SAYACA · Tatami-beri saya, handmade in Osaka

A saya made to your knife's size.

A saya is a knife case. Enter three measurements and we make one in the right size, from Japanese tatami-beri fabric.

Choose your patternHow sizing works
Two SAYACA saya (knife cases), in the Kacho and Seigaiha patterns, on a stone surface

Made to your size. No need to send your knife.

  1. Measure

    Blade length, blade height and spine thickness, with a ruler or calipers.

  2. Enter

    Type the three numbers on the product page. The right size is chosen for you.

  3. We make it

    Made to order in Osaka. It takes about 2 weeks.

Diagram showing how to measure blade length, blade height and spine thickness

Sizes are set by upper limits, so a knife that gets smaller as you sharpen it can keep using the same case.

The case is about 8 cm wide, the width of tatami-beri, and this width is fixed. On a narrow knife, the case will look a little roomy. The magnet holds the knife in place.

Outside our standard range? Request a custom SAYACA

Size guide

Measure the blade length from where the blade meets the handle to the tip. Any Japanese knife within these ranges can be ordered: gyuto, santoku, nakiri, petty, sujihiki, honesuki and more. We check the fit before we make it.

  • Small: blade length under 170 mm (6.7 in)
  • Medium: blade length under 230 mm (9.1 in)
  • Large: blade length under 260 mm (10.2 in)

Blade height: up to 50 mm (2.0 in). Tall Blade, up to 60 mm (2.4 in), is available in four patterns.

Spine thickness: 3, 4 or 5 mm types.

Unusual blade shapes, such as a knife that is thicker in the middle of the blade than at the spine, may not suit the case. Please ask us first.

Longer than 260 mm, such as a yanagiba? We check on request.

Request a custom SAYACA

Tatami-beri fabric

Tatami-beri is the woven fabric trim of traditional Japanese tatami mats. Woven in Kurashiki, Okayama, its jacquard weave brings fine patterns to life in beautiful detail, with a subtle sheen and lasting strength.

Long ago, colors and patterns on tatami-beri even showed a person's rank and status.

Small tatami mats with colorful tatami-beri bands along their edges
Tatami-beri edges a tatami mat.
Woven tatami-beri fabric in the Kacho pattern, with its edge stripes
Woven tatami-beri, in the Kacho pattern.

A magnet holds your knife

A neodymium magnet inside the case holds your knife in place.

Handmade in Osaka

The outer case is sewn by skilled craftspeople. The inner core is made by HASHICO. Every case ships from Osaka, Japan.

Shelves of rolled tatami-beri fabric in many colors and patterns
Japan has over 1,000 tatami-beri designs.

Patterns and Their Meanings

Each traditional pattern carries a special meaning in Japanese culture. Choose the one that speaks to you.

  • Seigaiha

    Peace and Good Fortune

    The endless wave pattern symbolizes peace, stability, and a prosperous future. A timeless design representing harmony and lasting happiness.

  • Yagasuri

    Determination and Progress

    Inspired by traditional arrow feathers, this pattern represents moving forward without turning back. It is often associated with success, achievement, and personal growth.

  • Kourai

    Tradition and Harmony

    A traditional pattern used in temple tatami, featuring flowers and clouds. It symbolizes harmony, beauty, serenity, and respect for tradition.

  • Matsukawabishi

    Longevity and Strength

    Inspired by pine trees and diamond motifs, this pattern symbolizes resilience, longevity, and enduring strength. A traditional design associated with growth, vitality, and prosperity.

  • Kacho

    Beauty and Renewal

    Plum blossoms and birds symbolize beauty, renewal, and the arrival of spring. This elegant design celebrates the changing seasons and the enduring beauty of nature.

  • Kogiku

    Longevity and Happiness

    The chrysanthemum is a cherished symbol of longevity, joy, and good fortune in Japan. It has long been associated with happiness, prosperity, and a life well lived.

All 19 patterns

Questions

How do I measure my knife?

Measure the blade length from where the blade meets the handle to the tip, the blade height at the tallest point, and the spine thickness at the thickest point. Each SAYACA product page has a diagram and asks for the three numbers.

Choose a pattern

What if my knife is outside your range?

Tell us about your knife on the request page. We will check whether we can make one and reply by email.

Request a custom SAYACA

What is Tall Blade?

Tall Blade is for knives with a blade height over 50 mm, up to 60 mm. It is available in four patterns: Seigaiha, Yagasuri, Same Komon and Shippo.

See the Tall Blade patterns

How long does it take, and what is shipping?

Each case is made to order in Osaka and takes about 2 weeks. Overseas orders ship with DHL, and the cost is calculated in the cart from your destination and the number of knives. Orders of 5 or more knives ship at one flat rate.

Can I use it for a small or narrow knife?

The case is about 8 cm wide, the width of tatami-beri, and this width is fixed, so a narrow knife will have some room. The length is sized in three steps, the spine in 3, 4 or 5 mm types, and the magnet holds the knife in place.

Is there anything I should know about the magnet?

Some knives are not attracted to a magnet. The case contains a neodymium magnet, so please keep it away from pacemakers and other medical devices, and from magnetic cards.

Find your pattern

Choose your pattern

Need something different? Request a custom SAYACA