Takefu Knife Village is the clearest travel reason to stop in Echizen. The building is a shared workshop used by local blade makers, with a viewing ramp over the floor where you can watch forging, grinding, and polishing when artisans are at work.
The shop sells knives from several makers, so it is also a good place to understand the range of Echizen blades before buying. Hands-on classes are available by reservation, from sharpening to a full knife-making day.