Samurai Edge, KURENAI: A Crowdfunding Project for a Purely Japanese-Made Knife Brand that Inherits the Beauty and Spirit of Japanese Swords has Launched

TOKYO, Japan: Today, douzo Inc., a "Japan-made Lifestyle Company" specializing in rebranding and selling Japanese products for overseas markets, announced the initiation of an exciting Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. This campaign marks the grand launch of the exquisite Japanese knife brand "KURENAI" on August 22, 2023. The supported products are two types of knives, Gyuto (Chef's Knife) and Petty Knife, and the crowdfunding campaign will run from August 22 (Tue) 7am to October 6 (Fri) 23:59 EST for a total of 45 days.

KURENAI Crowdfunding Project Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/douzo/kurenai?ref=a47lcj

Objectives of the KURENAI Project

This project has two main objectives:

・Contributing to the further development of Japan's knife industry through expanded presence in international markets.
・Combating wasteful consumption by introducing high-quality Japanese knives that can be used for extended periods, countering the prevalent practice of frequently replacing inexpensive knives for maintaining sharpness.

About KURENAI Knives
KURENAI Brand Image Video：https://youtu.be/rxoXo6H62kQ

KURENAI, a knife of pure Japanese craftsmanship, is manufactured in the city of Seki, Gifu Prefecture, known as one of the "Three Great Cutlery Production Areas" in the world. It is a completely Japanese-made knife created meticulously by the craftsmen of SUMIKAMA CUTLERY MFG.CO.,LTD. who have supported Japan's knife industry for over a century.

Crafted from 33 layers of Damascus steel, KURENAI knives exhibit exceptional durability, allowing effortless slicing with the weight of the knife alone and providing a unique sensation. Furthermore, with proper sharpening and regular maintenance, these knives can maintain their sharpness for decades, undoubtedly becoming a lifelong companion in any kitchen.

The overall design of the knives incorporates a refined aesthetic reminiscent of the swords wielded by samurai warriors, perfectly suited to the knives crafted in Seki, a birthplace of traditional Japanese swords. The choice of black and red colors further emphasizes elements that evoke Japan.

Moreover, KURENAI knives are made from materials renowned for their durability, rust resistance, and ease of sharpening. These knives are aimed not only at culinary professionals but also at individuals who value the fusion of craftsmanship and practicality in everyday households.

Kickstarter Project Overview

Products:
・Gyuto Knife (Chef's Knife)
The Gyuto knife is beloved by many cooking enthusiasts as a versatile tool. Its longer blade allows for easy cutting of larger ingredients like meat and fish, and the pointed tip enables delicate cuts. It is a well-rounded knife suitable for various culinary tasks. While considered relatively large, its size is comfortable for individuals with larger hands.

・Petty Knife
Resembling a smaller version of the Gyuto knife, the Petty Knife offers greater maneuverability and is
ideal for intricate cuts and food preparation. With both the Gyuto and Petty Knife from KURENAI, a wide range of ingredients can be handled.

*Knife types will be gradually expanded in the future.

・Crowdfunding Period: August 22 (Tue) - October 6 (Fri) 23:59, 45 days in total
・Target Funding Amount: Aiming for 1.5 million Japanese Yen

Pledge Details

In the KURENAI project, the following pledge options are available:

・Early Bird Special (Limited to 50 sets until August 30, 2023): Gyuto and Petty Knife Set $380
・Gyuto and Petty Knife Set: $433
・Gyuto Knife Only: $254
・Petty Knife Only: $195

Add-On (Additional Reward)

As an add-on, the KURENAI Rolling Sharpener, a roll-type sharpener designed for easy and proper sharpening, is available for purchase. For the KURENAI knife series, about once every 2 months, by sharpening it about 20 times back and forth each time, you can maintain the sharpness you had when you purchased it.

・KURENAI Rolling Sharpener
Price: $116 (Limited to 5000 units) * The pricing may differ slightly based on the currency exchange rate.

Project Schedule

August 2023 - October 2023: Soliciting supporters on Kickstarter
October 2023 - January 2024: Early Bird & Batch 1 Production
February 2024: Early Bird & Batch 1 Shipping
February 2024 - July 2024: Batch 2 Production
August 2024: Batch 2 Shipping
August 2024 - October 2024: Batch 3 Production
November 2024: Batch 3 Shipping

For more details, please visit the KURENAI Crowdfunding Project Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/douzo/kurenai?ref=a47lcj

Background of the KURENAI Project

The increased frequency of cooking at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing demand for Japanese cuisine overseas have expanded the global knife market. However, there is a situation where imitations manufactured abroad are sold at low prices while falsely claiming to be "Made in Japan," and subpar products are circulating in the market under the guise of Japanese-made goods.

Motivated by the desire to introduce the excellence of authentic Japanese knives made by skilled Japanese artisans to households abroad, this project has been initiated.

Over centuries, Japanese blades have been recognized worldwide for their beauty, quality, and the artisanal skill involved in their creation. We aim to re-establish awareness and trust in these Japanese blades in overseas markets and demonstrate their true value.

In some countries, it is common to replace inexpensive knives frequently to maintain sharpness, resulting in wasteful consumption. By promoting the adoption of long-lasting Japanese knives that can be used for decades, we aspire to contribute to the reduction of unnecessary consumption.

To achieve these goals, we will advance the KURENAI project through Kickstarter crowdfunding​ and seek your support.

　

douzo Inc. (https://douzo.jp/)
Address: 6-1-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Toru Ueda
Established: January 10, 2019
Business: Cross-border E-commerce, Sales, Export Support

For Press Inquiries
douzo Inc.
Contact: Reimi Kojima
Email: reimi.kojima@douzo.jp
Phone:+81-50-3588-6079

About douzo Inc.

douzo Inc. is a "Japan-made Lifestyle Company" specializing in rebranding and selling Japanese​ products for overseas markets. douzo's mission is to maximize the brand value of Japanese products​ and communicate their unique and excellent quality to the world.

​For many years, douzo has been selling Japanese products to foreign consumers in various forms.​ douzo has come to realize that for small and medium-sized enterprises with a history in Japan, language and cultural barriers are larger than imagined, making overseas sales a challenging endeavor.

Additionally, despite their tradition and excellent craftsmanship, many small and medium-sized​ enterprises struggle to expand their sales channels and face decline. To support these remarkable​ Japanese companies and open up new sales opportunities abroad, douzo aims to deliver high-quality Japanese products to customers worldwide, bridging Japan and the world.

This release was published on openPR.