Blacksmith Yu Kurosaki

Who am I?

My name is Yu Kurosaki and I forge handcrafted knives for you. I work as a blacksmith in Echizen, in the Cutlery Village of Takefu.

The history of the Takefu Cutlery Village is well known, but here's a quick reminder.

In the 1970s, the region's young blacksmiths, including Katsushige Anryu and Hiroshi Kato to name but two, got together to discuss the future of cutlery in the region.

Mass-produced industrial cutlery was arriving with great fanfare, and Japanese blacksmiths feared that their traditional craft would be lost.

After a decade of reflection and project development, the Village was born with 17 new knife concepts, blending traditional and modern techniques. Today, Takefu Village is internationally renowned for its Japanese craftsmen forging exceptional knives.

I began my apprenticeship there in the 2000s, with Master Kanehiro. For 12 years, my master taught me everything, starting with the art of forging. I was also trained by Hiroshi Kato, one of the Village's founders and master blacksmith.

Both taught me all the age-old techniques of blade forging. They also taught me how to sharpen blades by hand, so that I could offer you highly effective blades.

My master's customers were so satisfied with my work that I decided to open my own blacksmith shop in Takefu Village, with Kanehiro san's approval of course.

Now it's my turn to teach my apprentice my art.

My work

To design an exceptional handcrafted knife, I use the techniques I've learned and add my own modern touch.

For example, although my blades are traditionally forged, they have a completely original design. I hammer them by hand, giving them a bevelled, punched or bamboo shape. I've made hammering my specialty.

To have one of my Japanese knives is to have a real work of art in your home! The Japanese government has awarded me the title of "Master Blacksmith", proof of the recognition of my art. Today, I am the youngest blacksmith to hold this title.

Our favorite knife

This is the Yu Kurosaki senko 16.5cm SG2 steel hammered Japanese bunka knife!

Admire the superb hammering! Entirely handcrafted, this sturdy, high-end Japanese knife is nonetheless light and pleasant to hold.

The blade core is made of SG2 steel for long-lasting sharpness, covered by a layer of softer steel. The 3-layer San Maï structure protects the blade core and facilitates maintenance.

The sandalwood handle has a highly ergonomic octagonal shape. The dark color of the wood is contrasted by the clarity of the Pakkawood bolster.

This top-of-the-range bunka knife is ideal for cutting a wide variety of foods!

And find all Yu Kurosaki knives on our website !