IN THE OLD CAPITAL
Akiko takes us to the Nara Couples Shrine and then up to
Kikuicho Monju Shiro Kanenaga where we buy a beautiful
Japanese knife made in the Samurai Sword Style.
The legacy of Shiro Kanenaga, our illustrious ancestor, is represented in our company’s full name: “Kikuichi-Monju-Shiro-Kanenaga.” Kikuichi means “first chrysanthemum,” and Monju the Buddha that Shiro Kanenaga worshipped in his Hometown of Nara.
Over 700 years ago the Emperor Gotoba authorized Shiro Kanenaga to be one of his swordsmiths. When the Samurai era was brought to a close in 1868 the Kanenaga family pivoted from samurai swords to cutlery. Their history of sword making can be seen in the fine "wood grain" of their cutlery, a sign that the steel was forged and folded repeatedly.
We use it every day, it is the best kitchen knife we have ever owned. But now, after 3 years, it's time for an expert sharpening.
"The best knifes bring joy to the food being sliced.
They cut effortlessly."
--Sakashita Katsumi: Master Knife Sharpener
Click HERE for Katsumi's Story on video.
