About Us

Shinobi Industries specialises in high-quality handmade Japanese Kitchen Knives. 

Born out of a love for the culinary arts, Shinobi Industries started as a passion project and side business of clasically trained Chef Leif Ibrahim.

Over the last 20 years, Leif has had the privilege of working in some of Sydney's top restaurants, including Milson's, Fishface and Quay, as well as training under a 7th year sushi chef from Tokyo.

Working most of his career primarily in fine dining, Leif noticed Japanese kitchen knives were highly valued by chefs from all over the world for their exceptional performance and aesthetic . Every chef he admired had at least one Japanese knife in their kit.

After his first trip to Japan back in 2015, his eyes were opened to a world of different knife steels and shapes, all suited to different purposes. Each Blacksmith having their own unique style and techniques, some steeped in hundreds of years of tradition. 

The fact that generations had dedicated their entire lives to their industry and craft. To make a common tool that people use everyday. And to make it so beautiful.

It was mesmerising. Inspiring. Bordering on obsession. Just like that , he was hooked.

 

Over the years, Leif has developed strong professional relationships and close friendships in Japan, and has had the privilege of travelling to Sakai to meet some of the renowned craftsmen who create such  beautiful Kitchen tools. 

Originally, Leif started selling knives in person to friends and colleagues. Now, many knives and many trips later, we are proud to finally be able to launch our own brand and online store.

Thanks to our good friends in Sakai, Osaka, and Kappabashi Dori, Tokyo, we are excited to offer you our Chef curated collection of handmade kitchen knives from across Japan. 

We can proudly say that our own Shinobi 忍  knives are Individually handmade in Sakai, Osaka and sharpened and finished by Certified Master Craftsmen Tsukasa Ajioka. Ajioka-san is a 3rd generation knife grinder and owner of Sakai Takumi Ajimasa. 

We also offer a small hand picked selection of knives from other top manufacturers, such as Toshu, Yoshihiro, Koujin Hamono and Sakai Takayuki, with plans to branch out to include other Blacksmiths and Master Craftsmen in the near future.

Our goal is to support the Amazingly talented Japanese Craftsmen who make it possible for us to enjoy both the beauty and functionality of these exquisitely crafted kitchen Knives.

You can buy from us with the confidence that you are buying only genuine Japanese product's, supporting the Japanese Craftsmen and their families who make all of this possible and helping them to share their art with the world.

We are completely transparent with how we run our business, and honesty and integrity is at the very forefront of our business model.

We try to offer competitive pricing, while also  making sure the majority goes back to the knife makers. 

If you are a price ninja, and happen to find a better price on a knife we are advertising, please let us know and we will match the price for you. After all, we love a good deal  just as much as you do! :)

We also welcome any feedback you may have, good or bad, because we always want to do better. Or if you just have questions, we are always here and always happy to help.

We totally understand that we are the new kid on the block, and our name might not be on the lips of everyone on reddit just yet, but if you give us a chance, Shinobi Industries will not let you down.

If there is something in particular you want and don't see at our shop, we are able to source knives from most of the workshops in Sakai.

All Knives advertised on our website are held locally in Sydney, ready to be shipped. 

We aim to get your item packed and shipped out to you within 24hrs of purchase, whenever possible. 

If you have any questions, have any special requests or want to order a custom knife, please reach out to leif@shinobiindustries.com.au.