Knife Making: Forge Your Own Blade

Forge your own knife in Kyoto with expert guidance. Experience the thrill of blacksmithing and create a unique keepsake. Book your adventure today.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • studio NIN 八瀬 - This immersive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of “forging.” Participants will learn to use the tools and craft a knife following the traditional methods used in creating Japanese kitchen knives. It’s an unforgettable journey.
    This experience includes:
  1. Dress in a traditional goldsmith outfit for an authentic…
What's Included
  • A set of tools used to make knives
  • Uniform
  • English Guide
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Mao, your instructor, is a seasoned knife expert with over a decade of experience in sharpening knives. He will guide you through the knife-making process in a straightforward manner, perfect for beginners. While some tasks may be hazardous, rest assured. The highlight of the experience is “forging,” where hot iron is repeatedly hammered. Detailed…

Location
studio NIN 八瀬
We operate out of two studios in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.Our staff will message you prior to your visit to confirm which location you should attend. We look forward to seeing you at one of our beautiful forging spaces: ・Studio NIN Yase  or ・Studio NIN Kendo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(60 Ratings)
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Michael_e
Feb 2, 2026
Great people. Great experience. - So much fun! I love Japanese carpentry but had little experience blacksmithing. My wife and I made a sushimi and utility knife from the provided ‘white paper’ grade steel. They gave us plenty of time and were very helpful when needed. Some knives do not need a handle, For others you can purchase an authentic Japanese Cedar handle separately. I told them that I would make the handle at home and they said that was totally fine. They were very kind and accommodating. Best of all the knives we made seem to be high quality and I expect to use them regularly.
Review provided by Viator
Belinda_t
Dec 29, 2025
This was a 10/10 - Really fun and interesting experience. Diaki was an engaging excellent teacher, and quietly stepped in to assist when needed. And what a great take-home souvenir!
Review provided by Viator
Media
Dec 24, 2025
Authentic knife making at a blacksmith in Kyoto - This was a very fascinating experience. The excitement started building up from the dress up process. Then we sat down to start the knife making - first with the fire and hammers, then on the machines to finish off. A great family activity and the bonus is taking the knife home. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimmy_j
Dec 20, 2025
Fun knife making - Had a great time. Staff was very friendly and helpful. You work hammering the hot steel to harden and shape the knife. The staff showed us how to do it safely.
Review provided by Viator
Esaua177
Dec 15, 2025
Amazing - It was amazing, Taka was so easy to talk to and helped me with my Japanese. Apart from teaching us some rules, he was excellent at guiding us on how to form and shape of our knifes. I would do it again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Santiago_h
Dec 9, 2025
An excellent activity to... - An excellent activity to gain some insight into the remarkable craftsmanship of Japanese knife making. Our instructors were cheerful, patient, and very helpful in correcting our very amateur efforts. Thank you for a most enjoyable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Sophie_c
Dec 7, 2025
Enjoyable hands on experience that gives a traditional feel for Japanese craftsmanship - Friendly staff who are extremely helpful if needed to ensure you get a product ypu are happy with at the end
Review provided by Viator
718tedi
Dec 4, 2025
Great experience - NIN Studio provided a great and memorable experience. I felt it was an authentic session with helpful and knowledgeable assistance from the staff. The facility was comfortable, clean, organized, and well-suited for a group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mathew_f
Nov 21, 2025
Humbling Fun - Very nice experience for individuals or couples. If you’ve watched forged by fire it’s not that hard but it is strenuous as you hammer the metal billet into shape. Once done you grind and sharpening. Had a great time challenging myself.
Review provided by Viator
Cameronmb3476ah
Nov 14, 2025
Must-do experience - The experience was great and my knife came out far better than I could have imagined. The location of the home is a bit of a walk into a very quiet neighborhood of Kyoto, but the space is nice and unique. The teacher helps keep you on track throughout the processes to make sure you have a nice result. There are many nice different options of blades to make.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $151
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).