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KAI Group
Published: June 13th, 2025
In the quiet hills of Seki, Japan, a town long known for its master swordsmiths, young Saijiro Endo began forging a legacy. Born into a region that once armed samurai with katanas, Endo found himself at a historical turning point. The Meiji government’s ban on sword carrying left countless craftsmen without purpose, but for Saijiro, it marked the beginning of a new path. In 1908, at just twenty years old, he opened a tiny workshop to craft folding knives. He worked under oil lamps, slept just a few hours each night, and poured everything he had into the work. At first, he had only a handful of workers. His wife worried constantly about his health, but Saijiro never complained. He found satisfaction in small victories, like earning enough to buy a gift for his mother.
His dedication paid off. During World War I, the demand for knives soared, and though a postwar recession followed, Saijiro refused to stop innovating. His breakthrough came with the No.510 folding knife, a simple, black-handled design that became so popular it was widely imitated. Even after being named the top knife producer in Japan, Saijiro kept improving. One of his most enduring product lines, the “Seki Magoroku” series, was named after a legendary swordsmith and underscored his belief that even in the modern era, the soul of Japanese blade-making could endure.
- In 1908, Saijiro Endo (pictured above) opened a tiny workshop and began crafting pocket knives
As Japan modernized in the 1930s, grooming became fashionable. Saijiro recognized a growing market for shaving tools and boldly pivoted into razors. Though he had never built such products before, he imported German machinery and worked tirelessly to perfect the country’s first replaceable-blade razor. In 1932, he established the Seki Safety Razor Manufacturing Co., which began production of these three-hole blades. By the late 1930s, his razors were included in soldiers’ care packages and adopted by civilians alike. To promote the brand, he even handed out razor-shaped sugar cookies and monogrammed teacups and soaps used in the factory.
- In 1947, Saijiro Endo II (pictured above) established Feather Co. Ltd.
- Endo Cutlery Co. Ltd was founded in 1971, to produce kitchen knives in-house
- KAI Cutlery U.S.A. Ltd. was founded in 1977
- In 1982, the company was renamed to Kaijirushi Hamono Co.
- Koji Endo (pictured above) became President and CEO in 1989
- In 1992, six companies were consolidated to form Kai Industries Co. Ltd.
Koji also looked outward. He helped build a global presence, especially in the United States. In 1977, KAI acquired Kershaw Knives in Oregon, a company founded just a few years earlier by Pete Kershaw, who had left Gerber Legendary Blades to create practical, hard-working knives for hunters and outdoorsmen. With KAI’s backing, Kershaw flourished, combining Japanese manufacturing precision with American innovation. In 1997, Kershaw’s Random Task, designed by Ken Onion and featuring the revolutionary SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism, won “American-Made Knife of the Year” at BLADE Show. That innovation catapulted Kershaw into the spotlight and helped establish KAI USA as a major player in the American knife industry.
The company didn’t stop there. In 2006, KAI launched Zero Tolerance, a brand aimed at military, law enforcement, and heavy-duty EDC users. Built entirely in the U.S., ZT knives combined bold styling with high-end materials, quickly becoming collector favorites. Collaborations with designers like Rick Hinderer of Hinderer Knives and Dmitry Sinkevich brought accolades, including multiple BLADE Show awards.
- In 1977, KAI acquired Kershaw Knives
- In 2002, KAI launched the kitchen cutlery brand Shun Cutlery
- In 2006, KAI launched the knife brand Zero Tolerance
Meanwhile, Koji led KAI into the culinary world with the launch of Shun Cutlery in 2002. Blending traditional Japanese knife-making with modern aesthetics, Shun brought handcrafted VG-series kitchen knives to chefs and home cooks alike. The pinnacle of this culinary journey came in 2005, when KAI partnered with three-Michelin-star French chef Michel Bras to create an ultra-premium line of knives designed to execute an entire fine-dining menu with just seven blades. The knives were sold at top retailers around the globe and set a new standard for design and performance.
