Book launch: The Art & Precision of Japanese Knives

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Knife Company, this book, adorned with stunning photography, follows the journey from raw metal into beautifully made knives, crafted through centuries-old traditional Japanese techniques, and into the hands of great chefs and people who love good cooking.

This commemorative book is based on the significance and reoccurrence of the number five, commonly considered a lucky number within Japanese culture. It visits five towns in Japan – Takefu (武生), Sakai (堺), Seki (関), Sanjō (三条), Tosa (土佐) – all historically famous for fine blade making by master blacksmiths who live and work there.

Featured in this book are five highly-respected and internationally recognised chefs from London, Paris, and Stockholm. Each was invited to select, from the JKC range, one knife with which to prepare a special dish. Based on the specific individual requirements of the five chefs, five outstanding Japanese master blacksmiths, one from each of the towns above, were selected and commissioned to forge the requested knives. The five knives were then presented to the five chefs who, with passion and culinary expertise, prepared five dishes, each using the knife made for them.

The book will be available for purchase by registered guests on the day, with an exclusive 50% discount from the list price of £39.99.