Aoki-Hamono

We wholesale our high-end knife brands, Sakai Takayuki, TAKAYUKI and Sakai Kikutaka, to kitchen equipment stores, Japanese and Western tableware stores, pottery stores, knife specialty stores, packaging material companies, food trading companies, department stores, trading companies and overseas knife retailers throughout Japan and overseas.

Japanese knives, Western knives, Chinese knives, confectionery knives, soba-kiri knives, ice carving equipment, cooking goods, scissors, whetstones, sheaths, knife bags, dry sacks, Henckels, Victorinox, Kyocera products

Kofun period

The history of Sakai's forged cutlery dates back to the construction of the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, said to be the world's largest ancient tomb, built around the 5th century. It is said that the enormous tomb, measuring 840m in length and 654m in width, took more than 15 years to build.

 At the time, a large number of hoes and shovels were needed to till the soil and dig holes, and blacksmiths were gathered from all over Japan to make them, and settled in Sakai

Sengoku period

It is said that Sakai flourished as a free city during the Sengoku period. When matchlock guns, which were introduced from Portugal to Tanegashima, were brought to Sakai, the city quickly became one of Japan's leading matchlock gun production areas thanks to its excellent blacksmithing techniques.

 The quality of Sakai-made matchlock guns was highly praised by the warlords of the time, and it is said that the matchlock gun that the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga loved dearly throughout his life was also made in Sakai.

Edo period (around the Tenpo era)

As the Edo period began, the demand for matchlock guns gradually decreased, and Sakai matchlock guns changed from practical items to decorative items. As production numbers plummeted, tobacco, brought over from Portugal, began to spread among the people.

 At the same time, tobacco leaves began to be cultivated domestically, and Sakai craftsmen began making knives to chop the leaves.

 This is said to be the origin of what would later become Sakai cutlery. Sakai-made tobacco knives were so sharp and durable that they were reportedly so popular that the Edo Shogunate at the time sold them throughout Japan as government-exclusive products, stamped with the Sakai Kyoku stamp.

present day

As time passed, tobacco production became mechanized and Sakai's tobacco knives were no longer needed.

 The craftsmen who had previously made tobacco knives began making kitchen knives using their experience and skills.

 Sakai knives are characterized by a division of labor, with blacksmiths and blade sharpeners devoting their entire lives to mastering their respective jobs.

 This mutual competition results in the creation of high-quality knives unmatched in other production areas.

 In 1982, Sakai forged knives were designated a traditional craft, and their quality is widely recognized not only in Japan but also around the world.

From Sakai to the world

The cutlery born in Sakai is now exported across the ocean to more than 30 countries around the world, including Europe, America, China, Korea, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

 These knives, forged and polished without compromise, have fascinated many people across borders, and we are confident that they will continue to attract attention from people all over the world.

“There is a saying that everything begins in Sakai. Sakai, located in the Edo period, flourished so brilliantly that it was praised as the Golden Days.

Sakai Takayuki Cutlery, which was born in the city of Sakai, has been supported by the patronage of everyone, and
 has received strong support not only from within Japan, but from customers in over 20 countries around the world.
We will continue to strive to make knives that please our customers, with gratitude and respect for the 600-year tradition of Sakai Cutlery and the skills of our predecessors.”