[Kyoto, Karasuma Oike] Get up close and personal with the sparks flying as knives are made at the long-established Kanetaka knife store!

The sharpness comes from a flame of over 800 degrees

The Kanataka Cutlery Store is located in the center of Kyoto. Turn right onto Karasuma Boulevard and you'll find it across from Rokkakudo.

Inside the store, there are rows of knives made using traditional methods, but to make a sharp sword, a fire of over 800 degrees is required.

It has been 300 years since the business first started in Karasuma Rokkaku, and today Yoshitaka, the seventh generation owner, is carrying on the tradition.

A 10 degree change in temperature can change the properties of the iron, so the craftsman must be aware of not only the state of the kiln fire, but also the temperature of the day and the room, and must be able to judge with his own eyes. This is where the craftsman's skill is put to the test.

We were shown the actual fire in the kiln, but of course, as an amateur, it was impossible for me to tell the difference in temperature.

Once the appropriate heat has been determined, the material is tempered.

The shiny iron looks beautiful at first glance, but it is iron that is below 800 degrees. In contrast, the iron with the vertical stripes is above 800 degrees. It was a moment of witnessing the craftsmanship!

The following photo shows that the difference between iron that is over 800 degrees and iron that is not is clearly visible.

Training period

Yoshitaka, the seventh generation owner, trained in Kyoto, Miki, Sakai and other cities.

He spent three years gazing at the pine charcoal and practicing how to temper the iron. One day, his master told him, "Try forging this iron." Then, perhaps because his skills had memorized from the daily training, the iron split cleanly.

I was impressed by how he spoke with a cheerful smile that showed no signs of hardship. Yoshitaka's efforts up to now were truly dazzling.

A very unique sword that was commissioned

Yoshitaka talks cheerfully about even the difficult parts of his job.

What we were shown was a custom-made fish-shaped knife and its mold.

Kanetaka Hamono, a long-established company, continues to make knives used by artisans who are the foundation of Japanese culture, and this request also came from one of these artisans.

Since it was made to order, even the mold to hold the iron was made from scratch.

Can they combine the skills and experience they have gained from past requests to provide customers with something that meets their expectations? They face such challenges and refine their skills every day.

A fine, decorative knife shows the hard work that went into making this beautiful product.

The seventh generation's dream

There was a single charm overlooking the workshop. It is said to be from Katana Shrine, located within Yasaka Shrine, which I visit on the first of every month.

He told us about his dream of one day making a long sword for the Nagatoboku float, which is the first to win the lottery at the Gion Festival. I hope that one day I will be able to see Yoshitaka's long sword!

You can experience sword making!

There is a constant stream of customers at Kanetaka Hamono, from extracurricular school classes as a place of education to tours of the workshop, and sword-making experience classes for customers from Japan and abroad.

We hope that everyone who has read this article will also come and experience Kyoto Rakuchu, a place that is "hot" all year round!

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Seventh Generation Cutting Shop Kanataka Cutlery Long-established Shop

Address: 244, Donomae-cho, Rokkaku Karasuma Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8134

Business hours: Weekdays 9:00AM - 5:00PM | Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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For guided tours and inquiries in Kyoto , please contact us here (https://www.cec-kyoto.jp/) .