Yoshikazu Ikeda
Yoshikazu Ikeda (池田美和) is a blacksmith from Sakai, Osaka, known for his honyaki knives. He began learning the craft under his father in 1967, established Ikeda Tanrenjo in 1983 and received Japan’s Traditional Craftsman certification in 1988.
A tradition of Sakai craftsmanship
Ikeda’s work includes mizu-honyaki and suminagashi knives. His experience at the forge is part of Sakai’s tradition of specialist craftsmanship, in which forging, sharpening and handle fitting are carried out by craftspeople with different skills. This distinction matters when choosing a knife: the blacksmith, sharpener and handle maker each contribute to the finished piece.
Explore Yoshikazu Ikeda knives
Our selection includes White #1 mizu honyaki kiritsuke and yanagiba knives, with fitted-handle and blade-only options on selected listings. Explore each product page for its construction, sharpener where specified, dimensions and handle choices. Blade-only options require a suitable handle before use.
These White #1 carbon-steel blades need careful maintenance: hand wash, dry thoroughly and avoid soaking or dishwashers. A patina will develop with use.
Maker background: Embassy of Japan profile and Japan’s Traditional Craftsman register. Sakai’s production tradition: Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum.