History
In 1908 Kai Corporation started life as a small pocket knife manufacturer in Seki, the ancient sword making capital of Japan.
Today Kai manufactures, sells, exports and imports more than 10,000 different types of cutlery and cutting tools, ranging from kitchen utensils to cosmetic accessories and surgical implements.
The tradition and skills handed down from the sword-smiths of ancient Japan have always been an inspiration and integral part of every Kai product since the company's foundation. Similarly Kai Shun kitchen knives are made using a combination of state of the art technology and long experience, and are highly esteemed all over the world – each Shun knife is handcrafted in Japan and requires at least 100 meticulous steps to complete.
In Japan, the blade has long been more than just a tool; the way of the blade is a way of life.
In Japanese, “Shun” (pronounced “shoon” and rhymes with “moon”) is the precise moment during the year when any particular food is at the peak of its perfection. Shun is when fruit is at its sweetest, when vegetables are perfectly ripe, perfectly fresh, and perfectly delicious. Shun is in harmony with the natural rhythms of the seasons. Kai Shun knives proudly takes its name from this Japanese culinary tradition of preparing and eating the very freshest food at the perfect “shun” moment. It is a tradition we live up to every day, making fine kitchen knives that are always at the peak of their perfection, too.
In the spirit of the legendary sword smiths of Japan
From the legendary samurai swords said to contain the soul of the warrior who wielded them to the handcrafted kitchen knives of today, the exquisite craftsmanship of Japanese blades is admired worldwide.
Since the 13th century, Seki City has been the heart of the Japanese cutlery industry. For more than 100 years, it has also been home to the Kai Corporation, the makers of Kai Shun fine knives. Inspired by the blade-making traditions of ancient Japan, today’s highly skilled Shun artisans produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
