Takeshi Saji is a revered master blacksmith who has been making knives for over 50 years. Nothing short of phenomenal, each one of his works blurs the line between kitchen knife and priceless art. A third-generation knife maker, he is also one of the original founders of Takefu Knife Village, a blacksmithing complex which sits just beyond the city of Echizen in Fukui, Japan. Saji continues to forge knives there with his apprentice and handle maker, Kazuo Nomura.

Saji is well known for his complex and innovative blade designs, his colored damascus steel being one of his most popular to date. His high-carbon and powdered steel metallurgy make his knives highly resistant against wear, allowing them to perform reliably and effectively over many years.