DISCOVER FUKUI

■Highlights

Yamaken Woodworking is the only company in Takefu, the heartland of Echizen cutlery, specializing in crafting handles for Japanese kitchen knives. While it's a part we rarely notice in daily life, the knife handle is packed with meticulous attention to detail and skill. It's the part that meets the hand directly. Taking a closer look at the handle might just change how you experience using the knife.

During the experience, you'll be welcomed by the fourth-generation owner, Takuya Yamamoto, and his wife, maki-e artist Yuma Yamamoto. Takuya will guide you through the Yamaken Woodworking factory, while Yuma will introduce you to Yamamoto cutlery and the knife-making process. You'll receive a personal tour directly from the artisans themselves.

 

■ExperienceDetails

The meeting point for the experience is "Toko-e," a handle specialty shop next to Yamaken Woodworking. First, you'll hear about Yamaken Woodworking and handles, then head to the factory tour guided by Takuya.

There are few companies nationwide specializing solely in handle production. Inside this rare factory, you'll find unique machines that carve handle shapes, each one fascinating as you proceed deeper into the facility.

In the warehouse next to the factory, you can see various types of wood! You might even encounter rare woods sourced not only domestically but also from overseas—things you can only find in the warehouse of a factory handling wood products.

 

We then handed the tour baton to Yuma-san and headed to Yamamoto Uchi Hamono, located across from Yamaken Woodworking. Inside, you can even see craftsmen making blades.

The retro, character-filled workshop has an atmosphere like stepping back in time to the Showa era. The sample chart on the wall, showing the knife-making process, is apparently handmade by the craftsmen themselves.

This experience is unique in allowing you to see both the handle and blade—the two essential components for making a knife—being crafted directly in the workshop. Guided by the craftsmen, you can spend a luxurious time delving into the profound depth of craftsmanship.

Back at the handle and blade workshop, it's finally time to craft your own knife.

Choose one handle from approximately 30 different types. Each has a distinct character—varying wood species, colors, designs, and grain patterns—making the selection process a delightful dilemma.

For the blade, you can choose between iron or stainless steel. Imagine yourself using it in the kitchen as you find your perfect match.

For those interested, optional additional experiences are available. Choose between two techniques: "wiping lacquer," where you apply lacquer to the handle material with a brush and then wipe it off, or "makie," where you paint designs using colored lacquer and a brush. These can be experienced on the day of your visit if requested (additional fee required).

If you're eager to try making something with your own hands, we highly recommend trying the Urushi Wiping or Makie experiences.

For dates and times, please seehere.