Takefu Knife Village Official Shop TKV STORE

The history of Echizen forged blades traces back about 700 years to when the Kyoto swordsmith Chiyozuru Kuniyasu moved to this land and began forging sickles for farmers alongside sword making. Since then, Takefu (now Echizen City) developed as a production area for agricultural and household blades including sickles and knives, spreading nationwide through the Hokuriku region's unique peddling culture.

However, with high economic growth, agricultural mechanization and the rise of mass-produced products advanced, and demand for hand-forged blades decreased. Many of the roughly 60 sickle smithies that once existed were driven out of business — the production area faced a major turning point. Amid this, young artisans on-site as successors stood up to "pass techniques on to the next generation," and Takefu Knife Village was born as a joint workshop.

The current Takefu Knife Village Cooperative includes 14 blade companies and over 40 artisans. Of these, more than ten have received certification as Traditional Craftsmen, and generations ranging from teens to 80s polish techniques together around the same fire on the same site. TKV STORE functions as the official online shop to deliver these artisans' works and techniques to households and chefs nationwide, and to users worldwide.

The shop offers a wide lineup — from household-use knives such as santoku, gyuto, and petty, to professional knives for pros, custom knives, and maintenance supplies. In conjunction with the on-site retail shop and factory tours / experience classes, the shop continues to communicate "Echizen forged blades where you can see the maker's face" — from both online and real-world channels.

An official shop inheriting 700 years of Echizen forged blade lineage

Against the backdrop of Echizen forged blade history originating with the Kyoto swordsmith Chiyozuru Kuniyasu, this official online shop is operated by the cooperative — 14 blade companies and over 40 artisans participating. The works of artisans, including Traditional Craftsmen, are delivered from one window to Japan and abroad.

Easy-to-understand category design — choose by use, material, or brand

In addition to use categories such as "household cooking knife," "fish-cleaning knife," and "sashimi knife," you can also search by material (powdered steel, stainless, iron), style (santoku, gyuto), and even by artisan / workshop brand. Even those choosing an authentic knife for the first time can easily find one that suits them.

Book factory tours, forging experiences, and sharpening classes — all in one place

Within the online shop, you can also book on-site experience menus — double-edged knife classes, forging experiences, programs with factory tours, and sharpening classes. Beyond purchasing, through opportunities to "make and learn," you can experience the depth of blade making and the warmth of handwork.

Support system covering pre-orders, name engraving, and maintenance

For popular products out of stock, the shop supports pre-orders and restock notifications, and also provides a consultation desk for custom orders and a name-engraving service. Guidance on re-sharpening and repair, as well as FAQs on shipping, delivery time zones, and returns, are also in place — building a system for using your blade with peace of mind over a long time.