Sakai Kikumori Knife & Reviews

Sakai is one of the best places to search for high-class knives.

In 1926, Kawamura Hamono was founded and introduced Sakai Kikumori knives. It has gotten its expertise due to Sakai’s 600 years history of knife and sword making.

Since then, Kikumori has developed cooking knives that support the cooking culture by crafting traditional knives with unparalleled sharpness.

Consumers consider Kikumori knives as one of the best high-quality brands of professional knives used in Japan.

It has received the “Sakai Wazashu” certification in February of 2011, a recognition for Sakai companies with excellent skills and techniques. As of this writing, a total of 6 knife makers in Sakai have received this certification. The certification number is 0075.

Sakai Kikumori Knife Brand History

Sakai City’s Long History of Knives

Sakai is typically rich in skilled crafters that brought prosperity and fame to the city. It became one of the best knives producing areas in Japan.

Resident crafters of Sakai were producing plows and hoes in the earlier days of forging and crafting. Soon, they established a group and developed the basics technology of forgery.

Sakai crafters made swords and guns during the civil war due to their importance at that time. Soon, in the 16th century, demand for knives sparked. People use knives to harvest tobacco imported from Portugal.

Since then, these events lead to making traditional technology of making Japanese knives be known worldwide.

Toshio Kawamura and Kawamura Hamono

Mr. Toshio Kawamura, the representative, founded Kawamura Hamono as a wholesaler of Sakai Knives way back in February 1926.

Sakai Kikumori has drawn its expertise from Sakai’s 600-year long history of traditional Japanese knife manufacturing.

They splendidly lead the manufacturing company and produced Sakai Kikumori knives.

Since then, Kawamura Hamono became a leading manufacturer of professional knives throughout Japan. Sakai Kikumori knives are products of advanced technology applied to the tradition of forging and crafting. Workers of Kawamura Hamono are Sakai’s best smiths, sharpeners, and other small factories.

Toshio Kawamura is also a member of the traditional cutlery association in Sakai. In 1982, Sakai traditional blades became a traditional craft.

In April 2011, Kawamura Hamono received the certification ” Sakai Wazashu “.

Nowadays, Sakai Kikumori is presenting another series of high-quality handmade knives called Choyo. This series is uniting beauty, simplicity, and ease of use.

Feature of Sakai Kikumori Knives

Sakai Kikumori knives have so much variation and types. Kikumori has Japanese-style knives, Wa Gyuto knives, Western Styles knives, Chinese-style knives, Special purpose knives, Menkiri & Mochikiri, Patissier knives.

Kikumori Japanese-style knives include knives with or without machi. Machi is a joint that is between the handle and the blade itself.

Crafters forge the blades of Japanese style, Chinese, and Wa-Gyuto style knives with different kinds of metal such as Yasuki steel, VG-10, stain-resistant steel, and super gold.

On the other hand, crafters forge western-style Kikumori knives with Japanese carbon steel, Swedish carbon steel, and stain-resistant steel. Western-style Kikumori knives can be used for purposes ranging from removing bones, peering or carving, chopping, slicing, dicing, and all-purpose knives.
There are even knives like the wide and thick western knife designed for semi-frozen food.

These materials enable Sakai Kikumori knife blades prominent for being hard and durable, long-lasting sharpness, easy to sharpen, and rust-resistant.

Kikumori knives commonly used handle is wood with buffalo horn ring for Japanese style knives.

For Wa-Gyuto style knives, they use wood or ebony with buffalo horn rings. Western-style and Chinese-style knife handles uses strengthened wood.

Best 5 Knives of Sakai Kikumori

1. Sakai Kikumori (White No.2 steel) Japanese Chefs Deba Knife 165mm

The Shiroko or White paper number 2 steel knife is a Deba knife. Users use Deba knives for cutting fish or beheading them. You can also use them for cutting meat.
Crafters use Hitachi High carbon steel to forge this blade. Hitachi is a Japanese steel company.
This carbon steel enables the crafters to create extra sharp knives with excellent edge holding and hardness.
This knife has unparalleled sharpness that lasts for a long time. This blade is suited for gentle food preparation. However, taking care of this knife is necessary to prevent it from rusting.

This knife is listed at $166.99, though you may get them cheaper or more expensive depending on where you buy them.

