's finest kitchen knives is largely attributed to its unique and highly specialized division of labor, a system that has been refined over centuries. This collaborative approach, where distinct stages of knife making are handled by different master craftsmen, ensures that each part of the process is executed with the highest level of expertise and precision. This contrasts with a single artisan performing all tasks, allowing each specialist to achieve unparalleled mastery in their specific craft.

The production of a Sakai knife typically involves four primary stages, each undertaken by a dedicated professional: forging (鍛冶 - kaji), blade sharpening (刃付け - hatsuke), handle making (柄製造 - etsukuri), and handle attachment (柄付け - etsuke). This meticulous subdivision of labor means that a single Sakai knife is the culmination of the specialized skills of several highly trained artisans.

The first stage, forging (鍛冶), is where the raw materials—steel and soft iron—are transformed into the basic shape of the blade. The forging craftsman heats the blade steel in a furnace to very high temperatures and then repeatedly hammers it. This process, known as "鍛造 (tanzo)," or forging, involves more than ten distinct steps. Each step requires the steel to be reheated in the furnace and hammered again and again, compacting the metal's internal structure. This intensive hammering not only shapes the blade but also refines the grain structure of the steel, increasing its strength, toughness, and flexibility. The result is the "地 (ji)," the foundation of the blade, which possesses superior durability and resilience. This initial shaping is critical, as it sets the stage for the knife's overall geometry and performance. The forging process is a physically demanding art, requiring an intimate understanding of metal properties and precise control over heat and force to create a blade that is both strong and flexible.

Following forging, the blade moves to the blade sharpening (刃付け - hatsuke) specialist. This stage is crucial for transforming the rough forged blade into a sharp, functional cutting tool. The blade sharpener uses a series of whetstones, often more than ten different types, to progressively refine the edge. These whetstones vary in grit, from coarse stones that remove material quickly and establish the primary bevel, to progressively finer stones that hone the edge to razor sharpness. The specific sequence and type of whetstones used depend on the knife's intended purpose and steel type. This process creates the knife's three-dimensional shape and its cutting edge. For instance, a sashimi knife requires an exceptionally acute and precise edge, which demands a different sharpening approach than a deba knife designed for heavy-duty fish processing. The blade sharpener's skill lies in their ability to create a perfectly balanced and incredibly sharp edge, ensuring the knife performs optimally. Jikko Hamono, a prominent Sakai knife maker, emphasizes their commitment to superior sharpness through meticulous "刃付け" (blade sharpening), ensuring every knife is sharpened before purchase because a knife "is not sharp unless it is sharpened."

The handle making (柄製造 - etsukuri) process runs concurrently, where a separate craftsman selects durable wood and crafts the handle specific to the knife's design. The final stage is handle attachment (柄付け - etsuke). Here, the sharpened blade is paired with its handle. The tang, the part of the blade that extends into the handle, is heated and then carefully inserted into the wooden handle. The craftsman then meticulously adjusts the alignment, ensuring there are no distortions that could affect the knife's balance or long-term performance. Even subtle imperfections, invisible to the untrained eye, are corrected to guarantee a high-quality knife that maintains its edge and balance over time. This final adjustment is paramount, as a perfectly balanced knife reduces user fatigue and enhances cutting precision. This intricate system of specialized labor, passed down through generations, allows each craftsman to hone their particular skill to an exceptionally high degree. The collective expertise of these individual masters is what underpins the consistently high quality and superior sharpness of Sakai blades, distinguishing them from those produced in regions with different manufacturing philosophies.

What Makes Sakai Blades Unique Compared to Other Japanese Blade Regions?

Sakai blades possess several distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from knives produced in other renowned Japanese blade regions, notably Niigata Sanjo and Gifu Seki. These differences stem from Sakai's historical development, its unique production methodology, and its specialized focus on specific types of knives.

