Famous Knife Production Areas in Japan and the World: Spotlight on Sakai Knives

Japan and the world are home to several famous knife production areas, each preserving its own traditions of craftsmanship and sharpness. Among them, Sakai in Osaka Prefecture stands out as “the city of knives,” alongside Japan’s other renowned production centers such as Seki in Gifu and Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata, as well as Solingen in Germany and Sheffield in the UK.

As one of the well-known Japanese knife brands born in Sakai, JIKKO Cutlery has long been dedicated to upholding these traditions—crafting knives that embody precision, beauty, and the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

In this article, we will explore the history and characteristics of these production areas, with a special focus on Sakai knives, celebrated for their single-edged sharpness, centuries of heritage, and masterful division of labor. From everyday kitchen tools to masterpieces admired by professional chefs, we’ll uncover what makes Sakai—and the artisans of JIKKO—central to Japan’s knife culture.

Japan's Three Major Knife Production Areas: Sakai City, Osaka; Seki City, Gifu; Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata 

Japan's three major knife production areas are Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, Seki City in Gifu Prefecture, and Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture.
Sakai City, where JIKKO Cutlery was founded, has a long history dating back to the Kofun period and is famous for producing traditional single-edged knives that represent Japan’s craftsmanship. Seki City in Gifu Prefecture has a thriving knife industry specializing in double-edged knives widely used in households around the world. Meanwhile, Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture preserves the traditional skills of craftsmen while actively incorporating modern manufacturing techniques.

As a knife maker born in Sakai, JIKKO Cutlery takes pride in being part of this historic region, continuing to pass down the spirit and techniques that define Japanese knife culture.These three areas together form the foundation of Japan’s knife-making heritage. Now, let’s take a closer look at the history and characteristics that make each production area unique.

Sakai City, Osaka’s Knives: Single-Edged Knives and Division of Labor

JIKKO Cutlery, founded in 1901 in Sakai City, is one of the long-established brands that has carried on Sakai’s proud knife-making tradition.

Sakai knives have been crafted through a specialized division of labor, producing high-quality single-edged knives that have played a central role in Japan’s knife culture.

Loved especially by Japanese cuisine chefs, it is said that over 80 to 90 percent of professional chefs in Japan use Sakai-made knives for their precision and unparalleled sharpness.

Sakai knives have three the following characteristics

Characteristics of Single-edged knives:

Sakai knives are generally single-edged knives. Single-edged knives have blade on one side, while the opposite side is slightly curved to prevent food from sticking onto the knife. Due to this shape, the cutting edge of the knives are extremely sharp, which allows it to precisely cut ingredients without crushing the fibers.

Therefore, the knives are suited for delicate culinary tasks. From Deba knife used to fillet a fish, sashimi knife to slice sashimi, and Usuba knife used to cut vegetables, each knives are made specifically for specific usage; the single-edged knives supports cooking for Japanese cuisines that require for you to switch your knives depending on what you are cutting.

Learn more about Single-Edged Knives

Adopting the Division of Labor System:

In Sakai's knife manufacturing, the division of labor is common. This is because it is systematized so that each specific stages of the manufacturing process is assigned to several craftsmen that specializes in each area, to enhance the quality of each manufacturing processes.

Historical Features

Sakai's history began in the Yayoi period, before the common era; tools and techniques were gathered to Sakai to build the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, and has developed since then. During the Sengoku period, the city flourished as a trading town, and became famous for firearm technologies that were introduced from Portugal. It is said that forging techniques have significantly improved around this time.

Stepping into the Edo period, “Tobacco Knives” were used to cut tobacco leaves. Sakai’s tobacco knives were sharper than those imported from overseas, and received official endorsement from the Edo Shogunate; the tobacco knives stamped with the mark “Sakai Kiwami” spread throughout Japan. Sakai’s knives were recognized as shogunate exclusive product, and the reputations of Sakai knives gained fame. This is said to be the base of Sakai knives today.

Famous Knife Manufacturers from Sakai:

JIKKO Cutlery 

AOKI HAMONO: Sakai Takayuki（https://aoki-hamono.co.jp/）YAMAWAKI HAMONO（https://www.yamawaki-hamono.co.jp/）

Seki City, Gifu: Knives Born from Japanese Katana Craftsmanship

The history of Seki City's knives are long, dating back to the Kamakura period. The area was renowned as a place where Japanese katanas were forged, and during the Sengoku period, their exceptional quality katanas were praised by the samurai lords as “unbreakable, unbendable, and sharp” katanas. However, after the Meiji period, the Sword Prohibition Order was issued, and led to the decline of demands for Japanese katanas. Despite the situation, Seki City's forging techniques were unflagging, and their skills were transitioned over to knife manufacturing. Thus, the techniques of Japanese katana making were applied to knife production, enabling the creation of high quality knives.

Seki City's knife manufacturing is characterized by a finely divided division of labor. Since the era of Japanese katana forging, professionals that specialized in each area have taken charge of their respective areas, and have produced high-quality knives. This system allowed for production of a wide variety of cutting tools other than kitchen knives as well, and Seki City’s knife manufacturers have established its reputation for high quality products.

