For over 800 years, Seki has been the beating heart of Japanese knife-making, where steel is transformed into works of art by master blacksmiths. It is in this historic city that KOTAI has chosen to manufacture the Hashi and Densho collections, blending ancestral traditions with modern precision.

Why Did Seki Become a City of Blacksmiths?

Seki rose to prominence as one of Japan’s greatest forging centers thanks to its exceptional natural environment, which provided blacksmiths with all the resources needed to perfect their craft. The region’s soil was rich in high-purity iron ore, ideal for creating durable and razor-sharp blades. The crystal-clear waters of the Nagara and Tsubo rivers, essential for quenching blades, ensured a flawless edge. Meanwhile, the surrounding forests supplied the charcoal needed to fuel the forges and reach the extreme temperatures required for sword-making.

Even today, as you wander through the mountains around Seki, it is easy to imagine the first master swordsmiths harnessing these resources to create legendary blades. This harmony between human craftsmanship and nature remains at the core of Seki’s cutlery tradition, where artisans continue to uphold centuries-old expertise.

From Weapons of War to Kitchen Tools

For centuries, Seki’s blacksmiths crafted the swords wielded by Japan’s greatest samurai. However, in 1876, their craft faced a turning point when the Haitōrei Edict banned civilians from carrying swords. In just a few years, the demand for these legendary weapons collapsed, threatening to erase an ancient tradition.

Rather than letting their skills fade, the master blacksmiths of Seki reinvented themselves. They adapted their hardening and sharpening techniques for new purposes, giving birth to precision cutting tools for everyday use. Scissors, agricultural tools, and most importantly, kitchen knives became the modern heirs of the katana. Thanks to centuries of expertise, Seki’s artisans forged knives of unmatched precision—quickly gaining recognition among chefs and craftsmen across Japan… and eventually, the world.

Hamono Matsuri: A Must-See Event

In Seki, the art of the blade is celebrated in grand style at the Hamono Matsuri (刃物まつり), an annual festival honoring the city’s legendary knives and swords. Every October, blacksmiths, collectors, and cutlery enthusiasts gather to witness live demonstrations of traditional sword forging, where molten metal is shaped under the rhythmic strikes of master artisans. But the festival is not just about watching—it’s an interactive experience. Visitors can purchase high-quality knives at discounted prices, sharpen their own blades in specialized workshops, and even watch iaijutsu (居合術) demonstrations, where katana-wielding experts showcase their incredible precision. More than just an event, Hamono Matsuri is a vibrant immersion into Seki’s rich cutlery heritage, a tradition that continues to shine through the centuries.

A Global Reputation

While Seki is famous for its centuries-old cutlery tradition, it has also established itself as a major player in the global blade industry. Alongside Solingen (Germany) and Sheffield (UK), Seki forms the "Three S"—a trio of cities renowned for their excellence in forging and knife-making. With over 120 specialized companies, Seki remains a hub of innovation, where the legacy of master blacksmiths blends with modern technologies like laser engraving. From kitchen knives to martial arts weapons and professional cutlery, Seki’s blades continue to represent Japan on the international stage.

Exploring the Legacy of Master Blacksmiths

The Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum (関鍛冶伝承館) is a true sanctuary dedicated to the art of forging. This museum traces the history of local cutlery, from samurai katanas to modern kitchen knives and precision tools. Through fascinating exhibitions, visitors can uncover the secrets of master blacksmiths, learn about the intricate steps of blade-making, and see how forging techniques have evolved over the centuries. More than just a museum, this institution keeps Seki’s ancestral craftsmanship alive, showcasing its enduring influence in the world of cutlery.

At KOTAI, we strive for excellence in every blade. That is why our Hashi and Densho collections are crafted in Seki, a city where knife-making is more than just a craft—it is a legacy passed down through generations. By collaborating with local artisans, we gain access to centuries-old expertise, where each kitchen knife is forged with the precision and high standards that have made Japanese blades world-famous. By combining these traditional techniques with modern standards of quality and durability, we create exceptional Japanese knives that offer razor-sharp edges, durability, and perfect balance.

Beyond their refined aesthetics, these knives stand out for their diversity and versatility, catering to the needs of every chef:

• The Hashi Classic and Hashi Tsuchime collections include a Petty 135 mm, a Nakiri 160 mm, and a Santoku 170 mm.
• The Hashi Tsuchime and Hashi Damascus series feature a Gyuto 200 mm.
• The Hashi Classic range also includes a Gyuto 180 mm.
• The Hashi Damascus collection expands with a 90 mm Paring Knife, a 120 mm Petty Knife, a 150 mm Utility Knife, and a 180 mm Santoku.

Each knife is meticulously designed to elevate your culinary experience, ensuring precision and comfort in every cut.

For centuries, Seki has embodied the excellence of Japanese craftsmanship in forging. Its legacy of master blacksmiths, passed down from generation to generation, has shaped its status as the capital of cutlery. Even today, artisans and companies continue this tradition, blending ancestral techniques with modern innovations to create exceptional blades.

By partnering with the artisans of Seki, KOTAI embraces this perpetual quest for excellence. Our knives combine Japanese precision and rigor with Western ergonomics and durability, offering tools that are both high-performance and long-lasting. Choosing a KOTAI knife means embracing a piece of this history, a craftsmanship forged in tradition and sharpened for modernity.

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