Located in the heart of the Japanese archipelago, Gifu Prefecture—once known as Mino—is a historic land tied to the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga.
Today, it stands proud as one of the world’s three great cutlery capitals, alongside Solingen and Sheffield.
Forged in flame and perfected by the hands of master artisans, these knives carry the true strength of the steel.
With no two blades sharing the same character, each knife brings a timeless, powerful presence to your kitchen.
SEKI HOUCHO
Each knife is handcrafted individually by master swordsmiths using tamahagane—the same steel used for Japanese swords.
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1979, he began his journey as a swordsmith at the age of 22 under the guidance of his father, master swordsmith Ken Yoshida. His exceptional skill has earned numerous awards at various exhibitions, including the prestigious Kansan Prize at the Modern Japanese Swordsmith Exhibition.
Believing that the true beauty of a blade resides in its hamon (temper line), he strives to create unmatched works of art, continually pursuing new forms of expression. Through constant trial and refinement, he remains deeply devoted to the craft, bringing his unique vision to life in every single blade.
吉田正也
YOSHIDA MASAYA
Born into a lineage of master swordsmiths, he chose to follow the same path in 2001—driven by a fierce desire to forge his own distinct path. Captivated by the striking beauty and expressive potential of the hamon (temper line), he has relentlessly honed his craft and earned numerous awards.
Today, he welcomes apprentices from around the globe, passing the sacred torch of Japanese sword-making to the next generation. As this traditional craft reaches far beyond the shores of Japan, what vision guides the master’s hand today, and what spirit drives his creation?
We sat down with him to find out.
Sharpener
Gifu Seki knives are meticulously sharpened by a local blacksmith workshop, Fukube Blacksmith
The faint lines and shifting colors on each blade are the physical marks of the artisan’s hands. No two blades are ever the same—each carries its own soul, a truly one-of-a-kind treasure.
Fukube Blacksmith
Deeply rooted in the tradition of rural blacksmiths, Fukube Blacksmith continues to craft tools meant for everyday life in the Noto region. Born between the sea and the mountains, the workshop crafts everything from fishing gear to farming tools. The spirit of the land and generations of refined skill breathe life into every single piece they create.
About the Handle
This refined design pairs the natural warmth of olive wood with striking black accents.
The intricate and beautiful grain varies with each piece, giving every handle a one-of-a-kind character.
By infusing high-density, water-resistant olive wood with resin, the handle achieves both exceptional durability and resistance to moisture.
