Commission a Custom Japanese Chef Knife

This is a full bespoke commission service. We work with steel and materials rarely available through standard channels, shaping each blade to match how you actually work.

Fill out the form below with as much detail as you can — knife type, hand size, blade dimensions, and materials. If you're unsure about an exact measurement, leave it blank and we'll follow up with you directly.

Before the blacksmith begins work, we'll confirm the design and specifications with you by email or, where helpful, an online call. Crafting begins only once we have your final go-ahead, so that your wishes and vision are clearly reflected in the finished blade.

Have a bevel preference, a specific technique, or anything else in mind? Let us know in Additional Notes at the end of the form.

How a Commission Comes Together

Custom commissions start at approximately $5,500. This is a guide price only: shipping, insurance, and any duties or import taxes vary by destination and are itemized in your personal quote, and the final price depends on materials, complexity, and craftsmanship. As a general guide, the lead time is approximately 6–12 months from the time of order to delivery. Please note that this is only an estimate; the confirmed lead time will be provided during our discussions, based on the specifics of your commission.

1

Submit Your Inquiry

Tell us what you have in mind through the form below — intended use, blade shape, dimensions, handle, and any other details you'd like to specify.

2

Confirmation

We review your request and follow up by email or online to confirm every detail together, making sure the specification matches your vision.

3

Budget & Timeline

Once the design is confirmed, we discuss pricing and an estimated delivery date.

4

Deposit & Commissioning

Work begins once a 50% deposit is received. Your blade is then commissioned to the smith best matched to your request.

5

Completion & Final Payment

When your knife is complete, the remaining balance is due before we ship it to you.

From $5,500Guide price
6–12 monthsTypical lead time
50% depositBalance due on completion

Your Details

Knife Specifications

Reference photo of our knife types: Gyuto, Santoku, Yanagiba, Nakiri, Deba, and a fully custom design

Reference photo of our knife types. Your blade will be handcrafted to your specifications.

Single-bevel knives like the Yanagiba and Deba are ground differently for right- and left-handed use.

Diagram of a knife showing blade length measured horizontally along the cutting edge, and blade width measured vertically at the tallest point of the blade, both in centimeters
Solid steel — fully hand-forged by hand.
To be discussed.

Enter any name, initials, or short message you'd like engraved on the blade. This is known as the "mei," the maker's or owner's signature traditionally inscribed on Japanese knives. If this doesn't matter to you, feel free to leave it blank or skip the term entirely — just write whatever you'd like engraved, if anything.

Custom orders start at approximately $5,500 (guide price; your final quote is confirmed individually).

Diagram showing how to measure hand length, hand width, palm circumference, middle finger length, thumb-index spread, and thumb tip to little fingertip distance, all in centimeters

These six measurements help us balance the handle length, grip width, and shape to your hand.

Anything Else?

Photo Sharing

May we feature photos of your finished knife on the Oak Bay Knives website and social media? No personal information will be published.

Payment Terms