ZAKU Kickstarter: How Our Authentic Japanese Knives Were Born!

Starting as a small Kickstarter project, ZAKU has been steadily building its brand while sharing meaningful messages with consumers through its 100% well-crafted Japanese knives. Let’s explore ZAKU and its first chapter with Kickstarter in the story of the brand’s development.

What’s the idea behind ZAKU?

The ZAKU Project by Ichigo was created to share the joy and artistry of Japanese craftsmanship with the world. Ichigo has always worked to bring joy through Japanese culture, and with ZAKU, that dream takes the form of a knife. Some of these knives are made in Sakai, a city renowned for its centuries-old tradition of blade-making. Working directly with master artisans, Ichigo hopes to keep this heritage alive while making it possible for everyone, not only professional chefs.

The idea is that a knife is not just a practical tool but a vessel of tradition, culture, and pride. Owning one means holding a piece of heritage, and this belief is what shaped the brand’s foundation. Cooking goes beyond preparing food; it’s a way to share, create, and enjoy moments together. This is why ZAKU’s mission is to connect passion with profession by creating high-quality knives that are accessible to everyday cooks worldwide.

In what way do these knives distinguish themselves?

What makes ZAKU knives unique is the harmony between beauty and function. The blade is made with 66 layers of Damascus steel, a technique that gives it great strength and graceful patterns. Each wave on the blade tells a story of careful forging, while the Tsuchime finish creates gentle dimples that keep food from sticking. This makes cooking not only smoother but also more enjoyable.

The handle is called Akatsuki, meaning “daybreak” in Japanese. Its design evokes a fresh sunrise, a symbol of new beginnings in the kitchen. Crafted from fine Japanese wood, the handle feels light yet steady in the hand, reducing fatigue and allowing precise control. Its gradient pattern carries the idea of dawn woven into every detail.

ZAKU also shines in its thoughtful size and design. The Gyuto at 210 millimeters perfectly balances many tasks, from slicing vegetables to cutting meat easily. It’s versatile, comfortable, and friendly for beginners and experts. Every knife carries the spirit of Japan, with the kanji 作 (creation) reminding us that cooking is both craft and art.

Finally, the most precious highlight lies in its origin. As mentioned earlier, many of these knives are hand-crafted in Sakai, where skilled artisans produce 98% of the knives used by professional chefs in Japan. Holding a ZAKU knife means taking part in this living heritage. It’s a bridge between past and present, made for those who want to cook passionately while cherishing a piece of history.

What kinds of knives are currently in ZAKU’s lineup?

ZAKU’s lineup has two main knives to know: the Gyuto and the Petty. These blades are trusted for their balance, strength, and grace. Both bring joy to daily cooking activities, and each has notable highlights and features that make it stand out. Together, they create a perfect starting set for chefs and learners alike.

The ZAKU Gyuto is a proud all-purpose chef’s knife with a long, elegant blade. It shines when slicing vegetables, chopping herbs, or cutting meat smoothly. Its razor edge makes every task feel light and easy.

Meanwhile, the ZAKU Petty is smaller but full of charm, built for fine and careful work. It helps with peeling fruit, trimming vegetables, or cutting small herbs. Its blade feels light, offering excellent control for delicate tasks. This knife is the graceful partner that completes the Gyuto.

What has the journey with Kickstarter been like?

The team behind ZAKU knives turned to Kickstarter to explore whether their vision could resonate with a global audience. Kickstarter is a platform where creators share ideas and bring them to life with community support. The journey began with market research, product design, and several visits to Sakai, followed by the campaign launch. The process involved extensive learning, planning, and careful preparation.

Within the first week, the project received the Project We Love badge, an honor awarded to several campaigns. Funding was achieved rapidly, eventually reaching 234% of the original goal. This milestone demonstrated widespread support and belief in the project from backers worldwide. It marked a key highlight in the campaign, reflecting both trust and enthusiasm from the community.

Following Kickstarter’s success, the team has focused on developing a dedicated website. The platform aims to go beyond e-commerce, serving as a space to communicate the philosophy, spirit, and vision of ZAKU knives. This is the beginning of a larger journey that grows with every new sunrise.

Why was the Kickstarter journey meaningful for ZAKU?

The Kickstarter journey was worthwhile because it revealed a shared appreciation for craftsmanship worldwide. It confirmed that people value precision, design, and heritage behind each knife. Through this process, ZAKU could connect the artistry of these blades with everyday cooks, bridging tradition and modern practice.

The campaign also emphasized the importance of sustainability and longevity. Using natural materials and forging knives for decades, ZAKU aligns with a philosophy that respects craft and the environment. The journey highlighted that a knife can carry culture, responsibility, and care in every detail. Are you curious to experience the craftsmanship of ZAKU knives yourself? We would love to hear your thoughts.