In recent years, knife manufacturing by the latest machine technology was developed as well. This enabled mass production of knives, and a system to meet demand was established. This system is not only used to manufacture kitchen knives, but also used to actively produce tools such as scissors and barber tools. Seki City's cutlery industry continues to thrive,  by fusing tradition with the latest technology.

Famous Knife Manufacturers from Seki:

Yaxell（https://www.yaxell.co.jp/）

Misono Hamono（https://www.misono-hamono.com/）

KAI-SEKI MAGOROKU（https://www.kai-group.com/products/brand/sekimagoroku/）

Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata: Knives Manufactured from Fusion of  Modern Technology and Traditional Craftsmanship

The Tsubame-Sanjo’s knife industry’s base is rooted from the manufacturing technologies of agricultural tools. For centuries, their technologies of crafting tools like sickles and hoes developed in the region, and those technologies were applied to the knife productions as well. Due to this fact, the Tsubame-Sanjo’s Knives share the practical traits of their agricultural tools.

Tsubame-Sanjo is not only popular for its kitchen knives; they are also known for the production of cutlery items like table knives and forks as well. These products are manufactured by Tsubame-Sanjo’s skilled craftsmen, with high-quality materials and their precise processing technologies, and are loved by people around the world for their exceptional qualities and beauty. In fact, Tsubame-Sanjo's cutlery are even used at the Nobel Prize banquet, and is recognized internationally for its high quality.

Furthermore, the Tsubame-Sanjo’s knife industry is highly valued for their manufacturing skills of iron goods and Western tableware; and of those manufactured, their special die-cut products are unique to the region, and are made with their precise processing technologies.

Famous Knife Manufacturers from Tsubame-Sanjo:

TOJIRO（https://tojiro.net/）

Tadafusa（https://www.tadafusa.com/）

Shimomura Kihan（https://www.simomura-kihan.co.jp/）

The Three World's Leading Knife Production Areas: Sheffield, Solingen, and Seki City, Gifu

Knives are made not only in Japan, but all over the world. While the Japanese style knives are unique to Japan, various types of knives exist globally. Among them, we will explain about the three regions that are known as the world’s leading knife production areas.

Solingen: Knife Manufactured with Germany’s Precision Engineering

Solingen is globally renowned as Germany's major knife production area. This town is highly valued for their knife manufacturing, and those products are known as representation of Germany’s precise technologies.

Solingen's knife manufacturing results from combination of their traditional techniques and the latest industrial technologies. The craftsmen in the area have long protected their skills, while incorporating innovative production methods and materials. As a result, Solingen's knives are loved worldwide for their products, that perfectly blends robustness, excellent sharpness, and beautiful designs.

Moreover, the skilled craftsmen’s handcrafting techniques are essential to Solingen's knife manufacturing. The craftsmen possess deep knowledge and experiences with knives, and have been able to keep the high standards with their meticulous work. These advanced skills and passion of the craftsmen have contributed to establish Solingen's knives as a global brand.

Sheffield: The Historic Center of British Knife Production

Sheffield is known as the historic center of knife manufacturing area in the UK. The city's knife industry flourished as early as the 18th century, and has since then continued to produce high-quality knives worldwide.

Sheffield's knife industry developed with its abundant iron ore and hydraulic power, and particularly played a pioneering role, in the development and production of the stainless steel. Hence, highly valued for their durability and exceptional sharpness worldwide.

Furthermore, Sheffield's knife industry grew rapidly after the Industrial Revolution, and spread its reputation globally. Sheffield's knives have been beloved widely from the royal family to nobles and commoners alike.

Today, Sheffield has long established themself as gathering place of world-famous brands and skilled craftsmen. Their products, resulted from fusion of traditional techniques and latest manufacturing technologies, has high demands globally, and Sheffield's knife industry hold pride as part of Britain’s industrial heritage.

Seki City, Gifu: Exporting Delicate Craftsmanship from Japan to the World

Seki City’s knives from Gifu Prefecture, which we have already introduced to you as one of Japan’s three major knife production areas, is also globally renowned. They have applied their Japanese katana manufacturing techniques to knife manufacturing, and were able to craft glamorous knives with exceptionally strong cores.

Single-Edged Knife Technology that JIKKO Cutlery take pride in

Sakai JIKKO Cutlery is a Japanese knife manufacturer that takes pride in its long history and exceptional craftsmanship in single-edged knife making.
We have long preserved traditional manufacturing methods while embracing the latest production technologies and materials.
As a result, Sakai JIKKO’s single-edged knives are renowned for their outstanding sharpness, durability, and balance, making them highly valued by professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Today, JIKKO knives are used by chefs all over the world, from fine-dining restaurants to sushi counters abroad, and are often featured in online communities such as Reddit, knife enthusiast forums, and social media platforms where their quality and craftsmanship are highly praised.
From here, we would like to introduce some of JIKKO Cutlery’s most recommended single-edged knives that embody this legacy.

