What does 要 on a Japanese knife mean?

要 reads Kaname. It is a brand name used by Kai Corporation (Seki Magoroku, Shun) (貝印（関孫六・旬）) of Seki, Gifu, in the Seki region. Seki Magoroku series name (関孫六要); reported by a Reddit owner, 2026-09.

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要 Kaname

Q: Who makes knives marked 要?

Kai Corporation (Seki Magoroku, Shun). Factory in Seki. Steels: VG10, Molybdenum-vanadium stainless, AUS10. Knife types: Santoku, Gyuto, Petty, Nakiri, Deba, Yanagiba, Usuba, Sujihiki, Pan-kiri.

Documented brand

Quick answer

MakerKai Corporation (Seki Magoroku, Shun)RegionSeki, Gifu Marks関孫六 / 孫六 / 旬 / 要 / 金寿 / 銀寿SteelsVG10, Molybdenum-vanadium stainless, AUS10 Knife types madeSantoku, Gyuto, Petty, Nakiri, Deba, Yanagiba, Usuba, Sujihiki, Pan-kiriMain useAll-round home knife: vegetables, fish, meat. The first knife to buy. Recommended whetstone1000 → 3000 JIS · how to sharpenMaintenanceWipe dry after use. Dishwasher still not recommended — the heat and detergent dull the edge and loosen handles.

What this mark means

要 reads Kaname. It is a brand name used by Kai Corporation (Seki Magoroku, Shun) (貝印（関孫六・旬）), Seki, Gifu — the Seki region. Seki Magoroku series name (関孫六要); reported by a Reddit owner, 2026-09.

Other marks from the same maker

関孫六 Seki Magoroku
孫六 Magoroku
旬 Shun
金寿 Kinju
銀寿 Ginju

About the maker

Japan's largest cutlery maker. 関孫六 (Seki Magoroku) is the domestic brand: marks read 関孫六 plus a series name (銀寿, 匠創, 桃山, 金寿…). 旬 (Shun) is the export brand in VG-MAX/VG10 damascus. Both are stamped/etched, not chiselled. HQ Tokyo, factory Seki.

Products carrying this mark

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