Esteemed blacksmiths Yu Kurosaki and Yoshimi Kato will be touring Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Spokane, showcasing their traditional forging techniques. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the craftsmen, admire the stunning hand-forged knives, and purchase unique pieces at a discount, plus event only giveaways.
This unique and exciting annual multi-city event is set to run from July 7-12. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and spread the word.
The Tour at JACCC's Tanzo: Art & Forge Expo includes Tetsugendo's samurai exhibition, a taiko drum show, a record-breaking knife demo, live shodo calligraphy, SakéOne's premium sake and bites, tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, family-friendly calligraphy & origami workshops, and a five-course closing dinner.
Craftsmen will gather at District One Kitchen & Bar, a new Asian Fusion restaurant by award-winning Chef Tu David Phu, featuring knife demos, engravings, knife purchases, a display of Chef Wallace Wong's Guinness Record knife skills, and Chef Tu’s BBQ, seafood, and cocktails. Also included are Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, Velarde Foods Truffles, and SakéOne Sake.
The final stop is the CRAVE! NW festival, a major culinary event in Washington that elevates Northwest cuisine. This year's chef-focused festival showcases the creativity of regional chefs and tastemakers, highlighting Northwest flavors. Expect regional and national chef talent, live entertainment, and a selection of the region's best beers, ciders, and wines.
Meet the Maker
Yu Kurosaki was awarded the title of “master blacksmith” by the Japanese government in recognition of his excellence in traditional craftsmanship. He is the youngest knifemaker to ever receive the esteemed accolade. Kurosaki is highly esteemed for his distinctive and unconventional blade designs, often surprising observers with each new creation.
By merging modern metallurgic technologies with age-old forging methods, his knives boast an unrivaled quality in both sharpness and performance that persists over time. Presently, Mr. Kurosaki operates his forge at the esteemed Takefu Knife Village in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture in the company of other talented artisans.
Meet the Maker
Yoshimi Kato is a highly talented blacksmith who is the son-in-law of Hiroshi Kato, one of Takefu Knife Village's original founders and former teacher of Yu Kurosaki.
After taking over his father-in-law's company in 2017, Kato has never failed to wow his customers around the world with his stunning heat-treated metallurgy. His SG2 Black Damascus series is among his most iconic, possessing a remarkably fine edge and providing an exceptionally precise cutting feel unparalleled by most steels on the market today. Kato, like other Takefu craftsmen, also makes knives under the renowned knifemaking collective Masakage.
Meet the Chef
Chef Tu David Phu attributes his unique style of Vietnamese-California cuisine as much to his heritage as to his birthplace. Born in Oakland, CA, Phu is a first-generation Vietnamese-American chef. His family originates from Phu Quoc, an island recognized as the birthplace of fish sauce in Asia. Since 1895, Phu's family has been crafting artisanal Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, renowned as the 'Champagne' of fish sauces.
Phu honed his culinary skills in some of the nation's top restaurants, including Daniel, Acquerello, and Chez Panisse. His experience spans a vast array of culinary cultures, from American greats to classical European traditions. However, it was "the memory of taste" that drew him back to his Vietnamese roots: the practices, ingredients, techniques, and flavors. He began revisiting and exploring his mother's cuisine, a generations-old culinary tradition. His frequent and inspirational trips back to Vietnam further bolstered this exploration.
Meet the Chef
Wallace Wong, also known as the Six Pack Chef, is a renowned chef, fitness athlete, TV personality, and entrepreneur. He has worked in prestigious restaurants worldwide and appeared on various TV shows, winning Fridge Wars and Chopped Canada.
A former clinically obese individual turned international fitness competitor, Wallace combines his culinary skills and fitness experience to promote a healthy lifestyle. He is also a cancer survivor, adding to his inspirational journey. With over 660K followers on TikTok and a popular IGTV series, Wallace's brand revolves around the pillars of food, health and fitness, and lifestyle.
Have you ever wondered what the Craftsmen Tour is all about? This event, held annually, is more than just a gathering—it's a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the actual blacksmiths and craftsmen who use their skills to create your favorite kitchen knives. This includes renowned artisans such as Yu Kurosaki and Yoshimi Kato, who have devoted countless hours and years to perfecting their craft. These individuals are the keepers of an industry that has been in existence for thousands of years, meticulously preserving the techniques and traditions passed down through generations.
Every year since 2017, we take the initiative to bring these incredibly talented craftsmen all the way from Japan to the United States. This allows for a cultural exchange that benefits everyone involved. Knife enthusiasts and culinary professionals can share their passion and feedback directly with the makers of their beloved tools.
But the Craftsmen Tour is not just about dialogue—it's also a celebration. Attendees can look forward to a host of activities. There will be new knife releases, allowing you to be one of the first to get your hands on the latest creations. Complimentary engraving services will be available, so you can add a personal touch to your new purchase. We also have giveaway prizes up for grabs, and you might just walk away with a beautiful knife of your own.
One of the event's highlights is live knife forging demonstrations. Attendees can witness first-hand the skill and precision that goes into crafting each blade. Not only can you observe the effort and expertise required to forge a knife, but volunteers from the audience also have the opportunity to try hammering the hot steel themselves. Are you be brave enough to give it a try?
At the Craftsmen Tour, you can also look forward to knife skill demonstrations by Chef Wallace Wong, who holds a Guinness World Record. You'll also get to enjoy tasty bites made with ingredients from our partners Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, Velarde Foods Truffles, Trex Wagyu and SakéOne Sake. The Craftsmen Tour is an event you do not want to miss.
