The Boys Are Back
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.
Meet the Craftsmen
Meet the Maker
Yu Kurosaki
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
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
Tu David Phu
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
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.
About The Tour
What is the Craftsmen Tour?
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.
Meet the Makers
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.
New Knives
There will be new knife releases, allowing you to be one of the first to get your hands on the latest creations. With complimentary engraving services, 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 artisanal knife of your own.
Forging Demonstrations
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?
Culinary Partners
At the Craftsmen Tour, you can also look forward to knife skill demonstrations by Chef Wallace Wong, who holds a Guinness World Record for his lighting fast chopping. Plus, attend multi-course fine dining meals helmed in the kitchen by the acclaimed Chef Tu David Phu.
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.
