Echizen Cutlery Cooperative Association affiliated workshop
Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association affiliated workshop

Echizen Cutlery Cooperative Association affiliated workshop

●Okawa Cutlery Factory

Sharpening and repairing all types of blades

Founded in the 1980s. At the time, there were six sharpeners, including the first and second generation. They sharpen not only knives, but also scissors, hoes, and other tools.

Using their experience, they can also handle blades for various machines and accept repairs.

49-1-5 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1781

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●Okada Cutlery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Preserving traditional techniques and continuing to apply and innovate

Founded in 1928. With an emphasis on fire forging, the company mainly produces forestry sickles, machetes, and pruning shears. They have also revived sickles for lacquering and spear planes preserved in the Shosoin Repository.

He also places great importance on maintaining and passing on the traditional Echizen blade-making technique, which is part of the process of making sickles, known as "mawashi hagane-tsuki."

45-1-6 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1612

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●Blacksmith Workshop Iwai

Manufacturing that inherits and utilizes the Hirawakashi manufacturing method

Founded in 1939, the first generation owner studied under a cutlery craftsman in Sakai, Osaka. He is now the third generation owner, inheriting the Hirafuku method of making single-edged knives in Sakai. While preserving traditional manufacturing methods, the company is embodying the various craftsmanship possible with Echizen cutlery through a wide variety of original products.

These knives and blades are easy to use and durable, and are made with attention to detail, such as the weight and balance, to suit the user.

49-1-9 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1623

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●Saji cutlery

Japanese-style knives have many fans both in Japan and overseas

For about 100 years, four generations of the company have been involved in cutting tools. The previous generation specialized in machetes, but they were ahead of their time in starting to manufacture Japanese-style knives, and now have many fans both in Japan and overseas.

The company continues to make its own unique cutlery, producing a wide variety of knives and kitchen knives in small quantities using a variety of materials.

45-1-6 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1651

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● Shimizu Cutlery

We manufacture tuna knives that are rare even in Japan

Founded in 1952, the company started out making vegetable knives, but in the 1980s began making single-edged tuna knives. The length of the blade is about 1.5 meters, so the company requires unique techniques and experience.

Orders and repair requests for tuna knives continue to come in from markets in Tokyo, Nagoya, and elsewhere. They also make nakiri and single-edged knives.

46-1-4 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1652

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●Takamura Cutlery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Echizen brand attracting attention from chefs around the world

Founded in 1945, the company aims to perfect the art of cutting and create products that can be used worldwide. In 1954, the company began developing sharp stainless steel knives, which were still rare at the time, and also developed hammered knives.

These knives are made with the motto of "good materials, good forging and heat treatment, and good sharpening." Their sharpness is so great that they are used by many famous chefs at famous restaurants both in Japan and overseas.

49-1-6 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1638

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Nansho Cutlery

A craftsman's studio that continues to focus on forging and hardening

Their motto is to value traditional techniques and always go back to basics. They are committed to carefully crafting knives, such as vegetable knives and forged stainless steel knives, using their many years of experience.

The making of knives relies heavily on the intuition of the craftsman, so the basic step of "health check of the product" is always remembered.

2-1 Nawatecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-22-3667

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● Masutani Cutlery Manufacturing

Teaching and passing on various sharpening techniques to the younger generation

Founded in 1974. While all of the brothers are involved in Echizen blade making, they decided to set up an independent workshop specializing in sharpening. Currently, they consider teaching to be a form of training, and are passing on the various techniques and experience they have cultivated to young people and those aiming to go independent.

Although they specialize in sharpening, they also manufacture knives. Their prices are reasonable because they want many people to use their products and be happy with them.

2-6-7 Kitafu, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-23-1656

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●Ryusen Cutlery

Emphasis on functionality, design and tradition

Founded in 1953, the company was one of the first to manufacture and sell stainless steel composite forged knives in 1970. Since then, the company has been promoting products based on traditional techniques and with an emphasis on the balance between functionality and design both domestically and internationally. Experiences will also be available at the new store.

The company is expanding its "high value-added products" made with a focus on handcrafting, such as uniquely designed kitchen knives and other cutting tools, to the world.

49-1-5 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-22-3552

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Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association affiliated workshop

●Takefu Knife Village

The future of traditional crafts from a shared workshop

This joint workshop was completed in 1993 and is used by 14 companies. In addition to introducing traditional crafts through displays of Echizen blades, workshop tours, and hands-on experiences, the workshop is committed to passing on techniques and developing human resources by accepting young people who want to become craftsmen. There is also active interaction with the local community and students.

In addition to household knives and scissors, they also sell professional knives and pruning shears. They also accept requests to sharpen various blades.

Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association, 22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-27-7120

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●Anryu Cutlery

Passing on history and the skills of our predecessors to future generations

Founded around 1873. The first generation made sickles, while the second generation made knives. The fifth generation is dedicated to careful craftsmanship with the motto of "making quality products." He also spares no effort in training and advising young craftsmen.

The fourth generation, who has his sights set on overseas markets, and the fifth generation, who is his successor and aims to establish his own style of cutting tools, produce a variety of knives.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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●Okada Cutlery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Preserving traditional techniques and continuing to apply and innovate

Founded in 1928. With an emphasis on fire forging, the company mainly produces forestry sickles, hatchets, and pruning shears. They have also revived sickles for lacquering and spear planes preserved in the Shosoin Repository.

