Put your hands to the test at the heart of Japanese craftsmanship in this extraordinary experience that takes you beyond the surface of one of Japan’s most iconic tools: the kitchen knife.
Known for their unmatched sharpness, precision, and artistry, Japanese knives are more than just utensils; they embody centuries of tradition and dedication. And in this unique hands-on encounter, you will not only get in touch with this awesome practice but also make your own bespoke knife!
A Quick Look at a Japanese Knife-Making Experience:
- Discover the knife-making process and why it takes decades to master the craft.
- Try it yourself — hammer your own knife and shape it based on how you want to use it.
- Pick a name to engrave on your knife.
- Practice sharpening the traditional way.
An Ancient Craft in the Hands of a Modern Master
My journey began at the Knife Workshop, run by Yamada-san, a seventh-generation knife artisan who has spent over three decades perfecting his skills. His atelier, humming with heat and history, is where tradition and technique come together to produce blades of enduring quality. His opening words? “This will be the best cutting knife you will have”, and he was not lying!
Welcomed into this intimate space, I was introduced to the materials that define a Japanese knife: robust steels, polished handles, and the nuanced interplay of form and function. For this experience, the finest metal Japan has is always used: Aogane (Blue steel), while the handle is up to me, with some materials being more water resistant, some having smooth natural wood colours, and some feeling more comfortable in my hands.
I tried them all for a test grip, and you should too, after all, this will be YOUR knife!
With Yamada-san’s help, I selected the shape and size of my blade based on my cooking needs. Whether you envision a nimble paring knife or a robust all-purpose chef’s knife, he will aid you with his vast knowledge.
All of this will be made much easier with the aid of your interpreter; every detail of the process will be made clear, ensuring that no question goes unanswered as you prepare for the experience ahead.
Hammer, Shape, Fire: The Journey of Your Knife Begins
Once briefed, it was time to don the protective gear and step up to the forge. I was sweating a bit since the forge was extremely hot, but do not worry, all safety measures and instructions will be made clear before you even get close to it.
My first trial came at the furnace, where glowing steel awaited transformation under Yamada-san’s careful guidance and my hammering. With a hammer in hand, I struck the heated metal time and time again to harden it and remove impurities, guided by Yamada-san’s precise instructions.
Every blow shapes not just the knife, but the personal mark it will carry, a subtle pattern unique to our hands, never to be repeated.
This was the most physically demanding part of the process, and it tired me out a bit. That being said, men, women and younger participants do it without any problem, so rest assured that you can do it too!
This process is also the one that takes longer since you will need to reheat the blade a couple of times before you can go back to hammering it (which means you get a couple of breaks!).
After the forging, the metal was left to cool naturally and readied for the next stage. Here, I traced the outline of my knife with a pen, then moved to the grinder to begin forming its edge. Though this step seemed quite daunting, Yamada-san was always beside me, offering clear guidance to help bring my knife to life.
The grinder made a lot of sparks, but these did not burn; they only made me look cool and professional! And while this was a simple enough task, you will not be drilling the blade in totality, since some areas are trickier than others, and those have to be done by professionals.
From this point, the blade’s final refining and sharpening are entrusted to Yamada-san and his apprentices. The process involves great skill and precision, ensuring the knife we’ve forged is not only a beautiful object but a high-performance tool, as sharp and dependable as any made entirely by the hands of a master.
Name Your Blade, Carry It Home in Spirit
Before the experience ends, you’ll have the opportunity to pick a name of your choice to be engraved on your blade, be it your own, a loved one’s, or a word that captures the essence of your creation. Some people name it after their favourite series, characters, or pets, but it looks more traditional if you do it in the Japanese alphabet, so consult with your translator to ensure they will convey the right name or words to Yamada-san.
This personal touch transforms the knife into a lasting symbol of your time in Japan and makes for the perfect souvenir!
As a final note, Yamada-san offered a demonstration in the delicate art of knife sharpening, an essential skill to ensure my blade remains keen for years to come. He also showed me how much a perfectly sharp knife will cut in a quick demonstration on paper, and I guarantee you this part will awe you.
Though you’ll leave the workshop the same day, your knife will have to undergo a lot more before it’s ready to be shipped to your home anywhere in the world. It should arrive within a month, ready for use or gifting. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the excitement of opening it up once it arrives and seeing what your own personal Japanese knife looks like!
A Bit More About Yamada-san
As the seventh generation knife maker who continued his father’s work, Yamada-San works with a purpose: Not just to keep tradition alive, but to make things that are needed and used in Japanese life. When he decided to take upon himself the responsibility of being the 7th, it all just came to him naturally; there was no need to think too much about it, because he genuinely enjoyed what he was already doing.
So for Yamada-San, knife-making has been the one thing he saw himself doing from a young age, showing us what the passion and care for the craft looks like up close.
FAQ’s About The Japanese Knife-Making Experience
Can I cut everything with a Japanese knife?
The knife you will be making at this workshop can be used to cut meat, fish and vegetables. You can choose the shape that best suits your purpose, but they will cut effortlessly either way.
Will my Japanese knife rust?
As Yamada-san likes to say, “Japanese knives only cut well because they can get rusty”. Your knife can get rusty, yes, so taking good care of it is important.
What’s so special about Japanese knives?
Due to the material that is used, Japanese knives are known not to cut the cells of the food, helping preserve the taste of the ingredients and therefore making the food taste richer.
What else can we find at this knife shop?
You can also find gardening tools and other smaller knives for various purposes. So, you can gift the knife you made to someone and get yourself a different item of equally high quality.
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Your anvil is waiting. Don’t just read about Japanese tradition—create a piece of it with your own hands. From forging your own knife to other hands-on experiences that bring you closer to Japanese culture, your next authentic Japan adventure starts here.
More Than a Souvenir: A Slice of Living Tradition
Forging your Japanese knife is not simply a craft session; it is an act of connection, focus, and legacy. Each strike of the hammer, each decision you make, is a step deeper into the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.
By stepping into Yama-san’s sacred workshop, you will understand why Japanese knives are of such high quality and why knife-making in Japan is such a precious commodity.
Whether destined for your kitchen or given as a meaningful gift, this knife will carry with it the memory of challenge, accomplishment, and the honour of having worked alongside a true master.