One of the most significant distinctions of Sakai is its unwavering commitment to producing "uchihamono" (forged blades). This means that virtually all Sakai knives are traditionally hand-forged, a process where metal is heated and repeatedly hammered to achieve its final form. This stands in contrast to other regions where press-forming or other mechanized methods might be employed. The hand-forging process in Sakai, particularly for its single-bevel (kataba) steel blades, is a hallmark of its tradition. This method enhances the strength, durability, and unique cutting characteristics of the blades. The "Jikko Hamono Sakai Knife Lab" highlights that Sakai blades are "打刃物 (uchihamono)," meaning they are forged, and "all processes are done by hand," with a focus on single-bevel steel blades [https://www.jikko.jp/news/sakai-houcho].

Sakai also boasts an unparalleled market dominance in a specific niche: professional Japanese chef's knives. It is widely stated that 80-90% of traditional Japanese chefs use Sakai knives, and Sakai holds over 90% of the domestic market share for these specialized tools. This includes iconic knives like the yanagiba (sashimi knife), usuba (vegetable knife), and deba (fish filleting knife). This specialization is reflected in Sakai's single-bevel design, which is rare in the global knife market. This design allows for incredibly sharp, acute edges that can make exceptionally clean and smooth cuts. For delicate tasks like slicing sashimi, the single bevel ensures that the food's fibers and cell membranes are not damaged, preserving the natural flavor and texture. The blade also separates easily from the cut food, a functional advantage in busy kitchens. This unique shape developed in Japan to suit a food culture rich in fish and vegetables, prioritizing the fresh taste and texture of ingredients. Sakai's "uchihamono" are recognized as "Traditional Craft Products" by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, underscoring their cultural and technical significance.

In comparison, other major Japanese blade regions have their own distinct specialties and methods. Niigata Sanjo, often grouped with Tsubame as "Tsubame-Sanjo," developed its forging techniques from agricultural tools. This heritage means Sanjo is known for producing strong, durable, and long-lasting blades. Their focus often leans towards robust tools and knives that prioritize endurance and resilience, making them highly valued for their longevity and toughness.

Gifu Seki, on the other hand, is recognized globally as one of the "world's three major blade-producing regions." Its history is deeply rooted in sword making, dating back 800 years to the Kamakura period, and its techniques were famously refined by master swordsmiths like Kanesada and Kanemoto. This heritage translates into knives known for their strong cores. While Seki is famous for its cutlery, a key difference from Sakai and Sanjo is that Seki often employs press-forming techniques in its production, as opposed to the extensive hand-forging prevalent in Sakai. The "Gifu Seki Hamono Kaikan" highlights its 800-year history and global reputation for quality [https://seki-japan.com/]. The city celebrates this legacy annually with the Seki Hamono Festival, an event that began in 1968 and has run for over half a century, offering high-quality Seki blades at discounted prices [https://seki-hamono.jp/history/].

Therefore, while all three regions produce high-quality blades, Sakai's uniqueness lies in its unwavering dedication to hand-forged, single-bevel, steel knives, particularly for professional Japanese cuisine, and its dominant market share in this specialized segment. The specialized division of labor in Sakai, with separate artisans for forging, sharpening, and handle work, further distinguishes its production process, ensuring a level of craftsmanship that maintains its leading position. The Jikko Hamono Sakai Knife Lab emphasizes that Sakai craftsmen perform all these processes by hand, a testament to the enduring skill passed down through generations.

Why Do Professional Chefs Prefer Sakai Blades?

Professional chefs, particularly those specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine, overwhelmingly prefer Sakai blades for a confluence of reasons centered on their exceptional performance, longevity, and the deep trust established over centuries of craftsmanship. The "Sakai Hamono Industrial Cooperative Association" states that "The widespread support for Sakai blades among chefs is due to the long-standing trust in Sakai's blades," underscoring the profound relationship between the artisans and culinary professionals [https://www.sakaihamono.or.jp/hamono02.html].

