Akinori Akahata | Kuro-uchi Bread Knife 210mm

【Request】
As we want to share Hiroki Akahata's works with as many people as possible, we kindly ask that each customer limit their purchase to one item, and a total of three items including different types. We appreciate your understanding.
Orders exceeding this limit will unfortunately be canceled.

A Bread Knife Crafted by a Master Blacksmith

This is the "Black-Forged Bread Knife 210mm" crafted by Hiroki Akahata, the fifth-generation master blacksmith of "Kaji An Daitoku," which has its workshop in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. Unlike common stainless steel bread knives, the bread knives made by Akahata-san are black-forged bread knives, created by fire-forging and hammering steel.

Akahata-san's knives are used in our own home. With no compromise and a passion poured into their creation, these knives are truly sharp. They are recommended for those who want to use them for a long time.
［From top: Black-Forged Bread Knife 210mm, Black-Forged Bread Knife 120mm］
［The serrated edge has been modified. It now cuts more easily and smoothly.］

A Bread Knife with a Serrated Edge, Rare for Forged Blades

In addition to the usual process of making forged blades, the serrated part is created by Akahata-san himself, who files it down after the blade is made. This is a very delicate and intricate process that requires precision, a craftsman's skill and experience, and a great deal of time and effort to produce this bread knife.
［Photo shows old specifications］
［Photo shows old specifications］

For Soft Breads and Hard Breads Alike

With the honed sharpness of a forged blade, there are hardly any crumbs. Soft breads can be cut smoothly without being crushed, and for hard-crusted breads, the serrated edge provides the initial bite, allowing you to slice through effortlessly.

Black-Forged Finish Knife

A black-forged knife is one where the surface, blackened by quenching, is intentionally left as is. Its rugged appearance, showing the hammer marks, is part of its charm. It is also said to be more resistant to rust than polished knives. This knife also boasts an excellent design, complementing its wooden handle.

Robust and Razor-Sharp

By hammering, forging, quenching, and tempering, a strong knife is born. The strength varies depending on how it is heated and how much it is reddened, so the skill and experience of the craftsman are important. Finally, Akahata-san himself sharpens it by hand to achieve a razor-sharp edge.

Easy-to-Grip Wooden Handle

The handle is made of solid black walnut. The uneven texture, created by the carving marks, makes it easy to grip and use. This carving is also done by Akahata-san in three stages with a knife, without relying on machinery. After the tang is inserted, the blade and wooden handle are secured with brass.

Signature Engraving

Finally, a signature engraving is applied to certify that it was made by Akahata-san, completing the piece.

Knives You'll Want to Have in Your Home

Akahata-san's knife series. We have a selection of knives that you'll want to have for everyday use in your home.
［From left: Black-Forged Bread Knife 210mm, Black-Forged Bread Knife 120mm, Black-Forged Santoku Knife 165mm, Black-Forged Petty Knife 120mm, Black-Forged Coro Petty Knife, Black-Forged Nakiri Knife 165mm, Black-Forged Nakiri Knife 120mm, Black-Forged Coro Nakiri Knife］

Delivered in a Beautiful Gift Box

Akahata-san says he shaped it with the image of drawing a sword from its sheath. With the ingenuity of a blacksmith, you can enjoy the anticipation until the knife is revealed. It is also recommended as a gift.

Easy Maintenance

Forged blades, often thought of as high-maintenance, are actually very easy to care for. Like regular knives, after use, wash off dirt thoroughly, wipe off moisture completely, and store. Due to the properties of iron, if rust appears, remove it using a cleanser or an eraser-type rust remover.

For the wooden handle, if you notice the oil wearing off, approximately every six months, apply walnut oil or perilla oil by soaking it into a kitchen paper and wiping it on. After application, wipe off any excess oil and let it dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. *Please dispose of the kitchen paper used for oil application after wetting it with water.

Re-sharpening Service

To ensure long-lasting use, we offer a re-sharpening maintenance service by Akahata-san. Customers are responsible for the round-trip shipping and maintenance fees. Please contact our store if you wish to use this service.
Kaji An was founded in April 1894. From the first to the third generation, they were involved in manufacturing farming tools and forestry tools. The fourth generation did not engage in blacksmithing but started an ironworks construction business. Blacksmithing was suspended for about 20 years after the third generation (grandfather) passed away. However, the fifth generation, Hiroki Akahata, aimed to revive the blacksmithing business, studying under Teiichiro Yamaguchi, the head of the Kyoto blade blacksmith "Yoshisada." In April 2008, he established Kaji An Daitoku, which continues to this day.
Click here for a list of Hiroki Akahata's works


This is the large size bread knife made by Hiroki Akahata, the fifth-generation master blacksmith of "Kaji An Daitoku." Unlike common stainless steel bread knives, this black-forged bread knife is made by fire-forging and hammering steel.

【Product Name】Black-Forged Bread Knife 210mm
【Size (approx.)】Overall length 350mm, Blade body 230mm, Blade length 210mm
【Weight (approx.)】115g
【Materials】Blade: Steel/Iron, Handle: Black Walnut (solid), Brass
【Notes】Double-edged type, usable by both right and left-handed individuals

● Precautions for Use
・For first-time use, please wash with dish soap before using.
・After use, wash off dirt with dish soap and wipe off moisture thoroughly.
Dishwasher/dryer use: No

● Please read before purchasing.
・As all items are handmade, there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, unevenness, and shape.
・Even with the same type of wood, each handle's grain and color will differ due to its unique characteristics.
Please enjoy these as the unique individuality of a product that is one of a kind.
Please purchase with an understanding of the above.