Manufacturing Legacy: Sakai Knives

What does it take to manufacture a legacy? Great patience, pride and tenacity. An abundance of skill and diligence. In Manufacturing Legacy, Ivor Andrew will explore the stories of people on this journey. Episode one features the knife makers of Sakai, Japan.

For centuries, Sakai was known for its samurai swords. Generations of swordmakers passed down their knowledge, and today, the city forges and hones the best handmade kitchen knives on earth.

The shops we visited were roughly the size of a one-car garage. They had dirt floors and were impossible to find without a guide. On top of that, there’s not one modern tool to be found. Just hot furnaces, mechanical hammers, grinding wheels and big boards with nails. And yet, because of the sheer artistry, the world’s greatest chefs seek out their knives.

In this video, you’ll see Yoshikazu Ikeda, blacksmith, as well as Hideki Ino, finisher. They graciously opened their doors to us and showed us how they go about manufacturing legacy.

Enjoy the video. If you have a passion for cooking and want to give Sakai a try, the knives typically run anywhere from $100 to $500 and up.