KAI’s expansion wasn’t limited to North America and Europe. Under Koji’s guidance, the company established production facilities in China and distribution systems in Japan, building out an infrastructure resistant to currency shifts and global supply issues. It also moved into medical tools, scalpels, and beauty products, all manufactured with the same focus on quality and innovation.
Today, KAI Group operates more than 20 subsidiaries and manufactures over 10,000 products. From household scissors and surgical blades to nail clippers and kitchen knives, its reach is global, but its soul remains deeply tied to its origins in Seki. More than a century after Saijiro Endo first began crafting blades by lamplight, KAI remains one of the world’s most respected names in cutting tools. It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and a three-generation commitment to precision that continues to shape the way we cut, shave, cook, and live.
What to Buy
Kershaw
The Kershaw Livewire Limewire, an SMKW exclusive, features a 3.3-inch CPM-MagnaCut spear point blade with a black finish for strength and corrosion resistance. Its vibrant lime green 6061-T6 aluminum handle offers lightweight durability and a secure grip. A dual-action thumb slide enables rapid OTF deployment. Measuring 8.1 inches overall and weighing 3 ounces, it balances cutting power with portability. A black tip-down pocket clip ensures easy carry. Built for performance and everyday reliability, the Livewire combines premium materials, striking aesthetics, and fast action, making it an ideal choice for both collectors and real-world users.
The Kershaw Random Leek features a 3-inch drop-point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel with a bead-blasted finish for low-glare performance and excellent durability. Designed by Ken Onion and made in the USA, it opens fast with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted mechanism. The slim 410 stainless steel handle is bead-blasted to match, offering a sleek, ergonomic grip. Weighing just 2.9 ounces and measuring 7 inches overall, it balances compact size with cutting versatility. A reversible pocket clip and lanyard hole offer carry options. With premium materials and everyday function, the Random Leek is built for style and performance.
Zero Tolerance
The Zero Tolerance 0350TS Tiger Stripe features a 3.25-inch CPM-S30V stainless steel drop point recurve blade with a plain edge and a black-and-white tiger stripe Cerakote finish for enhanced wear resistance. Designed by Ken Onion and made in the USA, it utilizes a spring-assisted flipper for fast, reliable deployment. The black G-10 handle provides a secure grip and houses a sturdy framelock. At 7.6 inches overall and 6.2 ounces, it offers serious cutting power in a compact form. A four-position pocket clip and lanyard hole provide versatile carry options, making it a bold and functional everyday carry knife.
The Zero Tolerance 0556 is a precision-engineered out-the-side automatic knife built for sleek performance and everyday utility. Its 3.35" CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel drop point blade features a refined two-tone stonewashed and satin finish, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. A push-button mechanism ensures fast, reliable deployment and secure lockup. The titanium handle includes carbon fiber inlays on both sides, delivering lightweight durability and a modern aesthetic. At 4.4" closed and weighing only 2.4 ounces, the 0556 is compact enough for discreet carry without sacrificing cutting power. Proudly made in the USA, it’s a premium blend of function and style.
Shun Cutlery
The Shun Classic Chef’s Knife features a VG-MAX stainless steel blade with 68 micro layers of Damascus cladding for exceptional strength, stain resistance, and edge retention. Its 8-inch plain edge glides through ingredients with minimal drag, aided by a polished finish that allows food to release easily. The full tang design ensures balance and control, while the ebony-finished Pakkawood handle offers lasting comfort, durability, and elegance. Weighing 6.7 ounces and measuring 13.4 inches overall, this knife brings together performance and beauty, ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping with precision in both professional and home kitchens.
The Shun Premier Blonde Kiritsuke is a master chef’s multipurpose knife designed for precision and versatility. Its 8-inch blade features a razor-sharp VG-MAX cutting core, clad in 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel for exceptional edge retention and beauty. A hammered tsuchime finish helps food release cleanly, making every cut smooth and efficient. Ideal for slicing, push cuts, and fine vegetable prep, it also excels at portioning boneless proteins. The blonde Pakkawood handle is contoured for a secure, moisture-resistant grip. Handcrafted in Japan, this knife combines elegant design with professional-grade performance in the kitchen.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.