Masakage

Masakage is a Japanese knife brand based at Takefu Knife Village in Fukui Prefecture. Takefu has been a centre for Japanese smithing for over 700 years, and Takefu Knife Village is today a collaboration between several independent smiths and sharpeners who share workshops and resources. Masakage was established to gather the work of these craftsmen under one brand name, while each smith keeps his own style and technique.

Masakage knives are made in small batches and largely by hand. They are known for thin blades, high hardness and very sharp edges. The brand has several series that differ in steel, heat treatment, finish and blade profile. Some series are made in traditional carbon steels, others in modern stainless or powder steels. Each series is often tied to a particular smith or master sharpener, which gives clear differences in feel and performance. Masakage today stands for quality, visible craft and a combination of traditional techniques and modern knife design.