He also places great importance on maintaining and passing on the traditional Echizen blade-making technique, which is part of the process of making sickles, known as "mawashi hagane-tsuki."

45-1-6 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1612

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●Kato Cutlery Factory

Integrated production that emphasizes and utilizes traditional techniques

Founded in 1948. We produce Japanese knives, stainless steel knives, and sickles. Our motto is to create high-quality products that can be used for a long time and to create a company where young people can continue to work. We also participate in overseas events several times a year to deepen exchanges with different cultures.

They are proud of their careful finish using traditional methods, and have been trying their hand at manufacturing saw sickles for several years now.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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● Kamodou Cutlery

Expanding into specialized fields such as soba-kiri knives

Founded in 1955. Currently, the second generation owner and younger employees develop and manufacture a variety of knives. In addition to soba-kiri knives and paper-cutting knives, they also produce knives for welfare purposes. In recent years, they have also been working on product development to meet overseas needs.

Many of the sobakiri knives are made to order. Meeting these demands has honed the skills required to produce a wide range of high-quality products.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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● Kamo Cutlery Factory

Vegetable harvesting knives made Echizen blades famous

Founded in the 1930s. Utilizing their double-edged knife forging techniques, they jointly developed the "Vegetable Harvesting Knife" with a highland vegetable farmer in Nagano Prefecture in 1975, which was well-received. Today, their knives are highly valued by farmers across the country, and they have contributed to the spread of Echizen forged blades.

He travels around the country with his "vegetable harvesting knives" and continues to make knives in pursuit of the "cutting edge" that meets the needs of each production area.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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●Kitaoka Cutlery Factory

Specializing in single-edged knives, with particular attention to detail in the patterns

The first generation owner was born in Gifu Prefecture. Fascinated by forged cutlery, he moved to Takefu (now Echizen City), and is now the third generation owner. He specializes in single-edged knives such as deba and sashimi knives. He uses a variety of materials to carefully examine their sharpness and is particular about the patterns.

Through the repeated trial and error that is possible only through a single-step handmade production process, we create special single-edged knives that are unlike any other.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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Kurosaki Uchihamono

Carrying the future of the region and disseminating information both domestically and internationally

Founded in 2014, this is the first new workshop in the area in about 40 years. They mainly produce stylish knives with a Japanese taste, and receive many orders from overseas. They are committed to passing on traditional techniques and further nurturing young craftsmen, with the aim of making Echizen hammered blades a global brand.

The knives are made with particular attention to the materials used for the blade and handle, and are designed to be beautiful as well as sharp. They have established their brand by exhibiting at knife shows both in Japan and overseas.

19-13-1 Ikeizumicho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-27-6230

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●Saji cutlery

Japanese-style knives have many fans both in Japan and overseas

For about 100 years, four generations of the family have been involved in cutting tools. The previous generation specialized in machetes, but they were ahead of their time in starting to manufacture Japanese-style knives, and now have many fans both in Japan and overseas.

The company continues to make its own unique cutlery, producing a wide variety of knives and kitchen knives in small quantities using a variety of materials.

45-1-6 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-24-1651

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●STYLE‐K

I want to increase domestic recognition of Echizen Fukui.

The name of the studio includes the meaning of never forgetting his own style and ideas, and the kindness of his master (K). He studies polishing data and produces original products using new materials, spreading awareness of "Echizen Fukui" in Japan.

The basis of knife making is data collected through repeated analysis and practice. He also constantly studies new materials and other production areas.

9-24 Takeyanagicho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-78-9205

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●Sharpening four

Proudly Providing Sharpening for Three Generations

Founded in 1946. For three generations, the company has been engaged in sharpening double-edged knives and resharpening various blades. Its motto is to provide products that are trusted and that are sure to impress customers. It also strives to pass on its techniques.

He never cuts corners, and takes the blade seriously while sharpening it to perfection. He is highly trusted as the unsung hero of the blacksmith shop.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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●Honda Cutlery

Polishing with emphasis on aesthetic beauty

He is engaged in the polishing and finishing of various knives, including double-edged knives, special knives, soba knives, sushi knives, and Chinese chef's knives. He is well-known for his beautiful sharpening that emphasizes "cutting ability + α" and appearance. He is also committed to training young people.

Times and products are constantly changing. For this reason, he does not stick to his 50+ year history, but instead flexibly changes his sharpening methods accordingly.

22-91 Yokawacho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Takefu Knife Village Cooperative Association
0778-27-7120

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●Yamamoto Uchihamono

Creating highly functional knives that meet your needs

Founded in 2013. He inherited the workshop and business name of his master, Masami Asai, and has continued the business. He mainly produces kitchen knives and knives, and his motto is to create products that consider the user. He aims to be a "custom blacksmith" that emphasizes functionality.

The knives are made with the idea that they are practical items for daily use. We provide products that incorporate the needs of users and suggestions from craftsmen.

92-5-9 Ikenouecho, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
0778-22-1617


link

About Echizen Cutlery
How Echizen blades are made
Introducing the Echizen Cutlery Traditional Craftsmen