Kagekiyo Traditional Japanese Knives

Kagekiyo knives by Baba Cutlery Works

Kagekiyo knives by Baba Cutlery Works are hand-forged premium Japanese kitchen knives made by the highest level blacksmiths and only those who were nominated for the title Dento Kokeshi (Dento Kokeshi is a Japanese national highest qualification of craftsmen. To use Dento Kokeshi's name, every craftsman has to pass the traditional craftsman certification test, which is conducted based on the "Act on Promotion of Traditional Crafts Industry") Kagekiyo knives have a modern Japanese minimalistic look suitable even for the most modern and sophisticated kitchen interiors and high-end spec, which can satisfy even the most skilled chefs at the Michelin restaurants. Each Kagekiyo knife has perfect geometry, a very thin edge, and a polished spine and choil. All knives are handcrafted with profound attention, even to details invisible to the eye, such as the ease of gripping and light feeling in the hand, perfect balance, and comfort for a long time of use. Handles are covered with a Japanese traditional Urushi lacquer to make them water resistant, antibacterial, and textured for a better grip. For Kagekiyo blads Baba Cutlery uses well-known traditional Japanese pure steels Shirogami and Aogami from Hitachi Metals. Double-bevel blades have a Shinogi line, usually used only in single-bevel blades, and an outstanding Honkasumi finish. To create the best quality knives from traditional materials by traditional artisans' techniques, Baba Cutlery embraces a High-End electron microscope to study the molecular structure of the steel to develop a unique hammering technique and best heat treatment. This approach best shows the principles of Japanese Kaizen (change for the better or continuous improvement) followed by Baba Cutlery from the foundation 100 years ago to today. In 1964, for an active contribution to the manufacturing industry in the Kansai region, the founder of Baba Cutlery, Mr.Baba Ichiji, received a medal - "The Order of the Rising Sun" from Japan Emperor. He was the first to receive such an honor within the Sakai cutlery industry.