関の刃物

岐阜県関の刃物。「刃物の町」として800年の歴史。

Seki Swords & Knives, crafted in Gifu, Chubu, represents a national traditional industry with a profound heritage. For over 700 years, this region has been synonymous with exceptional blade making, a legacy that began in the Kamakura period when master swordsmiths established Seki as a premier center for samurai sword production. This deep history imbues every Seki blade with significant cultural importance, reflecting centuries of Japanese craftsmanship and martial artistry. The distinctive quality of Seki blades stems from time-honored techniques meticulously passed down through generations. Skilled artisans employ expert forging, repeatedly folding and hammering high-quality carbon steel or modern stainless steel to eliminate impurities and achieve unparalleled strength and flexibility. The critical quenching process involves precise heating and rapid cooling, which hardens the blade's edge while preserving a resilient core, often revealing a beautiful hamon pattern. Finally, meticulous grinding refines the blade to an extraordinary sharpness and a flawless finish, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and superior performance. What makes Seki Swords & Knives truly distinctive is this masterful blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation. While honoring the traditional Seki-den sword-making methods, the industry has adeptly adapted to produce a wide array of world-class knives alongside ceremonial swords, utilizing both robust carbon steel and advanced stainless steel. This dedication to precision, durability, and razor-sharp edges continues to define Seki, making its blades sought after globally for their enduring quality and historical integrity.