Kyocera Commemorates 40 Years of Ceramic Knife Innovation With Limited Edition Knife Set
Kyocera’s 40th Anniversary commemorative ceramic knives will be available late fall 2024 in a limited-edition gift set in either Botanical Green (left) or Aegean Blue (right). (Photo: Business Wire)
Company introduced first ceramic knife in 1984; has sold over 20 million*1knives in more than 60 countries worldwide
SAN DIEGO, October 01, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera, a global leader in ceramic cutlery, today announced the fall 2024 launch of its limited-edition, two-piece ceramic knife set commemorating its 40 years of ceramic cutlery innovation. Today marks the 40th anniversary of Japan’s first ceramic knife, introduced by Kyocera at Japan’s International Crafts Expo in Kyoto, Oct. 1, 1984.
Kyocera’s new limited-edition ceramic knife set includes one 4.5" Utility and one traditional 5.5" Santoku knife in Aegean Blue or Botanical Green for $85.00 (MSRP). Available in late fall 2024 from select retailers and Kyocera’s online store, these exquisite knives were designed to inspire mindful, healthy cooking that celebrates the harmonious connection between food, nature and culinary artistry.
"Kyocera utilized its expertise in ceramic technologies to pioneer the ceramic knife industry 40 years ago," said Yoshihiro Takiguchi, General Manager of Kyocera’s Application Products Division. "Today, we are delighted to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kyocera’s ceramic knives. The unique combination of craftsmanship and advanced materials has grown into a diverse line of innovative knives and tools, with sales expanding into more than 60 countries. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all consumers around the world who love our products."
Kyocera's 40-Year Legacy: Revolutionizing the Kitchen with Ceramic Knives
Kyocera, founded with a new ceramic technology in Kyoto, Japan in 1959, has created numerous applications for its Fine Ceramics in key industries including electronics, semiconductors, medicine, communications and renewable energy. In fact, today’s typical home has been estimated to contain more than 100 Kyocera components in appliances, communications, and consumer electronics. Building upon Japan’s centuries-old traditions in blade crafting, Kyocera engineers in the early 1980s applied their own precision and patience in ceramic technology to develop Kyocera’s first ceramic knife.
Over the past 40 years, Kyocera has obtained numerous patents for its ceramic knife technology, including innovations in blade geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes. In 2020, Kyocera launched its patented INNOVATIONblack? series, bringing more than 12 years of research and development to market to deliver blades that can maintain razor-like sharpness up to twice as long as conventional ceramic knives.
Kyocera Adds Sustainable Packaging and Manufacturing
In 2022, the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBT) recognized Kyocera’s ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% (compared to 2020 levels), and to increase renewable energy adoption up to 20X (compared to 2014 levels), by fiscal year 2031. With a long-term vision to achieve full carbon neutrality by fiscal year 2051, Kyocera is continually minimizing its environmental footprint. Reflecting this dedication, Kyocera introduced its INNOVATIONwhite? cutlery series in 2023. Guided by renowned designer Yohei Kuwano, this series also boasts twice the durability of conventional ceramic knives while prioritizing ergonomic design and sustainability. Manufactured using solar power, these knives and their accompanying plastic-free packaging further demonstrate Kyocera's commitment to minimizing waste and preserving our planet.
Handcrafted in Japan, Kyocera knives have won global popularity, with more than 20 million sold.1 Kyocera’s dedication to perfecting ceramic knives brings key advantages, including:
Long-lasting sharpness with less maintenance: Kyocera’s advanced ceramic materials, which are harder than traditional steel blades, offer exceptional edge retention and long-lasting sharpness. This makes them ideal for everyday whole foods prep, such as slicing fruits, vegetables, herbs and boneless meats.2
Lightweight and ergonomic: Kyocera’s ceramic knives are often lighter than steel knives, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Their design maximizes grip ability and ease of use to make repetitive cutting tasks easier.
Hygienic and easy to clean: Unlike metal knives, ceramic blades are chemically non-reactive and will not contribute to food oxidation. This also means they can be sanitized using bleach, making them a hygienic choice for preparing boneless raw chicken and other boneless meats.
Rust-resistant: Ceramic knives never corrode, eliminating the need for special care in wet or humid conditions.
1As of 2024 (Kyocera’s data). 2Ceramic knives are not recommended for deboning or cutting harder foods.
Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of Fine Ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, LCDs, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2024, Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 2.0 trillion Japanese yen (approx. US$13.3 billion). Kyocera is ranked #874 on Forbes magazine’s 2024 "Global 2000" list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has been named among "The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies" by The Wall Street Journal.
