Brands
Established in 1905 by Hinoura Shintaro, Hinoura Hamono started as a forging shop in the Ajikata village. After generations of knife manufacturing, Hinoura Tsukasa launched the brand "Ajikataya", named after the village where they were founded.
The Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan brand is a collection of traditional Japanese knives, known as Wa-Bocho, produced by JCK (JapaneseChefsKnife.Com) in collaboration with Japan's top blacksmiths and master craftsmen. The brand name "Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan" is derived from a famous Samurai slogan and carries a special meaning and spiritual mind.
The Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan series offers a wide selection of high-quality knives forged from premium Japanese steels such as ZDP-189 and Aogami Super. Each knife is hand-forged and hand-sharpened by top-ranking forge-smiths, sharpeners, and craftsmen in Sakai City, Osaka.
The Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan brand includes various series such as the YUTAKA Series, White Steel No.1 Series, ZDP-189 Clad Series, R-2 Damascus Series, Kurouchi Series, Aogami Super Series (YAMAMOTO), Hon Kasumi Series, White Steel No.2 Series, Limited Series, and Sweden Stainless Steel Series.
The first knife models for the Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan brand were hammer forged and handmade by the Forge Smith Teruyasu Fujiwara in 2012. The brand has since become well-known for its unique, high-grade Japanese traditional-style knives.
Gesshin is retailer Japanese Knife Import's brand, they work with different makers in Japan to produce the knives.
Ginga is a line of Japanese knives produced by Ashi Hamono, a family business founded in Sakai, Japan, in 1948. The current president, Hiroshi Ashi, is a nationally recognized Master Craftsman and a master blacksmith.
The Ginga series is known for its laser convex grinds, made from AEB-L Swedish stainless steel. The sharpened bevel is thin and barely visible, demonstrating the thin profile of these knives. This design makes them excellent for tasks like cutting through large quantities of onions.
Global Knives are a renowned brand of kitchen knives and accessory tools owned and manufactured by Yoshikin. The Yoshikin factory, also known as Yoshida Metal Industry Co. Ltd, is located in Tsubame, Japan. Using the latest technology, Global’s steel is ice tempered and hardened so it remains razor-sharp longer than any other steel, as well as resisting rust, stains, and corrosion. From its modest inception, GLOBAL has developed into one of the most successful brands of professional kitchen knives in the world.
Alongside with Yoshihiro, Goh Umanosuke Yoshihiro is one of the two famous brands produced by Yamawaki Hamono, in the Sakai area.
Hatsukokoro is a brand by H&K Co. Ltd, a wholesaler of world-class Japanese products. Their collection features an array of knives crafted by renowned blacksmiths from across Japan, including names like Yoshikane hamono, Satoshi Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Yauji, and Muneishi hamono1. These skilled artisans contribute their expertise to create exceptional blades under the Hatsukokoro brand name.
JIKKO is a prestigious Japanese knife brand that was established in 1901 in the city of Sakai, which is known for its rich tradition of knife-making. With over a century of technology in Japanese knife making, Jikko Hamono’s products are preferred by numerous professional chefs due to their superior sharpness and durability.
Kagekiyo is a brand of Japanese knives that stands out for its quality and craftsmanship. This brand is recognized for its unique “lustre red” finish, which is achieved using traditional Japanese Kiso lacquerware. The Kagekiyo series is a testament to the brand’s commitment to maintaining the rich tradition of Japanese knife making.
The “Kaishin” brand is an original creation of Nakamura Hamono Kogei, a young company established in 2015. Located in the Kanto region of Japan, this company serves as a collaborative workshop for traditional Japanese blacksmiths. By bringing together numerous craftsmen and experienced sharpeners, Nakamura Hamono Kogei has been able to demonstrate the remarkable results that can be achieved when like-minded blacksmiths unite to refine their crafts. The Kaishin brand is a testament to this collaborative spirit and craftsmanship.
