Discover the living craftsmanship of Seki, one of Japan’s historic blade-making cities, through a hands-on Damascus kitchen knife-making experience at G.SAKAI.
This is more than a simple workshop. Guided by a master craftsman with over 50 years of experience, you will help complete your own Damascus kitchen knife through polishing, hand-drawing your design, etching, sharpening, and test cutting.
Unlike standard name-engraving experiences, you can draw your own name, message, symbol, or small artwork directly onto the blade. Through the etching process, your personal design appears together with the beautiful Damascus pattern, creating a knife that is truly your own.
No previous experience is required. The craftsman demonstrates each technique step by step and helps you work at your own pace. Learning the different touches needed for polishing, etching, and sharpening is part of the fun. Many guests say they remember not only the finished knife, but also the learning, small mistakes, laughter, and time spent with the craftsmen.
You can choose from four popular Japanese kitchen knife styles: Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, depending on availability.
One highlight is the sharpness test. After finishing your knife, test the blade yourself and experience the quality of a Seki-made Japanese knife.
During the tour, enjoy a Japanese lunch at a local restaurant and experience another side of Gifu’s local culture.
You will also visit the Knife Museum next to G.SAKAI, where you can see rare knives, cutlery, and blade-related exhibits from Japan and around the world.
Seki is easy to visit as a day trip from Nagoya. With an early start, the experience can also be included in a travel route from Kyoto or Osaka via Nagoya. It is also a unique stop before continuing to Gero Onsen, Takayama, or Magome-juku on the historic Nakasendo route.
At the end of the experience, take home your personalised Damascus kitchen knife and a certificate of completion.
Recommended for food lovers, chefs, culture seekers, design enthusiasts, and travellers looking for an authentic hands-on experience beyond ordinary sightseeing. You will leave Seki not only with a practical Japanese knife, but also with a deeper appreciation of the people, skills, and traditions behind Japanese craftsmanship.
