Kikuichi

The merchandise we carry in store and the companies that make them.

Kikuichi

The merchandise we carry in store and the companies that make them.

Welcome to Kikuichi Cutlery, the premier Japanese knife company. Their company has a history of bladesmithing dating back to the days of the Samurai. While they have been producing superior kitchen cutlery for more than 150 years, the origins of their company go back to 13th century when the emperor Go-toba chose their family ancestor, Shiro Kanenaga, to be one of his swordsmiths. Because of the quality of his blades he was granted the right to use the royal symbol of the Chrysanthemum flower or Kiku-no-mon as a mark of their excellence on his blades. This symbol is still recognized in Japan for its connection to the royal family and you will find the Chrysanthemum flower on all their cutlery. Today Shiro Kanenaga’s hand forged swords are considered national treasures in Japan and are on display at Seikado Bunko Art Museum in Tokyo.