In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Knife Company, this book, adorned with stunning photography, follows the journey from raw metal into beautifully made knives, crafted through centuries-old traditional Japanese techniques, and into the hands of great chefs and people who love good cooking. This commemorative book is based on the significance and reoccurrence of the number five, commonly considered a lucky number within Japanese culture. It visits five towns in Japan – Takefu (武生), Sakai (堺), Seki (関), Sanjō (三条), Tosa (土佐) – all historically famous for fine blade making by master blacksmiths who live and work there. Featured in this book are five highly-respected and internationally recognised chefs from London, Paris, and Stockholm. Each was invited to select, from the JKC range, one knife with which to prepare a special dish. Based on the specific individual requirements of the five chefs, five outstanding Japanese master blacksmiths, one from each of the towns above, were selected and commissioned to forge the requested knives. The five knives were then presented to the five chefs who, with passion and culinary expertise, prepared five dishes, each using the knife made for them.

The book will be available for purchase by registered guests on the day, with an exclusive 50% discount from the list price of £39.99.

About the contributors

Jayesh Patel (JKC Founder & Owner - Author)

Born in Vadodara, India in 1956, Jayesh Patel founded The Japanese Knife Company in 1998. Being a very good cook in his own right, Jay founded JKC on the principle that great chefs need great tools. Reenforced with the common knowledge that Japan has been renown for making superb blades for centuries, the idea of making bespoke Japanese knives available in England, (later to other countries in Europe) made good business sense. An equal attraction was Jay’s appreciation for the aesthetic appeal and beauty of these exquisitely made products. Not satisfied with just ‘selling’ Japanese knives, Jay went to great lengths to learn, understand and educate himself in the centuries old techniques of fine blade manufacture, (many of which are held in strict secrecy to outsiders). Consequently, Jay has become a leading authority on the technical artistry that goes into the creation of Japanese knives. JKC was the first retailer in the UK with a website dedicated to the kitchen knife.

David Stetson (Photographer, Art Director - Co-author)

Born in London in 1953, David Stetson’s career has spanned 50 years and 3 continents. Now a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists, David launched his career in London as a fashion photographer, establishing himself as a regular contributing photographer to leading fashion magazines and national newspapers. He later moved to New York, where he opened a studio on Manhattan’s Park Avenue South, shooting for major Madison Avenue ad agencies. David’s body of work includes celebrity portraits, classic fashion & beauty, travel, architecture, nature & landscape, abstract and documentary photographs. His fine art photography has been exhibited on numerous occasions at leading galleries in London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore & Cologne. More recently he has lived and worked in Tokyo, where he founded ‘Mode Innovations’, increased his creative profile by providing photography, design and creative services. In addition, he worked as a consultant creative director for advertising agencies and as art director and chief photographer for lifestyle and travel magazines.