Knife Show Organizer

The Seki Outdoors Knife Division was established on April 6, 1995, bringing together factory manufacturers of pocket knives, outdoor knives, and kitchen knives. With a proud tradition of over 700 years in "Seki Cutlery," the division focuses on preserving these techniques and training successors. It also actively introduces new technologies, develops designs, and conducts research on cutlery steel materials. In addition to gathering and sharing cutlery-related information from both domestic and international sources, the division hosts Japan's largest "SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW" annually at the Seki Cutlery Festival. Through mutual cooperation among members, the division works to promote products, expand sales channels globally, and develop the regional brand of "Seki Cutlery."

In the fall of 1991, Mr. Susumu Sakai (the first chairman of the division), Mr. Ichiro Hattori, Mr. 尾上卓生, and former Seki Mayor Akio Goto, who provided administrative support, came together as founding members to establish the "Seki Outdoors Knife Division." Under the philosophy of "Harmony of Tradition and Progress," they, along with like-minded colleagues, laid the foundation of the division on four key pillars.

Fostering camaraderie among members

Preserving craftsmanship and sharing information

Promoting "Made in Seki" domestically and internationally

"Cutlery is tools" Educational activities promoting the proper use of cutlery

In 1993, with the goal of achieving the above objectives, the first "SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW" was held at the small hall of the Seki Cultural Center on October 12 and 13. A total of 25 custom knife makers from across Japan participated in the event. The knife show allowed visitors to appreciate the high level of Japanese blade craftsmanship and design, spreading the appeal of knives. Additionally, by actively welcoming international custom knife makers, we were able to promote "Made in Seki" widely through word of mouth overseas. In 2001, we launched the "SEKICUT" brand and actively promoted the SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW, including exhibiting at the Blade Show in Atlanta, USA, in June of that year.

As the SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW has been held over the years, it has gained recognition internationally, attracting numerous foreign buyers from countries such as the United States, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Estonia, Italy, France, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland, and China. Not only knives, but also other blades like kitchen knives, have gained attention. As a result, the show has grown to become the largest knife show in Japan.

From September 2008 to July 2011, over a three-year period, the "Seki Cutlery Workshop" was opened on Honmachi Street in Seki City under the guidance of the Seki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The workshop hosted practical seminars on cutlery techniques, aimed at improving the skills of division members and employees of member companies. These seminars helped preserve craftsmanship and facilitate the sharing of information. In addition to supporting the SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW and operating the "Seki Cutlery Workshop," a separate group called the Challenger Club was formed to foster the next generation of talent for the cutlery industry.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the late members of our division who provided valuable guidance: Mr. Susumu Sakai, Mr. 石川敬唯, Mr. 福田登夫, Mr. 加藤守, Mr. 鈴木春巳, Mr. 尾上卓生, Mr.清水桂市, and Mr. 福山勝. We are committed to carrying forward their legacy and honoring their contributions.

Chairman for 2024: Tomohiro Hasegawa

I would like to extend my greetings via this website.

We sincerely thank you for your support of "Seki Cutlery." As part of the main events for the Cutlery Festival, the Seki Outdoors Knife Division will host the SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW.

We deeply appreciate the support of knife enthusiasts and the many visitors who attend the knife show.

In the cutlery industry, despite the challenging economic situation and unfortunate incidents, we remain committed to preserving the 700-year tradition of Seki as a "town of blades". Under our concept of "Harmony of Tradition and Progress," we are determined to keep moving forward with a vision for the next five to ten years. We ask for your continued support of "Seki Cutlery" and the SEKI OUTDOORS KNIFE SHOW.

As in previous years, we will offer Enku-san T-shirts, a special sale, and Meikiri name engraving at the knife show. We look forward to welcoming you all.

We are planning events that will delight all visitors, so please stay tuned!

Chairman of the Seki Outdoors Knife Division: Tomohiro Hasegawa

"Seki Cutlery" has been approved as a regional brand under the regional collective trademark system established by the Japan Patent Office, an external bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, with the aim of building and protecting regional businesses. This was approved because "Seki Cutlery" was recognized as a regional product that is widely known throughout the country, and this allowed it to be registered as a regional collective trademark "Seki Cutlery". For over 800 years since the end of the Kamakura period, Seki cutlery has a history of improving its quality. And as a "traditional technique," the technology has been passed down from generation to generation. The reason why Seki cutlery has become so well-known is because of its history of meeting the expectations of users, and it can be said to be a chain of trust that continues to the present day. Today, the Seki Cutlery brand combines the inherited skills of craftsmen with the wisdom of the latest mechanical engineering to further improve quality in terms of functionality, design, and durability. Quality control backed by solid technology. Through thorough quality improvement, we are creating cutlery for a new era. "Seki Cutlery" is a guide to the future of the Seki Cutlery brand and a testament to the strong will of those who work there.

The mascot of the Seki Outdoors Knife Division is "Enku-san of Seki." Inspired by the kind-hearted Enku, who continued to carve statues while wishing for the happiness of others during difficult times, this character is designed with hands clasped in prayer. Through this cute mascot, we aim to actively promote safe knife usage among young people. At the same time, as a Knife Tourism Ambassador, Enku-san will help raise awareness of Seki's proud regional brand, spreading this message from the knife town of Seki to the rest of Japan.

As part of our educational efforts to spread awareness about the importance of knives as valuable tools in daily life, and as part of our PR activities to raise the recognition of the regional brand "Seki Cutlery," the Seki Outdoor Knife Division has created limited-edition T-shirts featuring our mascot "Enku-san" and the "Seki Cutlery" logo.

The T-shirts are available for 2,000 yen, tax included.

We encourage everyone to get one!