Kyoto Traditional Knife Crafting Workshop
- Craft and sharpen your own Japanese kitchen knife with guidance from skilled artisans
- Learn traditional knife-finishing techniques inspired by Japan's centuries-old knife-making tradition
- Suitable for beginners with step-by-step instruction throughout the workshop
- Take home a handcrafted knife that is both practical and uniquely yours
- Experience an authentic side of Kyoto beyond temples and sightseeing
What to expect
Step beyond Kyoto’s famous temples and discover one of Japan’s most respected crafts through a hands-on knife-making experience. Guided by skilled artisans, you will learn the traditional finishing techniques used for Japanese kitchen knives while shaping, sharpening, and refining your own blade. The workshop is beginner-friendly, with clear step-by-step instruction provided throughout the experience. As you work, you’ll gain insight into Kyoto’s long-standing culture of craftsmanship and the precision that has made Japanese knives admired around the world. At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a handcrafted knife that you helped create yourself, a practical souvenir and lasting reminder of your time in Kyoto.
Reviews
This was a really fun activity to do in Kyoto! Rick walked us through choosing knives, how to sharpen at home, and how to up keep our knife when we leave. He was so great while making the knives as well. Definitely recommend for a one of a kind knife experience and you get a keep sake to take home that’s super useful as well!
Great experience! The session included a smaller knife but offered the opportunity to upgrade for a really reasonable price. Our instructor Nour told us about the history of knife making in Japan and was thorough in his sharpening instructions. I definitely reccomend this experience.
Had a great time with our hosts Zen, Mariz and Layla. We had a great time learning the ways of sharpening while also having some great conversations along the way. We could take home the knife you sharpen and also got one engraved. Highly recommended for an hour or so of your time
it’s great experience if you wanna have knife from Japan! there are few knife types to choose from, few wood types too. obviously for extra fee :) Keshavi was patient and passionate about the workshop, she explained everything perfectly! recommend the place and workshop!
mariz and ash where absolutely lovely i was here the day prior for another class and had to come back and so glad i did. i booked the 4pm class and had the both privately great experience for the price and i now have a knife i made that i can keep forever ! highly recommend:)
We had a great time Knife crafting! we got to choose the handle wood type and the blade type. Our instructor Layla made the process easy to understand and a lot of fun, our knives turned out beautifully. Would do again next time I’m in the area!
This was such an amazing experience everyone was so helpful and this is definitely my favorite souvenir. Thanks to Zen, Mariz, and Layla, our knives turned out fantastic and we had a great time doing it!
Amirreza & Caner are both talented craftsmen. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable and cared about my safety, I recommend Zen workshop for all of their Worships. Thank you!!
Malu explained the history of knives in Japan. Then it was time to make our own. We first added a wooden handle and then learnt how to sharpen the blade. Lovely facilities, there was a choice of blades, handles and to get inscription or not which involved additional cost.
Malu taught us incredibly well! She not only explained each step of sharpening our knives but the “why” and the history behind knife/sword craftsmanship in Japan. Had a great time learning and plan to sharpen all our knives with the recommended 1000 grit whetstone.
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