2.Sakai Kikumori Japanese Steel (Metal Tsuba) Chefs Petty Knife(Utility) 120mm

This petty or utility knife is created by crafters using Japanese high carbon steel. The blade is forged carefully by hand to create a masterpiece of “Hagane Hocho. ”
This knife features a very durable blade and a long-lasting sharp edge. Users can easily resharpen this knife. However, just as carbon steel does oxidize over time, this blade is not an exception. Oxidation is normal for carbon steel.

Rusting can occur if left out as wet without drying. Applying oil to the knife can prevent it from rusting.

This series of knives is for professionals that prioritize sharpness over other features.
Currently, this knife is at $49.99.

3.Sakai Kikumori Japanese Steel (Metal Tsuba) Chefs Honesuki(Boning) 150mm

Sakai Kikumori Japanese steel boning knife uses the same material as the petty knife. As this is having the same material used, it is also durably sharp and easy to sharpen. The only difference is that this is a boning knife for cutting through ligaments and connective tissues.

You can buy this 150 mm boning knife at around $87.99.

4.Sakai Kikumori Japanese-style Rosewood handle Chefs Kengata-Slicer(Sujihiki) 270mm

Sakai Kikumori Chefs Kengata slicer is a Japanese-style knife.

Crafters forged the blade from Molybdenum-Vanadium stainless steel. This material enables the knife blade to be rust-resistant and has enhanced hygienic characteristics.

The handle is octagonal and made from Rosewood. This knife makes the user have a comfortable fit grip. Its handle is equipped with buffalo tsuba and for professionals at first.

This 270 mm Sujihiki knife is at $204.99

5.Sakai Kikumori Dimples(Salmon) Japanese Chefs Petty Knife(Utility) 150mm

Sakai Kikumori Dimples- Japanese petty knife is forged by crafters from Special Stainless Steel.
This feature enhances the blade to be rust-resistant and hygienic. This type of knife features dimples on both sides. This dimple feature creates air pockets and prevents food from sticking to the blade.
This knife has a western-style handle made from black composite wood.
This 150 mm Dimples Petty Knife is at $165.99.

Reiews of Sakai Kikumori Knives

Sakai Kikumori Japanese-style Rosewood handle Chef’s Slicer(Sujihiki) 270 mm.

This knife had a 5-star review. The user praised the knife’s greatness. The user also mentioned that it is super sharp and beautiful and is perfect for fish and chicken breast.

Sakai Kikumori Japanese Steel (Metal Tsuba) Chef’s Petty Knife(Utility) 120mm

This knife also receives a 5-star review from hocho-knife.com. The user noted that this knife is excellent for a working line cook or chef.

Sakai Kikumori Japanese Steel (Metal Tsuba) Chef’s Gyuto Knife 240mm

This Gyuto knife gained a 5-star rating.
The user praises the knife for its’ good weight and thickness.
It is indeed a solid Gyuto. The bolster is made of reactive steel as well. The user expresses happiness after using it for a month and has understood the knife. Currently, he is resharpening this knife once a week.

Downside
Though most Kikumori knives received good feedback for their design and sharpness, one downside of Kikumori knives is that carbon steel knives easily rust if not taken care of properly.
It is best to take care of the knives and provide good maintenance to ensure the best benefits.

Best Place to Buy Sakai Kikumori Knives

Sakai Kikumori knives are showcased on their website http://www.kikumori.co.jp/.
Their website allows you to inquire about their products and services through their contact us page.

For people who wanted to buy outside japan, you may purchase Kikumori knives through the following websites: https://www.hocho-knife.com/sakai-kikumori, https://yuisenri.com/, https://www.japanny.com/, bernalcutlery.com, and carbonknifeco.com/.

These knife websites offer competitive prices for each type. Some also offer discounted prices.

Summary

Sakai Kikumori became a well-known brand by utilizing Sakai’s expertise in knife making. Kikumori being in the industry since 1926, has committed to producing cooking knives to support the culture by forging knives with traditionally excellent sharpness.

Shifting their market from professional knife users to all individuals is a great leap towards fulfilling one’s goal of making people happy in each kitchen, creating great meal for a great gathering.

See Kikumori Sakai Knives on Amazon.com