[2025] My first Sakai cutlery

I am Okudaira, the owner of "Japanese Kitchen Knife TOKU''.
We want to sell knives made in our hometown of Sakai, Osaka, so we purchase and sell knives made in Sakai from a knife manufacturer in Sakai.
We don't just sell knives, we visit a number of blacksmiths and bladesmiths in Sakai to help our customers understand knives, experience the actual work, and hear from the craftsmen. I'm here. In addition to Sakai, we also visit Seki in Gifu, Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata, Tanegashima in Kagoshima and Katsushika in Tokyo, in an effort to deepen our understanding of the characteristics and commitment of each.

My first Sakai cutlery

This time, we will introduce the appeal of Sakai forged cutlery and how to choose it in an easy-to-understand manner, aimed at beginners who are wondering, "What are Sakai forged cutlery?" and "Can it be used at home?"

■The place called Sakai
First, let's start with Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. It is a government-designated city with a population of about 800,000 , adjacent to the south of Osaka City. Do you remember learning about the ancient tomb called Emperor Nintoku's Tomb in elementary school? It is the tomb of the emperor shaped like a keyhole. Many ancient tombs, including the Emperor Nintoku's Tomb, are registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.
It is also the place where guns, which were introduced to Tanegashima, were mass-produced and spread. Other famous people involved in the area include Sen no Rikyu, who was famous for tea ceremony, and Yosano Akiko, who was famous as a poet. In modern times, it is a place where iron-related products are manufactured, such as the Nippon Steel Corporation factory and the SHIMANO bicycle factory.

What are Sakai cutlery? Its history and appeal
These traditional Japanese knives are produced in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. They are made from Yasugi steel and are hand-forged, sharpened, handled, and engraved by skilled craftsmen.
Sakai has long been a place for iron processing, and in the Edo period, the production of "tobacco knives" was recognized by the shogunate and given the title of "Sakai Kiwame." Since then, it has been highly praised by chefs both in Japan and abroad, to the point that it is said that "when you think of Japanese knives, you think of Sakai."

■Types and features of Japanese knives
So, the main knives produced in Sakai are as follows:
・Deba knife : a knife for filleting fish
・Yanagiba knife : a knife for sashimi
・Usuba knife : vegetable knife
Both knives are single-edged and designed to suit traditional Japanese cooking methods.

There are two types of Japanese knives: those made of a combination of soft iron and steel, called Kasumi, and those made only of steel, called Honyaki. There are also different types of steel with different hardness, such as Shirogami and Aogami, with Aogami being harder than Shirogami.

■ Recommended materials and sizes for your first pair
If you are buying your first knife , we recommend a combination knife called Kasumi, made from white steel, which is easy to maintain.
・Deba knife: 150mm / White steel / Kasumi finish
・Yanagiba knife: 210 to 240mm / White steel / Kasumi finish
・Usuba knife: 180mm / Shironi steel / Kasumi finish

■Do steel knives not rust?
I'm sure there are people who have had such concerns. Sakai knives are made of steel, but they are treated with rust prevention before shipping, so they will not rust immediately. However, the rust prevention will come off when you resharpen the knife, so it is important to wipe off any water after use.
By the way, even stainless steel knives will rust if left unused. Whether you use a steel knife or a stainless steel knife, you should wash and wipe it after use. This extra step is the secret to using the knife for a long time.

■ It's important to actually touch and check
The best way to buy a knife is to actually try out the weight, balance, and grip. At Sakaitoku Knives, we ask our customers to actually hold the knives and check them out. If there is a product you are interested in, please feel free to ask our staff.

Let's go to a knife store!
Sakaitoku Knife Shop opened a store in Asakusa, Tokyo on April 5th. The store is located on the 6th floor of a building right outside the north exit of Tobu Asakusa Station. It is also about a 3- minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
We also hold sharpening classes and sharpening experiences, so please feel free to stop by if you are in the area.
Sakaitoku Knife Shop also has channels on YouTube , Facebook and Instagram .
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Sakaitoku Knife - YouTube