In Gifu Prefecture, where steel forging is part of everyday life, the city of Seki stands out as a place shaped by blades.

Known as one of Japan’s most important knife-making towns, it has been home to generations of swordsmiths and cutlery makers for more than 800 years, with skills passed down carefully from master to apprentice.

This experience takes you inside that tradition at Fukuda Cutlery Co, a local factory with a century of history.

Your visit begins with a guided tour of the workshop, where you will see how knives are forged using tungsten carbide, a highly durable material known for its strength and precision. It is the same type of material used by the Japanese Mint Bureau to cut through stacks of banknotes, making it ideal for high-performance blades.

The knife you create here is unique to this factory and not available anywhere else.

After the tour, you will craft your own traditional-style pocket knife using recycled cemented carbide. Once completed, you can take it home and, with proper care, it is designed to last for years.

The experience continues with a local meal at a nearby Japanese restaurant, where the same knives are used to prepare dishes made with fresh vegetables and fruits from Gifu.

You will also visit the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum to learn more about the region’s blade-making heritage, with time to browse and shop for knives at the nearby Cutlery Hall if you wish.