The primary reason for this preference is the unparalleled sharpness and cutting precision that Sakai knives offer. Achieved through a meticulous hand-forging process and highly specialized blade sharpening techniques, Sakai blades provide a clean, effortless cut that is critical for Japanese dishes. For tasks like slicing sashimi, a Sakai knife can cut through delicate fish without tearing cells or fibers, preserving the ingredient's natural flavor, moisture, and texture. This ability to maintain the integrity of ingredients is paramount in Japanese cooking, where the freshness and inherent qualities of food are highly valued. The single-bevel (kataba) design, a hallmark of Sakai knives, allows for an extremely acute edge that glides through food with minimal resistance, creating beautiful, smooth cross-sections. This is especially important for presentation, as the aesthetic appeal of a dish is as crucial as its taste.

Durability and longevity also play a significant role in chefs' preference for Sakai blades. While crafted for extreme sharpness, these knives are also built to last for decades, not just years. The intricate forging process compacts the steel, enhancing its strength and tenacity. More importantly, Sakai knives are designed for continuous maintenance. Professional chefs understand that a knife is a tool that requires ongoing care. Sakai blades can be repeatedly sharpened, with master craftsmen able to restore their superior edge even after extensive use. The Sakai Tourism Guide on Sakai Blades notes that a well-maintained Sakai knife can be used for approximately 10 years, and through consistent sharpening, its original size might be reduced by half, yet it continues to perform until the blade is almost completely worn down. This semi-permanent usability offers significant long-term value for a professional who relies on their tools daily. This contrasts with knives that may lose their edge quickly or cannot be effectively re-sharpened, leading to frequent replacements.

The unique division of labor in Sakai's production also contributes to the exceptional quality that chefs seek. With different specialists handling forging, blade sharpening, handle making, and handle attachment, each stage benefits from unparalleled expertise. This system ensures that every component of the knife, from the internal structure of the steel to the precise angle of the edge and the balance of the handle, is crafted to perfection. This meticulous attention to detail at every step results in a tool that is not only incredibly sharp but also ergonomically balanced and reliable. Chefs can trust that a Sakai blade will perform consistently under demanding professional conditions.

Finally, the deep-seated trust and heritage associated with Sakai blades cannot be overstated. With a 600-year history of craftsmanship, Sakai has cultivated a reputation for excellence that is recognized globally. Chefs are not just buying a tool; they are investing in a tradition of mastery and reliability. "Sakai blades... are a result of the exquisite sharpness born from fire, steel, water, and human skill," explains the Sakai Hamono Industrial Cooperative Association (translated from Japanese). This profound connection to tradition and the assurance of superior quality, combined with the practical benefits of sharpness, durability, and maintainability, solidify Sakai's position as the preferred choice for professional chefs around the world.

What are the Maintenance Requirements for Sakai Blades?

Maintaining Sakai blades, especially those made from high-carbon steel, is crucial to preserving their exceptional sharpness and ensuring their longevity. While these knives are renowned for their performance, they also demand diligent care due to the properties of the materials used. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of the knife but also ensures it consistently delivers the superior cutting experience for which Sakai blades are famous.

The primary maintenance requirement for Sakai blades, particularly those made of traditional steel (hagane), is immediate cleaning and thorough drying after every use. Steel, especially high-carbon steel, is highly susceptible to rust. Unlike stainless steel knives, which are more resistant to corrosion, traditional Japanese steel knives will quickly develop rust spots if left wet or exposed to acidic residues from food. Therefore, as soon as the knife is used, it should be rinsed with water and immediately wiped completely dry with a clean cloth. Storing the knife in a dry environment, ideally in a wooden saya (sheath) or on a magnetic knife rack, further helps prevent moisture accumulation. Any signs of rust should be addressed promptly by gently scrubbing with a rust eraser or a fine abrasive to prevent further corrosion, which can damage the blade and affect its performance.

Regular sharpening is another fundamental aspect of Sakai blade maintenance. Even the sharpest knife will eventually dull with use, and Sakai blades are designed to be sharpened repeatedly to maintain their superior edge. This process typically involves using a series of whetstones (砥石 - toishi) of varying grits. Starting with a medium-grit stone (around #1000-#2000) to re-establish the primary edge bevel, followed by progressively finer stones (e.g., #3000, #6000, #8000 or higher) to refine and polish the edge to razor sharpness. The specific angle and technique for sharpening single-bevel (kataba) Sakai knives differ from double-bevel knives and require practice or professional expertise. The goal is to maintain the precise geometry of the blade, which is essential for its cutting performance. The Sakai Tourism Guide on Sakai Blades highlights that "By regularly sharpening and maintaining the blade, it is possible to maintain a consistently high-quality sharpness." This commitment to regular sharpening ensures that a Sakai knife can remain a high-performing tool for many years, sometimes even for decades, as the blade is gradually worn down by sharpening.

