A single blade presented to your family, from a forge which played a crucial role in the Great Showa Restoration of Horyuji temple's Five-storied Pagoda.
Several centuries ago, merchant vessels from Portugal brought tobacco to the ports of Sakai. The history of Sakai bladesmithing commenced from the forging of knives to mince these tobacco leaves. Due to their exquisite sharpness, the title, Sakai-Kiwame was granted by the shogunate, therefore making the reputation of Sakai knives immovable. Sakai has since then evolved as a “Cutlery City”
Taste of food is said to vary by the blade with which it is cut. A slice made with a smooth-cutting knife demonstrates a striking difference in the flavor it conveys to your palate. It is for this very difference that chefs have been choosing Sakai knives over other blades.
In this Cutlery City, there is one forge — a swordsmith’s workshop founded in the Meiji era. During the restoration of the Five-storied Pagoda of Horyuji Temple, the swordsmiths from this forge was summoned: they were to reforge old nails collected from the disassembled tower into four scythes which had been attached to its summit, to protect the pagoda from lightning strikes.
A one-in-the-world gift: a blade engraved with the memories of your journey.
What we present to your family is a blade forged by the very same fire which shaped the scythes of the National Treasure Pagoda. This fire, embracing such a history within, is inherited to this day at the same forge, its powerful crimson heat giving life to the knife gifted to your family. Ebony, adopted as the handle material, is a precious wood which deepens in color over time to reflect the days it spent with its owner. When you take this blade in your hand at the family kitchen, it is our utmost pleasure to see you quietly recollect the moments you spent with us in Osaka.
Mizuno Tanrenjo
Crafting Knives with Heart and Soul
It’s just one of thousands for me, but for the person who uses it, it’s the one and only. I always keep this in my heart, I make each one with great care using traditional handcrafted methods.
I hope this knife helps make your daily cooking more enjoyable.
Jun Mizuno, the 5th Generation of Mizuno Tanrenjo
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