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Our Blacksmiths

We have selected a small number of select Japanese blacksmiths to work with at the Sharp Chef. Below is a short biography of the blacksmiths and their heritage and style:

Sakai Takayuki:

Without doubt one of the most prominent Japanese blacksmiths with over 600 years of history. Sakai Takayuki are based in Sakai, Osaka Prefucture and use technology alongside traditional methods in order to be able to produce exceptional quality knives on a large scale. As such, they are popular all over the world and present in many professional kitchens.

Masutani:

Masutani is a small but super skilled blacksmith from Echizen with a reputation as an expert sharpener. When a blacksmith is famously known as an excellent sharpener, you know you knife is going to be a fantastic performer. 

All our Masutani knives are under £100 and are easily comparable with most knives significantly more expensive. The quality of craftsmanship, materials and performance is second to none at this price.

Iseya:

Iseya knives are made under Blacksmith Yoshinori Seto. As one of the higher volume blacksmiths, Iseya knives are used all over the world in homes and professional kitchens. These are excellent knives, well made, performing and lasting well for many years.

Yoshimi Kato:

Yoshimi Kato is the Master Blacksmith at Kintaro, producing knives under his own name and for brands such as Masakage. He has taken over from Hiroshi Kato, one of the greatest masters of this craft and teacher to many, including Yoshimi Kato and none other than Yu Kurosaki. 

Kato-san was once a Project Manager, and his planned and precise design and production shows a real eye for detail and drive for perfection. 

Made with the upmost traditions, painstaking methods and keenness for quality, Kato knives are absolutely stunning and a perfect gift for any chef or keen cook.

Yu Kurosaki:

Yu Kurosaki, well what can we say, probably the most well known Japanese Blacksmith in a worldwide scale. You don't get that kind of reputation by being average. 

Kurosaki-san has forged his reputation by combining the highest quality of production and skill, traditional techniques, and new and exciting contemporary designs. Not only do his knives perform and last second to none, but they also stand out with their incredible and innovative designs, patterns and handles.

Seisuke:

Seisuke Hamono is a Japanese knife brand with shops in Tokyo and Portland (USA). Their knives are produced by different blacksmiths, each specialising in a different range of knives. 

We have carefully selected some of the best ranges offered which all sit at superb price-points offering excellent value for money

Kei Kobayashi:

Kei Kobayashi is a well renowned knife sharpener based in Seki City who, in recent years, has also trained as a blacksmith and now produces some of the most exquisite knives we've seen.

Kobayashi knives are finished to perfection and sharpened (as you would expect) to a staggeringly sharp edge. Like almost nothing else we've seen. 

These are real works of art with their own unique Handle designs and perfect form. 

Takeshi Saji:

One of the most well known and revered bladesmiths in Japan, Takeshi Saji captivates with the beauty and skill that goes on to making every single one of his knives. Combining traditional forging techniques with new and innovative designs, Saji crafts beautiful, functional works of art

Yoshikane:

Yoshikane Hamono knives are forged in the city of Sanjo under head Blacksmith Kazuomi Yamamoto. Their knives are made with superb skill, materials and attention to finishing detail making them fantastic long term knives with excellent fit and finish and a super sharp edge.  

Hatsukokoro:

Hatsukokoro knives are made by some of the leading Blacksmiths in Japan. Often, due to contracts, the blacksmiths remain a mystery, but that just peaks the excitement. 

All Hatsukokoro knives are made using premium materials, traditional methods and have some of the highest quality of fit and finish we've seen. They are incredible performers and offer something quite exciting with their unique bade patterns and styles.

Takamura:

Takamura Hamono became a forerunner in developing the best quality stainless steel knives available and has since spent 60 years perfecting their blends. 

A Takamura knife is made to some of the highest standards and performance is second to none. Reputed as laser sharp performers, their knives' unmatched cutting performance is recognized not only throughout Japan, but by famous chefs worldwide.

Tojiro:

Tojiro offers excellent quality knives on a more modern higher volume scale by mixing modern machinery with traditional techniques. This achieves amazing quality, especially for the modest price, with levels of sharpness and durability aimed at professional kitchen use.

The values instilled in Tojiro's production, coupled with the value for money make them a no brainer. A very full range of excellent knives should offer you everything you need.