Unique Blades: The Artistry of Musashi Specialty Knives

At Musashi Japan, we take pride not only in our high-end traditional Japanese knives but also in introducing our customers to the mesmerizing craftsmanship associated with knife-making. In this article, we summarize the specialty knives available at our stores that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

1/ Chokin Knives: Reviving the Aesthetic Legacy of Samurai Swords

Throughout the day, as passersby—both Japanese and foreign—walk in front of the Musashi Japan Kappabashi Main store, many come to a full stop, captivated by the stunning display on the lefthand side of the entrance. Here, several knives adorned with Chokin (彫金), a traditional Japanese art of metal engraving and gold inlay, reflect the light beautifully.

Originally used to decorate samurai swords and armor among other objects, this craft saw a rapid decline during the Meiji Restoration, particularly after the Sword Abolishment Act of 1876, which prohibited ordinary people from carrying weapons. As a result, only a handful of Chokin masters remain today.

“Even though everyone knows how to move a chisel, you can't do it unless you practice,” explains Asamura Takao, a Chokin master. “But nowadays, there are almost no opportunities to practice this craft.”

In an effort to help preserve this tradition, Musashi Japan has partnered with skilled craftsmen to create a limited collection of Chokin knives.

Here are a few we recommend:

1. Gyuto Blue Steel Chokin Dragon

 

2.Yanagiba White Steel Chokin Sakura-Fuji

 

3. Nakiri Blue Steel Chokin Kappa Frog

Asamura Takao first encountered the beauty of engraving as a jewelry maker. After ordering an engraved piece and being mesmerized by the result, he dedicated himself to learning the craft. Even after 50 years of experience, he continues to learn every day.

“A design that fits a knife is not immediately apparent,” he acknowledges. The knife blades are shorter than samurai swords, and the designs can typically only be completed in a limited area on the blade.

4. Santoku White Steel Chokin Tiger-Bamboo

To create the designs for the engraved blades, Asamura Takao takes a poetic approach—literally. He thinks of a haiku, a traditional Japanese poem, and attempts to carve its imagery. His creations feature waves dancing before the rising sun, a tiger lurking in a bamboo forest, and a kappa fishing under the moon.

By blending utility with art, Chokin knives serve as both functional tools and exquisite displays of Japanese heritage, bringing a piece of samurai tradition into the hands of today’s enthusiasts and collectors. As each of these pieces is limited in quantity, we recommend purchasing them as soon as you find one you like.

2/ Ocean Knives: Forging New Tides in Sustainable Craftsmanship

Some traditions must be preserved, while others we should part ways with. For instance, human overconsumption is slowly but surely damaging the world we live in.

So, how can a traditional knife store contribute? Our knives are already handmade and stored in paper boxes (no plastic). However, as a company committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we knew we needed to do more.

That's why we developed the Tsushima Ocean Kitchen Knife, an exquisite knife with a handle made from marine debris collected on Tsushima Island.

Tsushima is Japan's westernmost island and the closest to Korea. While its sparkling ocean scenery has remained largely unchanged since prehistoric times, the island faces challenges. The winds bring significant amounts of trash drifting in from the sea—around 20,000 to 30,000 m³ of waste annually—yet Tsushima City manages to collect only about 25% of this waste.

However, simply picking up and recycling is not a fundamental solution. Our approach was to create a lifelong product from this marine debris—one that would not end up in the sea again.

After a year of experimentation, we introduced our first Tsushima Ocean Knife. The powder steel used for its blade is rust-resistant and retains sharpness longer, while the recycled plastic handles available in various colors, give it a unique character.

Head here to discover our Ocean knife collection!

These knives are designed for everyday use, not just for cooking, but also as conversation starters about the importance of the SDGs at home gatherings and other occasions. We know the Tsushima Ocean Knife is just a small step, but we believe that if we keep this effort going and involve more people, future generations will be able to enjoy this beautiful planet.

3/ One craft built upon another: the lacquered handles

The most prized piece in our collection is a Yanagiba, a traditional Japanese sashimi knife. What makes it exceptional is its blade made through Honyaki process. The Honyaki knives cannot be mass-produced. They are primarily for professional chefs and for the most important person because of the highest quality traditional-style Japanese knives.

 

The Yanagiba blade on display in our store features a polished, mirror-like finish with deep, dark shades that lend it a luxurious and captivating appearance. Yet, its beauty extends beyond the blade itself! This unique Yanagiba boasts a handle and sheath adorned with beautiful patterns enhanced with Urushi lacquer.

Many other handles in our shop feature a different lacquer technique called yaki-urushi. Our finest handles have up to ten layers, a method that ensures they retain their vibrant color for over a hundred years.

In addition to their beauty, Yaki-Urushi handles are both waterproof and resistant to bacteria, adding functionality to their aesthetic appeal.