The City of Swords

Our Phoenix line is produced in Seki, Japan. Seki, also known as The City of Swords, It was the center of Samurai sword making for the last eight hundred years. This rich tradition has evolved to make Seki the world leader in production of fine cutlery. New West knives are made with the most modern innovations available, but are also hand finished by craftsmen whose families have been making the world's sharpest blades for centuries. The Fukumoto family our partners in Seki were the first to turn from making the sword to manufacturing the hocho (kitchen knife) around 1900. The talent and spirit of the Fukumoto family resides in these knives.

Seki first gained renown 800 years ago at the end of the Kamakura period for a blade-smith named "Magoroku of Seki." Magoroku's weapons earned a reputation in battle for their durability and sharpness. Seki's other important reason for its development as the center of blade-smithing was its proximity to the three most important ingredients of a perfect blade. Pure iron ore, a large supply of wood to produce charcoal and clean water are all in abundance in the beautiful mountains surrounding Seki. Seki's rich history of fine craftsmanship combined with the latest technological developments make Seki the world leader in the production of fine cutlery.