A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Founder Atsuhiro "Hiro" Nakamura, an entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for his Japanese traditions, was inspired to share the traditional craftsmanship with the world. After meeting renowned blacksmith Takeshi Saji in 2014, he recognized the beauty, precision, and dedication embedded in every handcrafted knife. With that, he established Seisuke Knife with the mission of preserving and showcasing this centuries-old craft. What began as a small consignment deal quickly evolved into a broader commitment to supporting traditional craftsmen and bringing their work to a global audience.

Initially an online business in Japan, Seisuke Knife has grown into a key player in connecting Japan’s most respected knife makers with chefs, home cooks, and culinary professionals across the U.S. By forming direct partnerships with artisans and brands like Takamura, Sakai Takayuki, and Masamoto Sohonten, Seisuke guarantees that their knives remain authentic, high-quality, and true to their heritage.

Bringing Japanese Knives to Portland

In 2016, Seisuke Knife opened its first retail store, not in Japan, but in Portland, Oregon—a city known for its vibrant culinary scene and deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Portland’s food culture, fostered by award-winning chefs and artisan producers, thrives on quality and precision, making it the perfect place to introduce Japanese knives to a community that values well-made tools.

“Portland has this unique combination of being incredibly food-driven while also having a deep respect for craftsmanship,” says Will West, GM of Seisuke Knife USA. “The chefs here don’t just care about making great food—they care about the tools they use to make it. That’s what makes this city such a natural home for us.”

Beyond its reputation as a food city, Portland’s emphasis on handcrafted, high-quality goods aligns perfectly with Seisuke’s mission. From small-batch coffee roasters to custom bicycle makers, the city celebrates materials, skill, and artistry. Japanese knives, with their centuries-old tradition of expert forging and meticulous design, fit seamlessly into this landscape.

Seisuke Knife has become an integral part of Portland’s culinary ecosystem—not just as a retailer but as a hub for education and engagement with the craft. The store collaborates with top chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary professionals to ensure they have access to knives that support their skills in the kitchen. Well-regarded restaurants like Zilla Sake, Magna Kusina, and Toya Ramen rely on Seisuke’s knives to execute their menus with precision.

Seisuke’s impact extends beyond professional kitchens. Home cooks looking to invest in a high-quality knife find a welcoming space where they can learn, ask questions, and experience firsthand the difference a well-crafted blade makes. “One of our biggest goals is making sure that anyone who walks in—whether they’re a seasoned chef or buying their first Japanese knife—feels comfortable and excited about their choice,” West adds. “That’s why we emphasize education. A good knife is an investment, and we want people to feel confident in what they’re getting.”

Retail Growth and Increased Education

Seisuke Knife has evolved from a small storefront into a premier destination for Japanese cutlery, serving both professional chefs and home cooks. Growing demand for authentic, handcrafted knives has fueled its expansion, including a spacious new showroom where visitors can compare knives and experience their craftsmanship firsthand. A state-of-the-art sharpening studio enhances the shopping experience, providing expert maintenance and faster service.

“We’ve always prioritized sharpening as part of the experience,” says West. “But with our new space, we’re taking it to the next level. It’s not just about offering a service—it’s about showing people the craftsmanship that keeps these knives performing at their best.”

Education remains central to Seisuke’s mission. The store offers hands-on classes, from sharpening techniques to specialized food preparation. A standout is the Japanese fish butchery class, taught in collaboration with celebrated chefs at Zilla Sake, where attendees learn the precise handling of traditional Japanese knives.

Seisuke also invests heavily in training its retail staff, ensuring every team member is well-versed in blade types, steel compositions, and sharpening techniques. Through in-person knife events with Japanese blacksmiths and industry experts, staff can offer tailored guidance based on each customer’s cooking style and skill level.

To further connect customers with the craft, Seisuke regularly hosts expert blacksmiths from Japan for demonstrations, meet-and-greets, and forging showcases. These events go beyond product presentations, offering a rare opportunity to witness master artisans at work and gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship. What began as small anniversary celebrations has become a cornerstone of Seisuke’s mission, fostering respect for the centuries-old techniques behind each knife.

Beyond Portland, Seisuke continues to strengthen ties with Japanese knife makers, ensuring access to some of the finest handcrafted blades in the world. Through expert-led education and immersive experiences, Seisuke Knife remains dedicated to making Japanese blades an essential part of kitchens everywhere.

Looking Ahead

Seisuke Knife is evolving beyond just knives, shaping its stores into a destination for serious home cooks and professionals alike. While staying true to its mission of preserving and sharing the essence of Japanese craftsmanship, Seisuke is expanding its brand partnerships to bring in complementary products that elevate the full kitchen experience.One of the latest additions is Thaan Charcoal, founded by a James Beard Award-winning restaurant group. Focused on modern live-fire cooking, Thaan showcases innovative techniques and methods.

By curating premium cooking essentials like Thaan alongside its renowned knife selection, Seisuke is transforming its shops into a full kitchen experience—offering tools that blend performance, and tradition. As demand for expertly crafted kitchen goods continues to grow, Seisuke is committed to making Japanese craftsmanship more accessible worldwide. 

Through ongoing education, new collaborations, and a broader product selection, Seisuke Knife is ensuring that the artistry of Japanese cooking remains an integral part of kitchens for generations to come.