Chef Knife, 8.3 Inch Japanese Kitchen Knives, 花刃包丁 堺, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Polished Damascus, HOUCHO

Every time you grasp one of our knives, you connect with the blossoms and timeless craftsmanship of Japan.


“Hanaha” — a knife brand inspired by flowers and plants representing
the diverse regions of Japan.
Nurtured by rich earth and pure waters,
each blade carries the culture that has blossomed uniquely in every
climate.


Through “Hanaha,” which holds the very soul of its land, we invite
people around the world to experience the enduring history and artistry
of Japan.

Hanaha knives are exquisite works of art, beautifully designed
with motifs of iconic flowers and plants from across Japan.
Each blade
exudes the spirit of Japan’s ancient craftsmanship and aesthetic
sensibility, blending practicality with artistry.

Osaka Prefecture stands proudly as the foremost city of western
Japan and the Kinki region—a vibrant heart of commerce, culture, and
connection.

Its sprawling landscape is crisscrossed with countless
rivers and canals, a testament to its rich history as a port and
waterway city—earning itself the title of “Water City.”

To the
south, Sakai City shines as a birthplace of bladesmithing, boasting over
600 years of masterful knife craftsmanship that commands respect
worldwide.

The emblematic flower of this watery city is the plum blossom, bursting forth with beauty after surviving the harshest winters.

Like
these blossoms nurtured by pristine waters, the skilled artisans of
this land forge knives of unparalleled quality—where tradition, nature,
and craftsmanship flow together in perfect harmony.

The crimson plum blossom is known for its bright color and sweet, elegant fragrance. It symbolizes “grace” and “beauty.”

Blooming even while snow remains, it is often called the “herald of spring,” marking the season’s arrival.



This flower was loved by Sei Shōnagon, a famous writer and poet
from the Heian period, and remains an important part of Japanese
culture to this day.

The essence of Sakai knives lies in the traditional forging method known as Uchihamono.

Iron
and steel are heated until glowing red, then hammered repeatedly with
great precision—the first step in the forging journey.

Through this
meticulous process, the refined metal gains exceptional strength and
resilience, creating Sakai knives’ renowned sharpness and durability.



In the final stage, skilled blade artisans from the knife-making town of Sakai carefully sharpen each blade by hand.

Each knife embodies uncompromising sharpness and artistry, making it a masterpiece Japan proudly offers to the world.

The blades of Osaka Sakai knives use Damascus steel.
Multiple layers of different metals are forged together, creating a distinctive wood grain-like pattern resembling tree rings.
This
material is highly resistant to rust and boasts excellent durability,
combining both beautiful appearance and high functionality.

The Osaka Sakai knife is offered with two exquisite blade finishes: the textured hammered finish and the polished gleam.
The
hammered blade, with its artful surface undulations, not only displays
timeless character but also prevents food from sticking, ensuring
effortless slicing.
The polished blade is meticulously sharpened to a semi-mirror sheen, radiating elegance and refinement.
The distinctive Damascus steel grain patterns are revealed, beautifully accentuating the blade's natural artistry and strength.

The handle is crafted from sturdy
oak, renowned for its strength and commonly used in agricultural tools.
Embracing its natural qualities, the design forgoes a collar, showcasing
a simple, rustic beauty.



Finished with a coating of natural persimmon tannin—known as
kakishibu, the handle gains enhances antibacterial and water-resistant
properties while highlighting the wood’s exquisite grain.



With repeated use, the handle's shape molds to the hand, deepening in character and comfort over time.

Crafted entirely by hand by skilled traditional artisans, each
knife embodies uncompromising sharpness and the beauty of a work of art —
a masterpiece that Japan proudly presents.

Renowned as one of Japan’s top three blade-producing regions,
Osaka’s Sakai City boasts a 600-year legacy of traditional
craftsmanship. The art of Sakai blades carries forward the pride and
skill honed through centuries of history. Rooted in the masterful
techniques of expert artisans, it continues to produce exceptional
knives you can trust with confidence.