Gigative · Experiences
Seki Knife Making Workshop: Hand-Draw & Etch Your Damascus Blade
About this experience
This is not a standard name-engraving workshop. You will hand-draw your own name, message, symbol, or small illustration directly onto the Damascus blade. Your freehand design is then revealed through the etching process together with the distinctive Damascus pattern. Working side by side with a master knife craftsman with more than 50 years of experience, you will complete your knife, polishing, freehand blade design, etching, sharpening, and test cutting. The craftsman personally guides each guest at their own pace, so complete beginners can participate with confidence. More than simply making a knife, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy relaxed conversation with an experienced craftsman and ask questions about Japanese steel, polishing, sharpening, knife care, blade shapes, and the skills he has developed over five decades. After completed your knife, you can take home a full-size, practical Damascus kitchen knife carrying your own handwriting or artwork on the same day.
What to expect
Seki City in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan’s historic blade-making centers, with a knife and sword-making tradition dating back to the 13th century. In this hands-on workshop at G.SAKAI, a respected Japanese knife maker, you will make your own Damascus knife and take it home on the same day. This is not just a factory visit. You will help complete a real Japanese knife that you can use or keep as a personal piece from Japan. Choose from several knife options, depending on availability and price, such as a Damascus kitchen knife, hunting knife, folding knife, or Chinese-style kitchen knife. Kitchen knife options may include Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka. With guidance from an experienced craftsman, you will assemble, polish, sharpen, finish, and engrave your name on the blade. A special highlight is the sharpness test with vegetable. You might be surprised at sharpness of your own knife. You will also visit the Knife Museum next to G.SAKAI’s factory, where you can see rare knives and cutlery exhibits. Seki is an easy day trip from Nagoya. It can also fit into a route from Kyoto or Osaka via Nagoya, or as a craft stop before Gero Onsen, Takayama, or Magome-juku.
What’s included
- Polishing, sharpening, and test-cutting experience
- Choice of Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, subject to availability
- Hand-drawn blade design and Damascus etching
- Full-size Damascus kitchen knife to complete and take home
- Personal instruction from a master knife craftsman with over 50 years of experience
- Visit to the G.SAKAI Knife Museum
- Use of all workshop tools and safety equipment
Tour & ticket options
Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.
Make your Japanese Damascus knife in Samurai Sword town of Gifu
Pickup included
Make a Damascus hunting knife
Make a Damascus Hunting Knife: You can choose another type of knife also
Make a Damascus Chinese knife
Make a Damascus Chinese Knife: You can choose a Damascus Chinese Kitchen Knife also. Pickup included
Meeting & pickup
- At Knife Museum which is Canadian style log house just next to G.SAKAI's factory.
End point
- At Knife Museum which is Canadian style log house just next to G.SAKAI's factory.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You can easily join for a day trip, roughly 1.5~2 hours by train from Kyoto
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.