About Sakai Forged Cutlery
Sakai forged cutlery is knives and cutting tools produced in Sakai City, Osaka. The development is attributed to the demand for tobacco knives after tobacco was introduced from Portugal through Nanban trade in the 16th century. During the Edo period, the 'gokuin' (official seal) authorized by the Tokugawa Shogunate became a quality guarantee, and 'Sakai gokuin' became synonymous with top quality. Today it still holds a high market share in Japanese chef's knives.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
鍛造焼き入れ本焼き霞仕立て
Materials
鋼（白鋼・青鋼・ステンレス）和鉄
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 堺刃物ミュージアム hands-on experience