Akitada

Akitada represents the enduring legacy of Mizuno Tanrenjo, a distinguished forge in Sakai City, Osaka, that has been crafting exceptional Japanese kitchen knives since 1872. Now in its fifth generation of family operation, this 150-year-old forge continues to uphold traditional bladesmithing techniques that have made Sakai one of Japan's most renowned knife-making centers.

The brand specializes in hand-forged blades made from premium high-carbon steels, particularly Shirogami #2 (White Steel) and Aogami #2 (Blue Steel). These traditional materials are worked using tamahagane steel techniques—methods that demand exceptional skill and patience. Each blade undergoes meticulous forging, where the steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and shaped to achieve optimal grain structure and edge retention. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship results in knives that deliver the superior cutting performance Japanese blades are celebrated for worldwide.

Akitada offers their knives in two distinct series to accommodate different preferences and budgets. The Hon Kasumi series features a basic polish that highlights the natural beauty of the forged steel, while the Hontanren premium polish series showcases an elevated finish that emphasizes the blade's refined aesthetics and craftsmanship. Both series maintain the same rigorous forging standards that define Mizuno Tanrenjo's work.

The forge's focus on honyaki blades—knives forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel—demonstrates their mastery of one of Japanese bladesmithing's most challenging techniques. This traditional approach requires precise temperature control and timing, as the entire blade must be differentially hardened to create both a razor-sharp edge and a resilient spine.

For chefs and cooking enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese kitchen knives with genuine historical pedigree, Akitada delivers tools that bridge centuries of tradition with contemporary kitchen demands. Each knife represents not just a cutting implement, but a tangible connection to Sakai's legendary bladesmithing heritage.