Blacksmith Takeshi Saji

Who am I?

My name is Takeshi Saji. Born in 1948, I'm a Japanese blacksmith making top-of-the-range Japanese knives in Echizen, in the Takefu Cutlery Village.

The Cutlery Village has been a hotbed of Japanese cutlery-making for over 700 years. In the 1970s, a group of young blacksmiths in their twenties and thirties set up a study group to define the future of knifemaking in the region.

After a decade of research, it was decided to innovate the shape of handmade knives, while retaining traditional methods, in order to face up to the industrial mass production of kitchen knives in Japan.

I'm the third generation of my family to forge Japanese knives in Takefu. I began my apprenticeship at the age of 14 with my uncle, who was one of Japan's most renowned blacksmiths.

Right from the start of my apprenticeship, I had a natural affinity with blacksmithing. I soon began making hunting and leisure knives, whose blades are among the most difficult to forge. Today, I'm one of Echizen's leading blacksmiths, making superb Japanese damascus knives.

My work

Each handcrafted Japanese knife I forge is a skilful blend of ancestral traditional techniques and original visuals, particularly in the blades.

I use the hammer forging method and visit many exhibitions in Japan and abroad to get inspiration for new shapes. I learn new things every day, which I incorporate into my art to offer you an exceptional new handmade knife every time.

In 1992, I was officially certified as a "Master Traditional Craftsman", a great honor for me and a true recognition of my work.

My preferred steel is R2, but I also offer a range of Japanese kitchen knives in VG10 steel. In all cases, I only use top-of-the-range materials for my knives.

Our favorite knife

This is the Takeshi Saji R2 Damascus 18cm handmade Japanese santoku knife!

This exceptional Japanese knife is a true work of art forged by the hand of Takeshi Saji. The R2 steel core blade features a sublime damascus and Diamond finish, making it a highly aesthetic knife.

It's a concentrate of Takeshi Saji's know-how and expertise, a true collector's item!

Don't hesitate to discover all my Japanese knives on KnifeLeader.eu!