Samurai Blades: Your Own Knife-Making Tour in Gifu
Forge your own name and legacy on a personalized Damascus steel knife and become part of an 800-year-old sword-making tradition in Seki, Gifu — the knife capital of Japan.
Highlights
Master the art of blacksmithing and create your own Damascus knife under the guidance of master craftsmen
Personalize your blade by handwriting your name on the beautiful Damascus blade surface
Explore the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum in Seki City to learn about the city’s 800-year-old sword-making history
Have lunch in a local restaurant in Seki
Experience Details
For centuries, Japan has honed the art of heating and shaping metals, with creations ranging from decorative pieces to practical tools and weapons that draw allure worldwide today. Yet no one tells the history of knife-making quite like Seki City, the capital of Japanese swords, hailed as the "City of Blades" and known for producing some of the most sophisticated knives in the world. Here, you can discover the intricacies of Japanese knives and even become a knife artisan yourself!
This experience begins with a knife-making workshop at the swordsmith studio in G. Sakai Knife Museum. Here, Sumio and his brother Yoshirou will personally guide you in creating your own Damascus knife, drawing on their combined experience of over 90 years in the craft as they tell you how to mold and forge metal into works of art that last a lifetime.
Participants will engage in the traditional Japanese knife-making process, witnessing how the Damascus knife, easily recognizable for its beautifully abstract-patterned surface, gets its motif. Stacks of separate alloy layers are welded, heated and hammered together in a method known as forging. This labor-intensive technique results in a distinct blade pattern that turns a regular sword into a work of art.
Once the knife surface is polished, you'll handwrite your name on it and use an acid etching to reveal the Damascus pattern. Then, you’ll sharpen it using a traditional whetstone. You'll then test its sharpness by using it to cut vegetables.
Following the knife-making experience, you will visit the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum. Here, you can learn about the city’s 800-year sword-making history while exploring the impressive array of historical swords on display. You'll conclude the tour with lunch at a local restaurant in Seki.
Inclusions
Lunch at a local restaurant with your host
Entry ticket to the Seki Traditional Swordsmith Museum
Pick-up and drop-off service at Sekitomioka Station
Equipment and tools for knife-making
Your handmade knife as a memorable souvenir
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the meeting venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Sekitomioka Station in Seki, Gifu. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please let your host know upon booking if you have any dietary restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 1 day before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Gifu Prefecture is home to well-preserved historic villages, mountainous landscapes, and scenic open-air hot springs, with a proud culinary heritage spanning centuries.
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