The Story of Saruku — Toshiaki Saruwatari, Master Bladesmith of Seki

The Tradition of Seki City Knives

When speaking of Japanese knives, Seki City in Gifu Prefecture always comes to mind. With centuries of swordsmithing and kitchen knife production, Seki is recognized as one of the world’s three major cutlery centers. Even today, knives from Seki are cherished by professional chefs, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.

Born and raised in this historic city, professional bladesmith Toshiaki Saruwatari founded his own brand, “Saruku”, where he combines traditional techniques with modern materials to create knives that embody both functionality and artistry.

A Bladesmith with Two Faces

Saruwatari is not only a professional knifemaker but also a fishing instructor and social media personality. He is also known as a close friend of the world-renowned custom knifemaker Kiku Matsuda, sharing ideas and inspiration through their friendship.

• In his workshop, he works with fire and steel, pursuing sharpness and durability.

• In nature, he studies the relationship between people and their tools, bringing a lifestyle-oriented perspective to his creations.

This unique duality—and his creative circle of fellow masters—make his knives equally valuable to professional chefs and everyday users.

SPG2 Steel and Damascus Craftsmanship

Many of Saruku’s signature knives feature SPG2 powder steel at the core. Known for its high hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, SPG2 is ideal for kitchen use. The core is clad in Damascus multilayer steel, adding toughness and producing striking wave-like patterns. Each blade is visually unique, making it both a practical tool and a work of art.

Commitment to Craft and Detail

Every knife is carefully hand-sharpened and adjusted by Saruwatari himself.

Razor-sharp edges for effortless cutting.

Handles made from dense, durable woods such as ironwood, offering a warm, natural grip.

Thoughtful weight balance between blade and handle, ensuring comfort during extended use.

His dedication to detail transforms each Saruku knife into more than just a tool—it becomes an extension of craftsmanship and philosophy.

Beyond Knives: A Personal Philosophy

Through social media, Saruwatari shares his experiences in fishing, cooking, and craftsmanship, showing that knives are more than tools. His philosophy is simple yet profound:

“A good knife is not just for cutting—it is a bridge between life and culture.”