We believe knives that claim to be "best-quality" and "practical" must offer great cutting performance, great edge retention and adequate strength, whilst also being easy to maintain and sharpen. They should also be functional, be beautiful and be well made, with good fit and finish.
All of these elements are important to serious users and professionals, who demand and need highly practical, professional-quality knives. JCK Original Kagayaki knives were specifically developed to meet these requirements.
JCK Original Kagayaki knives are handcrafted by a team of special craftsman, using traditional handcrafting methods that have been handed down by many generations of experienced, skillful craftsmen in Seki City, the Japanese knife making capital that has been known as "The City of Blades" since the Muromachi era (1338-1573). Motivated by their passion and true craftsman’s spirit, they are determined and proud to carry on the Seki tradition of producing high-quality knives.
To ensure an optimum balance of high cutting performance, edge retention and strength, the blade is ground to have a thin, convex cross section and a fine edge.
The blades are manually ground on a large wet grindstone; a process that requires the sensitive touch and skill of an experienced craftsman. By rapidly pivoting his hands up and down while grinding, the craftsman creates a slightly convex blade with a thin edge.
It takes years of experience, dedication, passion and spirit to grind and sharpen top-quality, practical knife blades.
After the heat treatment, grinding and sharpening processes, the Master Craftsman pays extra attention to straightening the blades. This hammering process might seem simple, but it requires an experienced craftsperson with sharp senses.
Blade straightening aids efficiency and precision during the next manufacturing processes, so it is very important. This manual work is time-consuming, delicate and difficult, but it is essential for the production of top-quality, practical knives.
Question: Why did the Kagayaki Craftsman Team develop the CarboNext Knife Series?
From the customer’s viewpoint, Carbon steel knives can offer great sharpness, edge retention and ease of resharpening. However, Carbon steel knives can also discolor and rust easily, so they require regular care and maintenance.
From the craftsman’s viewpoint, Carbon steel materials are difficult to handle during the manufacturing process and require additional care and maintenance to be kept in good condition.
The Kagayaki Craftsman Team has always sought to make the most practical and efficient knives, which meet the needs of professionals. CarboNext steel was selected to meet these requirements and considerations. CarboNext steel knives provide the same high levels of sharpness, edge retention and ease of resharpening that common Carbon steel knives provide, however, CarboNext knives offer better rust resistance and are easier to maintain.