The pinnacle of functional beauty. From Echizen to the world - The challenge of Takumi Ikeda, president of Andate Uchihamono

The history of Echizen blades

Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest cutlery production areas, dating back approximately 700 years. It is said that the area began when swordsmiths from Kyoto moved here and applied their techniques to making sickles. Designated a national traditional craft, the area now primarily produces kitchen knives, attracting attention both from within Japan and overseas.
The production area is home to a base called "Takefu Knife Village," where there are active activities to pass on the skills of artisans to the next generation.

From rugby to crafts

- "Did you originally start out in the world of blades?"
Ikeda: "No, during my university days I was crazy about rugby and had absolutely no interest in crafts."

- "That's right! How did you get from there to this world?"
Ikeda: "When I decided to quit rugby after graduating from university, the first thing that came to mind was the blacksmithing work that my grandfather and uncle had done."

The path of a craftsman

- "How was it when you actually started?"
Ikeda: "I made a lot of mistakes. Forging and sharpening the blade are not easy. But it was fascinating to watch the iron transform into a blade, and as I continued, I became convinced that this would be my lifelong job."

The appeal of Echizen knives

- "What are the unique features of Echizen blades?"
Ikeda: "It is characterized by the technique of spreading two sheets, which allows it to be made thin."

- " When making knives and other cutting tools, two sheets of steel are stacked on top of each other and hammered together, increasing the thickness while stretching the steel into a thinner shape, a forging technique unique to Echizen blades.

Ikeda: "Inexpensive knives are convenient, but they often lose their sharpness quickly. Echizen knives are made with the utmost care, from the material, quenching, and sharpening to the two-blade widening technique, so they are completely different in terms of sharpness and durability from mass-produced knives."

Popularity overseas

- "I hear it's popular overseas now too."
Ikeda: "Yes, it is. It is especially popular overseas. When I visited retail stores overseas, I was delighted to hear from people who were actually using it that they were pleased with it."

- "There are a lot of people from overseas coming to Takefu Knife Village, aren't there?"
Ikeda: "That's right. Many people are fascinated by Japanese crafts and come to see them. It's rewarding to see cultures connected through knives."

To the future

- "What are your goals for the future?"
Ikeda: "As a traditional craftsman, I want to pass on Echizen blades to the next generation. I want to keep the techniques alive while also taking on new challenges."

During his university days, Ikeda was devoted to rugby and was in a completely different world from crafts. However, he decided to follow in his uncle's footsteps, learned the techniques from scratch, and through hard work, he has now become a leading figure in Echizen forged blades as a traditional craftsman. His journey is one I have the deepest respect for.

The quality of Andatei cutlery is now highly acclaimed around the world, and it is so popular that it is difficult to obtain. In this situation, we are deeply grateful that AYA-TORI has been able to handle it as a made-to-order product.

Ikeda-san is also passionate about training young people and is working hard to promote Takefu Knife Village, which I feel is a powerful testament to the fact that Japan's traditional crafts will be passed on to the future.

Mr. Ikeda continues to carry on tradition while spreading his wings and spreading the word about Japanese craftsmanship to the world. As a Japanese person, I was deeply impressed by his single-minded attitude.

And above all, if you actually hold one in your hands, you will surely realize that its sharpness and beauty will make it your "lifelong companion." If this article has moved you even a little, we would be delighted if you would take this opportunity to bring Echizen hammered blades into your life.