Originated from Sakai: Lineup of Recommended Deba Knives

The Deba knife is a traditional Sakai knife that is specifically designed to fillet a fish, and its quality and performance are highly recommended even by professional chefs.

[Shiko Blue] Kiritsuke Deba knife 

By customizing the blade tip of the standard Deba knife, we have achieved to give stylish appearance to the knife. This design is also functional, being able to use the blade tip with ease, and can insert in the blade into the fish, without breaking the delicate fibers of the fish.

[White #2] Deba knife

The simply designed Classic Series knife. This knife crafted from White Carbon #2 steel has sharp cutting edge and is easy to sharpen at the same time, and is the mainstream Deba knife that is loved by everyone, from beginner to professional chefs.

Take a Look at JIKKO’s Deba Knife

H3: Essential for Japanese Cuisines: Lineup of Beautiful Sashimi Knives

To beautifully plate sashimi, a sharp knife is essential. Sakai JIKKO will introduce to you some of our beautiful, and optimal Sashimi knives.

[GINZA Blue] Sashimi Sakimaru knife

By unifying the blade and the handle with jet black, this knife has sophisticated elegant appearance bestowed into it. The series is named “GINZA”, to have a luxurious feel like the city it was named after, to embody the wishes so that this knife will reach out to those who appreciate the finest quality.

[Toushin] Sakimaru Sashimi knife

By greatly curving the long blade, we have crafted a knife never seen before. The great curve lets you move the knife with ease, and can enhance chef’s posture with its stylish appearance.

Take a Look at JIKKO’s Sashimi Knives

A Must-Have for Delicate Processes: Lineup of Usuba Knives that won’t Break Vegetable Fibers

A Usuba knife that can be used to cut vegetables without crushing the fibers, is an essential tool for making delicate Japanese cuisines

[Blue #1 Damascus] Usuba Knife

An Usuba knife that we want to recommend to those who are seeking exceptional sharpness. The Damascus patterns on the blade is just gorgeous, and its elegant ebony handle enhances its luxurious appearance.

Take a Look at JIKKO’s Usuba Knives

Frequently Asked Questions About Production Areas of Knives 

From here, we’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions about the production areas of knives.

Question: Where are the three major knife production areas in Japan?

Answer: The three major cities renowned for knife production in Japan are Sakai City (Osaka Prefecture), Seki City (Gifu Prefecture), and Sanjo City (Niigata Prefecture).　Sakai is known as the birthplace of traditional Japanese-style knives, Seki as a center for Western-style knives, and Sanjo for its metalworking craftsmanship.Each area has unique traditions and technologies, earning global recognition for their quality.

JIKKO Cutlery is a proud brand born in Sakai City, Osaka, inheriting this rich tradition of craftsmanship.

Question: Where are the three major knife production areas in the world?

Answer: The three cities known as the major knife production areas, are Sheffield (UK), Solingen (Germany), and Seki City, in Gifu Prefecture (Japan). Sheffield is known as the “steel city”, and has manufactured high quality steel products since the 18th century. Solingen is famous as “the city of knives”, with over 300 years of history, and is known for producing high quality knives and cutlery. Seki city has a long history of over 800 years of knife manufacturing. The techniques were passed on down from Japanese katana manufacturing traditions, and the manufacturers still produce high quality knives and tools even till today. Each production area has passed down unique technologies and traditions for decades, and is highly recognized worldwide.

Question: Which cities are famous for knives in Japan?

Answer: The following areas are famous as the knife production areas in Japan: Seki city in Gifu prefecture has a history of over 800 years manufacturing knives with excellent qualities. Sakai city in Osaka prefecture is the center point of Japanese style knives, and they have manufactured exceptional knives that are loved by professional chefs to use. Sanjo city in Niigata prefecture has provided knives with high durability and practicality as a metal processing town. Other famous cities include Echizen city in Fukui prefecture, Tosa city in Kouchi prefecture, Miki city in Hyogo prefecture, Katsushika ward in Tokyo, and Sannohe town in Aomori prefecture. Each area has developed their own unique skills and traditions, and have produced high quality knives.

Japanese Knives that are Admired Worldwide: The Future of Sakai knives

Through this exploration, we have discovered and are convinced that Japanese knives, in clouding Sakai’s knives, are something we can take pride for keeping the quality and history that is respected globally, and our future will continue to be bright. The cultures and traditions conveyed by Sakai’s intricate knife manufacturing process, and the passion of the craftsmen that supports those processes, will surely continue to keep existing as essential parts of our life. We would like to take responsibility to keep witnessing new chapters of the Sakai Knives, and fulfill our duty to keep the connection of our beautiful Japanese traditions to the future within our daily lives, together with everyone who has read this article.

Sakai’s knives can enrich our cooking, and our lives, by existing beyond being a mere tool. But to do so, we must use our knives carefully and correctly, so that we can pass them down to the next generation. The future of Sakai’s knives are shaped by our hands. Let us protect this wonderful heritage and nurture them, to further develop Japan’s world-renowned knife culture.

If you would like to learn more about Sakai knives and explore our full collection, please visit the official website of JIKKO Cutlery.

JIKKO Cutlery Official Website