ECHIZEN KNIFE FESTIVAL

J U L Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 0
UNU FARMERS MARKET
TOKYO

TRADITIONAL KNIFE ARTISANS

TAKEFU KNIFE VILLAGE

Takefu Village is a shining success story of what people with a common goal can do when they combine trust, hard work, and creativity. The village was created in this spirit. Kikusumi is collaborating with artisans in Echizen. We are excited to share the extraordinary quality of craftsmanship of Echizen artisans that spans metal, wood, paper and urushi lacquer techniques.

Traditional industry is the accumulation of skills one by one under the watchful eye of a master. In Echizen multi-generations of artisans work diligently daily. Some stick with tradition. Others forge new paths incorporating new materials and creating unique forms.

At the Festival Takefu artisans spanning traditional to modern knife making will be available for visitors to explore and purchase. We look forward to your visit!

” Chiyotsuru Kuniyasu, a sword smith from Kyoto, found water suitable for sword making in Echizen and settled there, passing on his superior skills to local smiths. “

~ 700 years ago

Free-Forging consists of 4 important elements

STRETCHING

BENDING

YIELDING

SPREADING

Plus a technique called”Mai-kozuchi which roughly translates to “dancing hammer”