Sumikama Factory - A Century of Knife Making Craftsmanship

Inside Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

Written by Gill Princen

In the heart of Seki, a city renowned for its rich history in cutlery, you’ll find Sumikama Factory — a place that beautifully blends the art of traditional knife-making with modern technology. Established way back in 1916, during the Taisho era, Sumikama has spent over a century perfecting the craft of making exceptional knives. Their commitment to quality and innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed; their products are loved across Japan and are shipped to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the Japanese knife brand Taski has entrusted the Sumikama Factory with producing their knives.

We had the pleasure of chatting with the talented team at Sumikama. We discussed the evolving art of knife making and explored the role of traditional craftsmanship in today’s fast-paced world.

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

How does Seki’s rich knife-making heritage continue to shape and influence the processes at the Sumikama Factory today?

The forging and hardening techniques of swordsmiths that have continued for about 800 years are still being passed down today. The structure of iron transforms like a living organism with the application of heat. As blades, they need to be of high hardness yet retain the flexibility to avoid chipping easily. This craftsmanship, honed through years of experience, is utilized to create blades that do not break or bend and cut exceptionally well.

What are the key steps in the process of making a Sumikama knife from start to finish?

Planning, design, steel shaping, quenching, NC grinding, hand polishing, handle assembly, handle polishing, edge sharpening, maintenance, and packaging are done in that order.

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

How has the craft of Japanese knife-making evolved over the years at Sumikama, and how do traditional techniques integrate with modern technology in the knife-making process?

In the past, knife sharpening relied on the experience and intuition of skilled craftsmen, resulting in variations in sharpness and quality. To improve and consistently produce high-quality, high-performance knives, we have introduced NC machining equipment, enabling 3D grinding with precision up to 1/1000 mm. By combining the artisans’ skills with the latest technology, we manufacture superior quality knives.

We used to forge steel, removing impurities while shaping it. The clamshell blade shape of the knives was also manually ground using large rotating whetstones. Nowadays, we process steel materials that have been specially formulated for knives using lasers and other advanced technology. The grinding is done using NC (Numerical Control) programs for 3D grinding with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. We are creating the finest knives by combining traditional techniques with state-of-the-art machinery and the skills of our craftsmen.

Could you describe the role of hand craftsmanship in producing Sumikama knives?

A kitchen knife is a living entity. Each knife has its own unique characteristics, and certain aspects, such as sharpening, can only be done by hand. Robots cannot handle these nuances. The handle is crafted with care, as it is the part that comes into direct contact with the user’s hand. Artisans process it by hand, ensuring it is slip-resistant and fits comfortably in the hand. The final edge is sharpened to leave an imperceptible burr that allows the blade to bite into the ingredients effectively.

Utilizing CAD for precise design, digital technology for grinding and management, hand polishing, handle polishing, and skilled craftsmen for blade sharpening, we manufacture our products with expertise. In the grinding process, we use microscopes to make adjustments of 0.001mm. During polishing, we change tools and abrasives to match the different types of steel. Although we are a company with a long history, we continue to explore how to consistently create the best knives without relying too much on individual skills, embodying the words ‘tradition and innovation.’

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

What motivates and inspires your craftsmen to maintain the high standard of Sumikama knives?

We are delighted to have chefs and renowned personalities actually use our products and provide feedback. It is a great pleasure for us to have them visit our factory and participate in the manufacturing process with us.

Do you consider the craft of Japanese knife making to be endangered? If so, what are the main challenges it faces today?

The shortage of craftsmen and the preservation of their skills are future challenges. Besides the aspects that can be digitized, there are still many tasks that require delicate handwork. Therefore, the transfer of skills from master to apprentice is essential.

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

How does Sumikama contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional art of knife making?

We have been crafting knives in Seki City, the heart of the blade-making industry, for over 100 years. Throughout this time, we have adapted to the changing eras, continually meeting the needs of our customers. To pass on the skills we have developed to the younger generation, we aim to continue sharing our compelling workplace and attractive products with the world.

What changes have you observed in customer preferences and demands over the years?

After the war, the focus was on quantity over quality. However, today there is a demand for high-quality knives that can be mass-produced. As a blade artisan from Seki, we will continue to create knives that are recognized globally.

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

After Taski launched a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2023, they began selling their products in the global market in earnest this year. Could you tell us why Sumikama decided to collaborate with this young brand?

As a professional, we are confident in my knife-making skills, but we acknowledge that our marketing abilities are lacking. By dividing roles and responsibilities, we are convinced that we can find a partner who will help Sumikama’s knives soar to greater heights worldwide.

Can you tell me more about the types of steel used in Taski knives and why you choose these specific materials?

This time, we have used 8A Damascus steel. Currently, there is a growing demand for high-hardness blades. While they have the advantage of long-lasting sharpness, they are difficult to re-sharpen and have a higher risk of chipping. A knife, in my opinion, is a tool that requires re-sharpening as you use it, growing and evolving with its user. Therefore, it’s important to balance ease of re-sharpening with long-lasting sharpness. A good knife is one that can achieve this balance at a high level, and we believe such a knife is essential for long-term use.

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

Embracing the Future While Honoring the Past

As we wrap up our exploration of Sumikama Factory, it’s clear that their commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology sets them apart in the world of knife making. It’s not just about creating tools for the kitchen; it’s about crafting pieces of art that chefs and home cooks alike can rely on and cherish for years to come.

The fascinating journey from ancient swordsmithing techniques to cutting-edge manufacturing processes shows how Sumikama has not only survived but thrived for over a century.

Their collaboration with the young and dynamic Taski brand is a testament to their openness to innovation and willingness to adapt in a rapidly changing market.

As Sumikama continues to evolve, they remain rooted in their rich heritage, ensuring that the art of knife-making in Seki City is preserved for generations to come. So, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, remember that when you hold a Taski knife, you’re not just holding a tool but a piece of history, crafted with care and precision.

• Go to Taski knives website

• Go to Sumikama Factory website

Sumikama Factory│courtesy of Taski Knives

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