Japanese-Style Utility Knife Forging

Japanese-Style Utility Knife Forging

Forge a practical Japanese-style utility knife in a half-day experience with a Japanese swordsmith near Kyoto. Working with modern steel, heat and hammer the material, shape an approximately 12 cm blade, anneal it to relieve stress, and complete the oil-quenching process under close guidance. The finished blade is fully sharpened and may be taken home on the day of the experience.

A fitted leather sheath is always included and will be shipped later to an address in Japan or overseas; its shipping fee is included in the plan. Keep the blade securely packed while transporting it and do not carry it unnecessarily. When flying, place it in checked baggage and confirm the airline and destination-country rules before travel.

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Process

  • Learn Japanese Blade-Making Techniques
    Learn Japanese Blade-Making Techniques

    Learn how Japanese swordsmithing principles are adapted to a practical modern-steel utility knife.

  • Hizukuri — Shape the Blade
    Hizukuri — Shape the Blade

    Heat and hammer the modern steel into an approximately 12 cm utility-knife blade.

  • Yakinamashi — Anneal the Steel
    Yakinamashi — Anneal the Steel

    Heat the blade and cool it gradually in ash to relieve stress created during shaping.

  • Yakiire — Quench and Finish
    Yakiire — Quench and Finish

    Oil-quench and sharpen the blade. Take it home securely packed while the fitted leather sheath is completed and shipped later.

VenueA swordsmith’s studio near KyotoThe exact address will be provided when your reservation is confirmed.
Duration4 hours
Items Included
  • Introduction to Japanese blade-forging techniques.
  • Modern steel for an approximately 12 cm blade.
  • Hands-on blade shaping, annealing, and oil quenching.
  • Final sharpening.
  • A fitted leather sheath, completed and shipped later.
  • Domestic or international shipping fee for the leather sheath.
Items Excluded
  • Transportation to and from the studio.
  • Interpretation.
  • Meals.
  • Customs duties or import taxes that may apply at the destination.

Application

Your group
Experience61,000 JPY / person
Number of Participants
Interpreter25,000 JPY / group

This expert communicates in Japanese only, so an interpreter is required for the experience. If you will bring your own interpreter or can communicate in Japanese, please note this in the preferred dates and message field below so that we can adjust your invoice.

Preferred dates and message

This experience will be arranged based on your request. Please let us know your preferred dates. Questions or special requests are welcome here as well.

We will respond via email, usually within 24 hours.

Questions / Requests
Reserve