Seki Kanetsugu

Seki Kanetsugu stands as a distinguished Japanese knife manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1918, carrying forward a legacy that traces to the legendary Muromachi-period swordsmith Kanetsugu from 1345 CE. Based in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture—a region renowned for blade-making since medieval times—the company has spent over a century perfecting the art of knife craftsmanship while honoring its ancestral heritage.

The brand's expertise lies in producing premium kitchen knives and outdoor cutting tools that seamlessly blend traditional Japanese sword-making techniques with contemporary metallurgical innovations. Seki Kanetsugu has become particularly recognized for their mastery of Damascus steel blades and SG2 powdered steel knives, materials that deliver exceptional edge retention and cutting performance. Their signature approach incorporates modern sub-zero quenching processes, enhancing blade durability while maintaining the aesthetic beauty characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship.

A distinctive feature of Seki Kanetsugu knives is their specialization in hamaguri-ba (clam-shaped) blade geometry, a traditional edge profile that provides superior cutting performance and easier sharpening. This convex grind reduces friction during cutting while maintaining structural strength, making their knives particularly valued by professional chefs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In 2018, the company celebrated its centennial by introducing the commemorative Zuiun series, showcasing their commitment to innovation while honoring traditional techniques. The Seki Kanetsugu product range spans from precision kitchen cutlery including chef's knives and santoku blades to robust outdoor knives suitable for hunting, camping, and bushcraft applications.

Today, Seki Kanetsugu represents the intersection of historical sword-making tradition and modern knife technology, offering blades that appeal to both culinary professionals seeking precision cutting tools and outdoor adventurers requiring reliable field knives. Their century-long dedication to quality craftsmanship continues to position them as a respected name in the global knife industry.