Last updated: April 2026
Oishya began with a trip to Japan and a question: why are the knives in Tokyo’s kitchen shops so much better than anything we could find at home in Europe?
The journey to Japan’s knife villages
Our story starts in the workshops of Sakai and Seki — Japan’s two legendary blade-making cities. Sakai, in Osaka Prefecture, has been forging blades since the 14th century and produces around 90% of Japan’s professional kitchen knives. Seki, in Gifu Prefecture, has been called the “City of Blades” since the 13th century, when swordsmiths settled there for its pure water and fine clay.
We travelled to both cities, visiting workshops where families have been making knives for generations. We watched steel being folded and hammered by hand, saw artisans grinding edges on water-cooled whetstones with a precision that borders on meditation, and handled hundreds of knives to understand what separates good from exceptional.
What struck us most was not the technique — it was the philosophy. In Japan, a knife is not a disposable tool. It is a partner in the kitchen, to be cared for, sharpened, and respected. The best Japanese knives are designed to last a lifetime, and their makers expect you to use them every day.
To read more about our travels, see our journal entry on visiting Japan’s knife villages.
What “oishya” means
Our name combines oishii (美味しい) — the Japanese word for “delicious” — with the idea of a place or maker. It reflects what we believe: that better tools lead to better food. A sharp, well-balanced knife does not just make cooking easier — it makes it more enjoyable, more precise, and ultimately more delicious.
Our curation philosophy
We do not sell hundreds of knives from dozens of brands. Instead, we work directly with selected workshops in Sakai and Seki to create our own lines — each designed for European home cooks but forged with Japanese craft.
Sakai Kyuba — Our original line, forged in Sakai using traditional Damascus techniques. The KYU series is our most-reviewed collection, with the Santoku (5.0 stars from 12 customers) and the Knife Set (4.9 stars from 33 customers) consistently praised for their balance, sharpness, and beauty.
Seki Kyuba — Our newer line from Seki, spanning four distinct series:
- KATA — Clean three-layer VG10 construction, modern design, accessible price point. The everyday workhorse.
- RYU — Full Damascus with walnut handles. The sweet spot of craftsmanship and value.
- SHIN — SG2 powdered steel at 63-64 HRC, our highest-performance line for demanding cooks.
- NIJI — 37-layer rainbow Damascus with brass and copper. The showpiece that also outperforms.
Every knife, regardless of line, shares the same commitment: premium steel, hand-finishing, and careful quality control.
Beyond knives
A great knife deserves a great kitchen. Over time, we have expanded our collection to include the tools and accessories that complement Japanese knives:
Japanese sharpening stones — because a knife is only as good as its edge. We offer the full range from coarse (#800) to mirror-polish (#8000), including our Oishya-exclusive HT-65 PRO.
Cutting boards in European walnut, American walnut, and Aomori Hiba — woods chosen specifically for being kind to knife edges.
Magnetic knife storage in walnut with steel, brass, or copper accents — because beautiful knives deserve to be displayed, not buried in a drawer.
And a growing collection of tableware, utensils, and linens — each chosen for the same principles: quality materials, thoughtful design, and the kind of durability that makes disposable alternatives feel absurd.
Our commitment to you
Every knife we sell comes with free shipping across Europe, a certificate of authenticity documenting its origin and steel, and our personal guarantee. We are not a marketplace — we know every product intimately because we chose each one ourselves.
If you are ever unsure which knife to choose, or if you need advice on care and sharpening, get in touch. We answer every message personally, because helping people find the right knife is why we started this company.
Join the community
Thousands of cooks across Europe have made Oishya knives part of their daily cooking. Browse our collection, read what our customers say in their reviews, and explore our journal for knife guides, care tips, Japanese kitchen culture, and recipes. Welcome to Oishya.
Handcrafted Japanese Knives by Oishya
Forged by master craftsmen in Seki and Sakai, Japan. Free shipping worldwide • 100-day money-back guarantee • Lifetime warranty
