Scissors, knives, sickles, axes, chisels, nail clippers.... Japan and Germany are the two big names when it comes to good quality steel blade products. In Japan there has never been a clear distinction between art, craft and design. Generations of artisans have refined their skills, which are admired around the world, to the point where a product intended for everyday use could equally be worthy of museum display. There are seven regions that are famous for forged steel blade products in Japan. It is hard to determine which region is the best as each has their own strengths. Sakai, for example, is best known for professional chefs knives while Takefu, Yasugi and Tosa are more known for quality agricultural or forestry tools. Craftsmanship of Seki blades is derived from centuries of ... Continue Reading