YAXELL (ヤクセル)
Beautiful Japanese knives from Seki. Sold in 27 countries.
Founded in 1932 in Seki City, Gifu — Japan's blade capital — YAXELL has grown from a pocket knife maker into a premium kitchen knife brand sold in around 27 countries. Their YO-U (曜) Damascus series, built around a VG10 core wrapped in 69 or 101 layers of folded steel, is among the most visually striking and functionally sharp knives made in Japan today. YAXELL also produces cookware, cutlery, and tableware, but the Damascus knives are what the world knows them for.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
YAXELL was founded in 1932 in Seki City, Gifu, beginning as a producer of pocket knives for the domestic market. Over the following decades, the company expanded into kitchen knives, leveraging Seki's 700-year tradition of precision blade-making to develop products that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern steel science.
Today, YAXELL is best known internationally for the YO-U (曜) Damascus series — knives built around a VG10 cobalt alloy core wrapped in 69 or 101 layers of folded stainless steel. The Damascus layering process creates the distinctive swirling pattern on the blade face while adding structural strength to the surrounding steel. The resulting knife is both a precision cutting tool and a display piece.
Beyond knives, YAXELL produces pots and pans, carving sets, kitchen scissors, tableware, and lifestyle goods. Their international presence spans approximately 27 countries, making them one of the most globally distributed Japanese knife brands. A knife maintenance service is available for re-sharpening and professional restoration.
YO-U Damascus — 69 & 101 Layer Steel
The YO-U series wraps a VG10 cobalt alloy core in 69 or 101 layers of folded stainless steel, creating the distinctive Damascus pattern and exceptional blade strength. VG10 holds a sharper edge than standard stainless and resists corrosion without needing carbon steel care.
Seki City — Japan's Blade Capital Since the Samurai Era
YAXELL's knives are made in Seki City, Gifu — the city that has produced Japan's finest blades for over 700 years, from samurai swords to the world's sharpest kitchen knives. The regional craft knowledge embedded in every Seki knife is irreplaceable.
Sold in 27 Countries
YAXELL distributes their knives to approximately 27 countries and regions. Their international-first approach means the knives are designed with ergonomics and blade geometry that work in both Japanese and Western kitchens.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
YAXELL YO-U 69-Layer Damascus Santoku — VG10, Made in Japan
The YO-U santoku: 69-layer Damascus folded steel with a VG10 cobalt alloy core. Seki City, Gifu. A visually stunning and functionally precise all-purpose knife for the home kitchen.
View DetailsYAXELL YO-U 69-Layer Damascus Chef's Knife — VG10, Made in Japan
The YO-U chef's knife (gyutou): 69-layer Damascus with VG10 core, in 190mm or 210mm. The knife that put YAXELL on the map internationally — at home in a professional kitchen or displayed on a magnetic knife strip.
View DetailsMEDIA Media, Awards & Initiatives
- Distributed in approximately 27 countries and regions. Featured by Seki City and JETRO as a leading Seki cutlery manufacturer. Founded 1932.