Beyond cleaning and sharpening, proper handling and storage also contribute to a Sakai knife's longevity. Avoiding cutting on hard surfaces like glass or ceramic cutting boards is crucial, as these can chip or damage the delicate edge. Wooden or high-quality plastic cutting boards are recommended. The knife should also be stored safely to prevent accidental damage to the edge or injury. For Honyaki knives, due to their single-steel construction and extreme hardness, extra care is needed to prevent lateral stress or twisting, which can lead to chipping or cracking. While Kasumi knives are more forgiving due to their softer cladding, they still benefit from careful handling. The Jikko Hamono Sakai Knife Lab emphasizes that "If you take care of it, you can use it for a lifetime." This statement reflects the inherent quality and maintainability of Sakai blades, provided they receive the necessary care. Adhering to these maintenance requirements ensures that a Sakai blade remains a treasured and effective tool for a lifetime of culinary endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Honyaki and Kasumi knives?

The main difference lies in their construction. Honyaki knives are forged from a single, homogenous piece of high-carbon steel, differentially hardened to create an extremely sharp edge and a tougher spine. Kasumi knives, conversely, are made by laminating a core of hard, high-carbon steel (hagane) with a softer iron or stainless steel cladding (jigane). This layered construction makes Kasumi knives more durable and easier to sharpen, while Honyaki knives offer superior sharpness and edge retention but are more delicate.

Why are Sakai knives so famous among professional chefs?

Sakai knives are famous among professional chefs primarily due to their exceptional sharpness, precision, and the deep trust built over centuries of craftsmanship. Sakai holds over 90% of the domestic market share for traditional Japanese chef's knives, a testament to their quality. Chefs value Sakai's single-bevel design for its ability to make clean, precise cuts that preserve the integrity and flavor of delicate ingredients, crucial for Japanese cuisine. The ability to maintain and sharpen these knives for decades also provides long-term value.

How does the division of labor in Sakai contribute to knife quality?

Sakai's unique division of labor, where different master craftsmen specialize in distinct stages like forging, blade sharpening, handle making, and handle attachment, significantly contributes to knife quality. This system allows each artisan to achieve unparalleled expertise in their specific craft. For example, the forging process alone involves over ten steps of heating and hammering, while blade sharpening can use up to ten different types of whetstones, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship at every stage of production.

Can Honyaki knives be sharpened at home?

Yes, Honyaki knives can be sharpened at home, but it requires significant skill and understanding of traditional Japanese sharpening techniques. Due to their single-steel construction and extreme hardness, Honyaki blades are more prone to chipping if sharpened incorrectly. Using a series of appropriate whetstones and mastering the specific angle for single-bevel blades is essential. Many home users opt for professional sharpening to ensure the knife's integrity and performance are maintained.

What are the key maintenance tips for a Sakai steel knife?

Key maintenance tips for a Sakai steel knife include immediate cleaning and thorough drying after every use to prevent rust, as steel is highly susceptible to corrosion. Regular sharpening with appropriate whetstones is also essential to maintain its superior edge and ensure longevity. For instance, a Sakai knife can be used for approximately 10 years if properly maintained through consistent sharpening. Additionally, using soft cutting surfaces like wood and storing the knife safely will help prevent damage to the delicate edge.

Sources

  1. Sakai Hamono Industrial Cooperative Association History
  2. Jikko Hamono Sakai Knife Lab
  3. Sakai Tourism Guide on Sakai Blades
  4. KOGEI JAPAN
  5. Gifu Seki Hamono Kaikan
  6. Seki Hamono Festival History
  7. Gifu Seki Industrial Study Tourism

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