Kanetsune Seki is a brand of high-quality traditional knives that are made in Seki, Japan. The brand name is derived from a famous swordsmith who lived in the Muromachi period and was known for his keen and tough katanas. Kanetsune Seki knives are crafted by skilled craftsmen who use meticulous techniques to ensure durability, sharpness, and beauty.
Produced by Shunsuke Manaka, 5th generation of Manaka Hamono, Kisuke is his personal brand and is known for in-house forge welded steels.
Kogetsu is a brand of Japanese knives produced by Goko Hamono, a small knife-making workshop located in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. The workshop is run by Norihiko Yamakawa and Yoshito Yamakawa, a father and son team. Norihiko Yamakawa first founded Goko Hamono in 1990 as a cutlery wholesaler, before turning it into a knife-making workshop in 1995.
Konosuke is a distinguished Japanese knife brand, known for its classic elegant Japanese designs. The brand is based in Sakai City, a place renowned for its rich tradition of knife-making. A family business, the Kawamura’s have been producing knives since 1932.
Koutetsu is sharpener Takayuki Shibata's personal brand, his notes for it: "Japan's first ironclad ship. Her name means, literally, "Ironclad." (甲鉄) The Koutetsu had a very unusual bow. It looks like my knife. And the Koutetsu was the first in her class, and she used a pioneering, "cutting-edge" design - just like my knife."
Founded in 2007 by Takayuki Shibata, Masakage is a unique brand with knives forged by Master Blacksmiths in the Takefu Knife Village. The brand was founded to promote the talent and quality in the Echizen area and Takayuki do the sharpening himself.
Miyabi, a brand under Zwilling is known for its high-quality Japanese knives that embody the tradition of samurai swords, the craftsmanship of Seki, and the modern design of Zwilling. The knives are a result of the combination of the best hardening technology and the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Founded in 1926 by Kawamura Hamono, Sakai Kikumori is a family run cutlery producing high quality Japanese and Western style knives.
Being the most well-known Japanese knife brand, Sakai Takayuki maintains the traditional skills of Sakai's Japanese knives and demonstrate the skills of world class masters.
Shinko is a house brand of Knives and Stones (K&S), committed to delivering high-quality Japanese kitchen knives at an affordable price. The Shinko line is gradually expanding to include all types of knife profiles.
The Shinko collection includes various series such as the Shinko Seilan series and the Shinko Kurokumo series. These knives are crafted by renowned knife maker Shiro Kamo of Takefu Village. The Shinko Seilan series features knives forged from Aogami Super steel, known for its superior edge retention and sharpness. The Shinko Kurokumo series, on the other hand, showcases knives made from R2 steel, recognized for its beautiful pattern and excellent performance.
Each knife in the Shinko collection is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Shun Cutlery is a renowned brand in the kitchenware industry, specializing in kitchen knives. It is a subsidiary of the KAI Group and the name “Shun” is derived from the Japanese culinary tradition of the same name, which celebrates the peak of seasonal flavors. The brand was introduced to the Western market in 2002, and all Shun knives are currently manufactured in Seki City, Japan, and offers a variety of knife lines. Shun Cutlery has been recognized for its quality, winning awards such as the Blade Show award in 2003.
Tsunehisa knives come from various blacksmiths and factories around Japan. They offer a wide range of blades made from different steels. These high-performing and affordable knives serve as an excellent entry point into the world of Japanese cutlery. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, Tsunehisa knives provide quality and craftsmanship.
Alongside with Goh Umanosuke Yoshihiro, Yoshihiro is one of the two famous brands produced by Yamawaki Hamono, in the Sakai area.
Zanmai is a distinguished brand under Marusho Industry Inc., renowned for its kitchen knives. These knives are crafted with exceptional materials and exhibit superior workmanship. They embody the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the rich heritage of Japanese blade making, while incorporating modern design elements for enhanced functionality. The Zanmai line of knives is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.