Echizen Uchihamonoware, or cutlery, is a craft tradition from the city of Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, that began in the first half of the 14th century. This craft uses two distinct forging techniques: a double layering technique for knives and a rotated steel joining technique for sickles. In double layering, craftsmen stack two blade plates and hammer-beat them forcefully on both sides to stretch, strengthen, and thin them. This creates a very even blade surface. The rotated steel joining technique involves beating steel into a thin, diamond-shaped sickle blade edge so that it is very sturdy and stays sharp for a long time. In 1979, Echizen Uchihamono was the first designated traditional craft in the blade field by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in recognition of its history and techniques.