Japanese Knives: Design A Custom Knife & Factory Tour, Fukui

Uncover the history of Japanese knives in this factory tour and custom knife experience in Fukui. You’ll visit and learn about the history of Yamaken Woodworks (founded in 1912), tour the factory, see the knife-making process (from handle to blade), visit Yamamoto Blade Works, and design your own custom Fukui knife, which will later be shipped to your address!

Experience flow:
Learn about the history of Yamaken Woodworks (handle)
Embark on a factory tour
See the woodworking equipment
Visit Yamamoto Blade Works (blade)
Design a custom knife (select from 30+ handle options and 2 blade options)

Fukui Prefecture, located in the Chubu region of Japan, has a well-established reputation for its traditional knife making. The region's knife-making tradition was initially driven by the demand for high-quality blades for samurai and other warriors during feudal Japan. Over time, the craftsmanship evolved, and today, Fukui knives are sought after for their functionality, beauty, and precision.

Visit Yamaken Woodworks: Established in 1912, Yamaken Woodworks has been dedicated to crafting wooden bowls using the traditional art of the potter's wheel. You’ll learn the history of Yamaken Woodworks in a factory tour led by Takuya Yamamoto, a fourth-generation woodworking master. Yamaken's reputation is built on its commitment to creating high-quality handles through patented techniques, resulting in blades with distinctive qualities and functions. Today, the products are sought after by domestic and international manufacturers and users alike.

Visit Yamamoto Blade Works: Head across the street to Yamato Blade Works. You’ll tour the factory, see blade-making artisans at work, learn about the process, and then select a handle and blade to design your knife. Knives typically arrive at your designated address about 10 days after the experience. For those who choose to include customization options (lacquer wiping or painting), knives are usually delivered within a month.