"Samurai Knife" Made with Japanese Swordsmithing Techniques ＜PLAN1＞ Create one knife with two participants

This course is designed for two participants to work together to create one kitchen knife.

Japanese kitchen knives are made using techniques that have been refined over centuries of history and tradition. These knives, created with the craftsmanship passed down from traditional swordsmithing, are highly regarded worldwide for their quality and beauty, making them popular souvenirs.

The forging techniques used in making Japanese swords are also applied to knife production, serving as the foundation for crafting high-quality blades. Just as Japanese swords were valued not only as weapons but also for their aesthetic beauty, knives are similarly prized for their appearance and ease of use. Each knife is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, and you can immediately feel the precision and care that goes into each one when you hold it in your hand.

Experiencing the making of Japanese knives offers a unique opportunity to engage with this traditional craft and to appreciate the depth of the blade-making culture, deeply rooted in history and tradition. However, the number of completely handmade blade artisans has significantly decreased, with only a handful of master craftsmen remaining in Japan today.

This experience provides a rare chance to learn the skills of a swordsmith while connecting with Japan’s traditional blade-making culture.

Why not try your hand at creating a knife with the dedication and spirit of a craftsman who embodies the philosophy of "Ichiyo Nyūkon" (putting one's soul into each piece)?

By crafting your own "Samurai Knife" alongside a master craftsman, you’ll also gain insight into why Japanese chefs cherish their knives like swords and approach their culinary craft with a samurai-like spirit.

Tour Details

The knife you will make is typically a 6-inch gyuto (Western-style chef's knife) made of stainless steel, which is rust-resistant.

• History of knives and explanation of the production process
• Hands-on production: experience the entire process, including cutting the shape, sharpening, engraving, hardening, tempering, handle attachment, and polishing
• Shopping at the workshop

Personalized engraving is also available, making it a great souvenir or gift.

*The knife made during the experience cannot guarantee the appearance or sharpness of a commercially produced knife.

Reservations are by request.

*Please select the date and time from the calendar.

*The duration of the experience is 4 hours.

*The application deadline is 10 business days before the desired date.

Place: Chiba

Facility Name: Gokou Knife Workshop  
Address: 369-10 Fujigaya, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture 277-0931, Japan  

It takes about 50 minutes to reach Takayanagi Station, the nearest station to the factory, from Tokyo Station. From there, it's a 10-minute cab ride to the factory.

Dissolution Location: Meet on-site.

Number of Participants: 1 group of 2 participants. Up to 1 group of 4 participants (in which case the experience will take a full day).

Tour Fee: The cost of the tour is 80,000yen per group (2 persons).

ex: For a pair of 2 participants: 80,000yen  
For 4 participants (2 pairs): 160,000yen

Included in the Tour Fee: Guide fee (English), material costs, rental of masks and goggles, fuel costs for forging work, and other necessary expenses, as well as the gyuto (chef's knife) you create yourself.

Not Included in the Tour Fee: Transportation to the site, food and drink during the tour, transportation during the tour, and shopping expenses.

Souvenir

You can take home your handmade kitchen knife.

Instructor

The steel knives from Gokou Knife Workshop in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, are exceptionally rare, entirely handmade blades crafted by master artisans. These knives have been recognized as traditional crafts by both the national government and Chiba Prefecture. They are designated as Traditional Crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry and by Chiba Prefecture.

Important note

• Since this is a hands-on experience in an actual forge, please come in long sleeves and long pants that you don’t mind getting dirty. (Aprons will be provided.)
• Please bring a towel to wrap around your head, a change of clothes, and drinks.
  
• As this is a beginner's experience, the quality of the knives made by participants cannot be guaranteed.
• Individuals who are intoxicated, pregnant, have heart conditions, or have other medical conditions that might make participation difficult will not be allowed to participate. Additionally, if the organizers determine that participation is not feasible, they may refuse the experience.
• The workshop involves simplified tasks for beginners, and while we take great care regarding safety, handling fire, knives, and grinding machines can be hazardous. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, or theft resulting from participant negligence, so please understand this in advance.

Optional

In addition to the basic plan outlined above, there are optional extras available for an additional fee that can be paid on-site. (Credit card payment is accepted.)

1. You can change the type of blade for an additional fee of 5,000 yen. The following types are available:

• Paring knife
• Santoku knife
• Boning knife
• Sujihiki knife
• Cutting processing

2. Changing the handle material incurs an additional fee starting at 8,000 yen (the fee varies depending on the handle material).

3. Wrapping with a "box band" and "noshi" is available for an additional fee of 2,000 yen.

The cancellation policy

The cancellation fee will be applied based on our business days, excluding Sundays and public holidays in Japan.

If you request a date or time change for personal reasons, please note that availability may be limited. In such cases, the cancellation policy will still apply.

• Same day: 100%
• 1 day before: 80%
• 3 days before: 50%
• 7 days before: 30%

If you are more than 15 minutes late, your reservation will be automatically cancelled.

Other Plans

"Samurai Knife" Made with Japanese Swordsmithing Techniques ＜PLAN2＞ Craftsman Tour & Experience Course – Includes a Knife Souvenir

"Samurai Knife" Made with Japanese Swordsmithing Techniques ＜PLAN3＞ Create one knife with each participant