SAKAI TAKAYUKI

Sword - a symbol of ancient Japan. It is no coincidence that it forms one of the imperial insignia. It is a Kusanagi sword and its core was created by multiple folding and forging of the highest quality steel. Thanks to many generations of talented craftsmen, this proven method of producing hard and tough material has survived to this day. This created knives that have no parallel in the world.

Sakai, or the city of knives, is now the western suburb of Osaka. The city experienced its greatest development in the 16th century, when it was one of the busiest trading centers. The latest technologies from all over the world as well as different cultures met here. This helped to develop forging techniques, which already reached a high level at that time thanks to the production of traditional swords. The Portuguese brought the first rifles to the area and the Sakai blacksmiths changed their production program. But since it was a time of peace, they mainly produced decorative rifles. With the expansion of tobacco, they went smoothly to the production of knives for cutting tobacco, but the mechanization of its processing resulted in another production change. Blacksmiths began to specialize in the production of kitchen knives. This was also influenced by the proximity of another important city - Kyoto. This is characterized by its culinary art and the preparation of individual dishes requires special knives. Today, the vast majority of Japanese chefs use knives made in Sakai City.

Sakai has a slightly shorter history compared to Seki, but nowadays it is their significance is comparable. The difference is mainly in the production program. Seki is dominated by the production of Japanese Western-style knives with a strong emphasis on exports. Manufacturers in Sakai, in turn, specialize mainly in traditional knives of the eastern type. Their clientele consists mainly of Japanese professional chefs.

Mr. Takayuki became famous in 1946 consolidating Sakai blacksmiths. He provided them with production facilities and tools and thus established the Sakai Takayuki brand. It is currently cared for by the 3rd generation of this family. The owner of the brand is the company Aoki Hamono, which in 2006 won the prestigious award Sakai Wazashu awarded for the skill of local producers.

The potential of Aoki Hamono lies in key personnel positions, which are blacksmith and grinder. Masters with high awards and in some cases more than 50 years work here.

Keijiro Doi - blacksmith

He joined the workshop at the age of 19 in place of his father, a prominent blacksmith. In 1987, he was certified by the Department of International Trade and Industry as a Blacksmith Master . In 1997, he received the Green Paulownia Leaves.

Yukinori Oda - Grinder

He is awardee of Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays . He became a master at the age of 20. He sticks to his motto: “The sharpness of a good knife is 100%. However, the role of the grinder is to increase it to 120%. ”

Suogo Yamatsuka - blacksmith

It is constantly pushing the boundaries of perfection. Specializes in Gingami Stainless Steel 3.

Hirotsugu Tosa - Grinder

He was born in 1948 and trained as a grinder at the age of 18. In 1991, he achieved the title of Sharpener Master. He knows no compromises because he constantly thinks of the users of his knives.

Itso Doi - blacksmith

Son of Master Keijiro. He represents the third generation of the clan. He is best one to preserve this mastery for generations to come.

Mitsuo Yamatsuka - Grinder

In 1999, he received the Japanese Traditional Craftmanship . He is a guarantee that a traditionally forged knife will gain "Sakai" sharpness. Our efforts and patience have finally brought us the honor of introducing you to the products in which the soul of their contractors resides. Welcome to Sakai!